Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 deaths.
What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?
A consumer complaint is a free-form report filed by a vehicle owner directly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describing a safety concern about their vehicle. NHTSA collects these reports through its Vehicle Owner Defect Report (VOQ) system and publishes them publicly. Each complaint includes the affected component, the date and circumstances of the incident, whether the failure caused a crash or fire, and any reported injuries or deaths. The owner's full narrative description is included verbatim, NHTSA does not edit or moderate the descriptions.
The database below contains over 2,245,377 individual complaints. NHTSA's investigators monitor it for clusters of similar reports, when enough owners describe the same failure mode on the same vehicle, NHTSA may open a Preliminary Evaluation that can lead to a recall. Many of the largest recalls in U.S. history, including the Takata airbag recall and the Hyundai/Kia engine fire recalls, started as patterns visible in this complaint database years before they became formal recalls.
How to interpret what you read
A few principles for reading consumer complaints usefully:
- One complaint is anecdote; a hundred similar complaints is data. NHTSA does not investigate the truthfulness of any individual report, that's the job of the Office of Defects Investigation, which looks at the full pattern. When evaluating a vehicle, look for whether multiple owners describe the same chain of events.
- Crash, fire, injury, and death flags are owner-set. They are not verified by NHTSA. They are still useful as a filter, because owners who tick those boxes are typically reporting more serious incidents than those who don't.
- Component categories are NHTSA-assigned, not owner-assigned. NHTSA standardizes the component field so that complaints can be aggregated. The owner narrative often goes into more detail than the component category captures.
- Complaint volume scales with sales volume. A best-selling model will accumulate more raw complaints than a niche model even at the same defect rate. To compare across vehicles, look at complaints per 100,000 units sold, not raw counts.
If you've experienced a defect
File a complaint. NHTSA's investigators rely on this database to detect emerging defects, and useful complaints, specific, concrete, with dates and mileage and clear descriptions of what happened, feed directly into the agency's pattern detection. The form takes about 10 minutes and is at nhtsa.gov/recalls under "Report a Safety Problem." Your complaint becomes part of the same public record that this page is built from. Owners filing detailed VOQs are how recalls get triggered.
Read more from our blog
Showing 41,082 complaints for BMW
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
I own a 2016 Honda Odyssey. This past summer ,while driving the vehicle began to lose power and shake. I had it towed in where I was told that the piston rings needed to be replaced, however, the first step would be to replace the spark plugs. They knew exactly what was going on because numerous individuals have had the same issue with their Honda Odyssey. Now just last week the same problem happe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
1) All the sensors on the truck relating to the auto emergency breaking, pass sensors, cruise control ETC are malfunctioning, truck was at 10,000 miles at the time and brand new. 2) This feature contributed to an accident on Jan 14 2025. I could not see because of the sun and rear ended the car in front of me. 3)The DTC report on the truck came back and stated 6 errors relating to the systems and ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
1) All the sensors on the truck relating to the auto emergency breaking, pass sensors, cruise control ETC are malfunctioning, truck was at 10,000 miles at the time and brand new. 2) This feature contributed to an accident on Jan 14 2025. I could not see because of the sun and rear ended the car in front of me. 3)The DTC report on the truck came back and stated 6 errors relating to the systems and ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 31, 2024
I am writing to formally report a serious safety concern regarding my Evenflo Revolve 360 Car Seat, which has developed a significant defect. The harness on the car seat is approximately ¾ torn, compromising its ability to safely secure my child. This issue was discovered despite the fact that we have always stored and installed the car seat properly, in accordance with manufacturer guidelines. A... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2024
Engine failed and is being replaced by dealer. Engine failed on busy highway. Has been confirmed by free replacement. There was no warning until seconds before the failure. I own 2 Chevy Pick up trucks, the other is 2021 and it had experienced the same failure in March of 2023. VIN [XXX] This was over 6 weeks ago and Chevrolet still has no replacement date. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT T... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2024
I have a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 with a 6.2 motor. Back in December of 2024, I had to replace a tie rod, cam shaft, and the lifters. $8400 to get everything replaced. Since my warranty had expired, I had to pay all of this out of pocket. I know there is currently an investigation going on in GMC's 6.2 motors. Almost 900,000 engine failures. This is unacceptable. GMC just needs to man up and send out ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
Driving my Tremor off road and got a flat tire. Discovered the OE jack does not lift vehicle high enough off the ground to allow removal of tire in case of a flat. I believe it is due to fact that vehicle comes with a 1inch lift and tremor specific tires. I don’t think engineers thought about the jack when they added tremor package to the Maverick line.
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from underneath the front of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
None of the above. The paint is continuously chipping on the hood and top of the car. When I’m driving, sometimes I see others with the same car as me and their paint is also chipping really bad. It’s only on the Kia Sorento from what I can tell. It makes the car look horrible and it’s very expensive to repaint a car. There has to be some kind of warranty they need to issue. I have a 2017 Ki... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
Tire size LT225/75R16. Tires are OEM on 2021 Ram Promaster 3500 - Purchased New in February 2022. Vehicle has 24,500 miles and tires are regularly rotated. Presure check of tires showed tires were at proper inflation for vehicle. TPMS did not issue a warning, because tire never lost pressure. On February 6, 2024 when driving southbound by mile marker 250 on Interstate 75 in Florida, the steering ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
Tire size LT225/75R16. Tires are OEM on 2021 Ram Promaster 3500 - Purchased New in February 2022. Vehicle has 24,500 miles and tires are regularly rotated. Presure check of tires showed tires were at proper inflation for vehicle. TPMS did not issue a warning, because tire never lost pressure. On February 6, 2024 when driving southbound by mile marker 250 on Interstate 75 in Florida, the steering ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed wi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for a routine oil change, the mechanic discovered that engine oil was leaking from the oil pan. The contact was informed that the oil pan needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not notified of the failur... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the “Service Electronic Braking System” message was illuminated. The contact stated that her husband was informed by the dealer that the ABS and traction control were inoperable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); howev... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2023
This has been an ongoing issue since the date of purchase 10/23. I've been taking my vehicle for regular check ups and oil changes. My vehicle appears to be consuming oil. I have to put a quart in every week, but no one can find the issue. The dealership told me there is a recall on these particular vehicles engine.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
The engine in my 2015 Ford Escape failed due to coolant intrusion leading to the long block and coolant system needing to be replaced. The problem was diagnosed by the Ford service technician and Ford service advisor when it was taken in for service after the heating system stopped working, the car started lurching when driven, and then the engine light turned on. If I had not taken my Escape in... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Envision. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the windshield and the windshield shattered. The contact called the insurance company to get a list of places to repair the vehicle and provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not re... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was firm, and the failure had worsened over time. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTS... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The service engine light has come on and off (and stayed on, in some instances) for a few years. The alert in the Ford app states that there is a problem with my vehicle's emissions and exhaust system. I have taken it to my local Ford dealership many, many times. When the vehicle is "throwing codes", as they call it, it has to do with the cam phasers. I have had the recall on the cam phasers done ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2024
June 2023 - 12 volt battery discharged overnight on consecutive nights. Dealer service eventually claimed that the problem was the navigation head unit was faulty and continued to draw current after the vehicle was turned off. The process took over 4 weeks to remedy since the necessary part was unavailable. January 2025 - While driving, a warning to stop the vehicle and check the power system app... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2024
Driving on a regular paved road following the speed limit (35 miles per hour) when the automatic emergency braking system engaged randomly; the car speed went from 35 miles to a near and sudden stop and almost caused a rear-end collision. Phantom braking. This is the second time this has happened with no visible reason in terms of road conditions or flying birds, blowing trash, etc. that could exp... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2024
Driving on a regular paved road following the speed limit (35 miles per hour) when the automatic emergency braking system engaged randomly; the car speed went from 35 miles to a near and sudden stop and almost caused a rear-end collision. Phantom braking. This is the second time this has happened with no visible reason in terms of road conditions or flying birds, blowing trash, etc. that could exp... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2024
Back and buttocks area suffered electrical burns and pain from Tesla Seat Heaters (in heated seats) twice 1. Happened in 2024 on temperature level 3 2 Although I turned it down it happened again in 2025 on temperature level 2
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control, (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not ex... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shuddering, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway where the failure persisted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
About a year ago, the transmission failed costing us nearly $5000 to fix it. This incident happened approximately April of 2022, no warning signs at all. Now, the airbag deployed while merging onto the freeway without any impact which was the scariest thing. I’m very concerned there are other issues. There were no warning signs on both incidents.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
I have had no issues with my vehicle since I purchased it in July 2022 and keep up with the routine maintenance on it. About 2.5 weeks ago I was driving to work like I normally do and the truck started making a knocking noise and all these sensors lights came on the dash. The alerts were saying to service the parking brake, service ESC, and that steering assist is reduced and to drive with care. T... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
1) The Power Transfer Unit and possibly driveline/driveshaft. 2) The car turns off while driving and all systems lock up, no matter how fast you are going. Power steering fails, steering wheel locks, and the car cannot be turned back on until it is put back in park, which means you come to a full stop and attempt to turn back on. Sometimes the car has no power to turn back on to put in park leav... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who observed a misfire in cylinder #4, and diagnosed a failure with the head gasket. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
Braking system. Vehicle brakes did not brake and vehicle skidded over gravel and a driveway culvert. Vehicle was considered total loss because the airbag went off. My safety and others' was put at risk. Other questions, answer is UNKNOWN.
Crash
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
I keep having both my low beam headlight bulbs burning out and one of them started catching on fire. The driver side caught some type of electrical issue causing it to start smoking and eventually melted the connector and lightbulb housing
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
Not sure if it is a torque converter or the transmission there are no codes reading on the computer but multiple times when driving, I will lose all power in Drive and it will take a few minutes to catch up before it goes back in the drive and accelerates
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware o... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 45 MPH, the tailgate unexpectedly opened. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over onto the side of the highway and closed the tailgate. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the lock actuator was faulty and needed... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2010 Lexus HS-250h. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brake pump was continuously pumping brake fluid. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the braking system had malfunctioned, and there was an abnormal leaking of the adaptive cruise control pressure. ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2010 Lexus HS-250h. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brake pump was continuously pumping brake fluid. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the braking system had malfunctioned, and there was an abnormal leaking of the adaptive cruise control pressure. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
Vehicle has problems shifting between 1st and 2nd gear. Stutters and has issues accelerating. Has almost caused me to be hit while turning left against traffic. Was serviced at Hyundai dealership today and they cannot replicate the issue or find anything wrong and reprogrammed the clutch touch point engagement. It happened again on the way home.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
L87 engine locked up while driving dwon the highway. I have been waiting 7 weeks for a replacement engine.
Incident date: Oct 12, 2024
The fuel injector on my 2019 honda civic si went bad at 58,000 miles, which is over a $2,000 repair. Not only is this a widespread problem with Honda,..they KNOW about the fuel injectors being faulty and have discontinued the part, instead they have chosen another supplier to manufacturer the injectors without issuing a recall. This is blatantly a known defected part and Honda should immediately ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
Only owned my 2024 gmc sierra 1500 for 5 months close to 10,000 miles on odometer. Transmission valvebody failure. Gm and dealership says no ETA for a replacement part. Im hearing from other customers with same issue part will take 5-6 months for dealership to receive part. I have a brand new truck that im making truck payments on just siting at the dealership waiting for a transmission valvebody.... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the engine had seized but were unable to provide a specific diagno... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2025
The vehicle will automatically extremely hard brake while moving for no apparent reason, with no obstructions present. This problem startles driver and passenger and can present a danger to vehicle of being hit by other vehicles not expecting a hard braking situation for no apparent reason. Please investigate and make manufacturer responsible to fix the issue. Thank You
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
Unknown mostly. Water pump ended up cracking while running. Power failure notice had come up on dash and then vehicle shut off while running. Dealership made repairs but unable to identify root cause.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
Unknown mostly. Water pump ended up cracking while running. Power failure notice had come up on dash and then vehicle shut off while running. Dealership made repairs but unable to identify root cause.
Incident date: Aug 24, 2024
On [XXX], I was driving approximately 70 MPH on [XXX] when the engine stopped without warning. I had the vehicle towed to Causley GMC where it was repaired. I was on the way home from Causley driving on [XXX] when the engine stopped again. I had it towed back to Causley. The next day they called me and said that the engine was destroyed and needed to be replaced. Both times it stalled I was o... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
When operating the turn signal and using the wipers on delay, I smelled a plastic like burning smell thinking it was the wiring in the controller arm. This happened several times and eventually the wiper runs 100% on the time delay with no way to turn off except by pulling the fuse. I can operate the normal speeds of the wipers when it rains if needed but I still get a smell sometimes. I have not ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his wife was driving 70 MPH in the passing lane, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated while the driver was decelerating, the vehicle started shuddering significantly. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and a message advising of a power steering failure and to service the vehicle immediately w... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
Escalade would experience loss of acceleration 15-20mph under light/moderate throttle, appear to go in to neutral when going from 3rd to 4th (best I can tell,) and then slam in to gear. While doing 50-55mph Escalade would have a converter shudder or go in and out of neutral. This would leave me unable to accelerate if needed and would place me in a precarious position if I was turning out in traff... Read more