Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 40,555 complaints for BMW
Incident date: Nov 13, 2024
Issue-1 High pressure fuel pump in the engine bay (no the fuel pump that was recalled for some VINs) failed at 88000 miles. There was a loud motorcycle exhaust kind of sound coming from the engine bay , which is more audible from inside the cabin than from the engine bay itself. Took it to service center for a 1500$ replacement. Wrote to Honda customer care , but they rejected by claim and good... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
Son was driving the car home from soccer. Red "Service Power Steering" message illuminated as well as the two yellow TCS lights. Steering became more difficult. Upon restart of vehicle, steering is impossible.
Incident date: Oct 5, 2022
SVC 4WD driver light came on - error code c1415-92. Needs PTU replaced at cost of almost $4000.00. Only 37400 miles on the vehicle. No recall for the 2019 model.
Incident date: Sep 9, 2018
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I am writing to notify you of the problems I have experienced with my (2022, KIA, SOUL, VIN - [XXX] ) and to request that you kindly check in on this problem within thirty (30) days of your receipt of this letter. I purchased my vehicle from (REED NISSAN OF CLERMONT) on or about [XXX]. Approximately (3 MONTHS) I began having trouble with (WITH THE ENGINE BURNING A LOT OF ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
While my wife was driving her 2016 Mazda Cx-9 Grand Touring on the freeway, many of the dashboard indicator lights came on warning her the engine was over heating and to pull over immediately. While she was attempting to move over to the shoulder, smoke appeared from underneath the engine hood which made it difficult to safely move over to the shoulder. She believed the car was on fire so immediat... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the engine would rattle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that coolant leaked into the cylinder causing the engine to fail. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was n... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
The vehicles lead frame is causing truck to down shift no matter the speed then rev super high and barely move when trying to accelerate after. Speedometer, odometer, gauges(everything on the dash) goes to 0 or disappears and a wrench pops up. Truck got towed to a dealership where they updated the pcm and told me the problem was solved. Hours later i was about to enter the highway and the truck do... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
The back seat is not secured tightly. When the bottom seat is down, and should be locked, there is 3-4 inches of play when lifting up on the bottom seat. It does not seem to lock properly. I told the dealership about it, and they compared it to another vehicle on the lot that did the same thing. They did not seem concerned, but if a latch is defective, anyone in the backseat could be harmed if... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
The Car is available for Inspection. Front Passenger Side Air Bag. When My Wife Sits in the Front Passenger Seat, The Air Bag indicator Indicates the Air Bag System is Off. This Means My Wife seated in the front passenger seat is not protected by the air bag system, this is un acceptable. This Condition Existed Since the car was new. Current Car Milage is 14,052 11/12/2024.
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
We were driving on Rt. 32 north of Canaan Valley State Park in West Virginia. Suddenly the dashboard display began flickering on and off, displaying numerous multiple warning errors and alarms, and the windshield wipers began working and would not shut off. Turn signals would not function. Warning messages included instructions not to shift gears, lane keeping assist and automatic braking disab... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V344000 (Back Over Prevention, Equipment, Electrical System) and 24V651000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. T... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2024
My car stalls when I get gas. If I get gas, I have to try multiple times to start my car and once it starts, I can’t stop. If I stop, my car will turn off and I have to start it again. My car has died in intersections and on streets many times. I called ford and they told me that I am basically out of luck and will have to have it repaired on my own dime even though I am having the same symptoms... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
Tire size on BMW IX 2024 model 275/40 r22 sudden lost of pressure psi to 0. I saw a one inch rubber separation just below rim on the car. The tire might have hit a curb at extremely low speed going onto parking garage. no marking of side impact that would explain the opening separation just below rim All warning system after failure functioned correctly. The tire is suspect for this vehicle as t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Rear windshield shattered while driving. Defrosters were not on and the car had been warmed up with remote start before driving.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle began to vibrate abnormally. The contact turned off the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the camshaft and timing chain, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine ne... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
Vehicle has a knocking noise coming from around the engine. There has been a TSB posted regarding the issue described as, "Customer may describe a low frequency vibration noise heard during engine mount actuation while at idle in gear". This is a frequent issue among dealers around my area that are having to replace vehicles outside of the warrant window. Engine mounts in most vehicles last at lea... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
Instrument cluster screen intermittently going black after related recall was performed.
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
This is the second recall for this HRV Sport. First was a seatbelt issue which was fixed then, now the gearbox issue has a recall and no fix. There is also an issue with my brake pedal which Honda checked and said "there is nothing to do". Also, my window keeps going up and down its sensor issue only to hear "We looked at it". I have a $550 monthly payment for a car that is dangerous for me and e... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
This is the second recall for this HRV Sport. First was a seatbelt issue which was fixed then, now the gearbox issue has a recall and no fix. There is also an issue with my brake pedal which Honda checked and said "there is nothing to do". Also, my window keeps going up and down its sensor issue only to hear "We looked at it". I have a $550 monthly payment for a car that is dangerous for me and e... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2024
Vehicle involved in a significant head on crash. Child was restrained in the right rear in Cosco Easy Elite All in One forward facing car seat. The buckle positioned between the legs failed by ripping through the plastic base of the car seat. The plastic base was damaged and the buckle was no longer attached to the car seat. Child sustained fatal injuries from this crash.
Crash
2 injured
1 deaths
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
There is a known recall on this car for engine/starter. It is a hazard and should be repaired. On 10/23 we scheduled and took the car to BMW of NW Arkansas. They refused to complete the recall on the starter without us paying $189.00 for a vehicle diagnostic and I am sure that would have resulted in more fees. A recall should be completed free of charge as it directly relates to a safety issue... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
At approximately 136,000 miles, my 2017 Acura MDX developed a loud ticking/knocking noise. Despite being well-maintained with verified clean and sufficient oil, both an independent shop and Anderson Honda of Hunt Valley, MD, confirmed a bottom-end failure, requiring a full engine replacement. This failure left my wife and children stranded on the road with extremely limited power, placing their sa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
Called multiple dealerships and found out there is a known problem with the valve body for the transmission in these vehicles, which mine is currently being towed today to the dealer. This is what happened to me today, I was driving with my two children on the interstate and all of a sudden I had no drive nothing so the speed reduced quickly. Well behind me there was a 18 wheeler on my back and al... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
I have a single-owner 2011 automatic-transmission Subaru Forester [145k miles]. In a parking lot, I started the car as usual and shifted into reverse. I immediately noticed another car was approaching behind me and reflexively pushed on the brake to give the oncoming vehicle the right of way. As I pushed on the brake, the car suddenly and without warning surged backwards as the engine revved and "... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2024
While driving on the highway in Caguas, Puerto Rico, suddenly the sunroof glass explote it into pieces, falling inside the car. I did not pass under a bridge, there were no other cars around, simply exploted! Please do something about this defect according to online sources! Just don’t wait on thousands of complaints to do something since many people don’t know they could and they just rather ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
Vehicle began intermittently turning lights on and off while parked and driving. Upon dealer inspection, sunroof frame failed causing water to leak and corrode the VDP module which controls items like the headlights and suspension. Dealer did confirm, vehicle is being repaired at this moment. There were no warning lights about the headlight malfunction, noticed it while driving and while parked. T... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
Rear subframe , so I went in for an alignment and was quickly notified and denied service due to my rear sub frame being broken. Car is reported to be unsafe by the tire company.no lights etc. My family and I could of seriously been hurt. I can retrieve a statement from dun tire in auburn and from mercedes. They are charging me 641.00 and I'm without a vehicle for 2wks
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
Rear subframe , so I went in for an alignment and was quickly notified and denied service due to my rear sub frame being broken. Car is reported to be unsafe by the tire company.no lights etc. My family and I could of seriously been hurt. I can retrieve a statement from dun tire in auburn and from mercedes. They are charging me 641.00 and I'm without a vehicle for 2wks
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
There is a risk in driving this vehicle as there is a safety recall open on this vehicle. As per the status on nhtsa website it says that remedy will be available in Q3 2024 and that is already passed but there is no fix. When reached to the manufacturer they are unable to provide more info. Also this vehicle was sold to me by Toyota dealership as a used car without disclosing this safety issue. ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2024
After driving 200 miles for a vacation, the car overheated and would not start. The coolant had leaked into cylinder head and evaporated. Smoke was coming from underneath the hood. Had it towed to a shop where they did $2500 in repairs. Car ran for two months, and the same thing happened again. After looking online, discovered Ford knew about the design flaws that cause engine failure. There have ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start immediately and required several attempts before starting. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the starter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V761000 (Electrical System); however,... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
The ECU in my Sequoia is incorrectly programmed when towing a trailer. I have a 6,000# dual axle electric brake travel trailer that I use my Sequoia to tow with. I set up the trailer specifications in the vehicle computer per the Toyota owner's manual and set the trailer gain per the Toyota owner's manual. The problem I experience is when the gain is set this way the trailer brakes lock-up under... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
Front frame bracket on gas tank has rotted out. There is a recall on this already for other 2012 ram 1500 vehicles. Nhtsa 18v-160 frame bracket
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
Steering assist reduced. No parts available and vehicle is not safe to operate.
Incident date: Jun 27, 2024
This vehicle about 6-8 weeks ago started throwing codes for all systems above (over 100 codes). This issue affected all systems of the vehicle including but not limited to the speed and braking of the vehicle, plus the fuel system and adaptive driving systems. We took it to the dealer Performance Peterbilt in Tifton, GA. They cleared the codes and said they resolved it by replacing a NOX sensor. W... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
Vehicle leaked oil to where it caused an engine fire.
Fire
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
Our 2017 Chevy Equinox, engine 2.4l, is using excessive oil. Doing research it sounds like this is a known well known problem. what is Chevrolet doing to fix this issue?
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, and approaching a red light, the brakes failed to operate upon the depression of the brake pedal. The brake pedal was firm while the contact steered the vehicle off the shoulder of the road. Due to the failure, the contact drove through the intersection and allowed the vehicle to coast to a complete stop. Upon restart of t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
Fuel pump lid is electrical connection is cause a malfunction when fuel up and burning a hole in the electrical connection causing fuel to leak out under the back seat this need to be fix before someone is killed do to a fire this is the 2n time being replace and the same issue
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
Fuel pump lid is electrical connection is cause a malfunction when fuel up and burning a hole in the electrical connection causing fuel to leak out under the back seat this need to be fix before someone is killed do to a fire this is the 2n time being replace and the same issue
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aw... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rearview camera would intermittently display a distorted or blank image. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the camera was replaced under warranty; however, the failure returned almost a year later after the repair. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Preve... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
Some of the interior door light switches don't light @ night. I can probably take the door panel off & fix it... (buy bulbs)...? Door hinge on the gas cap breaks way to easily. Could fly off & hit someone\thing... Clunking sound coming from the rear end & I can't find where it's coming from... Gas cap gets loose & throws a p0333 code knock sensor bank 1 or 2 or both. Who put them under the manifo... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the check engine warning light was flashing, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that an unknown sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving 65 MPH, the driver came to a stop... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2004 Honda Element. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under an unknown recall related to the seat belts; however, the seat belt retractor was repaired incorrectly and was installed backward. The local dealer was not contacted due to new ownership. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
MY 2018 THOR PALAZZO DRIVERSIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS HAVE FOGGED UP TO WHERE IT IS VERY HARD TO SEE OUT OF AND HAS BECOME A SAFETY CONCERN.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
MY 2018 THOR PALAZZO DRIVERSIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS HAVE FOGGED UP TO WHERE IT IS VERY HARD TO SEE OUT OF AND HAS BECOME A SAFETY CONCERN.
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
While driving error message came up on screen saying add a quart of oil, car was smoking and engine block caught fire.
Fire
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
While driving at low speed and slightly uneven surface...approaching stop signs or intersections. The ABS system kicks in, shakes aggressively and can no longer control vehicle to come to a stop. This is a sporadic incident and has happened 3 times so far.