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: May 15, 2026
Timeline of Structural Failures June 11, 2026 — During tire replacement (approx. 6,000 towing miles), a crack at the driver‑side front spring hanger was discovered and photographed. June 15, 2026 — A bent A‑frame brace behind the battery tray was observed during travel, indicating front‑frame deformation. July 2, 2026 — Coroplast underbelly separation occurred; many fasteners were loos... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
Timeline of Structural Failures June 11, 2026 — During tire replacement (approx. 6,000 towing miles), a crack at the driver‑side front spring hanger was discovered and photographed. June 15, 2026 — A bent A‑frame brace behind the battery tray was observed during travel, indicating front‑frame deformation. July 2, 2026 — Coroplast underbelly separation occurred; many fasteners were loos... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Jun 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while reversing and driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle experienced rough idling and failed to exceed 30 MPH while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
My low mileage 2020 Ford Escape has rear differential shuddering, grinding, and bumping during low speed turns.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
This vehicle has now experienced the same severe, life-threatening defect on four separate occasions. While driving at approximately 45–50 mph, the vehicle unexpectedly loses power and rapidly decelerates. A red warning message first appears stating "Inability to Drive," followed within a few seconds by "Emergency Shutdown." The vehicle then initiates an uncommanded emergency stop on public roa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
Driving my car, oil light comes on. I take to a local mechanic who said he sees this often, my engine is going to seize up and confirmed via VIN my car is affected by the Sonata Engine Recall campaign XXX. Vanessa At Hyundai said to take it to a dealership immediately for further inspection as it may not be safe to drive. Took to dealership on XXX. While at the dealership, service manager said on... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2025
The power tailgate control module failed. There was water intrusion and the module was corroded. I replaced the module and the power tailgate worked properly. About a month later we had some heavy rain and the problem came back. The dash displayed “power tailgate problem” and the tailgate would intermittently unlock on its own. I inspected the one month old power tailgate control module a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Jaguar I-Pace. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V067000 (Electrical System); however, the part to complete the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the vehicle was unable to fully charge due to the unrepaired recall. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the parts were unavailable.... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
Stopped in heavy traffic in a four lane highway. Auto start/stop shut the engine down as expected. Traffic ahead cleared. I took my foot off of the brake to step on the gas. The engine didn't start up, and the radio and all lights inside went blank. Traffic behind me approached at about 45 mph. and were swerving around to avoid hitting my dead vehicle from the rear. I pushed the start button. N... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
Stopped in heavy traffic in a four lane highway. Auto start/stop shut the engine down as expected. Traffic ahead cleared. I took my foot off of the brake to step on the gas. The engine didn't start up, and the radio and all lights inside went blank. Traffic behind me approached at about 45 mph. and were swerving around to avoid hitting my dead vehicle from the rear. I pushed the start button. N... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
2012 Lexus IS 250 Complaint Category: Interior/Seat Belts/Air Bags → Interior Component: Interior Moldings/Trim/Panels Narrative This is a safety issue. The dashboard on my 2012 Lexus IS 250 has developed significant cracking and is actively decomposing into a gelatin-like texture, despite the vehicle being garage-kept, low mileage, and well-maintained throughout my ownership. This is not the re... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2026
Transfer case splines completely sheared off. No warning lights, nothing. Car is operating in in a 2 wheel drive configuration. Now need new Transmission, new transfer case, new differential. Can provide dealer videos detailing situation if requested.
Incident date: May 30, 2026
I purchased this vehicle on 2/1 and the recall was issued 2/2. I was notified about the recall on 2/9 and contacted the dealer the same day. I was told they weren't prepared to handle it and to call back later. I called back towards the end of the month and was added to a wait list. I was told they would have to wait for the parts. I called back a couple weeks later and was told there are approxim... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
This vehicle has had an open recall for defective seat belts since 9/11/2025, but the Hyundai dealership I purchased from has been unable to perform repairs due to insufficient parts on hand. I've been told we're on a waitlist for parts but there is a nationwide shortage and there is no estimate when parts will be available.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
"While attempting to merge onto a high-speed freeway on-ramp, the vehicle suffered a sudden and catastrophic loss of engine power, rendering it unable to accelerate and creating an immediate life-threatening safety hazard. The vehicle was restarte and driven home, where an onboard diagnostic check revealed an emissions system failure. The dealership later confirmed that BOTH close-coupled catalyti... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
I had simply shut my drivers side door and the rear windshield had exploded. Vehicle has less than 4,500 miles.
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
The front sensor camera has damaged, causing security issues
Incident date: May 23, 2026
The vehicle suffers from a severe manufacturing defect causing excessive engine oil consumption (burning more than 2+ quarts per 1,000 miles) with no warning lights or oil pressure indicators activating. With little to no warning, I could be driving and experience catastrophic engine failure. This defect creates an immediate safety hazard, as sudden engine seizure or stalling at highway speeds ri... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while making a left turn, several warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel, and the steering wheel became significantly unsteady, causing a partial loss of vehicle control. Because the incident occurred within walking distance of the residence, the contact used a toy hauler to tow the vehicle to the residence. An inspection reve... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
The vehicle jerks forward when driving at slower speeds, around 10-25 miles per hour. I have especially noticed this on the highway when there is moderate to heavy traffic as I am consistently driving at slower speeds. The vehicle was checked by the original dealer I bought it from as well as a Ford dealership, but neither could replicate the problem. However, I have driven with multiple people wh... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2026
Forward collision system does not work or alert under any circumstances. Vehicle has forward collision mitigation as well as collision mitigation alerting, but neither systems work. Dealer able to verify these systems do not work, but have no recourse for repair, as Ford engineering has not provided a solution.
Incident date: May 23, 2026
I started having issues with the power steering. It started when I was leaving work about a month ago. Pulling out of the parking lot,it starting pulling to the left, when I was turning right. I got home and started looking for the power steering fluid tank, and couldnt find it. It was fine for a few days after that. Then I was making a right hand turn, it felt like it starting resisting the turn ... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2026
While driving at highway speed, my 2022 Porsche Cayenne S experienced an air suspension / air spring strut failure requiring a dealer repair costing approximately $4,000. Porsche has a related service campaign, WND6 / No. 74-22, for replacement of the front-right air-spring strut on certain 2021-2022 Cayenne vehicles, but stated that my VIN wasn't included in this service campaign. I am reporting ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
I bought a brand new 2025 subaru outback in April of 2025. At first service (oil change and tire rotation) in Jan 2026, I complained that the vehicle keeps swerving left and right and Subaru of Ann Arbor said they will diagnose the i-Sight vehicle system and correct it. But right after delivery , i realized the steering had to be held at ~5 degrees to the right (off centered) to get the car go str... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
I bought a brand new 2025 subaru outback in April of 2025. At first service (oil change and tire rotation) in Jan 2026, I complained that the vehicle keeps swerving left and right and Subaru of Ann Arbor said they will diagnose the i-Sight vehicle system and correct it. But right after delivery , i realized the steering had to be held at ~5 degrees to the right (off centered) to get the car go str... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
When going around a curve the steering wheel is sticking on the right. I have to tighten my grip on the wheel and manually straighten the wheel. This happened to me several times today on my 50 min trip. This was very frightening to me making me scared the wheel would stick and I have no control of the car while driving. I purchased this car on sat June 27. It just started today July 3. I am plann... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
2015 Hyundai Veloster Turbo (original owner). The vehicle has three severe safety defects: TRUNK/HATCH LATCH FAILURE: The hatchback lift support/latch fails, refusing to stay open. It unexpectedly fell, which has caused repeated, severe impacts to my head and neck, resulting in an injury requiring surgery. I must manually prop it open with a mini ball to load cargo. ENGINE & TURBO FAILURE / OIL ... Read more
BMW
I4 XDRIVE40
(2025) - POWER TRAIN
Jul 3, 2026
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
I was driving down a neighborhood road and my car suddenly slammed to a stop, forcing my chest into the steering wheel and throwing my dog from the backseat into the back of the passenger seat. We had it towed to a local shop and they reported the solenoid inside the transmission has failed. This is a two year old vehicle with less than 100k miles on it. Luckily, I was in a neighborhood going less... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Low pressure fuel pump failure with 75,575 miles on odometer. Fuel pump completely seized. Car was parked at a retail location and would not start. Upon troubleshooting, mechanic was able to determine the low pressure pump was not delivering fuel. Pump was replaced. Faulty fuel pumps could lead to hazardous conditions as they are mounted within the fuel tank. I feel this is too early in th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, there was an abnormal metal grinding sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The transmission was shifted into neutral(N) and the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle with pinion bear... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
Traveling from [XXX] to [XXX] and when I had the lane departure/lane keeping system turned on, the system was constantly going into the Watch the Road warning and many times it went straight to Resume Control without first putting up the Watch the Road that is supposed to be the initial stage. More than once when the system would go directly to the Resume Control, the only way to get rid of the wa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
In October of 2025 , while driving my nissan leaf. Suden4ly i got an error message on the dash showing battery issue force reduced, due to this the vehicle driven at 55miles approximately lower it self down to 30 mph, I was approximat3ly 35 miles from home or any nissan service departments, I was able to drive the vehicle to my closest dealership and they were able to look at the possible cause, ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2026
Approximately 10 minutes after my vehicle was serviced at a Tesla Service Center for a Full Self-Driving (FSD) concern, I entered the highway and engaged FSD. The service center had stated the system was operating correctly. While traveling approximately 75 mph through a highway curve, FSD suddenly changed to an "Unavailable" state. According to Tesla's own accident data, I did not disengage FSD.... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 20, 2026
Approximately 10 minutes after my vehicle was serviced at a Tesla Service Center for a Full Self-Driving (FSD) concern, I entered the highway and engaged FSD. The service center had stated the system was operating correctly. While traveling approximately 75 mph through a highway curve, FSD suddenly changed to an "Unavailable" state. According to Tesla's own accident data, I did not disengage FSD.... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 20, 2026
Approximately 10 minutes after my vehicle was serviced at a Tesla Service Center for a Full Self-Driving (FSD) concern, I entered the highway and engaged FSD. The service center had stated the system was operating correctly. While traveling approximately 75 mph through a highway curve, FSD suddenly changed to an "Unavailable" state. According to Tesla's own accident data, I did not disengage FSD.... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 21, 2026
An Audi dealer installed 245/40R18 93H tires on this 2018 Audi A4, while the vehicle placard/specification requires 245/40R18 97H. The lower load index reduces capacity from 1,609 lb per tire to 1,433 lb per tire, approximately 704 lb total across four tires. This creates a safety risk because load-rated tires affect vehicle stability, heat buildup, braking, steering/cornering, suspension loading,... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
All of a sudden, while driving, the car was not picking up speed. I parked and noticed the car was idling very roughly. It was though the car was going to just stop when I did start driving again. The check engine light came on while I was driving in the car would not pick up speed. It was still really a rough idle to the car when I turned corners it was like the car was going to stop and it would... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2026
The contact owned a 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine temperature gauge was increasing. The engine overheating warning light illuminated, the vehicle was turned off, and the contact exited the vehicle to open the hood and immediately closed it when the fire was discovered. The contact stated that there were flames coming from the back of ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 21, 2026
The car seat is defective. Fraying where it is comes out of the car seat, where it is sewn together.
Incident date: Jun 21, 2026
My mechanic said that he believes there is a recall on a recalled part this was previously repaired per Mercedes notice of safety recall dated April 2018. The recall remedy provided by the manufacturer has failed to permanently fix the safety defect, and the vehicle remains unsafe to drive. "On certain Model Year (“MY”) 2014-2017 B-Class electric, MY 2012-2018 C-Class, MY 2012-2017 E-Class, MY... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while at a stop with the Auto BRAKE HOLD engaged, the vehicle stalled. The contact activated the hazard lights. The contact restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle resumed normal operation. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not no... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. 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 local dealer was not contacted. The contact state... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
I own a 2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS equipped with an automatic transmission. Before the recall for “Momentary Wheel Lock-Up” was performed, my vehicle began experiencing harsh shifting, harsh engagement into Drive and Reverse, and the transmission would occasionally lock up while backing up, making it feel like the brakes were suddenly applied. On one occasion, the vehicle also attempted to move ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2026
I drive the car with the engine-idle-at-stop function disengaged. Several times when slowing down, but still moving, the car shifts into park; the AC and radio remain on. I have to press engine start to start the engine. Several other times when already stopped, such as at a red light or in traffic, waiting to make a turn, the engine shuts off and the car shifts into park. I have to press the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2026
I drive the car with the engine-idle-at-stop function disengaged. Several times when slowing down, but still moving, the car shifts into park; the AC and radio remain on. I have to press engine start to start the engine. Several other times when already stopped, such as at a red light or in traffic, waiting to make a turn, the engine shuts off and the car shifts into park. I have to press the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
High Pressure Fuel Pump failed. Pump failure can cause car to stop when not intended. Problem confirmed by an independent service center. Component not inspected by others. No warning lights or messages prior to the failure. The High Pressure Fuel Pump was replaced 4/30/2024 as part on 'Safety Recall Z96 - High Pressure Fuel Pump - Replace High Pressure Fuel Pump' by Merrick Dodge 3614 Sunrise H... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
Automatic sliding door on the driver's side has a rear latch that will not hold the door closed. Currently being fixed at dealer. There was a recall for this model and year for this problem, however my VIN number is not included in the recall
BMW
550E XDRIVE
(2026) - POWER TRAIN
Jun 27, 2026
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
Monday, June 30th, 2025, while driving on highway trip out of state, the vehicle made severe explosion noise, and sounded like I was dragging something metal under the vehicle for approx 30 seconds. After slowing the vehicle, I confirmed there was nothing under the car and the car seemed to be driving fine. There was zero warning light displaying any type of part failure or warning light addressin... Read more