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
BMW
430I XDRIVE
(2025) - ENGINE
Nov 19, 2024
Incident date: Nov 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. Additionally, the contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped, the vehicle rolled backward. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
The contact's son owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel intermittently became stiff and excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that the "Service Power Steering Now" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the strut on the driver’s side had fra... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Leaf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V700000 (Electrical System); 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufactur... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
Will driving at hiway speed the transmission drops out of high gears and shifts down to 1st gear causing loss of power and control. To dangerous to drive.
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
When shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, the motor dips in RPM's then speeds up quickly. I now have 5000 miles on the vehicle and it is still happening. It's a safety hazard that the Honda Service Dept says is normal. On many quorum's, many people are complaining about the same problem. My local mechanic says that the electronic sequence of the transmission needs refreshed but has to wait for a Honda R... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
When shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, the motor dips in RPM's then speeds up quickly. I now have 5000 miles on the vehicle and it is still happening. It's a safety hazard that the Honda Service Dept says is normal. On many quorum's, many people are complaining about the same problem. My local mechanic says that the electronic sequence of the transmission needs refreshed but has to wait for a Honda R... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
I HAVE HAD BELOW ISSUE AT 57000 MILES ON MY TACOMA. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT I AM NOT UNDER THE WARRANTY, AND COPORATE THAT THERE IS NO RECALL FOR MY TRUCK BY SEARCH VIN, BUT ITS CLEAR IM EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUES AS BELOW AND SEEING OTHER VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE, SO ITS CLEAR THIS TRUCK WAS BUILT WITH THE SAME DEFECTS. The Plano, Texas-based manufacturer sent a safe... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2024
My vehicle has the 2.7L V6 Ecoboost engine. This engine apparently has a design defect that results in repeated cam phaser failure. My engine recently had cam phaser failure and I had them replaced. A week later I was driving at speed on a highway when my engine completely died. I had to pull to the side of the road and could not restart my engine. I ended up being towed to a dealership and am awa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2024
When applying brakes at low speed (under 20mph) pedal feels soft and brakes do not engage as expected- vehicles travels further than anticipated. At times engine races and vehicle surges forward, other times ABS malfunctions, causing tires to squeal and vehicle to lurch. There is no reason for the ABS to engage when traveling under 20mph on an even, dry road. I have had other issues such as overh... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2024
When driving, if you encounter even a small bump in the road, the car jumps as if it were a train jumping the tracks and getting back on track. If it's raining, it feels as though the vehicle is sliding across the road. (Finally, realizing that I WAS sliding across the road).
Incident date: Sep 26, 2024
When driving, if you encounter even a small bump in the road, the car jumps as if it were a train jumping the tracks and getting back on track. If it's raining, it feels as though the vehicle is sliding across the road. (Finally, realizing that I WAS sliding across the road).
Incident date: Jun 27, 2024
My 2022 Jeep has an open recall and Not enough is being done to remedy the situation. I bought a “hybrid jeep” to save on gas money and now I’m spending more money on gas than ever. I want compensation!
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
Accident avoidance features I've purchased in the car many times does not work. 1. Proximity sensor does not alert when needed Twice in the last month, vehicle approaching from the right (passenger side) darted forward without any warning. Once in the parking lot and another car also approached from a stopped light (which he broken) causing me to swerve and hit the brake hard on an intersection. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2024
Engined failed in the middle of the highway at 100,800 miles. Engine has had horrible oil consumption issues for a long time, despite regular oil changes and checking the oil levels. KIA already has a 150k class action settlement for engine failure due to connecting rod bearing failure, but have denied warranty and wanted out of pocket $7600 for full engine replacement.
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
On or round 11/03/2024 the instrument panel display experienced internal short circuit and all of the cluster gauges stopped displaying information and became blank. As such, the vehicle fail to comply the requirement of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 101, "Controls and Displays." Have been setting at the Jeep dealership since 8:30 am, 11/07/2024. Thet say I can not drive the Jeep, and ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
High beams only working when physically holding the handle down. Automatic high beams not working at all and won’t come on unless you turn off automatic high beams. We took it into Flow Jeep in Charlottesville today where they told us they had heard about this issue from others, but that Dodge Jeep had not found fix and continue to claim it works as it’s supposed to. That cannot be when you ca... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
I am [XXX] and I have owned Honda/Acura since I was 16 yrs old. My last vehicle was a Honda Odyssey minivan with 423K when I donated it, running well to a family that fostered kids! I bought a new 2016 Acura MDX and now it is 8 years old and has 180K on it. I get the oil changed and other normal service maintenance done only at Honda or Acura dealerships. I have never had a car accident and I ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
I am [XXX] and I have owned Honda/Acura since I was 16 yrs old. My last vehicle was a Honda Odyssey minivan with 423K when I donated it, running well to a family that fostered kids! I bought a new 2016 Acura MDX and now it is 8 years old and has 180K on it. I get the oil changed and other normal service maintenance done only at Honda or Acura dealerships. I have never had a car accident and I ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2024
While we were driving we heard what sounded like a shot, when we pulled over we noticed the rear window was shattered, and noticed nothing had gone through or hit it After inspecting it. My daughter was scared to stay in the car so we had to call someone to pick them up and give them a ride. The dealership told me my vehicle is no longer under warranty only drivetrain warranty and that it was not ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2024
Subject: Urgent Safety Concern and Request for Immediate Resolution – Cracked Sunroof on Tesla Model Y 2024 To Whom It May Concern, My name is [XXX] , a United States citizen and resident of Florida. I am writing to formally express my deep concern and dissatisfaction regarding a significant safety issue with my Tesla Model Y 2024, which I purchased directly through Tesla’s official website.... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V720000 (Electrical System); 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 experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time f... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time f... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2024
I have the 6F35 transmission in my 2018 Ford Escape. On 11/12/24, while driving, the transmission had a catastrophic failure. The vehicle started jerking, it would not move when giving it gas, and the transmission was whining loudly. After taking my vehicle to a Ford dealer, I learned that the pump inside of the transmission flew apart, causing the transmission to fail and to get metal shavin... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2024
The engine will want to surge forward in a "pulsing" feel while stopped at a red light. No amount of braking force will keep the Ford Maverick from trying to lurch forward. It feels like someone is gently "pushing you from behind telling you to go..." This seems to happen when the engine is cold. Its done this since day one of ownership and it has now been nearly 3 years with no fix.
Incident date: Nov 2, 2024
I was driving the truck and went to make a turn and suddenly the power steering went. It was very difficult to drive and was a definite hazard to myself and others. I took the truck to the dealer where they in turn said there was not a problem with the power steering. I have included the document given to me by the dealership. Upon my own investigation the power steering has defaulted many other d... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2024
Constant recalls on this vehicle. Vw unwilling to work w us on taking back the vehicle. Issues prior to 50,000 mile mark but they say we didn’t file a complain early enough. Outstanding recalls
Incident date: Nov 2, 2024
I engaged Tesla's Autopark to park my car in my usual spot. The car kept going after reaching the back of the parking space, crashing into a pole located around one foot behind the parking spot. The time between when it should have braked and the post was of such short duration that I had no time to apply the brakes and prevent the accident. The car lacks both radar and lidar, either of which wou... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
The ICCU failed, leaving the car with a Check Electrical System failure and ultimately cutting power to the vehicle, forcing driver to pull over and stop.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
The rear tailgate glass spontaneously shattered when the vehicle was parked/not operating with nothing hitting the back glass. The only operating change over the past two weeks prior to the shattering was regular morning use of the rear defroster. Rear tailgate was never slammed.
Incident date: Nov 11, 2024
On 11/11/2024 while at an intersection with a redlight, I was the first car in the "merge to the right" short lane, stopped and waiting on right lane traffic on the road that intersected to clear. When it was safe to go, I moved my foot to the accelerator and nothing happened. I realized my vehicle had lost power / "died;" that all dashboard lights were out. I quickly put my vehicle gear in "Park"... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2024
Airbags did not deploy during accident. After accident; car displayed service airbags . Head hit windshield
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
"Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault" a safety concern that puts passenger in danger with a faulty restraint system. Problem constantly reproduced every time get into car. It is available for inspection upon request. Car has not been physically inspected, but has been remotely accessed by manufacture and is charging owners $436.06 to repair. There has been no warning messages nor othe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Ridgeline. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V321000(BACK OVER PREVENTION) and 24V064000(AIRBAGS) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the instrument cluster intermittently turned black. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at slow speeds, the vehicle drove roughly. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, an abnormal sound was coming from the vehicle. In addition, the contact and her husband became aware that the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000(Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control(ESC)); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that upon using an OBD reader to scan the vehicle, the contact retrieved diag... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the contact stated that whenever the vehicle was driven over a small pothole, the vehicle shook abnormally. In addition, the contact stated while driving over a bridge, the vehicle was driven over metal plates where the road and the bridge connected, and the vehicle shook violently. The contact stated that the failure ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that the passenger’s side rear shock was blown. While driving 35 MPH over a bump in the road, or while driving over a wet surface, the rear of the vehicle was fishtailing. There was oil leaking from the shock. The contact had a nail in the tire, and after removing the wheel, the contact became aware that the shock was covered in oil. There ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); 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 experienced a failur... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
On [XXX] I was driving back down [XXX] , stopped at red light and when light changed to green, I proceeded to take off and as I got under the interstate overpass my vehicle abruptly started slowing down as if it was going to shut completely down and the panel in the dash turned red with a symbol of a car. There was a vehicle coming directly behind me and I am thankful they were not following me cl... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his sister was driving 5 MPH making a right turn, the steering wheel seized and failed to turn as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The driver was able to continue driving to the residence. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the failure was due to the power steering unit. The vehicle was not... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle lost motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under an undisclosed NHTSA Campaign; however, the repair failed to prevent the failure. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the veh... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
Vehicle shudders or shakes on acceleration. Seems to only happen during acceleration and doesn't feel like it throws the steering wheel around but more like the front end is just loose or something like a transmission slipping feeling.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
I've received the recall notice for my car about 2 years ago. I've tried to schedule time with the dealership to get it fixed but they just keep telling me they don't have the parts or I have to wait till something "bad" happens first for them to prioritize me. This seems really unsafe and bad practice. I've reached out to Honda and they have open a case to review this but has not gotten back to m... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
I've received the recall notice for my car about 2 years ago. I've tried to schedule time with the dealership to get it fixed but they just keep telling me they don't have the parts or I have to wait till something "bad" happens first for them to prioritize me. This seems really unsafe and bad practice. I've reached out to Honda and they have open a case to review this but has not gotten back to m... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated, and disappeared and reappeared approximately three weeks later. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the air bag needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mile... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
Premature battery depletion. Brand new battery 2 months old was completely dead. On 3rd battery in one calendar year. Stranded with young children in car that cannot even be jumpstarted. Dealer has confirmed issue and has reportedly has had numerous owners with the same issue, same vehicle. No warnings, or prior issue, car has absolutely no power.
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
Premature battery depletion. Brand new battery 2 months old was completely dead. On 3rd battery in one calendar year. Stranded with young children in car that cannot even be jumpstarted. Dealer has confirmed issue and has reportedly has had numerous owners with the same issue, same vehicle. No warnings, or prior issue, car has absolutely no power.
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
The contact's son owns a 1989 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and running, the vehicle caught fire. There were no warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries. The contact's son was able to extinguish the fire. The contact stated the failure was due to NHTSA Campaign Number 24E076 (Throttle Body). part number R90062AAH-B. The vehicle was tow... Read more
Fire