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 30,183 complaints for RAM
Incident date: Aug 10, 2023
I took delivery of vehicle from dealer on [XXX]. On [XXX] I was driving on the freeway when a high voltage sign and the message "Pull off road when safe" lit up the dashboard. The engine lost all power and I was able to coast to a stop on the shoulder. After 10-15 minutes, the vehicle would restart and I dropped at the dealership for a fix - it had less than 2,000 miles. They kept it until 7/2... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2025
I have the pearl white paint on this vehicle. It is peeling off the car.
Incident date: Aug 9, 2025
Vehicle will suddenly shut the engine off and shift into park, even when the auto engine shut off is not active. Typically happens when stopped at a stop light. You will feel the engine shut off, and the car shift into park. It is very scary and unsafe. It has also caused the vehicle to shut off and shift into neutral while it was moving, and the vehicle gave a transmission warning. It sounds... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
Steering grabs and is tight then loose. Grabs on highway loose back and forth difficult to control steering back and forth always having to correct to maintain on roadway. The electronic steering box had been recalled on this vehicle but not my vin number. I had to have the vehicle repaired in order to continue to drive it safely. When repaired the vehicle had 47,199 miles and the cost for the g... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
When my iPhone is connected to Apple CarPlay in my vehicle, a loud static sound occurs during phone calls, and music playing. This static causes the audio to cut in and out, making conversations unintelligible. Because of this, I am unable to safely use the hands-free calling feature, which forces me to either end the call or take my hands off the steering wheel and eyes off the road to put the ca... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The vehicle shots forward after some delayed acceleration.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The vehicle shots forward after some delayed acceleration.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The vehicle shots forward after some delayed acceleration.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
While driving at highway speeds almost a total loss of engine power occurred causing a safety issue. Five warning indicators lit at this time: Tire pressure monitoring system Malfunction indicator lamp (check engine) Vehicle stability assist warning Electric power steering warning This problem resulted in a Honda Dealer service replacement of the High Pressure Fuel Pump which cost me over $... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2025
Rear view camera can be obstructed entirely by other full screen elements when interacting with hard of soft buttons. This 100% reproducible effect results in the need to occasionally shift back into park and then reverse to restart the rvc process and have the video appear on top of other on screen content. This appears to violate fmvss rules for reverse cameras.
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact was concerned that the failure could occur and that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated there was a lot of pressure and worry about what might happen should the failu... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2025
The hybrid battery had the potential to catch fire and it was recalled for a software update, the 95b update. After this software update was completed, the vehicle would completely shut down, regardless of being parked or while driving. The dealership deemed the vehicle "unsafe to drive" and has provided a loaner until they can correct the problem. In addition to this, the front suspension has bee... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
Vehicle died in a busy intersection coming off the freeway. Light flashed that indicated it was an issue with the electronic throttle control. The safety of myself and others was put at risk due to the posted speed of the road and multiple lanes from 4 directions. I had to remain in my vehicle to make sure I was not hit by another vehicle and due to the vehicle issue, I was impeding traffic. Lithi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the Push-to-Start feature failed to function as intended. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed, the brake lights failed to activate as designed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed stop-light switch. The contact was informed that the stopligh... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2025
The turbo boost failed cylinder 2 ( after being repaired ) continues to show issues
Incident date: Aug 8, 2025
To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to formally request the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s assistance regarding a critical safety defect in my 2015 Mercedes‑Benz GL 450 (M278 engine). I purchased this vehicle in October 2024 with 76,000 miles, and it now has about 87,000 miles. Alarmingly, I recently received a quote for $13,000 to repair a camshaft failure and extensive... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the front passenger’s side tire drove over a pothole, and immediately afterwards, all the air bags on the passenger’s side of the vehicle inadvertently deployed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufact... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that the second-row seat belts seized and failed to release without disconnecting the buckle, and then retracting the seat belts to be able to move the seat belts as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer six times. The vehicle was not repaire... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2018
I am writing to formally request your assistance regarding my 2023 Jeep Wagoneer— [XXX] — which has experienced extensive and repeated mechanical failures that have placed my safety—and the safety of my young children—in serious jeopardy. This was purchased new. In December, I went through arbitration regarding these issues. Unfortunately, I was unsuccessful, largely because I did not hav... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
Randomly, and without warning, the instruments, gauges, and displays will switch into a language I do not speak or understand (Italian). Coinciding with the switch to Italian language, cluster and radio display settings revert back to default settings, auto door locks and paddle shifter becomes inoperative (with no menu to enable), pedestrian emergency brake (peb) lamp or forward collision warning... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2025
Transmission shifts hard and accelerates unexpectedly. Acceleration is not smooth as expected.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
We were told we had a faulty master cylinder that needed to be replaced. The ABS, forward collision braking system, rear collision breaking system, and emergency brake were all at risk, which puts a significant risk to the passengers in the vehicle, including children. The problem was confirmed by the dealership with no information about timing of replacement since there is a national shortage o... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
We were told we had a faulty master cylinder that needed to be replaced. The ABS, forward collision braking system, rear collision breaking system, and emergency brake were all at risk, which puts a significant risk to the passengers in the vehicle, including children. The problem was confirmed by the dealership with no information about timing of replacement since there is a national shortage o... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
Wipers quite intermittently in rain or when using windshield washer Could not see clearly Problem intermittent dealer said wiper motor Yes No warning just quit Problem same as in recall NHTSA22v-142 on f150 2021 and 2022 and recall 22v842
Incident date: Apr 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after having the vehicle for a month, while driving approximately 30-40 MPH on a residential street, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle failed to accelerate above 35 MPH and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2025
My check engine light came on and my mechanic found codes P0300 and P0316 for engine misfires. Upon further inspection, they found coolant leaking onto cylinders, which they deemed could be a failed head gasket, cracked cylinder blocks, or a cracked engine block, which does include a warranty extension for this. They referred me to the dealership because this is a documented common problem, but th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
Brake pedal intermittently goes soft or does not respond properly. Dealership flushed brake lines but issue returned within weeks. No ABS or brake system warning lights are triggered. Safety is a concern due to potential brake failure and lack of system alerts.
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the "Engine Malfunction Service Now" message was displayed on the instrument panel at start up. The vehicle was taken to dealer where the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. Upon investigation, the contact disco... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the driver's side A-pillar trim. The contact stated that the driver's side A-pillar trim was blown off the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had recei... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); causing a significant impact to his business. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the manufacturer but had not received a response. The contact had not experie... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
This system will activate on its own with no warning
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
This system will activate on its own with no warning
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 228I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2025
Car has 40000miles, started posting warning for lane keeping, lane departure, Adaptive Cruise control, emergency braking, and the car disabled all the features in ADAS, also posted brake system warning indicator. The honda dealer diagnosis the multi-purpose camera failed. Car has low miles, and should not have failed this soon, and also creates dangers for the driver, the dashboard lights all thes... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
On Saturday [XXX] I was travelling on [XXX] from Orangeburg to Atlanta. I did was not using cruise control but the system was enabled. Enabling the cruise control system on my automatically enabled the LKAS(Lane Keep Assist) feature on my car. On at least two other occasions, specifically going around corners at low speed, I've had the LKAS system grab the wheel and steer the car aggressively to t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
I am the owner of a 2019 Kia Optima SX Turbo in Snow White Pearl (SWP) paint. At approximately 100,000 miles, I observed bubbling and peeling of the paint—no collision or exterior impact occurred to trigger this. The peeling area has since enlarged, exposing the underlying primer or bare metal, which is visible in an attached photo. I contacted Kia around 115,000 miles when I fully realized... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
Brought my vehicle to Costco to have the tires replaced. After the vehicle was put on the lift, the wheel broke off. Fortunately no one was underneath at the time. Costco did no further work because of this so car was then towed to dealership. They confirmed that the strut mounts were rusted so badly that it caused it to just break away from the top mount. This suspension issue also caused additio... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2025
While driving in my neighborhood, the car randomly shut itself off. The car was beeping and a message on the screen said “shift into park.” Once I came to a full stop, the car put itself into park and shut off completely.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
Transmission has a stalled while driving car
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
In November 2024, my 2019 RAM Rebel displayed “SERVICE SHIFTER,” “PARKING ASSIST,” and “CHECK ENGINE” lights. Dealer performed software updates, but one week later the lights returned. Dealer then replaced the parking assist module, but two weeks later the same issue happened again. I have brought the truck in multiple times since. Often the lights turn off before arrival, and dealer s... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
[XXX] [XXX] [XXX] 08/07/2025 [XXX] Kia America, Inc. Consumer Affairs P.O. Box 52410 Irvine, CA 92619-2410 Subject: Request for Reconsideration of Engine Replacement – 2015 Kia Forte Dear Kia Customer Care Team, I am writing to formally request a reconsideration regarding the recent denial of assistance for my 2015 Kia Forte ([XXX]), which has experienced a major engine failure a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The transmission shutters at low speeds and doesn’t not engage Driving in the freeway is scary
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The vehicle looses power and hesitates to accelerate from a stop start. This happens when The HV Battery State of Charge (SOC) is below 30%. •The vehicle is in catalyst warm-up mode (cold start). The Motor Generator (MG) is in charge mode. As a result of this scenario I have almost been T boned 3 times while attempting a left turn from my home across a dual carriage lane. And again nearly rear... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
ABS Control Module / Traction/ BRAKE - all warning indicators are lit on dash - again. Cruise Control not functioning as part of this. System is available for inspection. Replaced 3 tire speed sensors and ABS Module at dealer in July 2023 because of dashboard lights. In January 2025 all 3 dashboard lights are again lit, diagnosed by dealership ABS Module failed and needs to be replaced. In January... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
I was driving to work and after about 15 minutes of driving at around 45 miles an hour my car stopped accelerating when I pushed on the gas. Shortly after that my wheel locked and the power steering went out. Once I got myself on the side of the road the car would not turn off and I had trouble putting it in park. After a few minutes I was able to turn the car off and they called a tow truck to ta... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2025
Paint peeling around rear window. Moonroof spontaneously shattered while driving.
Incident date: Jul 2, 2025
Paint peeling around rear window. Moonroof spontaneously shattered while driving.
Incident date: Jul 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact’s son closed the front passenger’s side door, and rear window glass exploded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 163,353.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
My new car is telling me I have a transmission problem. I got in my car to go to work and my car wouldn’t go in drive or reverse. Then my back up camera doesn’t work all the time and my screen gets blurry or complete black.