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: Jul 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 15-20 MPH, the steering wheel was wobbly. The contact exited the highway immediately and was able to pull over to the side of the roadway. The contact then pulled into a parking lot and the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear subframe was rusted, causing the control arms to s... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 228I. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle jerked back and forth and choked. There were no warning lights illuminated. 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2025
Fuel system failure. The vehicle just dies and does not restart, this is a safety issue due to it happening when you are driving on the highway and unable to get out of the way of traffic.
Incident date: Jul 29, 2025
I had 5 lights comes on 2 days ago. Airbag system problem, collision mitigation system problem, road departure mitigation problem, high beam problem, and adaptive cruise control problem. The dealership said that it was a camera issue and everything except the air bag issue is covered with my warranty. It’s currently in the shop getting fixed. Also currently has a recall for the fuel pump that th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2025
Vehicles Low-Beam headlights are very poor. Brought for service/adjustments and was advised that they were properly aimed and that nothing more could be done other than installing brighter headlights. While driving at night I need the fog lights or the high-beam lights on for proper visibility which could cause issues for other drivers on the road.
Incident date: Jul 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken dealer where it was determined that the charging actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vehicle was no... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2025
Back up camera goes dark when we back up but it doesn't do it when I had it in the dealership they say I need a new camera but it started when you all put out a recall.
Incident date: Jul 29, 2025
Uncontrollable Sudden Acceleration 3 times while I drove the car, it suddenly and rapidly accelerated. Eventually, the car crashed and was totaled. The first time was 3/31/25 when my wife and I went to the car wash. To exit the car wash, I put the car in drive and lightly applied the accelerator pedal and suddenly the car accelerated rapidly and made a loud noise. I immediately braked and the ... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated they received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V347000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) and 17V821000 (Power Train); also the contact stated that the ABS warning light was blinking, and the engine light was illuminated However, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and the dealer declined to s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
Component or System Involved: The rear passenger-side seatbelt (right side from the driver’s view) on my 2017 Chevy Volt Premier malfunctioned. Specifically, the automatic locking retractor (ALR) mechanism failed and would not release tension, even after fully retracting the strap. The cut portion of the seatbelt is still in my possession and can be made available for inspection upon request. S... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
Emergency brake was engaged, the car lurched forward a significant distance, nearly causing an accident
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
Car slams on brakes randomly. If the cannot sell or dealer trade these vehicles, why r they permitted to allow us to keep driving a dangerous vehicle. My Service manager is at a total loss , and this auto is dangerous.
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
When using the truck in S transmission mode , The back wheels unexpectantly lock up due to a severe downshift. I reported this to the Ford Dealer when it first happened likely around 2018. The dealer kept the truck and reviewed the complaint. They reported that they couldn’t reproduce the downshift so nothing was done. I used the truck in that mode as recent as yesterday. I was going downhill ar... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
the mother board failed three days after purchasing the vehicle it had 6 miles on it they dealer would not swap the vehicle. now it is a year and a few months later and the battery failed they state i requested the lease to be swapped for another vehicle and they refused.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-250 SD. The contact stated that while attempting to roll up the front driver's side window, the window partially rolled up. The contact stated that the front passenger's side window had experienced the same failure. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the infotainment system had defaulted to a factory setting independently, causing the Forward Colli... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
Car does not restart after auto-stop leaving car stranded at times in an intersection or stop and start highway traffic. It will restart after putting the car in park and waiting several seconds. One instance I had to get a jump. After getting a new battery, it still occurred. Battery showed dead cells so had to get it replaced again (on warranty). Issue is still occurring when forgetting to... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving approximately 45-50 MPH, the passenger's side rearview mirror turned inward unintendedly, which prevented the driver from seeing the roadway. The contact stated that the mirror failed to remain in the correct position, which required the front passenger's side seat occupant to manually hold the rearview mirror at the correct angl... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
AEB light was on so we took it into the St. Augustine Nissan dealership. They told us the ABS actuator needed replaced and there are now more lights including the ABS on the dash after they were in the car. They said the part was on back order since February and that there were about 70 people ahead of us in line waiting for this part. Hearing that I decided to check for recalls and noticed there ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
AEB light was on so we took it into the St. Augustine Nissan dealership. They told us the ABS actuator needed replaced and there are now more lights including the ABS on the dash after they were in the car. They said the part was on back order since February and that there were about 70 people ahead of us in line waiting for this part. Hearing that I decided to check for recalls and noticed there ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
Vehicle: 2021 GMC Yukon XL VIN: [XXX] Recall ID: 25V274 (GM Recall N25249400) Mileage: Approx. 35,000 My 2021 GMC Yukon XL was recalled for a potential engine defect. On June 9, 2025, the dealership (Carol Buick GMC in Florida) determined that my vehicle was unsafe to drive and that the engine needed to be replaced under GM Recall N25249400. GM has not delivered a timely fix. The engine remains... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE MODE. WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL, IN DRIVE OR REVERSE MODE, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP AND FROZE VEHICLE IN PLACE. BARELY ABLE TO MANEUVER VEHICLE BY STRAIGHTENING STEERING WHEEL AS BEST I COULD TO GET IT TO PARK. AS I ACCELERATED TO GET IT TO MOVE, BRAKES ACTIVATED AGAINST IT. NO ALARM/NOTICE APPEARED ON DASHBOARD TO SWITCH TO 2-WHEEL MODE. TOW TRUCK DRIVER ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2024
My vehicle is affected by the recall #R10320 or NHTSA # 25V282. The recall letter states that the dealerships have the updated software available to solve the back-up camera issue, also over the air update will solve the problem later if that is my choice. The problem is that I see this as just a marketing ploy to get me into the dealership and upsell me on something I don't want. The OTA update s... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
The front right brake line is collapsed can't find a replacement
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
GMC has been aware of this problem since May 2025. They still do not have a remedy. This vehicle has not been operated for 41 days, since the recall states "The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in these vehicles may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure. If the engine fails during vehicle operation, the vehicle will lose propulsion, incre... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
The car's steering wheel got locked out and air bags came out suddenly while car is still moving on the road and driver blocked and not able to do anything and hit the parked car on the street due to car's system malfunction. Since incident happened in the housing community area with speed 20-25 miles and not majorly hit anyone but reported to and inspected by city police inspected. This was the f... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 11, 2025
My vehicle experienced a blown head gasket due to a faulty engine block design at 56K miles. The car started running rough for 10 seconds upon a cold start up and was also misfiring. This is due to coolant intrusion through the gasket and it got into cylinder 3 which could have caused catastrophic engine failure or worse.There are several class-action lawsuits against Ford for the defect.Ford ha... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Fisker Ocean. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V499000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), 24V466000 (STRUCTURE), 24V623000 (SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC) and 24V865000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC; AUTOHOLD BRAKE SYSTEM/BRAKE HOLD). The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the rearview camera failed to activate while the vehicle was in reverse(R), compr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while idling, the vehicle made an abnormal ticking sound, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, but no diagnostic trouble codes were retrieved, and the cause of the failure could not b... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
Shift to Park Vehicle does not recognize the gear shifter is in the park position. Vehicle does not fully shut down.
Incident date: Jul 21, 2025
Went to start the vehicle with the key fob and the vehicle would not start. Had it towed to ram dealership and was told that the RF hub module needed to be replaced due to being damaged from water at leaked in from the rear window. Upon researching online forums, this seems to be an ongoing problem for this making model because of where the module is located. If there is not already in the works,... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2025
This car has an active recall according to Audi, but it doesn't show up in the NHTSA's system. After reviewing the vehicle history, this car was imported and the bond wasn't released until 4/29/2025, given that, the dealership listed the car for sale April 4th and sold it to me April 22, 2025, SEVEN days before the bond was released. I also believe the FMVSS compliance sticker is fake as it's able... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2025
While driving, my 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe suddenly began losing acceleration without warning. No check engine lights were on at the time. The RPMs surged to 5,000–6,000, but the vehicle failed to gain speed. Moments later, the car lost all power completely. The red engine warning light and battery light illuminated on the dashboard, and the vehicle became unresponsive and would not restart. I had... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the contact noticed an abnormal sound, and the front passenger's side headrest unexpectedly deployed without an impact to the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under an unknown extended warranty coverage; however, the dealer... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2024
VEHICLE FAILS TO UTILIZE AUTO STOP/START. VEHICLE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF CONSTANTLY. VEHICLE HESISTATES, JERKS FORWARDS, SPUTTERS, AND DOES NOT GAIN SPEED PROPERLY AT ANY GIVEN TIME. VEHICLE WAS LOOKED AT OFF AN ON FOR OVER 4 YEARS BY NORTH BROTHERS FORD OF MICHIGAN. THEY SAID ON MUTIPLE OCCASIONS CAR IS FINE AND ALL SYMPTOMS ARE NORMAL EVEN AS 4 OTHER CARS WERE BROUGHT IN AND AGAIN THEY SA... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2024
VEHICLE FAILS TO UTILIZE AUTO STOP/START. VEHICLE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF CONSTANTLY. VEHICLE HESISTATES, JERKS FORWARDS, SPUTTERS, AND DOES NOT GAIN SPEED PROPERLY AT ANY GIVEN TIME. VEHICLE WAS LOOKED AT OFF AN ON FOR OVER 4 YEARS BY NORTH BROTHERS FORD OF MICHIGAN. THEY SAID ON MUTIPLE OCCASIONS CAR IS FINE AND ALL SYMPTOMS ARE NORMAL EVEN AS 4 OTHER CARS WERE BROUGHT IN AND AGAIN THEY SA... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
Service airbag light came on one week before airbags in the front driver in front passenger side ruptured on their own in the middle of driving. This is cars the seat belts and the front seats to lock up and we now have no airbags. We did bring it in to see if we could get it at least the steering wheel one replaced because of the recall but the dealership (todd wenzel) and Grand Rapids Michigan s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
In April of this year my 2023 Nissan Rogue complete shut down while on the highway. Received a warning notification “Engine Malfunction Power Reduced Service Now”. The car would not drive over 10 miles per hour. The dealer claimed it was our error; stating we had hit a curb so not under warranty. We had not. We were charged approx $200 to fix. Now today, July, we have received the same w... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front passenger's side airbag was bulging outwards. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,231.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2025
My name is [XXX] and I was a passenger in our 2021 Chevy Blazer with our young child in the back seat when the brakes suddenly failed while we were driving on the freeway. The brake pedal went stiff and wouldn’t respond. It was terrifying — we truly felt like we were going to crash. I was panicked, and my child was crying. Since then, I’ve been too afraid to drive or ride in this vehicle, ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
THE RADIO (MMI SYSTEM) IS REBOOTING WHILE DRIVING EVERY 5-10 MIN. DEALERSHIP CAN'T FIX AND IS AFFECTING SAFETY SYTEMS LIKE FRONT AND REAR CAMERAS/SENSORS.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant intrusion into several cylinders had caused damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2025
ENGINE WORK VALVE INTAKE LIFTER AND CAMSHAFT REPAIRS / OIL SENSOR HAS BEEN GOING HAYWIRE / REAR STRUTS KEEP POPPING OFF AND AFTER STRUTS REPAIRED BOUGHT THE TRUCK 05/2024 AND HAD TO TAKE TO REPAIR 12/2024 AND ONCE MONTH EVER SINCE.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2025
I bought the vehicle 14 days ago and everything was going well until black smoke started to come out of the exhaust and it started to smell burnt. I brought a mechanic to my house and he told me that the engine had already died
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
My car is hard crank when put fuel in it. It also puffed out blue smoke.My check engine light is on.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
Engine or sometimes TPS brakes lights on
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
The fuel injection system routinely fails or misfires. Not only does this cause an issue with said system but it also triggers a host of other dashboard alerts. The alerts display all wheel drive problem, emission system problem, power steering problem, hill start problem, vehicle stability assist problem. This is a safety issue because the amount of alerts especially unrelated alerts is obfuscat... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
Coolant Control Valve is faulty. Part number 24001355 for my GMC Diesel Sierra 1500. The check engine light goes on and sometimes the engine power will be cut in half to protect the engine. It can be inspected when needed. My truck cannot go as fast and the Engine fans sound very loud to cool down the engine. I was 3 hours away from my house when this happened the first time and I wasn’t sure ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the front driver’s and passenger’s side door B-pi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine overheating warning light illuminated. The contact stopped the vehicle, and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that an engine sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The co... Read more