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 29,025 complaints for RAM
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
WIPERS STOPPED WORKING DURING RAINY EVENT RESULTING IN LOW VISIBILITY CONDITIONS
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
MY 2021 Harley Pan America died on the side of the ALCAN hiway 200 miles out of Fairbanks in June 2023, was able to restart, Fairbanks dealer diagnosed faulty fuel pump, no pump available before departure date so left for home in Washington state. 150 miles from home it went in to limp mode in heavy traffic narrowly avoided collision to get out of traffic. Limp mode to purchasing dealer at 40 mph.... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2024
I am the owner of a 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid (VIN# [XXX] ). At approximately 12,000 miles—well within the 4-year/50,000-mile Basic Vehicle Warranty—I began experiencing peeling on the yoke steering wheel. I reported this issue verbally at the time, but Tesla staff failed to document the concern, and the Tesla app provided no suitable method to submit the issue. Since then, I have made multipl... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2024
Jeeps are currently recalled for PTU for 2017-2019 models. Symptoms in clude "Service 4WD" message on the dashboard, unusual noises, vibrations, or changes in how vehicle drive. My Jeep is a 2018. I am not sure why my VIN is registering as 0 recalls. My Jeep is stopping in mid drive. It has stopped on the expressway and street. This is dangerous.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the shuddering was almost constant and occurred at various speeds. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the torque con... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
Vehicle is inoperable. Dealer says it is a bad ABS module. 80+ codes were thrown, dashboard lights flickering on and off. Right brakes locked up on mechanic test drive. All ABS functionality failed. The part is not being manufactured at this time. I have been told that there is no date when to expect the part's availability. This seems to be a common issue that should be recalled.
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, the contact discovered fluid leaking on the ground. Additionally, the engine overheated while driving, resulting in a burning odor. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The "Coolant Low" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2025
While driving on highway at highway speeds the engine shutdown for no reason and I had to take emergency action get the vehicle out of the roadway to safety. Vehicle would not restart and had to be towed to dealer. Subsequently the powertrain control module had to be replaced. On three separate occasions on later dates, while driving on highway the transmission unexpectedly shifted from gear 10 t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
Driving on [XXX] in Victorville; sunroof shattered. Originally thought it was a tire blowout but there were no indications on the dash, no alerts, etc. Pulled over when safe to inspect vehicle and to make sure my kids were safe. Upon pulling over and exiting the vehicle, I started to make my way around the car to check the tires. All 4 tires were completely fine. Made a second round to double ch... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing power and was unable to drive uphill. The contact also stated the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil; however, the dealer had informed her that the oil consumption was normal. The chec... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front-end. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The vehicle lost motive power; however, the contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The check engine warning li... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
Sparks coming out the charge port
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
My tailgate will randomly open on its own. I’ve had several instances( 5 or 6 times so far) when I’ve had open on its own. Only once so far when i was driving. Luckily, i was on my private road without anything in my bed that could fall out. I often carry mountain bikes over the tailgate which could pose a serious danger if the tailgate were to open when driving. Also earlier this evening when... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2025
We noticed that the f-150 would down shift and jerk the whole vehicle and the RPM would spike. It would throw you forward when it occurred. We brought it to Hall Ford October 23, 2024. Left it for three days and Hall Ford could not duplicate the issue. We have experienced the issue multiple times and we want to document this issue. It is dangerous. We noticed that NHTSA Investigating 1.3 Million ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the contact became aware that while attempting to accelerate, the RPMs increased, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the clutch ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
Vehicle was being driven at highway speed at about 0555. There were no warning lights including no battery or low voltage warnings. Suddenly every warning light came on and all systems failed. Engine had stopped and computer had shifted vehicle into neutral. Power steering and power brakes had failed as well. At least one driver side rear tail light went out (I think forward headlights as well... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became sticky while turning. There was no warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under recall or warranty. The contact was informed that the repair of the vehicle would be an out-of-pocket expense. Upo... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
Passenger Occupant Detection system is faulty. Airbag service system indicator light comes and goes. The vehicle has been seen by an independent service center and they say this is a common issue with dodge and thus issue should be covered by dodge.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2025
Transmission sensors/Software. My wife stopped at a intersection, light turned green and she went to proceed, the truck went in reverse instead of forward! She stopped it before it hit another car. This is the second time this truck has gone behaved in a dangerous way. Last time it lurched forward almost hitting a car, and then the car went into a safety mode (they 'fixed' that in a previous ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
I purchased a 2019 Ram 1500 in November and have since been unable to pass state inspection due to several issues with the vehicle. I have contacted the dealership three times to request repairs, but they have repeatedly told me there is nothing they can do. I reached out to the Massachusetts Lemon Law, and they advised me to contact a lawyer immediately. The problems preventing my vehicle from pa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
Vehicle started making noise and idling rough 1-2days after receiving it back from oil change. It was absolutely fine and out of nowhere this happens. I’m great with cars and this is my 5th GMC Yukon and I bought this one at 0 mileage so I am very familiar with this car. There is absolutely no explainable reason my car is doing this I had it inspected and the dealer told me this has been happeni... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
Transmission isssues hard shifting and no shifting at times. I informed the dealership about the recall on this issue and they are saying it doesn’t fall under the recall which isn’t true because my vehicles is showing all of the symptoms under the recall #N242454440.
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
Without warning the vehicle came to an abrupt stop while going about 25 mph. I got out and checked and noticed a liquid dripping from underneath the front area of the vehicle. Later determined it was the front transfer case. I really would hate to think what could have happened at higher speeds. Again, no warning at all.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
My truck downshifted into 2nd gear after i was in 6th gear, now my transmission is slipping into 4th gear. But when i press the accelerator a little harder it’ll shift better but it’s not practical in a city
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
Issues with PTU (Power Transfer Unit) - I will attach documents
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
### 1. **What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?** The rearview camera system in my 2020 Acura MDX has malfunctioned. The camera, which is integral to several safety systems in the vehicle, has failed, causing significant safety concerns. The vehicle is available for inspection by an Acura dealership or independent service center upon re... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, exhaust fumes entered the vehicle, causing her to have headaches. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the exhaust pipe had corroded and cracked, leaking fumes through the muffler and Y-pipe. The contact was informed that the Y-pipe needed to be replaced. The ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
I was backing out of a parking spot and another vehicle and I collided. visually I don’t see any damage car seat. no, the car seat has not been expected by police or insurance representatives.
Crash
Incident date: Apr 6, 2025
ABS module failure. The mother board pins that connect are a poor design.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
My wife and son experienced a terrible situation on the way home from training. They had to stop at the nearest gas station due to the vehicle showing extremely low gas in the tank during a short drive home. The fuel gauge initially showed about half a tank but drastically dropped on the way home. They stopped at a gas station to add fuel but during the process, fuel starting spewing out of the ta... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
Car just died in the middle of a 3 lanes highway. It was the ICCU issue, barely any warning to stop and then when it died, no light, 4 way flasher or anything to communicate to other drivers about our disabled vehicle. It was 3:30 am in the morning, had to call Colorado Highway Patrol to come and help out while we waited for the tow truck. We found reports of the fail ICCU, this is something that ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
Was driving down the road approximately 30 to 40 miles an hour and the service four-wheel drive light came on.
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
Vehicle Information: •Year, Make, Model: 2016 BMW 328i GT •VIN: Provide VIN •Mileage: Insert Mileage Description of the Problem: I am experiencing recurring drivetrain malfunctions and overheating issues with my 2016 BMW 328i GT, which is currently under a nationwide recall issued in August 2024. Despite having coolant in the system, the vehicle overheats and displays a “drivetrain malfunc... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
When placed in park a message appears to Shift To Park and the vehicle electrical system stays energized.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
Driving on interstate at 70mph. Multiple, five or six, warnings pop up in rapid succession mostly dealing with the safety features such as distance to car in front, adaptive speed control, lane keeping. The last one was hybrid system - safely stop. The car then immediately lost all acceleration power leaving us coasting. This all happened within a few seconds. Terrifying. Luckily we had space... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
3 times in the last month, my 2023 Ram with only 25000 miles has stalled while I have been driving. The situation was I was in a line of traffic and rolling forward at approximately 5-10 miles per hour when the truck died, auto shifted into park and set the emergency brake. I then immediately hit the start button again and got a low battery voltage warning. I turned the car completely off and on ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
Since taking delivery of the vehicle I noticed the vehicle "hops around" when encountering irregularities in the road. The vehicle feels unsettled over seams, bumps, or uneven surfaces, even minor ones like raised seams or potholes. This happens both while driving straight and through corners, with the rear end feeling like it's skipping, hopping, or "porpoising." The issue is most noticeable at h... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
Manual driver’s seat height adjustment slowly reverts to a lower height position without touching the manual mechanism. This is a daily occurrence. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the dealer or any other independent source. This problem began occurring shortly after purchasing the vehicle, or was unnoticed until then. An internet source that claimed to be a mechanic for my brand id... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The rear sliding glass/defrost has a defect in where is short out and overheats the contacts. This in turn get so hot that is start to melt contacts and all the plastic where the contacts are in addition the rear window shatters. Gm has a recall N192265660 but my vin isnt included. Contacted GM they sent me to this site.
Fire
Incident date: Apr 3, 2025
The truck has a body frame that was cracked in several spots and welded back together in more then 5 different spots and the welding job is very poor. The truck has a power steering line leak, cvs axle leaks and a exhaust manifold leak. The dealership fixed upper ball joints when we agreed on lower and upper in the front. They added a exhaust but did not do the job correctly with completing the jo... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
Coolant on garage floor. Researched and found common among this engine, Called dealer. Said do not drive and get to dealer. Can cause engine seizure and breakdown if internal coolant leakage has started. Dealer stated they see at least one a week of this water pump problem.
Incident date: Feb 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the front wheels on the vehicle locked up, causing the vehicle to slide while slowing down or coming to a complete stop. The contact stated that the ABS, Parking Brake, and Traction Control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle wa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated that they had noticed the front wheels on their vehicle locking up upon depressing the brake pedal while driving at various speeds, causing the vehicle to slide while slowing down or coming to a complete stop. The ABS, Parking Brake, and Traction Control Warning Lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated that they had noticed the front wheels on their vehicle locking up upon depressing the brake pedal while driving at various speeds, causing the vehicle to slide while slowing down or coming to a complete stop. The ABS, Parking Brake, and Traction Control Warning Lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2023
car is 119 miles. I was driving and steering wheel stopped working out of nowhere.
Incident date: Feb 22, 2023
car is 119 miles. I was driving and steering wheel stopped working out of nowhere.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting and driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle hesitated with a misfire in cylinder #2. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intru... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2025
While slowing to a stop on a slight incline (an interstate off-ramp), when almost stopped, the car started bucking as if the brake pedal was being slammed on, then released, slammed on again, then released, and repeated for maybe 2 seconds. I quickly hit the "P" (Park) button to take it out of gear and it stopped. No warning lights or anything came on and it drove perfectly fine afterwards. It fel... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 18V332000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) 19V347000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES), and 17V302000 (AIR BAGS); 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 repairs. The contact sta... Read more