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: Jul 1, 2023
Ram Rebel suffers from “Service Shifter” warning frequently; occasionally pits itself into neutral and requires to be put into park; front and rear park assist seem to be associated with this fault as well as it disables and enables randomly. Major electrical issue with shifter/transmission issues and parking sensors.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); 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 contact stated that the controls on the infotainment center failed to operate as intended. The dealer was cont... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); 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 contact stated that the controls on the infotainment center failed to operate as intended. The dealer was cont... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, there was a beeping sound coming from the vehicle with the messages "Electronic Power Steering Assist failure", "Service Advance-trac", and "Power steering assist fault" displayed. Additionally, the traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that simultaneously the steering whe... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2025
Hi, I received a recall for my car about the engine cover but VW doesn't have a solution. They just took the cover away and left the motor without cover or protection. I don't think is normal and appropiate to have the engine expose like that. Besides this problem, the car has brake problems I already report and also Oil problems that VW won't give a correct answer. I worried because I have 3 chil... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle suddenly experienced rough driving before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was later driven to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the head gasket had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the screen displayed the steering wheel with an exclamation mark. The warning light was blinking and then turned off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering angle sensor was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was appro... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The electric vehicle system appears to have failed, preventing the car from starting and staying on. Even after attempting to jump the 12V battery, the vehicle would briefly turn on and then immediately shut off. This issue was previously confirmed by the dealer about four months ago, and they sup... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacture... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
The vehicle allows the engine to be turned off, key removed, while the vehicle is still in drive with no warning lights or sounds. I have tested and the vehicle can roll away. Complained to the toyota dealership and they said the service tech consulted with toyota headquarters and determined no fix was possible because this is normal function of the the vehicle. However, this is a concerning safet... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2025
While being driven, the ecodiesel engine had a faulty ball bearing that malfunctioned inside the engine. This ball bearing then shot through the middle of the engine and out the bottom of the engine. The service technician at our local dealership inspected the engine and compared this to a "bullet under too much pressure due to a fault within the engine." He then said we "were lucky the ball beari... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chrysler Voyager. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the electronic throttle control warning light was illuminated. The contact depressed the brake pedal and was able to slow the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond as ne... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving on a main road at 55 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine, and the engine power was reduced, and the vehicle failed to accelerate above 20 MPH. The temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The contact was forced to pull over onto the side of the road where the vehicle was left idling for a ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
My cam phasers are always burning and consuming a lot of oil it also has a ticking sound coming from the engine which Ford says is normal but I don't think it's normal because it gets louder and it happens as I drive all the time. My transmission will automatically slam into a higher gear while trying to accelerate on the highway. Oil is constantly getting into the spark plug chamber even after re... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
Engines sometimes fails to start again after being turned off briefly. Will have so turn off all electrical and push button to start multiple times before it engine starts again
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
Vehicle displayed warnings: Service Antilock Brakes Service Electronic Stability Control Service Trailer Brake System The truck has only 4,650 miles on it. When this happens, the above systems do not work along with the 4 wheel drive system. When towing a heavy trailer, the loss of trailer brakes can easily cause an accident due to jackknifing of the trailer and greatly increased stopping dista... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
I noticed a clicking sound whenever I made a turn, whether it was left or right. I reported the issue to Honda’s service department, and they were able to reproduce the problem. Initially, I was informed that the required parts were on back order. However, I recently received a call informing me that the parts were now available. I brought the vehicle in for the replacement, but when I picked i... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
I noticed a clicking sound whenever I made a turn, whether it was left or right. I reported the issue to Honda’s service department, and they were able to reproduce the problem. Initially, I was informed that the required parts were on back order. However, I recently received a call informing me that the parts were now available. I brought the vehicle in for the replacement, but when I picked i... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
The steering gear, (gear rack & pinion), started to fail. Steering became difficult and the car would not return to center on turns. This lead to the car crossing into oncoming traffic or heading off road on turns unless the driver applied significant force to overcome issue.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
We purchased this vehicle approximately 6 months ago. On our second long trip of owning it we noticed that when we would give it gas to pass vehicles it would down shift and up shift hard. No warning/error lights came on. We dud have a diagnostic check done but nothing came up. The mechanic at Nicely's said it could be the clutch bank? I read where these similar trucks are having the same issues w... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2024
The vehicle will lose power steering while driving. The lights come on for stabilitrak and traction control then it says power steering is gone. It randomly deactivates the power steering, while driving. It's extremely dangerous and have almost had accidents. They are telling me that it may not be under a recall. If gmc used the same steering box as the previous model year, the same issue is occur... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2024
The vehicle will lose power steering while driving. The lights come on for stabilitrak and traction control then it says power steering is gone. It randomly deactivates the power steering, while driving. It's extremely dangerous and have almost had accidents. They are telling me that it may not be under a recall. If gmc used the same steering box as the previous model year, the same issue is occur... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2025
I had a recall on the dash of my Jeep due to the leather wrinkling.I had very slight wrinkling, so I honored the recall and took it to the dealership. They replaced the leather which seemed to fix the problem, well WRONG, they put the leather down with no adhesive to keep it in place. Long story short, it began having some puckering in the middle,now the whole dash looks like a wrinkled bed sheet ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2025
Vehicle was delivered with an active safety recall on it. The safety recall is second and third row seat mounting bolts may be missing. Recall was announced December 2024 and car was purchased/delivered on March 20th 2025
Incident date: Mar 11, 2025
6.2L collapsed lifter on cylnder 5. This os my second engine with the exact same problem as the first engine reason for replacement
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, the check engine, traction, and ABS warning lights illuminated. Once the warning lights had appeared, the speedometer, odometer, and cruise control functions failed to operate as needed. The contact also stated that the transmission failed to shift out park(P). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechani... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Vehicle mpg does not match estimated mpg statement on sales sticker. This has been a consistent problem from date of purchase. Dealer and car manual claim it would improve gradually. It has not. I think they over estimated mpg and/or the milage calculator is defective. I have been to dealer 3 times, they do not make records of my concerns and tell me that 5 mpg off is normal. I have wide fluctu... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Related to the known HCU failure on these vehicles. My first submitted complaint was on Oct 22, 2022 and this issue is still not resolved. I received a letter in mail on January 21st of this year stating that a recall was finally underway. Now it's late March and everyone's standard response is "No Remedy Yet". The remedy is actually installing HCU part number 68143491AB which replaces the corrupt... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2020
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the gear shifter indicator failed to display the correct gear that the gear shifter was shifted into. The contact stated that there was a message for a transmission issue; however, the contact was unsure what the message indicated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of N... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2020
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not ex... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
I have had my car taken to Honda dealerships with an issue of all my warning lights would come on. No one has been able to fix the issue. The spark plugs, battery, air filters, have been replaced and diagnostic tests were done. The warning lights would stop for a couple of months and then start again. The last time all the warning lights came on my car began to stall and not got over 8 - 10 mph wh... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving on the highway at 65 MPH, the vehicle began to jerk excessively, and the contact was forced to pull over to the side of the road. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the fuel injectors and valve cover gasket were faulty ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
Honda error code P0369 upon engine start, vehicle goes into safe mode to prevent engine damage
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
I have a 2023 Acura mdx type s advanced with 16k miles on it and the front driver seat at the bolster is starting to separate and many other owners is having this same issue on their type s models I attached multiple pictures of my seat which is the white seat and other owners seats
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
It has been a known issue that chevrolet has issue with their shifter assembly creating "shift to park" messages and not allowing the car to turn off. My car has gone through this issue twice now and why should people who own chevys be penalized for their defective parts?
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
My tailgate started opening randomly for 2 consecutive days now. This happens while the vehicle is in park with the keys out of the ignition and also while driving down the road exposing items in the bed to possibly fall out and cause potential injury or death from accidents.
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a whining sound coming from the transmission while accelerating. The contact stated that over time, the whining sound became louder, and the vehicle later had transmission shifting malfunctions. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and n... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the trim on the rear glass detached and failed to prevent water from entering inside the vehicle. The contact stated that there was water accumulating underneath the carpet, and there was mold on the carpet. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that recently the third brake light failed and allowed water inside the veh... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2025
Due to a recall Hyundai promised a lifetime extended warranty on the engine of my 2014 Hyundai Sonata concerning a defect in the engine manufacturing. We're as metal shavings can cause rod bearings to wear out causing what is known as engine knocking noise. Well my engine is knocking, and I was told by a license certified mechanic that it's my rod bearings & that the engine is fixing to throw a ro... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
Wipers come on for now reason, no rain and not activated by driver. Interior screen goes black sometimes when backing up. After stopping for a traffic light then taking off, the transmission shifts to neutral. The only way to reengage the transmission is to come to a complete stop, put it in park and then back into drive. I have been to the dealer many times and they say unless it happens whil... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
Wipers come on for now reason, no rain and not activated by driver. Interior screen goes black sometimes when backing up. After stopping for a traffic light then taking off, the transmission shifts to neutral. The only way to reengage the transmission is to come to a complete stop, put it in park and then back into drive. I have been to the dealer many times and they say unless it happens whil... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); 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 contact stated that the A-Pillar trim had started to detach on the driver's side of the vehicle. The dealer wa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
On 3/21/2025 while in the middle lane of highway 290 my 2022 Yukon Denali xl started immediately decreasing in speed. The car went into neutral and I had no control of the acceleration or braking. Then the engine shut off. I wasn’t not able to get my car off of the freeway and had to wait over 1.5 hours to have it towed by GM. This is the second engine that has seized in the car. The car is stil... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2021
While towing a heavy load of approx. 16,000 Lbs. uphill steep grade during 100 degree temperature at low travel speed but high engine RPM a load boom came from the engine compartment. Upon inspection the fan shroud had made contact to the fan and caused severe damaged to the cooling system rendering the vehicle disabled until repairs could be made. This occurred about 30,000 miles ago however the ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2021
After driving about 2,000 miles after an oil change, the oil warning light comes on. This happens regardless of whether I use 3,000-mile or 5,000-mile oil. When I check the oil, it is completely gone. This issue started about a year ago, and now I always carry extra oil because I am worried. My car has a 2016-manufactured engine, but since it is a 2017 model, the dealership says it is not eligib... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2021
I am writing to bring to your attention a serious safety issue I have experienced with my 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring, which has 58,757 miles on it and has been diligently maintained with all scheduled services up to date by Honda dealership. On March 18, 2025, I reported a brake fluid leak originating from underneath the brake pedal inside the cabin. Upon taking the vehicle to an authorized ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the powertrain control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but approximately six days later, while parked, after the vehicle was refueled, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle restarted after approximately 15 minutes. The check engine warning light was... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle was hesitating and downshifted unintendedly. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but had become a recurring failure. The contact stated that he had taken the vehicle to a dealer and was advised that the failure co... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
Dear NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, I am filing this formal complaint to report the sale and interstate delivery of a dangerously defective and noncompliant vehicle sold to me by Arlington Auto Group, located at 3621 Columbia Pike, Arlington, Virginia. On [XXX], I purchased a 2013 Fiat 500 (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle was delivered to my home in Englewood, Colorado on [XXX]. Within 24 hour... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
I replaced the factory alternator about 2 years back and have had to replace it twice since then. The replacement alternator were not from the manufacturer but were brand new. The battery warning light comes on when it starts to fail and the hot wire leading to the alternator gets extremely hot. Didn't experience this until I had the aftermarket alternator installed.