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: Jun 1, 2025
Latent defect in the engine, allowing coolant into cylinder 3 Car could potentially caused by ignition system faults or fuel delivery issues and also rough idle. Mechanic checked the code on the car and the cylinder 3, confirmed the automobile would need a new engine P0303 code- Cylinder 3 misfire that is created from a faulty engineering design
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
The 2024 f-150 3.5L Ecoboost engine has a rough idle when the truck is in park or while sitting at a stop light. At times it will come and go and others it will be a constant vibration that you can feel in the steering wheel and seat. The engine also has an acceleration hesitation right after the first start of the day and usually goes away after driving a couple of minutes.
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
While driving at approximately 70 mph on a highway, the rear subframe of the vehicle suddenly and catastrophically failed. This caused the vehicle to fishtail violently and nearly led to a serious highway accident. I was able to regain control and pull off the road safely, but the vehicle was no longer drivable and had to be towed. An inspection by a certified technician confirmed that the rear s... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
Driving in parking lot, as I went to turn into a spot, my 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe suddenly accelerated as if I had floored the gas. Unintentional acceleration continued as I applied and pumped the brakes. The Jeep hit a concrete and metal pole in the lot, and continued to try to accelerate, crawling up the pole until the engine was shut off.
Crash
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Accord. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, and while driving at various speeds, there was abnormal static coming from the radio. The contact stated that the static increased in volume while driving and the contact was unable to stop the sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnose... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
My car started having loud noises and suspension on both side of my car started making noises and both control arms along with sway barrings and struts are gone bad.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
Coolant intrusion. Ruined the engine. No help from Ford. Engine started overheating with my kids in the car. Could have started on fire. Ford obviously knows the issues with this vehicle, but since it's over the miles, due to my job I travel, they will not fix. Engine barely runs. Engine fault comes across the screen. No check engine light. Also.Engine overheating pull over safely comes a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
Subject: Formal Safety Complaint – Tesla Robotaxi Operation in Austin, TX on [XXX] Dear NHTSA ODI Team, I am writing to formally report a serious safety concern involving a Tesla Robotaxi operating in Austin, Texas on [XXX]. The vehicle was documented drifting into the wrong lane, crossing a double‑yellow line before realigning in the correct lane—posing a definite risk to oncoming traffi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
Subject: Formal Safety Complaint – Tesla Robotaxi Operation in Austin, TX on [XXX] Dear NHTSA ODI Team, I am writing to formally report a serious safety concern involving a Tesla Robotaxi operating in Austin, Texas on [XXX]. The vehicle was documented drifting into the wrong lane, crossing a double‑yellow line before realigning in the correct lane—posing a definite risk to oncoming traffi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
Rear Camera intermittent failure. I was just notified of the recall, but I'm experiencing the issue. Ford doesn't want to authorize the repair under the recall, even though they sent the notice, and I'm having the problem.
Incident date: May 2, 2025
Complaint Regarding Mechanical Failure and $315 Service Charge on Recent Vehicle Purchase I’m writing to formally express my concern and disappointment regarding the recent service experience involving my vehicle purchased on April 12, 2025. A few weeks after purchase, I returned to the dealership with concerns over a check engine light. I was reassured by your service department that nothing ... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2025
At around 44000 miles, the car shutters at low speeds while accelerating. It also seems to get worse the longer the car is being driven.
Incident date: Jun 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 35 MPH. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was skipping gear, slipping, and shifting hard. The check engine warning light was briefly illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the head gasket was failing. The dealer stated t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Honda HR-V. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the rear end of the vehicle was wobbling abnormally. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the results of the diagnostic test was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and suggested that the contact take the vehicle to the dealer... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
Incomplete Software updates. Unreimbursed recall repairs. Removal of connectivity and car safety features.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
On March 10, 2025, I was driving down a residential street, about 40 mph, when the "Brake System Failure, 42 miles top speed," indicator light came on. Seconds later, I was approaching a stop sign and pressed down on the brake pedal. The brakes failed and the brake pedal went directly down to the floor. Luckily there were no other vehicles around and i was able to coast through the stop sign. I co... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
The ABS system kicks in on uneven surfaces even at the slowest speeds. It is almost impossible to stop and have almost hit people several times. This is coming to a stop even if it’s at 5 MPH and the road doesn’t even seem uneven. It is very scary and I’ve almost had an accident multiple times due to not being able to fully engage the brakes.
Incident date: Jun 24, 2025
The fuel injectors failed again, leaving me stranded on a busy road. The first time this happened, I had a little over 8,000 miles on my vehicle - 5 months after purchase. That was two years ago. Now, the injectors have failed for the second time and I am having to pay just north of $1,000 to get them replaced at my Hyundai dealership. It was a terrifying thing to experience and my safety was at r... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
The Steering module and steering gear has failed for a second time within a 12 year window. This steering failure was under recall 15n01 and was repaired AUG. 2014, but has failed again April 2025. There is something wrong with parts failure that should not happen again and I think another recall should be filed again for this ongoing problem. This is a safety issue that needs to be addressed befo... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle slightly hesitated while depressing the start button. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V019000 (Electrical System). The contact scheduled an appointment to have the vehicle serviced; however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle needed... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The moon roof made a very loud noise as I was driving down the interstate. It sounded like a loud bang. The safety risk was that I could have jerked the wheel from the scare of the loud sound. My moon roof then shattered and began to fly off.
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
The fuel injectors got totally clogged and did not run correctly after. They could not be unclogged and had to get new ones. I needed to get the fuel injectors replaced. Every warning you could get on your car came up so that everything was flashing and I could not figure out what the problem was without going to the mechanic.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
Coolant Intrusion - Water pump leaked inside the engine, causing engine failure. The engine has to be replaced. This has been a known problem with this model and has been fixed/covered by the warranty.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
Because of the unresolved battery problem for which a fix was promised by March 2025 the range of my vehicle is limited to the round trip distance from my house. At Highway speeds that means only 60 miles one way. If I am forced to charge at the available Highway rest stop charger I risk a fire, but I may have to do so. This is unacceptable.
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
I purchased a 2021 BMW 530e from a BMW dealership still under warranty. Upon driving the vehicle I have noticed that there is a significant jerk forward when the car shifts from first to second. I have owned multiple BMW vehicles in the past and none of them exhibited this condition, but the three times it has been at the dealership for service they state it is normal. This jerking or unintended ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
Vehicle: 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe Problem Description: While driving at highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly loses all propulsion and displays a message stating: “Put in Park Before Restarting.” This happens without warning, creating an immediate safety risk in traffic. The engine shuts down, and I am forced to stop in the middle of the road, shift to park, and manually restart t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Service Engine Soon" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that an unknown valve needed to be replaced. The unknown valve failure was related to the fuel intake. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
My 2018 Ford Escape that I got under 3 years ago needs a new engine. It has the ecoboost engine. There should be a recall for this car because so many people are struggling with this. I know that there are others out there struggling like I am with a lot left to pay off their lease and not having the ability to buy another vehicle or afford a new engine. My first check engine light came on and w... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
Purchased a 2019 Lincoln navigator in 2024 used at a dealership in Orange Park Florida. The vehicle was taken to the same dealership for an oil change, which is a Volkswagen dealership. I started to hear a loud shaking noise after starting it up. I took it to O’Reilly‘s auto parts and had to put on a machine and I also took it to Paul, Clark Ford and Yulee Florida. I was told by both that it w... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the subframe was severely rusted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a routine oil change and was determined that the subframe was severely rusted. The dealer was unable to be raise the vehicle up on the hydraulic lift. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline fo... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
While stopped at a red light my van alerted me that the start/Stop feature was not working, turned itself off and put the van in Park causing much confusion and my almost getting reended as I was unsure what to do.
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
After maintaining a speed, accelerating just a bit, the steering wheel vibrates until i increase the speed. Twice I have had it into the shop after I purchased it and the Ford dealership said there is nothing wrong. It cost me the 2nd time. There is a recall on a bolt on the rear axle on mine and a steering bolt on another 2020 vehicle. Another mechanic said it could be the transmition not wor... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
After maintaining a speed, accelerating just a bit, the steering wheel vibrates until i increase the speed. Twice I have had it into the shop after I purchased it and the Ford dealership said there is nothing wrong. It cost me the 2nd time. There is a recall on a bolt on the rear axle on mine and a steering bolt on another 2020 vehicle. Another mechanic said it could be the transmition not wor... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2025
Fuel line is rubbing under the hood. I have seen where this is the cause of fires so I went to check mine and it has been rubbing.
Incident date: Jun 19, 2025
I just bought auction, Door was crash, I had it fix Wheel sight now are good. My name is [XXX] [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
When braking on an off ramp, the vehicle began to shudder. The steering wheel and brake pedal were shuddering as well. The vehicle came to slower stop than usual almost causing us to rear end the vehicle in front of us. This has happened prior on uneven roads when slowing/coming to a stop. The dealership does not have an answer and couldn’t reproduce it
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
When braking on an off ramp, the vehicle began to shudder. The steering wheel and brake pedal were shuddering as well. The vehicle came to slower stop than usual almost causing us to rear end the vehicle in front of us. This has happened prior on uneven roads when slowing/coming to a stop. The dealership does not have an answer and couldn’t reproduce it
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? UNKNOWN How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Vehicle stalling and not accelerating after coming to a complete stop. Vehicle decelerating and hesitating when entering the freeway. Starting 40 mph driving up to 65mph. Vehicle hesitates and decelerates to 30mph and we have to p... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2023
Warning lights for collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, and several additional safety features went on without any triggering incident. Brought to the dealership, where diagnosis is DTC U3000-49 Multipurpose Camera Unit/Millimeter Wave Radar internal electronic failure. Technician advised that this failure often happens after a few years for no apparent reason. Repair is upwards of $4000.... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
This has been an issue slowly getting worse over the last few months and escalated this week. June 20th, 2025 my car has literary died over (4) times during traffic and I had to try and stay calm while using a code reader to clear the codes to get the engine to start. Very scary, I have a 2017 Giulia Ti that just hit 100k miles. Even took it to the dealership and they couldn't explain it. Parasiti... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2025
At the beginning of April, 2025, Toyota began sending unrequested solicitations to subscribe to its “connected services” to the multimedia display in the center of the dashboard of the RAV4. Those solicitations take over the entire screen and prevent any other use of the display until the driver takes affirmative steps to dismiss the solicitation. They also interrupt the connection between an ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
Car makes loud clicking noise while making turns. Steering doesn’t come back after making steep turns. Car dealership says they have no remedy to repair the problem.
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
The vehicles MMI multimedia infotainment system will randomly shut off, go blank and reboot. This happens at random intervals and there doesn’t seem to be a pattern to the cause. It also happens at times when trying to back in, this is dangerous as it cuts out the reverse camera and the parking sensors while it reboots. It not only shuts off music it shuts off gps while it reboots. It does it wi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
Electronic steering rack Start to intermittently lose steering, causing random difficulty steering while in operation.
Incident date: Jun 19, 2025
driving at speeds of around 55mph it downshifted into 1st gear this happen at least 3 times. luckily no one was close behind when it happened .
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
My vehicle was experiencing the exact same HVAC/AC issues described in Customer Satisfaction Notification Z33 for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. Although the campaign specifically lists my make, model, and year, Stellantis claims my VIN is not covered. I was forced to pay $175 for the same repair listed in the Z33 document (HVAC module flash, Labor Code 18-Z3-31-82), and this should have been cov... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2021
My vehicle was experiencing the exact same HVAC/AC issues described in Customer Satisfaction Notification Z33 for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. Although the campaign specifically lists my make, model, and year, Stellantis claims my VIN is not covered. I was forced to pay $175 for the same repair listed in the Z33 document (HVAC module flash, Labor Code 18-Z3-31-82), and this should have been cov... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized and failed to turn to the left or the right. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign N... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the message “Engine Failure – Pull Over” was displayed after the failure. The contact pulled over to the side of the road; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine was blown. The ... Read more