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: Feb 25, 2025
I was driving south in an 80-mph zone on [XXX] between Brookings and Sioux Falls. I had my cruise control set to 82 and had just completed a lane change after passing a semi truck. With no change in the speed limit, the car shifted the set MPH to 30mph and engaged the braking system sharply. I was able to override by pushing the gas, but the mph setting was still set. The experience was a more ext... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
On February 21st when driving on the highway at highway speeds, the vehicle on its own shifted into neutral and I was forced to pull over onto side of the road before the vehicle allowed me to put back into gear of drive. Upon getting back onto the highway, I noticed and heard the sound of the motor very different and louder than normal, I immediately pulled over to the nearest exit to where the v... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2025
I had a recall on my paint. I took it to the dealership where they denied approval.
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
This has now happened 8+ times. While traveling on the highway towing either a boat or trailer, my engine shuts down. This has happened at 75 mph. The error code :Auto StartStop Shift to P, then Restart Engine" displays on the instrument panel. Power steering does not work, steering becomes quite difficult. I have found several other instances of this same issue in Ford forums. So... at 75mph, on ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
Three incidents have occurred in three months. Unintended Acceleration Incident #1. While turning right after a full stop on an uphill incline, the vehicle accelerated so quickly that the steering wheel couldn't be return to the neutral position before hitting a roadside signpost approximately 25 ft away. The impact was severe enough to cause the right front headlight to be broken, the right fro... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
The contact owned a 2020 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the navigational screen was black. The contact stated the navigational screen failed to turn on as needed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approx... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
The contact owned a 2020 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the navigational screen was black. The contact stated the navigational screen failed to turn on as needed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approx... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
My rear park sense turned off, there are trailer light and blind spot warnings happening every few seconds. Just to clarify the truck is not hooked up to anything , also there is a bell ringing every few seconds.
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
Rear hatch does not have manual release. Had to have the rear hatch pried open when the battery failed.
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
The oil pump failed, causing the car to die while on the interstate. There was no prior signs nor warnings to this issue, and it caused the engine to lock up, meaning that the engine now needs to be replaced. This is not unheard of with Hyundai’s.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2025
The sliding rear window assembly which is attached with 4 adhesive tape strips have come loose. The sliding window comes out of the frame and could become airborne if hit from the rear or in a front end collision. It is a very poor way to attach a sliding rear window and the failure rate is high. The bad part of this is most people are probably not aware of the problem other than the window fra... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2025
The sliding rear window assembly which is attached with 4 adhesive tape strips have come loose. The sliding window comes out of the frame and could become airborne if hit from the rear or in a front end collision. It is a very poor way to attach a sliding rear window and the failure rate is high. The bad part of this is most people are probably not aware of the problem other than the window fra... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the oil light was flashing on the instrument panel while turning the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
I was at a stop light and the light turned green, I preceded to press the accelerator, I was just starting to move forward and the, peddle seemed to take over with my assistance went all the way down and began speeding up. I tried breaking and the car just kept going and not wanting to slow down and kept gaining speed, I had to put car in neutral and turn engine off. Same day, same trip about 4 m... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may cause the cell to develop an internal short circuit. Which could cause loss of power and increase the risk of a crash. It also states that battery thermal venting potentially resulting in the car to start on FIRE. There are 2 recalls that could result in the car starting on Fire. Lincoln is anticipating a remedy to be av... Read more
RAM
PROMASTER CITY
(2017) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Feb 26, 2025
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
There was a gas smell that would seep into the driving cabin from the engine. It was intermittent however when it did occur, the smell was strong enough to cause light headedness to the occupants of the vehicle. I took the car to my personal mechanic who told me that this was a common issue with these cars; however, Mercedes had not issued a recall. I my mechanic fix the issue since they had al... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
The unconnected touch screen spazzes out and I am unable to use it. I can’t even turn it off and the light flashing from it affects my eyes while driving at night.
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
The unconnected touch screen spazzes out and I am unable to use it. I can’t even turn it off and the light flashing from it affects my eyes while driving at night.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. 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 stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The CAR had everyt warning light come on the dashboard- this happened multiple times to many people it's been widely reported online. Honda is covering it up and not doing anything about it..... every safety feature in teh car ceases to wor... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
At only 1600 miles on the odometer, I took the car in for oil service and ABS recall. Dealer inspected, said I was OK. They then Flashed the EBS module with new firmware. 4 day's later (less then 6 miles since dealer visit and arriving home after a brief 45mph, 6mile trip, the check engine light came on. As I was 2 blocks from my house, proceeded home. Engine was in limp mode. Suddenly the warning... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
The contact rented a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, smoke was emitting from under the hood and entered the vehicle through the A/C vents. Other drivers were also waving down the contact attempting to notify there was smoke. The contact pulled over to the side of and immediately exited the vehicle. Shortly after there was an explosion and the vehicle caught ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
As I described via various work orders to VW Centennial service since 05-15-2024 (5 service orders ago). I am seriously concerned about the sensor ability to prevent and effectively work when needed. Today, 02-26-2025 I am documenting a clear scenario where ACC failed. On Freeway 215 driving 60 MPG with ACC engaged. Traffic on the freeway came to a standstill, the ACC engaged and stopped my ID4... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
I was told by a mechanic that my engine block has a crack in it and that I need a new engine. This seems to be an ongoing issue with 2018 Ford Escapes. It will cost me $7000 for a used engine and there are a lot of people in the same boat with this vehicle. Is there a recall on it yet??
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
The car is extremely unsafe. The headlights are dim no matter how many times they are replaced. I have to drive with high beams on.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
This happens every time I have lane keeping assist turned on and cruise control activated. The truck will periodically pull all the way to the right of the lane, to the point that the tires are on the right line and I am looking down the center of the lane. The more I fight to keep the truck in the center of the lane, the more it pulls to the right. The only way to stop this, other than disabli... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2025
While driving the vehicle, or sometimes upon starting the vehicle, the Power Steering Assist will intermittently malfunction and I will have no power steering. When this happens while I am driving it puts me and others at risk because I have reduced my ability to steer. I have not had this diagnosed by the dealer, but I will soon. I have not had the component inspected by anyone at this time. When... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2025
I have an invoice regarding multiple leaks on the engine, and loud rattling noise from the cam phasers. This engine is notorious to have these leaks from every forum I have read. It doesn’t seem to have a mileage relation either. The problem I have with this is that these leaking components can leak fast enough for a customer to not notice and can lose lubrication within the engine leading to pr... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
Fuel injectors are bad. $2300 at the dealership to fix it. Mine went out in my driveway so I guess I’m lucky. There are a ton of these on the road and many are having this exact problem.
Incident date: Jan 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X1. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was a significant amount of smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a coolant leak was found. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); whi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X1. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was a significant amount of smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a coolant leak was found. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); whi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the Forward Collision Avoidance system failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the brakes were independently engaged. The contact stated that items that were in the rear of the vehicle came to the front of the vehicle due to the sudden stop. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mec... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X1. 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 stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
About 2 minutes after I started driving, I got a "Stop Vehicle and Check Power Supply" warning. The car slower to about 20 mph and would not go any faster. After returning home, I had the car towed to the dealership. Hyundai said that the ICCU unit failed. This was days after the same dealer performed recall work that was supposed to address ICCU issues.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
With 22k miles on vehicle, car won’t start due to Brake power low fault. Battery was replaced in attempt to rectify problem with no success, vehicle will need to be towed in for repair.
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
Vehicle is showing the GM "SHIFT TO PARK" error code on the dash board, when turning the engine off.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, and the engine was misfiring with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the camshaft had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
Lights in vehicle stays on, collision warning disabled it self.
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
Lights in vehicle stays on, collision warning disabled it self.
Incident date: Dec 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V406000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL) and 23V411000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
I purchased a vehicle from a dealer and there was an open recall for said vehicle. I was looking on the NHTSA.gov website and discovered a document mentioning that it is illegal for a dealership to sell a vehicle with an open & not fixed recall, prior to selling said vehicle. I am not entirely sure what this means for me and my vehicle but, I wanted to submit a claim just in case. Please contact m... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
Approximately 3 miles into my trip i smelled something burning, thought it was a tractor trailer in front of me. Then my cab filled with smoke, I pulled over on the side of the road and examined the truck. The rear sliding window on the passenger side was cherry red and smoldering. I shut off the rear defrost, the cherry went out then the window shattered. No warning or beeps. My passenger and m... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
I have called Kia multiple times about my 2020 Kia soul burning oil. The car is only 5 years old and should not be going through oil like it is. My car takes 5 quarts of oil. I do an oil change every 3,000 miles. When I drain the old oil it’s only at 2 quarts. The car burns 3 quarts of oil every 3,000 miles.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
I reported the vehicle to Dealer for above oil consumption, which they confirmed with service check of oil level. Vehicle often stammered and failed to accelerate upon purchase. This vehicle stammered and Engine began to smoke. Vehicle could started first, turned unit off. Vehicle is being towed to shop for diagnostic results.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
At highway speeds, the SUV experiences significant body sway when hitting a bump, causing it to rock side to side in an unsettling manner. This issue makes the vehicle feel unstable and nervous, requiring the driver to slow down to regain control. The excessive body roll presents a potential safety hazard, as it could lead to a loss of control in certain conditions. Based on my research, this prob... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2025
At 76000 miles my 2020 Highlander water pump began to fail. 20 days after the water pump was replaced at Kings Toyota dealership, the transmission is now failing at 79000 miles. The warranty only covers repairs on each up to 60000 miles. This car has been maintained by the dealership and no engine light ever came on. The water pump was $1200 to repair and I’m being quoted $10K to repair the tra... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
We received a recall letter for Emission recall dealing with the system reading that the catalytic converter is bad. We had this happen a year ago, and had to have the catalytic converter replaced because it was showing it was bad. This recall letter says that it will show it’s bad, but may not be bad. We spent almost $3000 because we live in a state with inspections. This letter shows that i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
We received a recall letter for Emission recall dealing with the system reading that the catalytic converter is bad. We had this happen a year ago, and had to have the catalytic converter replaced because it was showing it was bad. This recall letter says that it will show it’s bad, but may not be bad. We spent almost $3000 because we live in a state with inspections. This letter shows that i... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to drive forward or to reverse. The RPM was raised high, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced; however, the parts were on backorder. T... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
My father has the same year mini cooper and has a recall on the foot control module. He actually just got it fixed even though he hadn't had any issues with it yet. My mini has had the foot control module go bad. My car is unusable. I have no interior lights, no dash lights, no turn signals, no blowers, the windows controls don't work. I had to drive it once because I hit a deer with my other ve... Read more