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: Feb 1, 2021
The vehicle would make noises and stalls during accelerations and decelerations. It would struggle to shift into gear, especially from 1st to 2nd gear. When the vehicle comes to a stop at traffic lights or stop signs, it's really hard to get the car to move when accelerating. In high speed on the highway, the vehicle would struggle to increase speed when accelerating and the vehicle would aut... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, several unknown messages were displayed before the vehicle shifted to SAFE Mode. Additionally, the contact disconnected and reconnected the battery and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a particulate filter failure. The vehicle was rep... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
Every few months, my car receives a warning stating "Front passenger safety restraint system fault". This error noted that there are issues related to checking the front passenger seatbelt/airbag status, and that they may not work as expected. Tesla has tried to repair this 4 times on my car already, but the error keeps coming back after a few months. This is now the 5th time this is happening in ... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the horn failed to function as intended. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the right lane sensor stopped working as intended. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 60 MPH in the rain or on ro... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
I’ve been experiencing power loss and surges/RPMs drop for nearly a month now while driving at various speeds. Each time, the iStop indicator comes on. This is a serious safety concern. I am extremely worried that the vehicle could stall, especially while my family is in the car, while driving on a busy highway. Undoubtedly, this issue presents a significant risk to the safety of drivers and p... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
The shade on the moonroof dislodged making it difficult to see out of my rear window.
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
More than two weeks ago, my 2017 Chevrolet Volt LT showed BECM codes. The local dealership service center said they would order the parts for a complete replacement. The work and parts are covered under warranty as this has been a common issue. The BECM and coolant arrived within a few days, but the remaining parts are back ordered! After two weeks of waiting GM has failed to send the parts and I ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
This is my second report as I have 2 VW Taos 2022 model vehicles. This vehicle also needed rear brake pads replaced after only 11233 miles. This is a low mileage vehicle and was outside of the extended warranty VW had offered and hence did not cover the repair. These faulty brake pads also damaged the rotors and they needed replacement too. This is a safety and a quality issue. VW needs to recall ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
I was driving after 2 weeks of purchasing the truck the engine light came on and a message on the dash board that read loose of engine propulsion the truck was having a very hard time accelerating and it was jerking and it would not go into reverse at all this happened on May 30th 2025
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
The ABS system is faulty. When traveling at relatively low speeds (<20 mph) and over uneven surfaces (train tracks, pot holes, speed bumps, entering parking lots) the brake pedal will go all the way to the floor while the vehicle stutters. The ABS makes the vehicle shake even after the surface has returned to normal and the vehicle stopping distance dramatically increases from where it should be. ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
The engine failed/died while being driven on the highway by my son, nearly causing a life threatening accident. I brought the car to our trusted Honda mechanic (certified mechanics specializing in Hondas/Acuras) and was told the problem was a rod bearing issue, there was a recall (23V-751) and to take the vehicle to a dealership. I paid to have the car towed to Honda of Annapolis and was told the ... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2025
No warning messages or signs. It has happened twice now. The rear suspension airbag leveling system has blown out. Two separate times. The suspension is now out on the rear of the vehicle which is a safety concern. Also, when the air bag does blow, it is loud and startling. When driving and it blows up, it is very startling and then you are driving with a trailer connected and a compromised ... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2025
I have a 2021 Acura RDX A-spec AW and ever since I had a brakes problem, when applying brakes will not take break promptly kept slipping like going I address this to the dealer numerous time and what they said is that they haven’t had a recall in order to know what really the problem is I think is due to my calipers and probably rotors, but I think is the cut for defect on these 2021 Acura RDX .... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2025
I learned 2 weeks ago my 6.2L was part of the recall. I took a business trip in the truck with about 19,000 miles last week. I got home Friday noon. Truck was parked from Friday till this afternoon. Went to remote start it, it started, was misfiring and stalled, I could hear what I thought was a rod clanking. I got in the truck, started it with the start button, same thing. Had my 19yr old son ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
Passenger side headlamp burned out took off bumper to inspect and the wiring pigtail to the headlight has melted causing it to malfunction so now in order to make it work you have to disconnect the daytime running lights so that the melting stops this is supposedly happened to a lot of Malibu's why there isn't a recall on this fire hazard is beyond me and it is a safety issue cuz you can't use you... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
Rear windowed defroster suddenly start working upon inspection the rear electrical block that's inside the trunk had melted in the fuse to the defroster had gotten stuck and went on pulling it out it broke and after looking up complaints it seems to be an issue with Malibu and it could cause a fire but GM is doing nothing about it you have to pay for it yourself they released a bulletin to bypass ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
I got my child out of her Chicco fit360 at a store, when I came out to put her back in, the chest clip release buttons were stuck. The chest clip would not close together because the open buttons were stuck. I kept pushing them trying to get them to release, I tried pushing them out from the inside & finally got them to release. After the hour drive home, when I went to open the chest clip, the si... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2025
During cold winter months in below freezing temperatures, a red warning light will turn on when the electronic steering fails and the electronic steering will randomly lock up while driving. Making it extremely difficult to steer and nearly impossible to use at a stop or slow speeds. When inspected, the entire steering rack with the steering electronic module needs replacing.
Incident date: May 28, 2025
Nothing has happened yet, but I have been unable to get the connecting rod bearings inspected per the Honda safety recall notice. I contacted the Honda dealer in January of 2025 to have the bearings inspected, as well as to have the fuel pump replaced (also under recall). I wanted them both done at the same time. I set up an appointment for May 21st of 2025, because that date was the first mutu... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2025
While driving, the steering wheel jerks to the left. There is a constant pressure of the wheel turning left. This puts me and others in danger. There have been other experiences from other people on different forums that have experienced this. Warning lamp did come on for electric steering but turned off a few days later.
Incident date: May 27, 2025
I have a seat sensor airbag code and a b0d5 code
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
On [XXX] at [XXX], my [XXX] daughter was locked inside my 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe (VIN: [XXX] ) while holding the Smart Key fob in the back seat. She pressed the lock button, and the vehicle completely locked — with her and the key fob still inside. This violates the Smart Key safety feature described in Hyundai’s owner’s manual, which says the car should not lock if the key is inside. That ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
On [XXX] I was traveling in my 2022 Trd Pro Tundra 5.5 hv. I was taking a left turn at a green light, when all of the sudden lights appeared on my dash saying “HYBRID SYSTEM MALFUNCTION, visit your dealer”. The car continued to function for approximately 1 minute, until the next light where it turned off. I tried to turn the vehicle back on, but it started to shake when it tried to start. At t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2025
The Shifter Control Assembly keeps malfunctioning 3 times in the last 4 years on our 2019 Chevy Traverse. When my wife puts the shifter in Park and proceeds to shut down the vehicle, the Traverse will not recognizes that she is in park already, and will not let her shut off the vehicle. She must then reverse and forward the care several times until the sensor or solenoid engages and recognizes it ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
The overhead console is falling off due to weak plastic brackets in the housing. This overhead console failed over time with no contact and seems to be a big issue for many 2020 Tiguan owners. The console hanging down creating a driving hazard. There are many forum discussions laying out the issue and VW will not repair.
Incident date: May 22, 2025
The steering wheeled locked up and the dash showed error messages of check hybrid system and refill inverter coolant and car seemed to go into limp mode as I could barely accelerate forcing me to pull over. The messages and issue would go away upon turning off car and turning it back on, however the issue would eventually happen again. This has happened while driving on the highway and other vario... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while driving at 8 MPH to an appointment and making several turns in the parking lot, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and crashed into the building. There were no warning lights illuminated. The top of the vehicle had to be cut off. The driver had a concussion, soft tissue injuries to the neck and back. The passenger sustained a fractur... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle started. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related to the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N03. The contact investiga... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
To whom it may concern , I brought a 2023 jeep grand Cherokee summit L. i am having a problem with my third row seat on the right side not returning to up right position after letting it down and the right side passenger mirror motor will not automatically fold , keep going out after a few days after coming out the shop. both the seat and mirror has been repaired two times each. I want to know a... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2025
While driving vehicle lost power and started smoking; and would not restart. Towed to honda, they stated engine siezed and connecting rod was protruding out of the side of engine. Took to another shop and they confirmed rod bearings failed and caused connecting rod to break causing it to go through the engine. When attempted to restart car check engine light was on. Heads to the engine were good. ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
When it rains, the water goes inside the door. So I have lots of water in my door. Toyota didn’t properly seal the outside of the door.
Incident date: May 24, 2025
Within 4 months, I’ve spent $12k on transmission replacement (refurb.) (Metallics in the fluid), Fuel injectors, etc. The check engine light is still on…Now Im told that coolant is leaking into my engine, and the engine needs replaced! (Coolant intrusion) Another $9k for parts and labor! i just paid the car off! Ive kept up with repairs and service! Ive done everything the dealer has sugge... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2025
This vehicle had been in the shop for over a month due to the emergency brake system freezing up causing my rear wheels to lock up, to smoke and rotors become damaged. Dealership could not find anything wrong as could not duplicate the issue. They did say that the EBS did engage while driving down the interstate at 70+ MPH. No reason why. Not normal! It was returned to me. Then 1 week afte... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2025
I purchased a 2015 Kia Optima 2.4L GDI (VIN: [XXX] ) with a blown engine, which is covered under Kia’s extended engine warranty. I contacted Jim Butler Kia in Chesterfield, MO, where the last service was performed, and requested the free engine replacement under warranty. They acknowledged that the car is covered, but refused to perform the repair because the vehicle is not yet registered. I ex... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
Steering began to "stick", especially at highway speeds and when trying to keep car centered in lane, causing frequent overcorrection and difficulty maintaining lane control. No warning lights, messages, etc. Dealership confirmed and the diagnosis was that the motor powering electric power steering was faulty and steering rack needed to be replaced. First noticed the issue during summer of 2024, b... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
Steering began to "stick", especially at highway speeds and when trying to keep car centered in lane, causing frequent overcorrection and difficulty maintaining lane control. No warning lights, messages, etc. Dealership confirmed and the diagnosis was that the motor powering electric power steering was faulty and steering rack needed to be replaced. First noticed the issue during summer of 2024, b... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
Leaking head gasket, low coolant light came on twice.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
Transmission issues since purchasing used. Has been in once for Transmission reprogramming. Less than 6 months later, Transmission now bucks when foot removed from accelerator and shifts out of gear while driving. Returning to Lincoln dealer 6/6 for additional service.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
I own a 2020 BMX X5 S40i. Car was parked and turned off. When I tried to turn the car ON, the car refused to start and smoke and fire smell started coming from engine compartment. I opened the hood and could smell a burning smell. Waited for smell to disappear and tried starting the car again. Car would not start and burning smell appeared again. Got a warning on the dashboard that engine compartm... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
Started the vehicle and before we could put it in gear, the airbags in the back seat deployed. I contacted Jeep Customer Service and was given case # 93132151 and they had it towed to the nearest dealership for diagnosis. Then Jeep refused to pay the diagnostic fee and the dealership won’t do the diagnosis. Our fear is that the vehicle is unsafe to drive as the front airbags could now go off.
Incident date: May 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel was sticking while turning. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to the lo... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla equipped with Yokohama Tires, Tire Line: Blue Earth, Tire Size: 205/55/R16, DOT Number: FD8K-LL012. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started to shake and vibrate abnormally. The contact stated that after stopping to inspect the vehicle, the contact discovered that the rear passenger’s side tire had experienced a sidewa... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla equipped with Yokohama Tires, Tire Line: Blue Earth, Tire Size: 205/55/R16, DOT Number: FD8K-LL012. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started to shake and vibrate abnormally. The contact stated that after stopping to inspect the vehicle, the contact discovered that the rear passenger’s side tire had experienced a sidewa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
The truck ever since of bought it has been nothing but issues. Starting with the fuel pump issues then electrical issues and most recently the coolant flow control valve. This is my work truck and now I’m out of a truck with no loaner and the dealership has no eta.
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
I am filing a complaint regarding ongoing and worsening issues with my Chevrolet vehicle, which appear to point to broader defects involving the engine and electrical systems. Months ago, while driving, the car suddenly lost power and displayed "Engine Power Reduced." I had to keep using it due to work needs. Over time, it hesitated more during acceleration and felt increasingly unsafe. When I fi... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2025
Digital display that shows speed and fuel level stops working and goes black while driving. Happened in 2024 and the display was replaced at my cost. New display experienced the same blackout in January 2025. Manufacturer is unable to deliver a new replacement display to their dealership to fix the vehicle. It has been almost 5 months without any resolution in sight. Other owners who have use... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated, and the message to "Inspect the Braking System" was displayed. The contact stated that upon scanning the vehicle with a vehicle scanner, the contact retrieved diagnostic trouble codes for an ABS system failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydra... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the instrument cluster, steering functions, camera, and seat were inoperable. The contact stated that the instrument cluster was blank. While driving, there was a message “Can not Remove or Delete while Driving”. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure was due to ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
Driving across town. Going around 30 mph. Through a busy intersection and the rear wheels locked up again. Sends a jolt to anyone in the vehicle. Causing a whiplash effect. Scary as hell. Seems to happen almost daily now. Very unsafe. Worried about myself and anyone behind me. Dealer and other mechanics described it as "momentary wheel lock up". Please issue a recall.
Incident date: May 28, 2025
Out of thousands of 2019 owners, my head gasket has blown. This isn’t right.