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 17, 2025
While driving at 65 mph on a freeway, the engine failed and cracked a rod with fresh oil and all maintenance done regularly. Truck brakes would not work after engine failure. Truck was fully disabled and I was stranded on freeway @ 90,000 miles. Lights on exterior of the vehicle were dim after engine failed
Incident date: May 8, 2024
When I stopped in traffic, there are times the gear shifted from drive (D) to neutral (N) by itself. And sometimes the engine shuts off. This problem started last month until now. I brought the car to the dealership for diagnostic tests but according to them, they found no problem with my car. I saw in social media that lots of MDX owners experienced the same problem.
Incident date: Feb 9, 2025
I have a 2018 chr and the transmission start make a noise so i bring the car to the Toyota dealer and the transmission shift fine is making noise like some baring or gear is going bad so they told me the transmission needs to be replaced and the cost is $9000 plus labor total $11000 so a cost more than the car so I don’t know why Toyota use this type of transmission if the cost so much is not ge... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2025
We have 2 2022 Jeep vehicles with the EcoDiesel engines in them (a Gladiator and Wrangler) that we purchased in 2022. I am filing a case for each of them on this site. In April 2023 there was a recall of the fuel pump on the 3.0 EcoDiesel and to date the problem has not been rectified for either of my vehicles. We have made notification to the dealership that we want to get this done but they say ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
Engine has ceased at 67000 miles a mechanics has searched my VIN id number and 3 recalls have come back but Volkswagen says they are not applicable to my vehicle. I’d like to confirm this if possible
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
Engine has ceased at 67000 miles a mechanics has searched my VIN id number and 3 recalls have come back but Volkswagen says they are not applicable to my vehicle. I’d like to confirm this if possible
Incident date: Feb 16, 2025
LT265/70R17, I received a recall notice from Amazon where I purchased a set of 4 tires. I only use these tires for winter driving and the notice states I should remove them immediately. They do not say for me to purchase new ones at the same time or if I will be reimbursed for any (all) cost. I still have around 70% of wear on them and am in the mid-winter season of McCall ID. I can't see any faul... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
The transmission is starting to whine at 108,000 miles. Toyota service told me the only fix is a replacement and they have seen two failures within the same week. They also said this is a known issue with this model year. A Reddit thread shows many owners in the US and Canada with the same issue. If this is resulting in failures of the transmission in operation this is a safety issue and a reasona... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
I purchased a used 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I only drove the jeep for 2 days and the check engine light came on. On the way to the mechanic the jeep overheated. I was left on the side of a busy road and put in a dangerous situation. When I made it my mechanic shop, the mechanic explained the 3.6 engine has repeat issues with overheating! I now have a vehicle I cannot drive. Why has there not been... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
The Volt experienced a "Shift to Park" error, preventing it from recognizing when it was in park, even when the gearshift was engaged. While this issue was frustrating, it initially didn’t affect the car’s driving capability. I simply had to wiggle the gearshift until the system registered that it was in park. This problem persisted for a month until one day, the vehicle would no longer shift ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
The Volt experienced a "Shift to Park" error, preventing it from recognizing when it was in park, even when the gearshift was engaged. While this issue was frustrating, it initially didn’t affect the car’s driving capability. I simply had to wiggle the gearshift until the system registered that it was in park. This problem persisted for a month until one day, the vehicle would no longer shift ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the ongoing issues that are being seen with the NHTSA recall campaign numbers 24V865000 and 24V623000.I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to formally express my concerns regarding the OTA (Over-the-Air) update process for my vehicle. The current OTA process is a disaster! The first update attempt was incomplete with only 1/3 of the up... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
Dear NTSB Team, I am writing to formally report a serious safety incident involving my 2019 BMW 530E, which occurred last night on [XXX] in Danville, CA. My vehicle was parked in my friend’s private driveway, with the parking brake engaged and the gear selector set to Park. I was chatting with my friend who was in the passenger seat . My feet were on the floorboard, my seat belt was on and the... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Feb 15, 2025
Dear NTSB Team, I am writing to formally report a serious safety incident involving my 2019 BMW 530E, which occurred last night on [XXX] in Danville, CA. My vehicle was parked in my friend’s private driveway, with the parking brake engaged and the gear selector set to Park. I was chatting with my friend who was in the passenger seat . My feet were on the floorboard, my seat belt was on and the... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Feb 11, 2025
The EGR valve failed. This caused the vehicle to have insufficient propulsion while driving. The dealer has confirmed the EGR valve is the problem. The vehicle is at the dealership. The check engine light came on. The dealer is now stating the replacement EGR valve is a $4000 part because GM stopped making the part when they discontinued the Volt. An EGR valve should cost $250-$400 not $4000. The... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2024
The contact owned a 2022 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, the contact and his family were asleep when they woke up to a loud abnormal sound coming from the residence's driveway. The contact looked outside of the window and discovered that the entire vehicle, the garage door, and the roof were on fire. No warning lights were illuminated. The origi... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
Transmission malfunctioned while driving, causing no available power to move the vehicle. Had to coast in neutral and stopped in the road. Towed the truck to the dealer and they confirmed the transmission has failed. No warning lamps present or pre-indication of failure.
RAM
2500
(2018) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Feb 14, 2025
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while shifting from park(P) to drive(D), there was an abnormal thud coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and a diagnostic test was performed. The vehicle was diagnosed with a defective catalytic converter. The manufact... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle hesitated. There was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the vehicle. The parking brake, traction control, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the stability control and AWD were temporarily unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear sensor w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2025
When accelerating from a stop, knocking clicking noises can be heard. At first, it was only while making a left turn, but now it can be heard when turning in either direction or going straight. It only happens at low speeds. This puts my safety and the safety of others at risk because a failure could result in loss of power to the wheel and/or control of the vehicle. The problem has been confirmed... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Versa Note. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine unexpectedly shut off with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was able to restart, but the contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic; however, the cause of the failure could not be dete... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2025
Fisker attempted to install a software update (Software OS 2.2) to my vehicle over the air which was intended to address recall number 24V623000. This attempted software update caused the vehicle's 12 Volt battery to drain, resulting in the car activating its low battery audible alarm and damaging the battery requiring me to pay for a new battery and its installation. The software was not successf... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
The contact's daughter-in-law owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that the message "Rear belt monitor fault - Service Required' was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear-row seat belt harnesses needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the warranty had expired. In addition, the contact stated ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
The camera with the water cleaner spray device, leaked water inside the LED taillight, this is a hazard that can make a shortcut and damaged the tail light LEDs.
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
im smelling exhast when driving my car and its strong, was told that there is a recall for this issue for 21 and 22 ford brnco sports but mine is not included yet I'm having the issue
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
While Driving ABS, Brake, and Traction Control lights came on simultaneously. Had error codes read and was issuing a C2200 error signifying that ABS control module had failed. Contacted local Dealership to obtain part and was informed by Martin Dodge in Cleveland Texas that the part was not being manufactured because of an engineering issue. Am concerned that this is an issue for all similar vehi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2025
Vehicle cut off in middle of intersection, locked emergency brake a d turned on battery light. Took several min to get vehicle operational. This put my family and I in grave danger. This issue has bee. Reported by priovious owner also. Very scary
Incident date: Feb 13, 2025
1. The vehicle jumps when being put into gear and sometimes slips or is delayed as well. It also has a sound that goes along with it. This has been a problem since the first started driving the vehicle. Like many issues with this vehicle it is not consistent, however I estimate that this happens 75% of the time. 2. I have bumped are in my car port multiple times. I've stayed very vigilant as, it ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Camry. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); 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. The contact had not experien... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2023
Vehicle has continuous ongoing issues since day of purchase with big screen radio display. System randomly changes screens and drops connection with source over and over again while vehicle is in operation. This is also affecting the rear parking assist sensor system making it work randomly at times and give false triggers or sometimes no triggers when collision is about to happen. The random scre... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2023
Hello, The problem that I am having, and that many people have been having with the 8th generation Volkswagen Golf Rs (and GTIs as well) is with the "hill hold" feature. My car is manual transmission. When on a hill, the hill hold feature automatically holds the brakes after you take your foot off the brake. The way this feature is supposed to work is that the hill hold is supposed to release upo... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2023
During the most recent weather, light snow, the sensor on the front of the car ices over and disables many of the safety features while driving. The driver will get a caution alert on the dash that says "some" safety features "May" be disabled. However, there is no information about which ones or why. This particular issue has happened multiple times in inclement weather. Also I know it's a proble... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
Vehicle began making a whining noise when starting with car in park, accelerating or decelerating. Didn’t seem to drive like normal. I Immediately took car to my usual mechanic and was notified it was the CVT transmission and it would need to be replaced. I was made aware of the recall by my mechanic. I contacted Nissan and was told they would not cover it. I’ve kept regular maintenance on my... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
My vehicle was recalled due to safety issues relating to the potential for the high voltage battery to catch fire(Recall H514- 24V633000). The interim fix was to reduce the capability of the vehicle to 80% charge, which negated the need to park away from structures. This was completed by my dealer in Nov 2024. The final fix for this issue was for the vehicle to be repurchased "As quickly as possib... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
I have all the outstanding issues out on this car and probably more. For example, sometimes the car's brakes will fail and the car can roll away. There are times when the car's regenerative braking is not working properly which decreases braking performance and can lead to a crash. Sometimes I notice that my car has a loss of power, which is concerning as it may cause an accident or worse. My ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed a burning odor around the exterior of the vehicle. The contact performed an inspection and determined that the burning odor was coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was started, and an error message was displayed, instructing the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer within the ne... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am filing a formal complaint regarding excessively bright vehicle headlights, which pose a serious safety hazard by impairing visibility and increasing the risk of accidents. Many modern headlights are so intensely bright that they cause temporary blindness, lingering spots in vision, and severe glare, making it difficult to see the road saf... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2025
SBC braking system stated as covered under 25 year/unlimited miles warranty. SBC system failed on 2/1/25. Vehicle towed to local dealer service facility on 2/3/25. Tow was authorized at no charge by MB Roadside Assistance at no charge plus $100.00 credit toward diagnostic. Was told by phone on 2/3/25 that upon confirmation that SBC did in fact fail, the SBC replacement would be performed at no cha... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2025
Tire Size: 265 70 16. While driving on a straight and level highway, the right rear tire sidewall completely shredded. Tire lost all air pressure and separated from the rim. I bought four General Grabber tires in July 2021. This is the second tire that the sidewall shredded. The first one shredded on the left rear side in July of 2024. There are a lot of General Grabber tires being recalled for... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2025
Due to a faulty sensor in the driver seat, the car shifts into Park at random when at a red light. This is large triggered by the driver shifting their weight in the seat, which causes the vehicle to interpret that the driver has exited the vehicle. The door system will malfunction and lock the doors even when the key fob is in the vehicle when there is no one in the vehicle and all power is on.... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2025
Loud clicking from left side of the vehicle when making a right hand turn.
Incident date: Apr 12, 2023
There is supposed to be an OTA update but the company went bankrupt and the recall has not been corrected. water pump as well. i cannot afford to do it. No idea how. When you hit the brake over a pothole or any metal, it does not stop
Incident date: Apr 12, 2023
There is supposed to be an OTA update but the company went bankrupt and the recall has not been corrected. water pump as well. i cannot afford to do it. No idea how. When you hit the brake over a pothole or any metal, it does not stop
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that his wife had used the Tesla Summon function in the mobile app to electronically summon the vehicle while she was entering the residential parking lot. The contact stated that while the vehicle was driving towards his wife, the rear passenger's side door crashed into the front bumper of a parked vehicle, causing minor scratches to the v... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving in negative 10-degree weather at 75 MPH, the driver's and passenger’s side curtain air bags deployed without warning or impact. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000. The VIN was not available.
Incident date: Feb 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while in a drive-through, he noticed a smoky odor. The contact stated that he looked through the rearview mirror and noticed that smoke was coming from the rear window of the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and inspected the rear window. The contact noticed an inch-long fire at the bottom of the rear window. The con... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his wife was reversing, the backup camera failed to operate, and as a result, the driver crashed into another vehicle. The rear glass shattered on impact. The rear bumper was damaged. There were no warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire or air bag deploy... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his wife was reversing, the backup camera failed to operate, and as a result, the driver crashed into another vehicle. The rear glass shattered on impact. The rear bumper was damaged. There were no warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire or air bag deploy... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 20, 2024
My ABS light keeps coming on intermittently. I been calling mopar since this recall started in 2024 and they are not supplying needed parts to the dealership to fix it. I call mopar and no ETA on the parts. I want this fixed since they said it can cause my truck to wreck with no notice. I have kids in my truck all the time and mad on delay. How are they getting by not fixing this.