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: Oct 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power, after which the message "Critical Battery Level - Stop Car" was displayed, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. The battery warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the Integrated Charging C... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2024
I am submitting this complaint because my 2023 Fisker Ocean One has not received any of the six NHTSA-mandated recalls, and with Fisker Inc. now bankrupt and unreachable, there is no clear path to getting these critical safety repairs completed. My wife drives this vehicle daily for work, covering approximately 100–150 miles per day, and the ongoing safety concerns pose a serious risk to her and... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2025
while entering a freeway the car in front braked suddenly and in the process of braking in response our Fisker did its characteristic "chatter" as the ABS first activated and then stopped braking all together causing us to hit the car ahead. Had the brakes not misbehaved the turning movement to avoid the impact would have allowed the collision to be avoided. Our Tbox has not worked since gettin... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the entertainment, cruise control, and TPMS turned on and off without application. The horn was inoperable. The seat belt, air bag, and tire warning lights were illuminated. A tree fell on the vehicle, and the sunroof was leaking. The contact stated that there was an abnormal amount of fuel outside ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
Engine failed while driving down the road. There was not prior warning signs to this issue. Vehicle was unable to accelerate. The safety of myself and husband were put a risk as we were traveling on an Interstate 12 in Baton Rouge, LA. The vehicle was inspected by Pine Belt Chevy and the cause identified as Camshaft and lifters failed in the engine causing a sudden deacceleration.
Incident date: Feb 4, 2025
I lost power steering and hard to steer. I looked at fuses and f78 looked to be good. I made an appointment with Dodge dealer and when I was going to bring it steering worked. Now I need to wait to see if this issue happens again and this is dangerous while driving. There should be a recall on Module that causes this. I’ve read where this is common. We shouldn’t have to drive a vehicle wit... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
My Kia Sorento has the pearl white paint that began peeling 4 years ago. That is a known issue for Kia vehicles made between 2013 and 2019. [XXX] . While this is not necessarily a safety issue, it is common problem that Kia knows about. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
My Kia Sorento has the pearl white paint that began peeling 4 years ago. That is a known issue for Kia vehicles made between 2013 and 2019. [XXX] . While this is not necessarily a safety issue, it is common problem that Kia knows about. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Feb 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a loud knocking sound before the engine seized. The vehicle was started; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was n... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
I am experiencing upper deck frame flex which our manufacturer has unsuccessfully attempted to repair twice (Nov 2021 and Oct 2024). The manufacturer refuses to accept responsibility for our safety concerns and has ceased all remaining repair attempts which was communicated to us through emails. This excessive flex causes my cargo doors to open while traveling, damage to the supporting frame stru... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was taken to the used car dealer where it was purchased, and the contact was referred the local Hyundai dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an oil consumption test was performed, and the dealer confirmed that the vehicle was experiencing excessi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
Touchscreen continues to change to different screens Ghost touch screen malfunction is know to dealer as prior year models have also had problems and recall was issued Dealer won’t cover cost of repair as it’s out of warranty This just started so I wouldn’t have known during warranty The dealer will repair for $750 which is not fair as it’s a known problem It is very distracting while driv... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2025
There are several things that go wrong with this car. One is the headlights. I’ve had to change them several times over the span of a year. It also burns an insane amount of oil. I have to change it every 2k-3k miles and even at that point it’s almost out, even with an extender put in it. I’ve been told by numerous mechanics that I should just get rid of the car and they only run into this i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was running roughly. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant in the cylinder. Additionally, the engine block was cracked. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2025
ELECTRICAL BRAKE FAILURE WARNING
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
Transmission fill cap plug keeps blowing out and leaves open hole into transmission for rain, debris and another road debris to enter into transmission. My car has 80k miles and has been happening every 5-10k miles resulting in having to buy new transmission fill cap and have a transmission flush almost as often as needing to change the oil
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
srvc4WD. This IS a reoccurring issue. Not only for the 2020 jeep TH but for other years as well. I follow many forms on Jeep Cherokee, everyone states this to be an issue. This issue can cause the vehicle to shutdown or malfunction causing a horrible accident. Jeep needs to get this situated as this is a life risk.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
ABS system failure. Unable to repair the ABS control module because the part is not available making the passenger rear wheel lose traction while starting to move and driving at highway speeds causing the rear of the vehicle to fishtail on dry roads. Even with new tires installed.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
I was driving my vehicle and a loud clunking noise came from the engine, then a flashing engine oil pressure low signal came on the dashboard, the car wouldn’t go over 45 mph and the brake was hard. I had the car towed to the dealership and was told it needs a new engine due to the recall and it would take months to have it fix because there’s no parts but before they can fix my car they have ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
I hadn’t on my car for very long when I stepped on the brakes and my passenger seat flew clear up to the dash. When I stopped and looked at it, they were little metal teeth all over the place underneath the seat. It won’t go all the way up and lock it will only go all the way back and semi lock. If there’s someone sitting in the passenger seat when I press on the brakes, it moves up a few in... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
Our 2021 Cadillac Escalade has experienced multiple ongoing issues. The “driver airbag warning” light has been a major concern, with the dealership stating that the airbag could malfunction at any moment. When we took the vehicle in for repairs, they determined that a previous maintenance job on the driver’s airbag was done incorrectly, which was causing the warning light to activate. Additi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
Our 2021 Cadillac Escalade has experienced multiple ongoing issues. The “driver airbag warning” light has been a major concern, with the dealership stating that the airbag could malfunction at any moment. When we took the vehicle in for repairs, they determined that a previous maintenance job on the driver’s airbag was done incorrectly, which was causing the warning light to activate. Additi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2023
I have a 2017 Ford Fusion with 47,000 miles on it. There is no more warranty. I took my car in to get the recall fixed and I was told I need a new engine because the coolant was leaking into cylinder . I read online that there a numerous complaints about this. I should not at 47,000 have to pay for a new engine.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2023
2022 Nissan Armada AWD battery is being drained for no apparent reason and system check does not reveal anything. Replaced original battery of just over two years and the new battery was drained within six months. Have seen where there are class action lawsuits for years 2019-2021, but nothing on the 2022 vehicle.
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Express 3500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed a huge black puddle of liquid on the ground on the front driver's side. The contact stated that upon inspection, it was determined that the unknown liquid was from the propane tank. In addition, the contact stated that the unknown liquid had a strong foul odor. The vehicle was towed... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
Cranked up Jeep and had no warning lights. Pulled onto highway, Electronic Stability Control alarm sounded. Made it to stop light, stopped, Jeep did not cut off but showed an alarm where it would not move until it was put in park then back in drive. This happened 4 times then stopped. I turned off of the highway onto a different road, got up to speed (approx 60mph) the ESC warning came back on... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact received notification of an undisclosed recall. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off, the front passenger’s side headrest deployed inadvertently. The contact stated that a handheld diagnostic machine retrieved DTC: U0184. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mile... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2025
My car has an issue holding oil. I have had to put quarts of oil in often and it makes my engine knock. It also makes my car lose power while I am driving. I know this is a common issue with these make and models.
Incident date: Feb 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle lunged forward. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was shifting roughly. The contact stated that the vehicle would redline. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined tha... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
While Driving the vehicle shut off all lights went off on dashboard . Vehicle also jerks forward at stop lights transmission issues. There was no warning light or codes when checked with OBD
Incident date: Jun 24, 2023
My ABS pump went out, causing my stability control to not function and cruise control to not function. Cruise control would randomly deactivate, causing a momentary loss of control and ABS function. Dash light illuminated with codes relating to ABS pump and traction control. ABS pump was replaced (part no. 68195569AB) and problem was fixed, but FCA will not reimburse me since I did the work mysel... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2023
On December 2nd 2024, I was driving my lovely 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid to home. All of a sudden, my car started shaking and popped out the engine sign light and other lights on the dashboard. Car moved straight up to about a distance of 50 meters and stopped on the rod side. This incident happened on the residential street not on the Highway. I could have been killed if this incident had happened... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2023
Vehicle slows at times and provides message "Propulsion Power Reduced." At times vehicle will not start and cannot move transmission shifter out of Park.
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
[XXX].The engine intake manifold on our 2012 Mercedes E350 (64,000 miles) EXPLODED with enough force to bend the hood up 2 inches. It was a damp cold morning & the engine had not been started in 12 hours. The car was not locked & the key fob was nowhere close. The fuel level was under 3/4 full. This happened when wife went to get something out of the car and when she pulled the passenger door ha... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
I have received an "Important Safety Recall" issued for my vehicle. In the notice, it states that "The loss of ABS/ESC/Traction control may cause a vehicle crash without prior warning." I have contacted the dealership as well as RAM offices with no answer other than that the part is not available. As a safety issue, this is unacceptable. Please know that legal representation will be sought out.
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Accord. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V763000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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. The contact had not... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag light warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the air bag sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
Passenger seat belt did not retract. No accident or any incident that led to it, normal use. Then noticed the plastic portion where the seat belt feeds is cracked and obstructing it from retracting without feeding it manually back through the shoot
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
On two occasions while driving using Tesla’s FSD, the brake has failed to engage in emergency situations after engaging the brake pedal. I have reported this issue to Tesla as part of a broader buy back request for my car which has had multiple issues and continues to have multiple issues. Tesla simply stated they could not replicate this issue and denied my buyback request. I do not feel safe... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
The front seat belt has unbuckled on it’s own at multiple occasions, the system does alert of the unbuckling but it is a safety hazard if we get into a car accident. It happens randomly without any warning. We did not get it inspected yet
Incident date: Feb 8, 2025
Engine will stall and autoshift in to park and apply emergency parking brake. Happens when trying to accelerate away from a stop. Very dangerous when trying to pull out into traffic. No warning lights or messages on dash.
Incident date: Feb 9, 2025
Steering & front axle make loud clicking noise when turning, Honda is aware of the problem and that the problem gets worse over time but I am worried about steering/suspension failing before Honda has a fix available.
Incident date: Feb 9, 2025
Timing chain rattles, due the the chain tensioner not having motor oil at early morning start-up. This causes the chain to be loose and eventually engine damage. Europe already issued recalls to this issue. They solved this issue by installing a seal, TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FOR CHEVROLET GMC OPEL FEBI BILSTEIN 181945.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The ABS brake warning lights are on all the time. I have no cruise control. There are times when I can't even shift my vehicle into gear. I will be checking to see if I even have 4wd with this light on. But, haven't tried it since the lights have been on.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
Oil in coolant reservoir via engine. Engine replacement.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
While vehicle was in motion, warning light came on stating “engine malfunction, have the vehicle inspected”. Engine light stays illuminated. The message and light now appear at startup
Incident date: Feb 8, 2025
I drove for about 45 minutes and when I went to back up into a parking spot, the lettering from the main screen was visible on the screen while backing up
Incident date: Feb 7, 2025
We had a tire flat, then the following warning lights and alarms repeated sound for up to one minute and appear every time the car is started: Brakes, Brake System Light, TPMS Light, Engine Check Light, Road Departure Light, Electric Parking Brake Problem, Tire Pressure Monitor Problem, Emissions System Problem, Brake System Problem, Brake Hole System Problem, Power Steering System (EPS) Problem, ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2025
We had a tire flat, then the following warning lights and alarms repeated sound for up to one minute and appear every time the car is started: Brakes, Brake System Light, TPMS Light, Engine Check Light, Road Departure Light, Electric Parking Brake Problem, Tire Pressure Monitor Problem, Emissions System Problem, Brake System Problem, Brake Hole System Problem, Power Steering System (EPS) Problem, ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2025
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AFTER FUELING I NOTICED WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE MY CAR STALLS. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ARE ON AND CAR IS SERVICED REGULARLY. BUT,ONE DAY AFTER FUELING 15 MINUTES LATER ,WHILE DRIVING MY CAR STALLS AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON. I DROVE STRAIGHT TO AUTO ZONE AMD OREILY’S TO GET THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODE READ. THEY BOTH COME BACK AS FAULTY EVAP PURGE SOLENOID. I SAW THA... Read more