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: Jan 29, 2025
While driving my ram truck, a notice goes across the cluster center saying to shift vehicle to park. No other lights go on like check engine lights etc. But the truck goes to a complete stop and makes you shift in to park then back in to drive this is dangerous because it happens to me while I am driving to include one time coming off the off ramp on the freeway possibly making someone rear end me... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
While driving, the vehicle went into Engine Power Reduced mode, check engine light went on, and the Brake Assist notification came on. I pulled over and turned off the vehicle; vehicle would not restart. Had the vehicle towed for diagnosis; told initial codes were timing issues. Vehicle has 83,000 miles and showed no evidence of any sort of failures - no warning lights, no brake issues, no hesitat... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
While driving, the vehicle went into Engine Power Reduced mode, check engine light went on, and the Brake Assist notification came on. I pulled over and turned off the vehicle; vehicle would not restart. Had the vehicle towed for diagnosis; told initial codes were timing issues. Vehicle has 83,000 miles and showed no evidence of any sort of failures - no warning lights, no brake issues, no hesitat... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
Started hearing bearing noise from the eTorque MGU (motor generator Unit) at around 40,000 miles on odometer. Took the vehicle to dealer for problem determination and they confirmed it was a problem with the MGU. I was told a total failure can cause the main electrical fuse to fail without warning leaving the vehicle completely without power in traffic. There is also the possibility of the bearing... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
I received a service hybrid electric vehicle system warning. Also vehicle speed may be limited warning. When I shut the vehicle off, it was loud and remained running. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because the warning happened while I was driving and I couldn’t get speed to park in a safe location. I had my car towed to a local Chrysler Jeep Dodge dealer and they updated so... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. 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. ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2024
I purchased a car from Carvana , a few days later the airbag light came on , I was instructed by Carvana to call the warranty place and let them no there was a problem. They instructed me to go to Levanders body shop in GrandIsland Ne . The body shop ran a diagnostic and could not find why the light was going off so they removed the passenger knee panel to which they found the wires were taped an... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
Drivers aid features stopped working
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
Driver assist features disabled while driving
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
Driver assist features disabled while driving
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
Driver assist features disabled while driving
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
Driver assist features disabled while driving
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
Driver assist features disabled while driving
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Audi E-Tron Sportback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V867000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manu... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
I purchased my 2022 GMC SIERRA XLT in February of 2022. I have had it in the shop 4 times for recalls. They couldn’t or didn't put an inspection sticker on the truck because I honestly don’t think it could have passed inspection. The truck sounds like a truck on Transformer when I turn it off breaking town like a robot. On yesterday which was 1/27/2025 while backing up to turn around the truck... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Infiniti JX35. The contact stated that the driver’s side sun visor was unintentionally lowering while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the sun visor was obstructing his vision and had become a distraction while driving. The contact used a bungee cord to hold the sun visor in place to prevent failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the c... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that over time the vehicle became slow to start and that the engine was rattling and shaking abnormally at start-up. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that over time the vehicle became slow to start and that the engine was rattling and shaking abnormally at start-up. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
While driving my kids to school on the freeway I received an alert telling me that my engine was overheating! I was barely given any warning of the rising temperature to allow myself to pull over safely. It never informed me it was rising, only when it was redlined near the max engine temp to which I had to immediately find a place to pull over. I didn't have enough time to get to the next exit 1 ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Charger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V198000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not 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 exp... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2024
The 2 items that were listed on the recall caused the transmission to fail. In turn, I had to replace the transmission. If it weren't for the recall, the transmission would have been fine. I first noticed there was a problem when it wouldn't allow me to shift gears. When the dealership fixed the items listed on the recall, they stated that the transmission wasn't a part of the recall so they were... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
There currently exists a recall (24T-009) on the Continental ProContact GX AO 255/35R19 96H XL tire which was the OEM tire on some MY21+ Audi A4/A5s. The recall was the result of the compound used on the inner and outer edges improperly dissipating heat, resulting in premature wear, and belt breakage. I have a 2023 Audi A4, [XXX] which has the OE Continental ProContact GX AO 245/40R18 97H XL on it... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the sunroof exploded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
Incident date: Dec 25, 2024
Repeated issues of rear self leveling shocks/suspension noise
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving on the highway at 75 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly shut off. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where the vehicle was diag... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
- Autopoilt/FSD had a failure and malfunction, the car speeded up on its own and hit the divider while driving on a highway exit road, which is a u shaped road. - Everyone in the car could be dead if I didn't pull the steer wheeling at the last minute to aviod fatal accident, it was horrifying - I have reported the claim to Tesla right after the incident, but they were not responsive in providin... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
- Autopoilt/FSD had a failure and malfunction, the car speeded up on its own and hit the divider while driving on a highway exit road, which is a u shaped road. - Everyone in the car could be dead if I didn't pull the steer wheeling at the last minute to aviod fatal accident, it was horrifying - I have reported the claim to Tesla right after the incident, but they were not responsive in providin... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
Happened to be driving our car (11/23/25) to drop off our other car for brake pad replacement. On the way to our mechanic the brake light came on in the dash cluster. After having spoken to our mechanic we prepared to leave the car we planned to drop off. Got in our Hyundai Tucson and the brake light was still on, odd. Proceed to back up and he brake pedal almost went to the floor. Got out loo... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the power train warning light had illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while her husband was driving 65-70 MPH on a mountainous road while the contact was occupying the front passenger's side seat, the transmission was stuck in a gear. The contact stated that her husband informed her that upon depressing an unknown pedal, the ped... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate from a stop, the steering wheel seized. The contact turned on the hazard lights and parked on the side of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the power steering was faulty and needed to be rep... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
The DPF got so hot in a matter of a few miles (8 minutes driving) it blew a hole in it, and melted all the wiring under the truck, caused the engine to stop, automatically locking all the doors (thank God my child and husband had stopped and were out) before this happened.
Fire
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of a recall related to the A-pillar trim; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the driver’s side A-pillar trim had detached and almost struck another vehicle. The contact was able to retrieve the A-pillar trims and had her husband temporarily repair the vehicle. The local ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
Missfire from coolent leaking in engine
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
I already sent one, and forgot the pictures, pictures included this time
Fire
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
LEAK IN VALVE COVER GASKET, oil cooler leak
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
Unable to respond to text messages verbally whenever you get a text. Initially the driver could accept and reply thru the radio if so desired but now this function does not work as before. Both the dealer and Chevrolet have not resolved the issue. Three case numbers have been assigned (9-14405693026, 9-14415635001, & 9-1445732776) without resolving the issue. The vehicle is well within warrant... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
A deer hit the driver side of my car. The air bag had a smell but did not deflate. The seatbelts kinda detached from the driver’s seat and both front seatbelts are locked very tight. This happened 1/3/25. About three months ago while driving, the driver seat went into the lowest level position. When I put it back where I could drive it, it did it again. I had to keep putting it in place till I ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 27, 2025
While driving on the highway the truck shut off. A message appeared (Auto StartStop Shift to P, Then Restart Engine) This is an ongoing issue. It has happened three times already while driving. After the error message appears I stop, the turn the truck back on and it works perfectly. The issue is that the truck turns of while going at any speed. I have already replaced the battery.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
There is an active recall on the brake calipers and fuel pump for Acura Mdx 2017, and Hondas. My Acura Mdx 2017 has the same issues with a code of p07e4, which is the brake calipers. When looking up the recall of my car, there is no recall on it when inserting the VIN. My car is an Acura Mdx 2017; I do not understand why it is not included in the recall when it should.
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
Several times while driving the Atlas, the cars engine turn off unexpectedly while in drive. This has also happened while the car was in propulsion. Essentially, the engine kicks off thinking it is in idle. Clearly there is a “start/stop” button issue.
Incident date: Jan 27, 2025
Yes, the issue has been confirmed by Kia. They acknowledged the high oil consumption and indicated that the engine requires a rod bearing replacement. However, Kia does not want to fully recognize the problem. I have taken the car to another mechanic who confirmed that the ignition coil has burnt on cylinder number 3 and identified it as an engine failure along with the high oil consumption.
Incident date: Jan 27, 2025
Engine knocking and metal in oil. Been to the dealership and even though it's under warranty they will not act on it due to no check engine light present. It's making it difficult to trust driving the vehicle anymore because of the thought of the engine shutting down without warning anytime. This complaint is documented and confirmed by a dealership. They made me pay the check out fee and reco... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
The battery constantly fails and the hydrogen system will suddenly shutoff bringing the vehicle to an abrupt stop while driving or in traffic. The steering and braking system stops working when this happens.
Incident date: Oct 21, 2023
Several incidents in which adaptive cruise control resets itself to 90mph when moving into a higher speed limit area- for example, cruising along at 70mph, pass a speed limit sign allowing 75mph, and suddenly the cruise control resets at 90mph. If you are not very consciously thinking about this you quickly find yourself going 90mph. It never resets at 80 or 85- always 90mph. Going 15 or 20 mph fa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2024
While getting in to start my vehicle I got a message code on my screen saying Steering Malfunction, Increased Physical Effort. I contacted Mercedes USA and was told they had a recall on my vehicle which is a 2017 E300 Mercedes Benz. The recall effected vehicles made from July 29,2016 - February 14-2017. My vehicle was within this range being as though it was produced in 08/16. My car only has a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2025
Multiple warning lights and alarms sounding after starting the engine: Collision Mitigation System Problem. Road Departure Mitigation System Problem. Adaptive Cruise Control Problem. Lane Keeping Assist Problem. Auto High Beam Braking System Error. When these warning lights are on, the vehicle continues to drive and brake as if these features were not installed. HOWEVER, since the "Brake System... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2025
Multiple warning lights and alarms sounding after starting the engine: Collision Mitigation System Problem. Road Departure Mitigation System Problem. Adaptive Cruise Control Problem. Lane Keeping Assist Problem. Auto High Beam Braking System Error. When these warning lights are on, the vehicle continues to drive and brake as if these features were not installed. HOWEVER, since the "Brake System... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
Vehicle maintenance light won’t turn off, stays off if car started with AC off but comes on and stays on while AC is running. Coolant overflow valve malfunction