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: Nov 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the button located on the shift lever had detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The contact owned a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, occupied with his son in the vehicle, another vehicle collided into the front center of the vehicle, causing the vehicle to merge into another lane. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained injuries to his neck, shoulder, and lower back. The contact son sustained injuries to the neck. No medical at... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side A-pillar trim slightly detached, and an abnormal sound was coming from the windshield. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
3 year old 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan sxt had failed transmission pump and transmission. I was driving 30 mph and it lunged forward fast after not changing gears for 2 miles. My warranty company put the wrong replacement transmission that is a closed transmission. It was from a junk yard reject with crumbled gasket leaking everywhere. Then a year later December 2024 they replaced gasket with liqu... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
The seat belts on both sides of the rear seats have frayed completely through the belt webbing at the same exact point. Where the belts connects to the retractor I believe is the name of it. Both belts are entirely separated at the point where they pass through the outer wall. If my inspection station didn't notice the problem on the passenger rear they would not have looked at the driver's si... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
While driving the MMI (infotainment system) spontaneously reboots. The screen goes black, all audio shuts off and proceeds to boot up as if the car had been turned off and turned back on again. This happens multiple times per drive, every day. It can even happen while the car is in reverse and the backup camera is in use which is very dangerous. This appears to be a widespread issue based on the n... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2021
[XXX] on [XXX], traveling 70mph on busy highway, blind spot monitoring failed, gear display failed, and check transmission message flashed across display. Had to guide car safety off road and into parking lot. This was first time ever happened. Did not know what was going on or what was happening; safety features like blind spot monitoring (especially after becoming accustomed to) failing all o... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
We had a failed lifter that caused bent rods which caused scratches on the crank shaft which caused us to have to replace the engine. After a simple internet search I have found the lifter failure is very common with gms 5.3 v8. We were told oil needs to be changed at least every 5000 miles although the vehicle prompts you around 7000.
Incident date: Apr 27, 2025
The left turn signal fails to activate when pressing down on the turn signal lever. Happens intermittently. Vinfast repair center says they can not duplicate the problem. Online forums report this is a widespread problem which Vinfast does not know how to repair. This is a major safety concern because when you press down on the lever you assume your turn signal is on and therefore you change lanes... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
Engine oil consumption is bad to the point that it consumes 5 quarts of oil a week to the point that the engine seized from lack of oil and went into maintenance mode shutting down while driving leaving me stranded in the side of the road
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
Fuel gauge on my 2020 Honda Fit LX sometimes goes blank or weird graphics under colder temperatures at start up. Doesn't seem to do it all time though ,especially in warmer weather that I've seen. Seems like when the car warms up, it returns to normal. Have around 42000 miles on it now. I haven't taken it in to my Honda dealer yet for inspection. I believe it maybe a circuit board behind the dash... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
I bought my G6 in 2022. After about a year of having it, issues started happening. Everything was fine up until my passenger side airbag warning appeared on my radio screen and it won't go off. Could be a serious issue with the airbag. Maybe around the end of 2023 I started having problems with my power steering. I could drive down the road and all of a sudden my steering wheel would lock up. I co... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The first and only notification received was the April 5, 2025 email. The 2000 F350 did experience issues of stalling on the road many times. After several thousand dollars of repairs, the camshaft position sensor was replaced by a commercial diesel mechanic. No warnings of any kind were displayed. The truck stalled on the freeway ramp and other streets. These issues occurred since 2000 when the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
When I turned my ignition key, it would not turn on the car no power
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
When I turned my ignition key, it would not turn on the car no power
Incident date: Jan 11, 2025
Critical Safety Defect Report – Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) Malfunction on [XXX] I am writing to formally report a critical and potentially deadly safety defect involving Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system. During a recent road trip with my husband and daughter from Boston, MA to Washington, D.C., I used Tesla's FSD feature. On our return trip on [XXX] while traveling on [XXX] under FSD... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2025
HONDA RECALL THE 2018 CIVIC FOR AC COMPRESSOR SHAFT SEAL AND THE DEALER REPAIR THE AC SYSTEM 3 TIMES AND THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FIX. ALSO HAS A RECALL FOR A FUEL PUMP MOTOR BUT IM NOT SURE IS WAS CORRECT IT FOR THE OLD OWNER.
Incident date: Jan 11, 2025
HONDA RECALL THE 2018 CIVIC FOR AC COMPRESSOR SHAFT SEAL AND THE DEALER REPAIR THE AC SYSTEM 3 TIMES AND THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FIX. ALSO HAS A RECALL FOR A FUEL PUMP MOTOR BUT IM NOT SURE IS WAS CORRECT IT FOR THE OLD OWNER.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
2 years ago I was driving down I-65 in indiana heading back to indiana and had an immediate loss of propulsion and had to steer to side of road with remaing power in the farthest left lane. Vehichles and semis at high speed as i tried to steer with remaining proprulsion to side of road. I was left stranded by cadillac on side of road for several hours before having to get my own tow. Then was d... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
Brake booster Faulty/Brake Booster Failure light displays on the dash along with the red Brake light and a loud beeping sound. The brakes feel shaky and the vehicle doesn’t brake well for about 30 second after. It feels as if the brakes are palpating or skipping instead of a solid grip. After about 30-45 second those lights go back off and brakes resume normal breaking but the ABS light comes on... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2025
While merging onto the fast lane of the highway i experienced a "press push start to restart" alarm and total loss of power as I went to accelerate and merge with traffic. It was almost like the truck was in neutral but pedal would not even increase the rmp. There was no shoulder and I was forced to stop and restart my vehicle between the onramp and the fast lane. Im fortunate to not have ended up... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
ABS module. Indicater lights on ,tracktion control not on, warning lights to check brakes ABS systems. Ford cannot get parts to repair. Ford dealer cannot repair Leaving no brake assistance
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
Every morning when I go to leave in my 2022 Ford Explorer when it's cold or not. I go to start the vehicle and it automatically says that their is a malfunction in the brake system that it requires service right away. That advance track and a whole bunch of safety systems had failed. The instrument cluster is lit up like a Christmas tree. Then when you do put the Explorer into reverse, your foot a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started making a metallic cracking sound, and the steering wheel was pulling to the right. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 285,643.
Incident date: Mar 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, on the lift at the independent mechanic, the independent mechanic rust on the subframe. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had previously taken the vehicle to be repaired under an unknown recall for the hood latch. The contact stated that recommendations were made by the dealer; howev... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that there was condensation inside the front passenger’s side headlight housing after it had rained. The contact then stated that while driving at night, the passenger’s side headlight failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
On 4/24/25 I noticed a pungent odor (like rotten eggs). The odor is worse today. I did research and it appears there may be a problem and or leak with the catalytic converter. The emissions are making me and my kids feel sick, nauseous, headache, irritated eyes, etc.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
Driver's side front seat belt cable braking . No incident, just noticed, contacted GM and even though there is a recall for similar problems with other models they are not interested in doing anything.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2025
1st time: I was exiting my driveway and dash presented with no torque and a picture of a turtle came up saying power issues. Running on hybrid engine at this time. Pushed down on gas and no power. I turned van off waited a few minutes, restarted, gas engine came on along with the engine light on dashboard. I was able to return van to the garage. Came in and called the dealership. Took car t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
I was nearly sideswiped and instinctively pressed the center of the steering wheel to honk my horn. However, this vehicle only has a touch-sensitive horn button. In an emergency, where milliseconds count, it's extremely dangerous to have to fumble around for a touch button instead of using the control that every car has had for decades. In this case, I was fortunate to be able to evade the inatt... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
Vehicle was hit on driver side/a column. Head hit window. No side air bag deployed. Vehicle is getting repaired at body shop. My son received a concussion; neck pain; numbness in hand. Vehicle inspected by insurance company. Police report available; other driver cited for careless driving. Vehicle hit so hard it was pushed onto sidewalk adjacent to roadway.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to respond. The brake failure and general warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the brakes eventually responded. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnose... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
There is a recall that doesn't include my car. In March before my service due date I got several critical notices on the dash) I-Activsense System malfunction, IActivsense advanced safey and driver support system not operating correctly, Have vehicle inspected. 2) Braking System Malfunction, Stop the vehicle in a safe place, 3)Safety and Driver Support Systems Partially Disabled 4) Vehicle Satus... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
There is a recall that doesn't include my car. In March before my service due date I got several critical notices on the dash) I-Activsense System malfunction, IActivsense advanced safey and driver support system not operating correctly, Have vehicle inspected. 2) Braking System Malfunction, Stop the vehicle in a safe place, 3)Safety and Driver Support Systems Partially Disabled 4) Vehicle Satus... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2019
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the RPM increased, and the check engine and power train warning lights illuminated. In addition, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the dealer; howe... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2023
Would drive my car and the check engine light would come on and the car would basically lose power and could barely move it to safety!!! Called and wouldn’t be able to get in for a couple months. Happened again, got to the side of a road. Meantime, get the recall on the piston oil rings; determined the engine lights are related to this recall. Car into the Dealership and it failed inspection... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2023
Am receiving a code for camshaft sensor bank 1 sensor a. Figured it could be timing but also know about TSB’s. Need to see if there are any posted for my specific 2017 Kia Soul.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
While driving, the infotainment display went blank except for hvac display and became unresponsive. Within two minutes the instrument panel froze. Speed no longer updated. Turn signals no longer worked. Vehicle could not be powered off. Drive, reverse and park shifting worked. Camera displayed when shifted in reverse. System reset after plugging into charging station for a few minutes. Occ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
Check engine light went on and the car’s temperature gage started going up rapidly. Pulled to the side of the road and turned the car off. The problem was the electric water pump and Thermostat which I bought at Toyota parts, the car only has 29,090 miles on it.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
2020 Kia Soul with 55,000 miles on it had the check engine light come on. The car was promptly taken to the dealership where was determined that the combustion chamber had filled with oil which had soaked the spark plugs, causing the pistons to misfire and completely ruin the engine. The car had always been maintained with all maintenance performed at a dealership with receipts for proof but sinc... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Honda Fit. The contact stated while driving uphill at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The maintenance warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil and fuel. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle fully, the fuel gauge displayed a half tank. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechan... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Coolant leak. Cylider# 3. Cracked cylinder. 61000 miles Engine replaced.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH and turning into a parking lot, the vehicle stalled and seized to function. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle was able to function as needed. The vehicle was taken to an O’Reilly to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with failure in the sol... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
Rear back up camera has stopped working
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Car stalls when at a stop. Restart ignition stalls again when placed into drive and accelerator is pressed. Restart, brake pedal and accelerator pressed at same time, while put into gear, and then it will move. The oil light and battery light comes on when it stalls.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The car had weird noise (clunky) when I make the turn either left or right since beginning in Apri 2025. On April 17 in the morning, I drove to work while exit on freeway. When I try to turn into other street at speed of 20 mph, the car is not turning as normal as expected. It went beyond the other lane even I just turn in regularly with normal angle within my lane. (with huge clunky noise and... Read more