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: Apr 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while towing an empty horse trailer at 65 MPH, the vehicle downshifted into second gear, and the engine revved abnormally. The contact stated that there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was turned off and towed to the residence. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made awa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "High Engine Temperature" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that there was coolant mixed into the engine oil, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified o... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
6.2 engine failure second motor put in last week dealer took for test drive truck was towed back for second engine failure
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
I have had to replace my axles/have had cv joint failure 3 times and have another service scheduled for a fourth CV/axle service. This is a known problem and Tesla has acknowledged it and done nothing about it. See Tesla service bulletin SB-20-39-001about premature axle/CV joint failures.
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
This issue closely resembles Audi recall campaign 97CB (NHTSA campaign ID 16V642000), with details available at [XXX] . In my case, the marker light itself is functioning properly, but the vehicle is displaying a false error message: "Front Right Side Marker Light Defective." This poses safety risks because the erroneous warning distracts drivers from the road and could lead to the system failing ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
I have the RNS510 radio which the NHTSA has received concerns about and there are several Tec Bulletins in regards to the radio not functioning properly. When this radio goes out due to the need of over priced software update, we loose our Bluetooth and backup cameras! Backup camera we installed so the drive could make sure they were not running over any small children on the ground and when that ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
Complete engine failure while driving at highway speeds which put me and my family in dangerous risk of injury or death. The dealer confirmed the engine failure and needs engine replacement. The engine failed with no warning which only had 8700 miles.
Incident date: Apr 3, 2025
Lugnuts are swollen and a flat had occurred and I couldn't remove the wheel was almost hit by on coming traffic finally gave up replenished air into tire and drove Home . Took car into Ford dealership they said all of the Lugnuts swell on newer models not just mine I asked for a replacement quote it's 300 for new Lugnuts and then labor too and hopefully they won't break a wheel removing them I sai... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
Back in 2024 Brought car in for recall but Hyundai only scanned the vehicle and gave estimate for work done without further explanation. Left the car idle and only start it once in a while. Now when opening oil cap there’s some smoke coming out of it and a rattling sound
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
Driver reading light flickers on and off while driving creating a night driving distraction hazard
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
The headlights are dim. I have replaced them with brighter H11 bulbs but I still cannot see. Others who have driven my car have indicated that the headlights are noticeably dimmer than normal. I literally cannot see the roadway. Also, I started having problems with the CVT shortly before 60,000miles. The problem was diagnosed as rudder codes. I was not financially able to replace the CVT at... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2025
Passenger side/right side second row bucket seat = seat belt broke. Called numerous dealerships and were on a waiting list of over 350 that need a seatbelt. No seat belts available. Unable to fix problem. Safety issue due to no seat belt. No warning lamps or messages.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
I have to pay over $1444 to Tesla to change the airbag because it is not working properly. Tesla will: Update front passenger Airbag to Maintain compatibility with front passenger seat. Replace Occupant Classification System (OCS) of Front passenger Seat. Install OCS filter module.
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, and the oil pressure gauge dropped. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road, where it stalled. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notifie... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Murano. The contact stated while making a right turn from a complete stop, the vehicle lost motive power and the steering wheel became difficult to steer. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the road. No further information was available. The vehicle was then towed to the residence. The vehicle was later restarted and driven to the local dealer, where it ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
I’ve experienced recurrent failures with my Subaru’s AC system, and it’s become more than just an inconvenience—it’s a real safety concern. In hot weather, the cabin can become unbearably warm, making it difficult to concentrate and increasing the risk of fatigue or even heat-related illness, especially for passengers who are older, very young, or have medical conditions. What’s even m... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2025
Ford had issued a customer satisfaction program recall on 2020 and 2021 Escape doors. On my 2020 escape se the driver side spot welds on the door attachment point are failing. The door no longer opens all the way and causing a loud popping sound when in use. My driver window no longer goes up or down as a result of the loose arm inside the door. My dealership ordered the door replacement back ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
We noticed our van having issues getting stuck in gear and then jerking to get out of the gear. After doing further research it seems to be a common issue in 2021 Pacifica vans. The next issue is electrical. Our van rear door opens if we are too close to it with the keys and now the sliding door will not open. They just fixed a recall regarding the entertainment system and back up camera. The ent... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
This seat arrived in the original box, straight from Diono, but there was no manual or registration card included. At the time, Diono's website was down and couldn't be accessed.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an abnormal rattling sound was coming from the engine. The contact stated that previously the vehicle jerked, and the accelerator pedal was ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the check engine light was flashing. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the steering wheel was almost seized. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal the vehicle did not slow down. The contact coasted... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2025
I was entering 4-lane highway from a side street. While accelerating, the engine suddenly stopped. The dashboard went black, except for a red outline of the car. In the second or two that I was looking for a place to get off the highway, the car restarted, and all indicators returned to normal on the dash. I completed my errands without incident. Since the original incident on Monday, [XXX], I ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
At times, this vehicle will refuse to go. You will get an alert in the dash that the emergency braking system has engaged. It may be a door is not completely shut, or sometimes it's just that I don't have my seat belt on. It seems to be inconsistent, because I often times put my seat belt on after I finish backing out, and am ready to go forward. If there is any kind of incident that requires ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with a fuel pressure low warning message displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (En... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with a fuel pressure low warning message displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (En... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with a fuel pressure low warning message displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (En... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2025
Was stopped at traffic light. Start Stop system was engaged. Engine turned off as normal. When I took my foot off the brake the engine did not engage and the Eyesight warning light came on that the Eyesight system was not functioning. Put the car in park and engaged the ignition button and the engine started. Turned off the Start Stop system and the car functioned normally after that. Have read po... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2025
The truck suddenly stopped Took it to a mechanic and had to replace the fuel pump. AAA tow company along with the mechanic that fixed the issue said that it is odd a truck so new with fuel pump issues I have the bad fuel pump and invoices. The truck stopped working at 55,247mi on the odometer
Incident date: Mar 30, 2025
Tried to put on seatbelt and would not click locked. Have never had issues and nothing has changed that could cause any damage or malfunction. Nothing inside or stuck just won’t lock.
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
We had our winter tires swapped for summer tires at the Discount Tire on 361 S Grady Way, Renton, WA. After driving on them for over a week—including high-speed highway driving—our car suddenly started feeling like it had a flat tire. However, the tire pressure was completely normal. Upon closer inspection, I noticed the rear passenger-side tire was sitting at an angle. When I removed the hu... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
The headlights are either too bright or aimed poorly that it blinds oncoming traffic, who frequently flash their high beams at me. This occurs without any load in back and without me using the high beams. Can Toyota either adjust the bulbs or place a film on the headlights to prevent blinding oncoming traffic? Thank you!
Incident date: Apr 11, 2025
My 2023 Ford F-150 3.5 eco boost with 35,000 approx. started having issues about 2000 miles ago with the transmission. It tends to slip gears between 3-4, 4-5 and 9-10. Sometimes it isn’t bad but other times it feels like the transmission is going to drop out from the truck. I also have an issue where the truck shifts into neutral while driving but still displays it is in drive. This doesn’t h... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2025
We have noticed a whinning noise as we accelerate the vehicle. Doing some investigation online I came across a lot of threads with the same issue. Seems to be the transmission. Reached out to a Toyota tech friend and he mentioned it is the transmission. They have had several Highlanders and Camry with the same issue.
Incident date: Apr 11, 2025
The 2016 Equinox is not keeping oil in the engine. Therefore, the engine is unsafe and extremely dangerous - there is no warning! It will just stop in traffic! Life threatening to driver, passengers and other vehicles on the road.
Incident date: Mar 6, 2025
Twice while coasting at between 5 & 10 mph, the engine shuts down, a warning shows auto disabled, and applies emergency brake before one can even get the transmission into park. Our concern is that this sudden stop could cause us to be hit from behind. We brought it to a Ram dealership in Hartsville, SC and they could not reproduce problem and have no idea what caused it.
Incident date: Mar 6, 2025
I was hit from the rear while my vehicle was at a stop. The vehicle was going estimated 50mph and moved my vehicle about 12 feet colliding with the vehicle in from of me. I would think the impact of the front collision should have been enough to have the airbags deploy. The camry was totaled.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
My vehicle is having the same issues as the recall associated with the 2016 ford focus with the 1 liter 3-cylinder turbo engine with the oil pump tensioner. I am not sure why this recall is not associated with my vehicle.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
On several occasions the car will violently stop as if we have crashed into something but there is nothing there. There is no warning before this happens even though we have the alert setting turned on. This has happened while we are reversing and moving forward. This puts us (driver and passengers) at risk because it is such a sudden and violent stop that it hurts our bodies (neck/back) and it is... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with low anti-freeze, several cracked cylinder gaskets, coolant intrusion, and in need of an engine replacement due to cylinder #3 misfire.... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the power steering malfunctioned, causing the steering wheel to become very difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering linkage was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the fai... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2025
I have a brand new Mazda CX-30 with less than 10k miles. I was not made aware of the seat material being highly flamible. Luckily I nor my kids were in the car when the seat caught fire due to a magnifying effect. Magnifying Effect (Sunlight): If a clear glass or plastic object (like a water bottle, eyeglasses, or even a certain type of air freshener) was left on the seat in direct sunlight, it ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
Engine made a loud popping noise, shuttered and stalled in heavy traffic, I came within inches of being rear-ended. Required a tow truck. Repair shop informed me that the crankshaft is broken and this is a common problem. Being repaired at this time, I am informed this will cost about twenty thousand dollars. Thank you Nissan!
Incident date: Jan 27, 2025
I leased this vehicle approximately three weeks ago, yesterday as I was adjusting the dashboard lighting, the service high voltage battery warning came on. Now the vehicle wont take a charge, the vehicle has changed the charge setting to 40%, and I cannot increase it. I 've reserved an appointment for 4/11/2025 for the vehicle to be serviced, and was told that I wont be given a loaner vehicle. Thi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
Front exhaust pipe broken causing check engine light and vehicle to sound rough. It is an emissions issue. This has been confirmed with a dealership. The issue started around middle of March 2025 when check engine light came on.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
Front exhaust pipe broken causing check engine light and vehicle to sound rough. It is an emissions issue. This has been confirmed with a dealership. The issue started around middle of March 2025 when check engine light came on.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
While driving 2023 Honda Accord at normal speed on rural road, the vehicle began to brake on it's own and driver could not over-ride this. Alarms for multiple failures showed on the dashboard. Car was stopped and would not move. Car was turned off then restarted. Dashboard alarms went away, only small information light for brake malfunction remained. Driver began to drive and tested brakes, all ac... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
The vehicle has been loosing power during driving. Acceleration will die, then power will return. In addition exterior lighting will also malfunction or not work. As well ans other items associate with power or the unit that controls the power of those items After taking the vehicle in multiple times we had been told and looked up about the recall. Multiple are in place but the recall regarding ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
Accelerating at a normal rate to get on the highway and the check engine light starts flashing out of nowhere and car goes into limp mode. Made it to local shop and they informed me it was a P1326 code and that a knock sensor would have to be replaced, but that Kia has recalled the older models for this same reason.
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
Motor started knocking yesterday 4/8/25 which was immediately followed by multiple dash sensors for oil and battery. As I pulled over to get assistance at a Jiffy Lube, the car stalled and wasn’t drivable but they also confirmed that the car should not be driven for risk of blowing the engine. Will be taking my vehicle in for an evaluation as soon as I am able to get it towed for further inspect... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2025
Service side detection system came up on the display while driving on the freeway at 65MPH.