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: Mar 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that a message to remove the ignition key was displayed. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that later, while starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended. In addition, t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found, and the vehicle was not repaired. On a separate occasion, the vehicle failed to... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda MX-5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V695000 (AIR BAGS); however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
I have been having a number of things happen; 1- my car will lurch forward at times when I release the brake and hit the gas pedal. 2- the forward collision warning keeps coming on. 3- My heating and oil cooler hoses leaking as well as metal lines, all started to leak at the same time.
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
I have been having a number of things happen; 1- my car will lurch forward at times when I release the brake and hit the gas pedal. 2- the forward collision warning keeps coming on. 3- My heating and oil cooler hoses leaking as well as metal lines, all started to leak at the same time.
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
When driving the vehicle it has shut off the engine and stalled, it also shut off and a few milliseconds later restarted on the highway has done the multiple time
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
When i tried to open my gas tank on the neighborhood station to put gas it got locked and cannot be opened, the other drivers tried to help me and the station attendant. But to no avail I have to bring it to the local Honda dealership where I bought my car and it cost me almost $300.00, the problem was there was no way it can be opened manually, one driver even tried to Google it. Also, with thi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
1)the engine is malfunctioning and its available for inspection 2)In the middle of the night on the highway alone I wasn't sure if my car was going to completely stop on me while driving and cause a wreak 3)About two months ago it was confirmed that I had a recall through the dealership, and it was supposed of have been repaired during that time but wasn't complete. 4)It was inspected two months a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
1)the engine is malfunctioning and its available for inspection 2)In the middle of the night on the highway alone I wasn't sure if my car was going to completely stop on me while driving and cause a wreak 3)About two months ago it was confirmed that I had a recall through the dealership, and it was supposed of have been repaired during that time but wasn't complete. 4)It was inspected two months a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); 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 sta... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2024
Jeeps are currently recalled for PTU for 2017-2019 models. Symptoms in clude "Service 4WD" message on the dashboard, unusual noises, vibrations, or changes in how vehicle drive. My Jeep is a 2018. I am not sure why my VIN is registering as 0 recalls. My Jeep is stopping in mid drive. It has stopped on the expressway and street. This is dangerous.
Incident date: Aug 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 60 MPH, the engine seized, nearly causing a crash. The driver was able to veer to the side of the road. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The d... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
Vehicle is inoperable. Dealer says it is a bad ABS module. 80+ codes were thrown, dashboard lights flickering on and off. Right brakes locked up on mechanic test drive. All ABS functionality failed. The part is not being manufactured at this time. I have been told that there is no date when to expect the part's availability. This seems to be a common issue that should be recalled.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
Vehicle is inoperable. Dealer says it is a bad ABS module. 80+ codes were thrown, dashboard lights flickering on and off. Right brakes locked up on mechanic test drive. All ABS functionality failed. The part is not being manufactured at this time. I have been told that there is no date when to expect the part's availability. This seems to be a common issue that should be recalled.
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
Transfer case replacement. Open recall on 2016 4x2 ford explorera for faulty transfer case but not recalled on 4x4 models. This is BS as the transfer case used for both models are the exact same. Should be covered under already open recall for transfer case.
Incident date: Apr 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle could not able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approxim... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing power and was unable to drive uphill. The contact also stated the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil; however, the dealer had informed her that the oil consumption was normal. The chec... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
The tailgate latches will not close or open properly. The latch on the tailgate has moved inwards causing it to hit the pegs in the wrong position. It will not close and if it does latch it can pop open. When it did open it didn’t indicate the tailgate was down. I’m a general contractor and have a lot of tools/material in the bed of the truck. I’m worried something could have fallen out unbe... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
Glare from the sun on the dash causes blindness and unable to safely see out of the windshield. It's a safety hazard to operate and unsafe for anyone else on he road when the sun hits it. Test drove and bought the car on a cloudy day and the first time the sun hit my dash I nearly rear ended the car in front of me. Emergency braking system activated to avoid a collision due to me not being able to... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
Sent vehicle into dealership for a knocking noise turns out the lifters. They drove the vehicle 1 mile only to have the engine seize. I have been without a vehicle for 6 weeks with no engine available
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
Turned onto highway. Got up to about 60 miles per hour. After a couple minutes the truck lost all power. Was pressing gas and noticed speed declining. Looked at dash and noticed rpm decreasing. All lights were off in the dash. I let the truck coast to the edge of the highway. Attempted to jump start and replace battery and nothing happened. Had it towed to a mechanic who said the motor was seized ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2025
My car has left me in the middle of the road twice in 2 weeks . I am scared and nervous can’t understand what’s going on , I am with my kids and no one to help . Every light comes on and off and it won’t start , the first time my ex husband jumped it with his jumping cables and it came right back to life , but this second time , we jumped it for about 5 times and nothing . Towing truck came ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2025
My car has left me in the middle of the road twice in 2 weeks . I am scared and nervous can’t understand what’s going on , I am with my kids and no one to help . Every light comes on and off and it won’t start , the first time my ex husband jumped it with his jumping cables and it came right back to life , but this second time , we jumped it for about 5 times and nothing . Towing truck came ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
Passenger Occupant Detection system is faulty. Airbag service system indicator light comes and goes. The vehicle has been seen by an independent service center and they say this is a common issue with dodge and thus issue should be covered by dodge.
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
When Accelerating from approximately 25mph - 40mph and accelerating hard, the vehicle is shifting to Neutral (HARD). It feels like you hit a wall. Does not occur from stop. Letting off throttle and the transmission will reengage and allow full acceleration as if nothing happened. No warning indicators on dash. Is duplicatable. Vehicle had Telematics control module update in December already. Vehic... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that the engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds and while turning, the vehicle made an abnormally loud whining sound and experienced reduced motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated as needed while continu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the liftgate hinge had fractured into two pieces, causing the liftgate to fail to operate as designed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the repair was not covered under recall or warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
Transmission isssues hard shifting and no shifting at times. I informed the dealership about the recall on this issue and they are saying it doesn’t fall under the recall which isn’t true because my vehicles is showing all of the symptoms under the recall #N242454440.
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
Transmission isssues hard shifting and no shifting at times. I informed the dealership about the recall on this issue and they are saying it doesn’t fall under the recall which isn’t true because my vehicles is showing all of the symptoms under the recall #N242454440.
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine lost power and needs to be replaced. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was driving on the I35 at 75 mph when I had catastrophic engine failure. It caused high potential for myself to be rear-ended or a pile up. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a d... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
Without warning the vehicle came to an abrupt stop while going about 25 mph. I got out and checked and noticed a liquid dripping from underneath the front area of the vehicle. Later determined it was the front transfer case. I really would hate to think what could have happened at higher speeds. Again, no warning at all.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The sun roof cover has come lose blocking the rear view
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
I was driving my vehicle at a speed of around 50 MPH when the vehicle had an sudden loss of power. The vehicle displayed press the start button while the vehicle was still moving with the motor off. I pressed the start button and the vehicle shifted to park and went to complete loss of power functions. The hazard lights would not work, the vehicle would not start or move out of park. The vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
### 1. **What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?** The rearview camera system in my 2020 Acura MDX has malfunctioned. The camera, which is integral to several safety systems in the vehicle, has failed, causing significant safety concerns. The vehicle is available for inspection by an Acura dealership or independent service center upon re... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
My car is exhausting oil very rapidly. It’s burning oil from inside the engine. Started 2 months ago. I have never received ANY recalls on it.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
position sensor for intake camshaft had a malfunction. Position of intake camshaft implausible. Intake camshaft pick up wheel was not in sync with timing. Antique camshaft was out of sync by 180°. This caused a loss of power and engine functionality while underway.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2025
ABS module failure. The mother board pins that connect are a poor design.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
Spontaneous rupture of rear passenger brake line.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
MULTI PURPOSE LIGHTS ON
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
Front and rear suspension/control arms appears to have squeaky noises when approaching a turn or going a speed bump.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
Driving on interstate at 70mph. Multiple, five or six, warnings pop up in rapid succession mostly dealing with the safety features such as distance to car in front, adaptive speed control, lane keeping. The last one was hybrid system - safely stop. The car then immediately lost all acceleration power leaving us coasting. This all happened within a few seconds. Terrifying. Luckily we had space... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
Driving on interstate at 70mph. Multiple, five or six, warnings pop up in rapid succession mostly dealing with the safety features such as distance to car in front, adaptive speed control, lane keeping. The last one was hybrid system - safely stop. The car then immediately lost all acceleration power leaving us coasting. This all happened within a few seconds. Terrifying. Luckily we had space... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
Manual driver’s seat height adjustment slowly reverts to a lower height position without touching the manual mechanism. This is a daily occurrence. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the dealer or any other independent source. This problem began occurring shortly after purchasing the vehicle, or was unnoticed until then. An internet source that claimed to be a mechanic for my brand id... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding a persistent engine misfire in my 2014 Dodge Journey AWD, which I believe may pose a safety risk to my family, myself, other drivers, and is not explained by regular maintenance and care. Since I first purchased the vehicle, I have performed all necessary maintenance and adhered to the recommended service intervals. However, despite these precaut... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
While driving I received an 'Auto Start/Stop' error message and my engine light was flashing. Lost drivetrain power. Pulled over and turned vehicle off. After letting it sit for 10 minutes I restarted the vehicle and the Auto Start/Stop error message displayed but no check engine light this time. Drove vehicle home and could not replicate issue.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
Liftgate closes while people are still behind the car. When loading/unloading items from the back of the car, the liftgate will close on you while you are still behind the car. The gate pins you between it and the rear bumper. This issue is predictable and repeatable. The dealership/Nissan has not yet confirmed this is an issue and my personal vehicle has not been inspected for this particular iss... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that upon depression of the brake pedal, the brake pedal made an abnormal grinding sound and became stiff. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact's husband replaced the brake sensor; however, the failure recurred several days later. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V272000 (Electronic Stabi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving at 50 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 50 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Advance Auto Parts Store, and it was determined that there was no oil in the engine. The contact added oil to the engine to be able to drive to the r... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
2020 Honda Pilot has acceleration issues also. I forgot to list it in my last post. loss of power is evident. shaking, cruise control won't stay engaged. has trouble climbing incline roads. gas mileage is crap now. the 2020 Pilots should absolutely be included in the recall.