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 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2021
I am writing to bring to your attention a serious safety issue I have experienced with my 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring, which has 58,757 miles on it and has been diligently maintained with all scheduled services up to date by Honda dealership. On March 18, 2025, I reported a brake fluid leak originating from underneath the brake pedal inside the cabin. Upon taking the vehicle to an authorized ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2021
On Monday morning (3/24/2025), my 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 lost power and I received the "Check electric vehicle system warning." After that I received another warning that said, "Stop vehicle and check power supply." The car had lost most of its power by this point, but I was less than a mile from my house, so I was able to make it home by turning the car on and off every couple of blocks. It was ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH on a highway entrance ramp, the vehicle failed to accelerate upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the "Reduce Acceleration Drive with Care" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was instructed to take the vehicle in f... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V651000 (STRUCTURE); 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 had not expe... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 30-35 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly applied the brakes on two occasions. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V614000 (Forward Collision Avoidance). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
Likely secondary air injection pump and/or its related relays, CEL P2444 came on 3 separate times. November 2024, brought it in to get replaced under warranty, came on again the day after picking her up in December 2024 due to faulty pump, didn’t get to bring her back in until March 1st 2025, fixed part again, brought her home [XXX]. Car engulfed in flames 10 days later on [XXX]. I do have the c... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
BCI malfunction indication comes on while driving and the car intermittently doesn’t start. According to Nissan this issue has caused recalls but my vehicle is not listed with any recalls. It is causing safety concerns while driving, as well as caused me to be stuck places sometime for hours at a time due to the vehicle not starting. I have taken it to the shop and they have been unable to recre... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Transmission started fluttering around 60k miles. Per GMC Dealer - this is due to water getting into transmission from fluid put in at the factory. Even though dealer admitted that it's a defect from the factory, the warranty wouldn't cover the repair. This is a well known issue in the 5.3L 8 speed trans.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Truck dropped into lower gears without notice from high speed (and at low speeds). Engine revs and actually speeds up without foot on gas pedal without warning. Speedometer will stop working when this happens also. Almost caused accident. Other similar vehicles from 2013-2019 are in recall for similar issues. Ford won't fix and says it is not an issue for this vehicle.
Incident date: Jul 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that after having an oil change performed on the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the engine was shaking abnormally while starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where a diagnostic test was performed. The diagnostic test indicated a possible engine failure. The contact was informed that d... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
On one morning w/20 something temperature, Tahoe started and immediately shut down. When restarted, multiple malfunction lights were lit: engine, ABS/brake, steering column, traction control, etc. Reached Onstar for advice to see if Tahoe was drive-able, but only got confirmation of system malfunctions and offered roadside assistance but declined since at home and would call back if needed. About ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2024
The engine has a coolant leak to the engine block. Faulty engine design.
Incident date: Nov 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that the idle stop system/auto start-stop system became inoperable. The contact stated that when the battery was fully charged, the idle start worked for several days then became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the p... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2020
The multipurpose camera on the windshield needs to be recalibrated and I've been told by dealerships that this is a common problem with 2018 Honda Odyssey. Unless I pay over $2000 to have the camera recalibrated, systems including the antilock brake system do not work.
Incident date: Mar 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V763000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 24V744000 (Steering); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2025
The Radio has what looks like water spots under the screen, this causes the infotainment system to go crazy, no hands free and I’m afraid it won’t show the backup screen while it is like this.
Incident date: Mar 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle independently decelerated while driving next to other vehicles. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where unknown repairs were performed. The vehicle was repaired; however, approximately 7 years after repairs the failu... Read more
RAM
2500
(2018) - VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT
Mar 25, 2025
Incident date: Mar 6, 2025
The contact's son owns a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the windows started to get foggy with the defroster activated. The occupants inside the vehicle started smelling a burning wire odor inside the vehicle. The odor became stronger with smoke entering the cabin of the vehicle after turning off the defroster. The occupants then heard a ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2025
While traveling at 60mph transmission downshifted to first gear suddenly locking up rear end. Very dangerous situation Ford has. This could has caused a serious accident and injured people. No cel lights came on. Was reported to a Ford dealer who did not even care, and he's the one who sold me this truck.
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
Unexpected gear downshift accompanied by a temporary rear wheel lock-up. This occurs at highway speeds and has shifted from 6th gear to 2nd gear multiple times at 50+ mph. This causes substantial safety concerns to both those in the vehicle as well as other vehicles on the road in the immediate proximity. When this occurs speed is restricted suddenly/immediately by a reduction of 5-12 mph. This ca... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
Began driving to work, after about 5 minutes the service abs light traction control light and brake light came on with cruise control feature disabled.. all the warning lights would come on and off as I drove. The following day. Took it to the dealership and was told ram is having problems with the ABS module and are all on back order for months.
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
The fuel pump on my 2023 Chevrolet Equinox began malfunctioning on [XXX] when the check engine light came on. Less than 24 hours later, the light went out. On [XXX], while leaving a CVS pharmacy, the vehicle jerked, then the engine shut off. After putting the car in park, I was able to restart the car and continue on. On [XXX], the check engine light illuminated again. While sitting at a stop ligh... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2025
The fuel pump on my 2023 Chevrolet Equinox began malfunctioning on [XXX] when the check engine light came on. Less than 24 hours later, the light went out. On [XXX], while leaving a CVS pharmacy, the vehicle jerked, then the engine shut off. After putting the car in park, I was able to restart the car and continue on. On [XXX], the check engine light illuminated again. While sitting at a stop ligh... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
When rear facing, the car seat has become loose, regardless of whether it’s anchored or secured using the seatbelt. My kiddo is under the weight limit to move front facing. We have to re-secure the car seat at least once a week because it becomes loose so frequently.
Incident date: Mar 23, 2025
While taking a right turn into a busy intersection, vehicle lost all power and dash lights lit up indicating to put the vehicle in park. I put the vehicle in park and attempted to restart it. The vehicle starter cranked but did not start. I was able to roll the truck back by using the manual transmission release to get out of traffic. I disconnected the battery and waited approximately 5 minut... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2025
While taking a right turn into a busy intersection, vehicle lost all power and dash lights lit up indicating to put the vehicle in park. I put the vehicle in park and attempted to restart it. The vehicle starter cranked but did not start. I was able to roll the truck back by using the manual transmission release to get out of traffic. I disconnected the battery and waited approximately 5 minut... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
2014 GMC Acadia Denali When accelerating the car is sputtering and slipping. The RPMs are increased. There is a delay in shifting and it is rough. The car jerks and has a pause when accelerating. This is an expensive repair. Is GMC going to help or make it a recall? My local mechanic suggests it gets repaired as soon as possible or sell it - am not comfortable selling it with a bad issue. Unsafe... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
My 2013 F-150 suddenly downshifted (without warning) from sixth to first gear at 55 mph on March 21, 2025. My engine was at risk of blowing out because of that incident. Fortunately, no one was tailgating me at the time, also. A "recall repair" was performed at a Ford dealership on June 27, 2019. This vehicle is currently being diagnosed at a local transmission repair shop.
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
Power steering went out while driving and power steering light came on dash.
Incident date: Mar 21, 2025
the rear axle bolt fractured while driving causing damage to the differential, axles, and mounting bushing. the problem has been confirmed by Baytown Ford Dealership service dept. located at 4110 I-10, Baytown, TX 77521. it has been inspected by the Service Dept at Baytown Ford. located at 4110 I-10, Baytown, TX 77521 no prior symptoms or warnings.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
Had to have PLASTIC oil filter housing and Oil cooler replaced due to warping from the engine heat and leaking into engine bay causing a burning oil smell throughout the entire vehicle. Was replaced by Meineke car care with an aftermarket Aluminum constructed part. Constantly having transmission issues since the vehicle hit 70,000 miles. Now at 139,000. Fluid flush and fill done and transmission... Read more
RAM
PROMASTER CITY
(2017) - STEERING
Mar 24, 2025
Incident date: Mar 23, 2025
Brakes did not work properly, brakes were hard and vehicle was not stopping, the vehicle was difficult to control because steering wheel was very hard too. This incident caused the vehicle to take a significant distance to stop and almost cause a crash with the vehicle in front. The incident was reported to dealer, dealer representative said there was a recall on the IBS and requested vehicle to b... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2024
I was driving my 2021 Silverado when i was stopped at a 4 way waiting my turn. When it was my turn i made a left hand turn and and travelled a short distance going 20-25 mph when my engine made an odd sound and shut off in traffic!. I attempted to restart it and it did noting. Truck was towed to Hendricks Chevrolet where the truck was bought and received regular maintenance. When the truck ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2022
The vehicle has downshifted to a low gear several times since I’ve owned it new in 2015. Usually has happened when starting to slow down to exit the highway. Driver and passengers were jarred and thrown forward unexpectedly. Driver was startled. Backend of truck swayed. Dealer service has been told over the years. They said they were aware but there were NO RECALLS and Ford didn’t have a FI... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2025
The vehicle is available for inspection and evaluation if needed. Also can provide all records for service and repairs over last 2 years. Transmission failure hard shifting between gears 3-5 and 8-10, downshifting while driving vehicle will slow down and downshift even when accelerating. Had evaluated at several ford dealership that stated a new transmission was only solution after several attemp... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2025
The engine will not start. It has been diagnosed as an engine failure. It is available for inspection. The engine stopped working as my family was in the car, putting us at risk. Why it happened is unknown, but the internet is full of people with the same year/make/model with the engine going out at a very low mileage. Mine is 117,000. There was absolutely no warning lamps or messages prior to the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
There is metal shards in the oil from the engine. The oil burns up within a week or so. The guy at the oil change place said it was common in these make and model cars and I need a new engine. It can stall or catch fire which can pose a risk to me and/or other cars on the road. I drive around with a [XXX] son it's my daily car and the engine is not good. We are constantly having to put oil in it.... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
On my 2021 Toyota Corolla SE at 43k miles the “service engine needed” notification came on. As I’m researching it’s a known issue with these models and RAV4 models. The cooling valve is needing to be replaced and Toyota does not cover it costing us about $500-$700 at the dealership.
Incident date: Jun 14, 2023
On [XXX] at [XXX] while driving at highway speeds (70-75 mph) on [XXX] , I experienced engine failure in my 2024 chevy silerado zr2. Within seconds, the truck began to lose engine power, the check engine light came on, a transmission warning displayed, the truck shook violently and lost electrical power and power steering. I was able to get to the shoulder in less than a minute and the truck shut... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2023
I purchased these tires and they were installed on 1/19/25. I paid $426.20 including the installation fees. After installation we noticed the tires were extremely loud above 40 MPH. We returned and had the tires balanced again and the noise problem continued. It drowned out the cabin and made it difficult to hear anything outside of the vehicle. The poor customer service department made me com... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2025
On [XXX] around [XXX] while driving my 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE350 [XXX] near Santa Clarita, CA, I experienced a flat tire due to a 4 mm puncture in the center tread of the rear driver's side tire. I immediately contacted Mercedes Me customer support , and the representative advised me that my vehicle's run-flat tire system would allow me to continue driving up to 50 miles, as long as I stayed under... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
Factory Aluminum Steering Box presents a severe safety hazard and should be immediately recalled due to its dangerous failure in cold and probably all temperatures. In low temperatures, the steering sticks and does not move freely, making normal driving extremely hazardous for both the driver and others on the road. While straight roads may not reveal the issue, attempting to turn on a curve becom... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2025
I’ve had 3 occasions of this brand new vehicles front collision avoidance system going off HARD and locking up the brakes. It scared the crap out of me as there was nothing in front of me - if I hadn’t known the truck had automatic collision software - I’d have driven to the Chevy Dealership right then. The first time I thought it was a fluke. The second time it really caught me off guard.... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
Vehicle stalls when accelerating from A stop. Has done this since first purchased. Acura charged me for transmission software but did not resolve issue. Vehicle hesitates and stalls when accelerating from a stop. My wife refuses to ever drive vehicle as we have had many close calls with accidents.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
The electrical components in my dashboard and computer system are shutting off while I am driving. “Charging System Service Soon” alert pops up but I have had my battery checked multiple times. The glitches are inconsistent and can happen 1-20 times during a 30 minute drive. When it glitches, I can not see my speedometer or anything else on my dash. It occasionally turns off my slippery mode, ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2025
After a very long road trip, I noticed that the rear wheel well liners had come in contact with the rear tires. The contact was severe enough and prolonged enough to wear down the edge of the tires to the cords. Once I noticed the damage, I stopped driving the vehicle until I could get new tires. I do not have the tires but I took pictures and the wheel well liners still have a hole in them. Had... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2025
Power steering assist failure. Happening while not in motion.
Incident date: Mar 21, 2025
Fuel pump won’t shut off when car is turned off, I had to pull out fuel pump fuse because my battery kept getting drain, I’ve had difficulty starting and it’s only been a month since I bought this car,I’ve had to buy a bypass cable to temporarily fix the issue, this has happen to so many people, there should be a recall on the timp failing