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 12, 2025
Cylinder misfire . Coolant leak into engine .
Incident date: Mar 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the rear driver's and passenger's power sliding doors failed to latch securely and opened while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V858000 (Structure), but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the power slid... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2025
1st Vehicle was driving heavy so I got it checked and the transmission had to be replaced, this was in July?? 2024. The vehicle was still driving heavy 2nd was the traction light(s) VSR?? light turned on 3rd The check engine light came on and gave a P0420 Code. The right catalytic converter was replaced in March 2025 4th The same day I went to repare the Catalytic Converter (before replacement), ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
Rear subframe recall and brake lines. I am very disappointed and frustrated right now. 2013 e350 has completely corroded brake lines on an otherwise relatively rust free car. The vehicle is due to get the rear subframe replaced as part of the warranty extension. The brake lines are not covered and are 4,000 dollar additional fee to replace. I can’t get the work done anywhere else for cheaper bec... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while opening the liftgate to place groceries inside the vehicle, the liftgate attempted to close, and in the process,s the liftgate quickly closed, knocking the contact to the ground. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was not injured, and no medical attention was needed. The local dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle wa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted with the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2023
This is a follow up to a compliant that I put in early this year or late last year. There is not much discussion of the failed occupancy sensor for the passenger front airbag on this website, but it does get discussed online more often. I am not sure why Infiniti says the entire seat must be replaced ($5,000 or so) rather than just replacing the sensor. Also, the seat has now been discontinued.... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2009 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the rear tailgate unintentionally opened. The contact stated that once the failure had occurred, the contact closed the rear tailgate, and the rear tailgate was inoperable and failed to open. No warning lights were illuminated; however, the message "Gate Lifted" was displayed on the instrument panel.... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failur... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
1. Front Passenger side wheel and auto steering system malfunctioned. Yes it is available for inspection. 2. My car was not drivable and I was stuck on the leftmost lane of highway with fast traffic passing by. Had to call 911 to move myself to safety. 3. Not yet 4. Vehicle has been inspected by the police 5. No warning lamps or message prior to failure
Crash
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
Vehicle had several non-starts. I took it to the dealer a couple of times and they could not duplicate the problem. This problem continued for a couple years before I took it to an independent mechanic. Said mechanic put it on a lift and found a loose power cable barely connected to the starter. Luckily this never caused a short, spark, or fire. From my searching online it appears this is a non-in... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
The engine failed while i was driving through mountains. The car shut off and would not shut back on. The check engine light had been on for about 2 weeks
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
The engine failed while i was driving through mountains. The car shut off and would not shut back on. The check engine light had been on for about 2 weeks
Incident date: Feb 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the contact became aware of a tiny crack on the passenger’s side of the windshield. The contact did not think much of the crack at first; however, over time, the crack started to expand. The local dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2025
In the middle of the screen, a notification to consider taking a break pops up and is very distracting and annoying even during normal driving condition. This feature makes the car less safe because it creates a distraction, especially on long road trips. There is no way to disable or turn the notification off on the vehicle.
Incident date: Mar 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 BMW 430I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact discovered that there was an unknown liquid leaking underneath the vehicle. The coolant warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a leak in the water pump and that the water pump needed to be replaced. The contact researched and became aw... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
When starting vehicle, lights for Propulsion Power is Limited lights and service vehicle soon lights came on. I tried to shift into reverse, but got a warning message that the conditions for shifting error, I also could not shift to drive. I only have had the car for 2 weeks. I called the honda warranty, they arranged to have it towed to dealership. 2 different service people tried troubleshooting... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Front exhaust bracket detached from exhaust. An issue that has resulted in a hole in my exhaust. This same issue has been identified and warranty extended for 2019 and 2021 enclaves with the same engine and exhaust parts. Dealership wants to change $1000 to fix the issue.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with a purge valve solenoid. The contact was informed that the purge valve solenoid was stuck in the open position. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with a purge valve solenoid. The contact was informed that the purge valve solenoid was stuck in the open position. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2025
Power lift gate will open and close by its self. I have had it looked at and the dealer said to report it as it’s a known issue and no recalls have been issued yet for this year. Have not had a fire yet on this vehicle. But was told it was leaking around the power liftgate control module.
Incident date: Mar 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Cadillac Lyriq. The contact stated that while driving under 35 MPH on several occasions, the brakes were independently activated. The TPMS warning light was illuminated intermittently. Additionally, the front passenger’s side tire was flat. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that an undisclosed system software needed to be updated. The... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
Vehicle has been burning oil excessively for the last 3 years until engine finally went out
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V954000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 experienced a failure. VIN tool confir... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2024
This car several times while driving has shaken and then shifted into neutral. I have had to pull the car off to the side of the road during normal vehicle operation. The car will then not shift into drive. There is a warning sign "Conditions Not Correct For Shift." The first incident was March 2023. The vehicle was towed to a Chevrolet dealer and the power inverter module was replaced under warra... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that on one occasion the warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that on several occasions, the temperature gauge warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that on one occasion the warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that on several occasions, the temperature gauge warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while his son was driving at 3 MPH, the vehicle jerked abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle should have been included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V087000 (Structure, Power Train). The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the transm... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the "Check 4-WD" message was displayed. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
My 2018 BMW X3 xdrive30i G01 series has been experiencing persistent overheating issues, even in cold temperatures as low as 40 degrees. The coolant reservoir boils vigorously while driving, but the temperature gauge does not indicate overheating, and no warning lights appear. The only alert displayed is a low coolant warning instructing to refill coolant or to top off. Recently, I noticed coola... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Defective Primary Engine Water Pump, yes. The original primary engine water pump system for a 2012 VW Tiguan 2.0 was replaced under the VW extended warranty in 2020 by an authorized dealer as a the result of the class action suit---please see Water Pump Class Action and Limited Warranty Extension bul... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. 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 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... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2024
Known issue with the 2.4L turbo engine and coolant leak resulting in need for engine replacement.
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
Heard a humming noise ( spaceship like almost) coming form back of the truck. Took it in and mechanic said there was metal shavings in the differential fluid and gears where bad. Had to get the differential replaced. most cars go their entire life without having this issue.
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
I have had nothing but issues with this vehicle from the day I purchased it. I should have been more leery of purchasing a vehicle with so few miles on it as a certified vehicle. First issue lift gate wouldn’t work. Had to have sensors replaced twice. Next was the purge valve sensor that has went bad 3 separate times. Then the crankcase vent sensor. Paid a fee for diagnostics, it was not repaire... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
The floor of backseat is extremely wet, despite all windows and doors completely shut at all times. When I accelerate and brake hear a slushing sound and braking to slow down causes my car to rattle and shake slightly.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
The floor of backseat is extremely wet, despite all windows and doors completely shut at all times. When I accelerate and brake hear a slushing sound and braking to slow down causes my car to rattle and shake slightly.
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
Vehicle is slightly off-balance no matter if I do an alignment ball joints seem to always get affected. I’m not sure if the hydraulics are working correctly. Yesterday I just started leaking antifreeze fluid.
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
At stop light turning right, the car stalled, cut on and cut back off, cut on and back off with about 30 cars behind me. Sputtering. On the dash board it said “Engine power reduced”. I had to be pushed out a main highway by police, and thankfully my [XXX] daughter wasn’t in the back seat. I have had this car 12 days with 48256 miles on it. I’m extremely concerned with the safety of this c... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
A couple of months ago, I tried to put my car in park and shut it off the same way I have for years. The car made a rapid alarm sound and displayed a SHIFT TO PARK message on my dashboard. In order to get the car to shut off correctly, I had to squeeze the button on the shifter and gently push forward and backwards until the car recognized that I was in park. This now happens approx. 1 in... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
Stalled while driving 3 weeks ago, was able to restart. Last Monday it died again on a shorter trop to store, it wouldn't restart. 3 days later, after having to go to Dealership was told engine 6.2L engine is being replaced. Potentially crankshaft bearings failing at 55,315 miles on it
Incident date: Mar 16, 2025
Unknown
Crash
Incident date: Mar 16, 2025
The drivers seat rocks and shakes or wobbles while you drive. They need to change the frame to fix the issue.
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
I recently bought vehicle seen there is a recall
Incident date: Mar 14, 2025
I recently bought vehicle seen there is a recall
Incident date: Mar 14, 2025
Im a travel nurse and I was working in Vermont. As I was driving on the highway in New York on my way back home a shift to park light came on, a stabilitrak light came on, power steering light came on, ABS light came on, and my check engine light also came on. My vehicle started slowing down as I was driving and my lights on my dashboard were turning on and off and my speedometer was not working. ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
Owner was driving vehicle coming off of a highway onto sideroad when vehicle suddenly made a loud banging and grinding engine sound and engine quit immediately. Luckily able to drift over to shoulder and call tow truck. Vehicle towed to dealership. Dealership claimed vehicle was made in Mexico and therefore not covered by any recall. No forewarning by any dashboard lights. Owner needed a vehicle i... Read more