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: Jan 17, 2025
My 2017 CR-V (~$80k miles) will randomly fire every system or warning alert on the dashboard. This includes vital or important alerts like Brakes, Check engine light, Tire pressure, etc. There has been no way to reset it, and it persists through car restarts, system reboots, and driving. The first time this happened was [XXX], and I was able to reset it. However, it has returned a month and a half... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
My 2017 CR-V (~$80k miles) will randomly fire every system or warning alert on the dashboard. This includes vital or important alerts like Brakes, Check engine light, Tire pressure, etc. There has been no way to reset it, and it persists through car restarts, system reboots, and driving. The first time this happened was [XXX], and I was able to reset it. However, it has returned a month and a half... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that during a routine oil change visit, the mechanic observed condensation near the oil pan. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil pan and valve covers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,000.
RAM
PROMASTER CITY
(2017) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Feb 28, 2025
Incident date: Sep 14, 2024
Car Dies looses power and stall and multiple lights on dashboard failure causing power failure while driving. Battery's were replaced twice and still problem and car Stuck at Jeep Dealer and Service manager Give me a bill $600 For Electric Diagnostic and $1000 plus taxes to repair.
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
Before I heard about the recall, about 1 week prior while we were on the highway my son was as in his car seat and we were about few mile to our destination his door unlocked and opened. We had to pull over to close it and was very alarmed.
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact has engaged the “Smith System” to drive the vehicle. On a separate occasion, the vehicle started making a squealing sound. The contact attempted to depress the brake pedal once or twice; however, the brakes faile... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing an unintended activation of the electric parking brake while the vehicle was in park(P). The contact stated upon starting the vehicle and shifting into gear, the message "Park Brake Fault - Service Now" was displayed, and the vehicle made an abnormally loud beeping sound and then failed to respond. The cont... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
During the incident, the vehicle exhibited an uncontrollable malfunction—the steering wheel suddenly jerked sharply to the right while accelerating violently, leaving me unable to steer or brake effectively, the car was looking forward. The car ultimately came to a stop upon colliding with a truck parked diagonally in front of me. After impact, I observed that the front tires remained stuck in a... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH with the cruise control activated, the ADAS system misread the highway speed limit, and the vehicle suddenly decelerated. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was driven at various speeds with the cruise control activated; however, whenever the vehicle detected a traffic sign, the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
White body paint chipping.
Incident date: Feb 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the messages "Service Trailer Brake System, Service Electronic Braking System, and Service Anti-lock Brake System" were displayed on the instrument panel. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with ABS control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The m... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
While driving and coming to a stop or slowing down the cars engine will shut off. This is extremely dangerous when in traffic and you have to come to a complete stop and put it in park to manually restart the car. The dealer cannot seem to reproduce the issue but the same day I picked it up from having it looked at it died on me twice in the same day. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
Front camera went out which controls most of the safety features of the car.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
The paint on the vehicle is separating from the body. This vehicle is available for inspection at any time. The paint begins to peel and break off when it rains, and it washes into the drains. From there, it ends up on the grass where my young child plays, potentially getting on his hands and into his mouth. Additionally, animals like birds are picking at the paint on the grass. My insurance has v... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
On multiple occasions, the climate control system cuts out causing no defrost, the wipers stop working, and while driving the rear brake line failed which almost caused an accident. Ford stated it was outside of the warranty however the vehicle is driven only on streets and seems like a strange failure.
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
The oil pump failed, causing the car to die while on the interstate. There was no prior signs nor warnings to this issue, and it caused the engine to lock up, meaning that the engine now needs to be replaced. This is not unheard of with Hyundai’s.
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
The cv joint axles are failing. No axles on a new car or truck should EVER fail under 100k miles. Ford maverick axles are failing at under 50k miles. And mine failed at 22k miles. And Ford will only replace 1 at a time. Not only is this a manufacturer defect that can cause accidents or injury but Ford needs to yet again be held accountable. No one pays good money for a factory faulty vehicle.
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
The cv joint axles are failing. No axles on a new car or truck should EVER fail under 100k miles. Ford maverick axles are failing at under 50k miles. And mine failed at 22k miles. And Ford will only replace 1 at a time. Not only is this a manufacturer defect that can cause accidents or injury but Ford needs to yet again be held accountable. No one pays good money for a factory faulty vehicle.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2025
At 14,000 miles the engine seized. Car stopped on a busy highway almost causing a collision with other vehicles
Incident date: Feb 15, 2025
Fuel Pump Module improperly molded impeller. Manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle in a timely manner, I thought car manufacturers were required to fix safety recalls within 1 year. This recall came out 12/18/23. 1/25/25 I finally received a letter that parts are now available for repair. When I call the dealership to schedule a repair they tell me th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2022
Incident #1 ([XXX]) - while driving on [XXX} at 70 MPH in Sarasota I experienced and complete loss of engine power. The car coasted from 70 MPH down to 35 MPH until the EV kicked in. I was very fortunate as were the other driers not be involved in a serious accident. I reported this situation to Kia NA and was assigned this case number [XXX] Kia had the car from [XXX] until [XXX]. They told me... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
The engine stalls without warning while driving. It’s been at dangerous times on highways or just driving around town. There’s no rhyme or reason and has almost caused horrible traffic accidents. When calling the local Kia dealer to see if there was a recall concerning engine stalling I was treated very rudely and told that there wasn’t any recall issues or problems. However, upon doing an i... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
Oil consumption issue with the engine: there was an extended warranty on the engine but it apparently expired July of last year. I bought the vehicle in April, but the warranty did not show up under any recalls or Carfax report. I discovered the oil consumption problem at the end of July and have been getting the runaround from several dealerships. Finally made some headway today by starting the ... Read more
RAM
PROMASTER CITY
(2017) - STRUCTURE:BODY
Feb 26, 2025
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
: Driver side door latch, yes it's available for inspection and has been inspected by Tasca Ford Cranston RI 02920. : In a cold environment Driver side door can not be opened from the inside. Interior door latch freezes making it impossible to open door. Door must be opened from the outside. In some cases latch freezes and door will latch closed. You have to physically hold the door shut in order ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
My fifthwheel was installed with improper lag bolts, causing frame flex issues. I lost my roof going down the highway last year, pass-through storage compartment doors coming open during transit. Along with that, interior damage became apparent early on after the purchase of the RV, indicating a much greater problem than anticipated. Grand Design sent out an SRT to repair my unit; however, they fa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
My fifthwheel was installed with improper lag bolts, causing frame flex issues. I lost my roof going down the highway last year, pass-through storage compartment doors coming open during transit. Along with that, interior damage became apparent early on after the purchase of the RV, indicating a much greater problem than anticipated. Grand Design sent out an SRT to repair my unit; however, they fa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
My central instrument gage cluster has gone black, not being able to see important safety information and car notices. I can't see car info such as milage , fuel, safety warnings, tire information etc etc.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
Driving at highway speeds at night when engine sputtered, vehicle shifted itself into neutral and shut engine down. Slight difficulty steering for 1/4 of a mile with traffic continuing to pass at full highway speeds but was able to coast to a side road. No warnings of failure or check engine lights prior to event. Had just stopped for gas continued on trip and cruising about 77mph and hear a few n... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
As I described via various work orders to VW Centennial service since 05-15-2024 (5 service orders ago). I am seriously concerned about the sensor ability to prevent and effectively work when needed. Today, 02-26-2025 I am documenting a clear scenario where ACC failed. On Freeway 215 driving 60 MPG with ACC engaged. Traffic on the freeway came to a standstill, the ACC engaged and stopped my ID4... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
As I described via various work orders to VW Centennial service since 05-15-2024 (5 service orders ago). I am seriously concerned about the sensor ability to prevent and effectively work when needed. Today, 02-26-2025 I am documenting a clear scenario where ACC failed. On Freeway 215 driving 60 MPG with ACC engaged. Traffic on the freeway came to a standstill, the ACC engaged and stopped my ID4... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
As I described via various work orders to VW Centennial service since 05-15-2024 (5 service orders ago). I am seriously concerned about the sensor ability to prevent and effectively work when needed. Today, 02-26-2025 I am documenting a clear scenario where ACC failed. On Freeway 215 driving 60 MPG with ACC engaged. Traffic on the freeway came to a standstill, the ACC engaged and stopped my ID4... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-450. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the engine ran for several minutes before the vehicle independently shut off. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or r... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that as he was driving forward at approximately 5 MPH after having stopped for a traffic signal his vehicle was crashed into the driver's right front fender by another vehicle. The contact stated the vehicle's front collision sensor did not detect the other vehicle. The contact stated that the driver's side front fender and the hood on his ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
The horn stopped working. The first time, replacing a fuse fixed it, the second time I had to go to the dealership to get the horn replaced under warranty. There were no warning lamps.
Incident date: Feb 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormally loud rattling sound during cold starts. The check engine warning light was illuminated. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was taken to Worldwide Automotive, where it was diagnosed with cam phaser failure. The mechanic replaced the cam phas... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2025
This is a second and new complaint. After an unannounced over the air update my ICC module is now on constant boot loop Center screen. Fisker logo appears a blank backlit screen is present for about five minutes and then everything tries to reboot speedometer cluster screen above the steering wheel included. I will now have to travel to the nearest service center to have it repaired at my expense.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
My Advance Driving assist (FSD for Tesla) stop working randomly. Adaptive Cruse control stoped working, forward collision stopped working. Backup camera randomly disconnect when parking. All of this happened right after a software update. I have contacted Tesla several times. They quoted me $2,666.96 to address the issue. Isn't this a Safety feature of the Car Specially when I paid $10,000.00... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2025
Hello. I'd like to report an engine oil consumption problem. I owe Hyundai sonata 2015, 9 years and 5 months. I have been having engine oil consumption problem over 2 years. It was not that serious around 2023 and 2024, also I know this car has oil consumption problem, so I checked engine oil frequently and refilled it when level went down below the "L" level. Last week, I had an engine alarm ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2025
Upon opening my driver side door the handle came off in my hand. I went to open the rear driver passenger side door and that handle came off in my hand. A repair shop went to open the rear passenger side door that handle came off. My fourth attempt I went to open my passenger side door and that one opened but loose. I have to get on passenger side and shimmy over to the driver side and then drive.... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that engine oil needed to be added every 2 months. The contact stated that the message for low oil pressure was displayed. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle abruptly stalled without warning. The contact turned off the hazard lights and waited a while to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that 3 - 4 att... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
My car is stalling. There is a recall for the same year as my car. I called and check if my car was a part of the recall and it wasn’t. Clearly I am having the same issue. They should put all 2017 dodge grand caravan in this recall.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a sharp turn, the steering wheel seized, the vehicle lost motive power, stalled, and shut off. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the ECM was losing power and that further testing was needed to diagnose the vehicle.... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting into reverse(R); the rear-view camera screen was not functioning as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The message "Service Rear Camera System" was displayed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
my 2018 Ram Limited 1500 ABS control Module has FAILED at 72045 miles; Dealer tried to order new one and dealer told me that NONE are available and he was told to call back March 20 and they would let him know if any available; Dealer was unable to get a new ABS module AND dealer was not able to put me on a list when new and IF new module comes available; This is a very UNSAFE condition in rain... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
My wife was driving down the road with my Daughter and the engine simply stopped running without warning. She was able to coast to a stop on the side of the road and engage her hazard lights. When she tried to restart the engine it just cranked but never started. We had it towed to a mechanic and the mechanic told us that the engine is seized and we likely need a new engine, total cost of over $20... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
Lights in vehicle stays on, collision warning disabled it self.
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
Oil leak from under vehicle
Incident date: Dec 25, 2024
Approximately 3 miles into my trip i smelled something burning, thought it was a tractor trailer in front of me. Then my cab filled with smoke, I pulled over on the side of the road and examined the truck. The rear sliding window on the passenger side was cherry red and smoldering. I shut off the rear defrost, the cherry went out then the window shattered. No warning or beeps. My passenger and m... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact briefly lost control of the vehicle, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact observed excessive rust underneath the rear subframe. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
Spontaneous engine fire of 2015 Mini Cooper S Countryman while parked and not used for 48 hours prior. The fire department guessed it was an electrical issue. It was put out with water and a fire extinguisher but the engine was severely damaged, melted plastic everywhere, electrical wiring burned completely and more. The engine appears unfixable, the front window was cracked by the heat and the ho... Read more
Fire