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 12, 2023
There is supposed to be an OTA update but the company went bankrupt and the recall has not been corrected. water pump as well. i cannot afford to do it. No idea how. When you hit the brake over a pothole or any metal, it does not stop
Incident date: Apr 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 BMW X3. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the message "Driving Assistance Reduced and Pedestrian Warning not Working" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH in stop and go traffic, the Collision Warning feature failed to function as intended. The contact depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. Additionally... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving in negative 10-degree weather at 75 MPH, the driver's and passenger’s side curtain air bags deployed without warning or impact. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000. The VIN was not available.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Toyota’s Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS) recall, which prevents airbags from deploying in a crash, was announced in November 2023. Despite multiple calls over the past year, Toyota has failed to resolve the issue, repeatedly giving me the runaround—both over the phone and in person at the dealership. This is completely unacceptable. My previous Camry had an airbag recall, which was fixed... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2025
I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the ongoing issues that are being seen with the NHTSA recall campaign numbers 24V865000 and 24V623000. water pump installed by recommended Fiskere service person. Charged $437.50 Door handle recall never checxked. Cannot get Fisker repair person.
Incident date: Jan 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the transmission experienced erratic shifting between the 3rd, 4th, and 5th gears. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced or rebuilt. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2024
I am submitting this complaint because my 2023 Fisker Ocean One has not received any of the six NHTSA-mandated recalls, and with Fisker Inc. now bankrupt and unreachable, there is no clear path to getting these critical safety repairs completed. My wife drives this vehicle daily for work, covering approximately 100–150 miles per day, and the ongoing safety concerns pose a serious risk to her and... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2024
I am submitting this complaint because my 2023 Fisker Ocean One has not received any of the six NHTSA-mandated recalls, and with Fisker Inc. now bankrupt and unreachable, there is no clear path to getting these critical safety repairs completed. My wife drives this vehicle daily for work, covering approximately 100–150 miles per day, and the ongoing safety concerns pose a serious risk to her and... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2024
I am submitting this complaint because my 2023 Fisker Ocean One has not received any of the six NHTSA-mandated recalls, and with Fisker Inc. now bankrupt and unreachable, there is no clear path to getting these critical safety repairs completed. My wife drives this vehicle daily for work, covering approximately 100–150 miles per day, and the ongoing safety concerns pose a serious risk to her and... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2025
while entering a freeway the car in front braked suddenly and in the process of braking in response our Fisker did its characteristic "chatter" as the ABS first activated and then stopped braking all together causing us to hit the car ahead. Had the brakes not misbehaved the turning movement to avoid the impact would have allowed the collision to be avoided. Our Tbox has not worked since gettin... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the entertainment, cruise control, and TPMS turned on and off without application. The horn was inoperable. The seat belt, air bag, and tire warning lights were illuminated. A tree fell on the vehicle, and the sunroof was leaking. The contact stated that there was an abnormal amount of fuel outside ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
Steering wheel feels like is almost completely detached. Every time we turn it sounds like it will break. This car is only 72k miles and the steering wheel should be working properly. There is a recall for this same issue for Jeep Cherokees for the same year as my Jeep Compass. This is a safety issue and very expensive to repair. Please help!
Incident date: Feb 4, 2025
My Kia Sorento has the pearl white paint that began peeling 4 years ago. That is a known issue for Kia vehicles made between 2013 and 2019. [XXX] . While this is not necessarily a safety issue, it is common problem that Kia knows about. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The contact stated that while the daytime running lights were activated, the high-beam headlights were inoperable. The contact had to turn off the daytime running lights for the high-beam headlights to engage. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
While slowly backing out of the driveway and without contacting anything at all, the rear window completely shattered. The window has never been hit by anything and had no defects yet it completely shattered so clearly reflects a manufacturing defect of some sort that is incredibly dangerous to passengers or other vehicles, since it happens without warning and without the necessity of an impact of... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2025
My coolant/water housing had an issue and caused a leak by the thermostat and it caused my engine to overheat while I was driving. I had my 10yr old son in the vehicle with me and had I not had the opportunity to pull over into a Walmart parking lot almost immediately in order to get some coolant into my truck, it would have been disastrous. The warning for high engine temperature was the only war... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Maverick. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V684000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); 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; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
Currently my passenger door and my rear driver side door do not open from the outside. I already had to have my driver side door handle replaced for the same issue, now three out of four of my handles have failed. If an accident were to occur no one would be able to access the passenger or the rear driver passenger from the outside because the doors do not open. Since I can not open the door from... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed water leaking from the top of the vehicle located near the microphone and the sunroof control area. The contact noticed water leaking from the area while it was raining. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the fail... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2025
Concerning 2024 Ford Maverick hybrid pickup. Vehicle has had a sudden loss of power and loss of acceleration at highway speeds on four different dates between December 2024 and late January 2025. Took to local Ford dealer service [XXX] There were no vehicle health alerts or diagnostic trouble alerts. Service advisor searched manufacturer database found no information related to problem, and to c... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
I have been waiting 6 or more months for an ABS control module (part # 68295368AC) for my 2016 Ram 1500 (vin [XXX]). I cannot locate a new one at any dealer I have called as they all say the part is back ordered and they have no idea when it will be available. It seems to me that if the part has been unavailable for over six months then many trucks are having the same problem which would indicat... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2025
Transmission fill cap plug keeps blowing out and leaves open hole into transmission for rain, debris and another road debris to enter into transmission. My car has 80k miles and has been happening every 5-10k miles resulting in having to buy new transmission fill cap and have a transmission flush almost as often as needing to change the oil
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
Power take off unit on the TLX TYPE-S’s are stripping at the splines where the drive shaft and PTU meet. This disables the cars AWD system without triggering any codes, giving drivers false confidence to drive in low traction environments which may lead to accidents. The car retains FWD function but struggles to gain grip on the road at all speeds because it is an AWD designed platform. The deal... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts n... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
I hadn’t on my car for very long when I stepped on the brakes and my passenger seat flew clear up to the dash. When I stopped and looked at it, they were little metal teeth all over the place underneath the seat. It won’t go all the way up and lock it will only go all the way back and semi lock. If there’s someone sitting in the passenger seat when I press on the brakes, it moves up a few in... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
I have reached out to BMW Dealers twice and BMW America Co since October 2024, after receiving the recall notice of Engine Coolant Pump crankcase (No. 24V-608). However, they have been unable to confirm when the remedy will be available. I would like to file a complaint regarding BMW's delay in providing the remedy, which has now exceeded six months. This delay is taking too long, and BMW should ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
No response from Jaguar Land Rover on this issue. I've emailed them and called countless times since before Christmas when I had the H514 update, leaving my expensive electric car basically useless.
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
Our 2021 Cadillac Escalade has experienced multiple ongoing issues. The “driver airbag warning” light has been a major concern, with the dealership stating that the airbag could malfunction at any moment. When we took the vehicle in for repairs, they determined that a previous maintenance job on the driver’s airbag was done incorrectly, which was causing the warning light to activate. Additi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
The harness loosens on its own and Nuna takes no responsibility other than wait for a remedy kit. Also does not acknowledge what replacement parts and color will be issued despite asking to get a replacement in all one color.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 435I. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine stalled. The battery warning light was illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer. The dealer determined that the VANOS bolts had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and E... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2023
WAS DRIVING AND LOST ALL POWER INCLUDING POWER BREAKS AND STERRING GOING AROUND A CURVE ON THE HIGHWAY AT 74 MPH DASH SAID TO PLACE IN NETRAL AND RESTART I CAME TO A STOP WONT RESTART ENGINE IS LOCKED UP WONT RESTART . THIS IS UNSAFE AND COULOD HAVE CAUSED A BAD WRECK
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, there was fuel leaking onto the driveway near the fuel tank. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Numbe... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning. While driving, the gauge screen on my vehicle intermittently goes black, leaving me without critical driving information, including speed, battery charge level, and warning indicators. This issue occurs unexpectedly and poses a severe safety risk, particularly at high speeds or in heavy t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 BMW 330I. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine overheating message was displayed on the instrument panel with the temperature gauge rising to hot(H). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the coolant reservoir was topped off however, the failure persisted. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle lunged forward. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was shifting roughly. The contact stated that the vehicle would redline. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined tha... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2025
BRAKE FLUID IS LEAKING IN CAB OF VEHICLE BY PEDAL C/A ~|~CONFIRMED BRAKE FLUID LEAK SEEPING FROM BRAKE MASTER, LEAKING FROM ACTUATOR TO BRAKE PEADAL AND DRIPS OF FLUID FOUND ON FLOOR OF VEHICLE.
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and the contact discovered that there was an unknown fluid leaking underneath the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2023
Vehicle slows at times and provides message "Propulsion Power Reduced." At times vehicle will not start and cannot move transmission shifter out of Park.
Incident date: Jun 24, 2023
Vehicle slows at times and provides message "Propulsion Power Reduced." At times vehicle will not start and cannot move transmission shifter out of Park.
Incident date: Jun 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact stated that on several occasions while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was jumpstarted; however, two days later the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a dealer twice where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reo... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
Airbag is pushing out of the passenger side dashboard and also on drivers side wheel. There is now a quarter inch gap where we can see behind it on the passenger side. There were VERY loud popping noises. There is a recall for this exact car model but for the following year, 2003-2005 (4?) but not for 2002. The 2002 model is affected and should be recalled for the same issue before it kills someon... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag light warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the air bag sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
Center High Mounted Stop Lamp, (CHMSL), lense breaks/detaches repeatedly.
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
Center High Mounted Stop Lamp, (CHMSL), lense breaks/detaches repeatedly.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
Passenger side door lock actuator goes in and out. Sometimes the door will open sometimes it won’t. One time the door opened by it self while driving. I don’t know if it’s a short or what’s going on with it but it seems to be a problem with other ford owners as well.
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
Car showing warning : engine power reduced Car decelerate unexpectedly Car won’t accelerate past 20 mph intermittently - when putting car in park, car won’t recognize when in the park positioned and shows warning : shift to park
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
Truck started downshifting to 2nd gear at highway speeds, submitted claim, (no recall) Local Ford said no problem with my transmission. I replaced the leadframe in transmission. This fixed the problem. Ford came out with recall, Ford mobile came out and updated software for transmission. Since software update, Started down shifting again, sticking in 5th gear, or sticking in 3rd gear. Wrench c... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2025
Steering & front axle make loud clicking noise when turning, Honda is aware of the problem and that the problem gets worse over time but I am worried about steering/suspension failing before Honda has a fix available.
Incident date: Feb 9, 2025
Dash mounted control screen malfunctions, and the heater will switch back and forth randomly the radio doesn't function properly, can't control heater or defrosters. If using navigation, it will malfunction and flicker on and off.