Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 29,025 complaints for RAM
Incident date: May 1, 2024
Just before I was completely stopped at a red light, the engine died, the transmission shifted to park, and the emergency brake was set. After several minutes and several attempts, the engine started and I was able to drive it home. The only indication something was wrong was the “Check Engine” light was on. That light was off the next morning. I took it to the local Ram dealer to be check... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
Vehicle would not go over 20 mph at times. When vehicle would shift from 2nd to 3rd gear the engine would race yet not engage.
Incident date: May 1, 2024
During the commute on the way home on [XXX] between Harrisburg and Lebanon PA a stone kicked up in a construction zone and impacted the driver side windshield. At that time there was no visible damage until later in the drive there was a 3in long crack in the driver side line of sight. As the drive continued the crack continued across the line of sight. Over the course of 2 days the crack went ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
As I was driving home, my Kona started slowing down until it totally stopped. I tried the the gas pedal again but it didn’t move, electrical was on, no warning lights. I turned my Kona off, turned it back on again and drove the rest of way home. I was lucky I was on an empty road no other cars behind me as I drive everyday to and from work. I called Hyundai dealer next morning about the problem ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
Vehicle check engine light comes on, followed within 20 minutes by emergency alerts stating that multiple systems are failing or unavailable. It then says to get to a safe place within .3 miles. The car shuts itself down after .3 and is bricked until it is towed to a mechanic.this has happened 6 times this year.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
While coming to a stop, the vehicle shutdown on its own and caused the auto parking break to enable. This caused a disruption in surrounding traffic. There were no warning lights or other indicators either before or after the incident.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
While driving on [XXX] to upstate NY in heavy traffic on [XXX], my Jeep Wrangler 4xe lost power and showed the error message "Put vehicle in Park and shift gear" while at highway speed. I had no ability to accelerate but steering was still enabled and allowed me to pull over to the side of the road to investigate. Fortunately I was being followed by another member of my family and they provided a... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
While driving on [XXX] to upstate NY in heavy traffic on [XXX], my Jeep Wrangler 4xe lost power and showed the error message "Put vehicle in Park and shift gear" while at highway speed. I had no ability to accelerate but steering was still enabled and allowed me to pull over to the side of the road to investigate. Fortunately I was being followed by another member of my family and they provided a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated the gear shift/rotary dial had seized in place. The vehicle failed to shift into park, and the key failed to release from the ignition switch. While driving, the vehicle jumped from park to reverse and then drive. The drive, reverse, park, and neutral warning lights were illuminated. While at a stop, the vehicle locked. While depressing the acce... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
All Vehicles with Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) that are configured in a manner to illuminate the primary low beam or high beam headlamps, or a significant output of an LED source are a danger to other vehicles at night if they are too bright. Vehicles with the above characteristics put drivers at risk as the operator of that vehicle assumes they have their lights on due to the amount of light t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
-The right knuckle sheared upon wheel impact with a curb at approximately 35 mph. At the time the vehicle was pushed northward by 46mph gust as the driver attempted a left hand turn onto a westbound lane from a northbound road. The part is still attached to the vehicle which is currently at the collision repair center. -Failure of the part left the driver stranded and the vehicle unmovable maki... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
When accelerating, like taking off from a red light or through a turn, my car begins to shake like it’s unable to change gears correctly, and sometimes leads to the car stalling in the middle of the street and intersection putting my in danger of being hit from other drivers. It’s also happened that when I press the gas after being stopped at a light, my car RPM goes up but I don’t move and ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
Hello, I have an issue with the ABS Braking system on my 2018 RAM 3500 with only 50K miles on it. The lights are constantly coming on and off telling me that my ABS system needs servicing. this has been going on for two weeks. I was able to troubleshoot the problem and it says that my ABS pump and Module needs replacing. I was going to replace myself and when I ordered the parts from MOPAR they to... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
I was driving my 2024 CX90 PHEV when a warning about an electrical leakage in the hybrid system was detected. I brought it home and parked in my garage. I called the dealership and they told me to bring it in. When I started to leave, the car would not shift out of park and bricked up. A towing service had to drag it out of my garage. My concern is that there is no limp mode or any way to swit... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
I was driving my 2024 CX90 PHEV when a warning about an electrical leakage in the hybrid system was detected. I brought it home and parked in my garage. I called the dealership and they told me to bring it in. When I started to leave, the car would not shift out of park and bricked up. A towing service had to drag it out of my garage. My concern is that there is no limp mode or any way to swit... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
My kia Sorento is involved in an engine recall. When driving on the highway three times now my engine has stalled and car has gone from 65 to 30 mph, almost causing multiple accidents while driving with my [XXX] and [XXX] . The Kia customer service agency said this must occur three times before they will replace my engine. They are not replacing the engine. I fear for my life, my husband life an... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
My kia Sorento is involved in an engine recall. When driving on the highway three times now my engine has stalled and car has gone from 65 to 30 mph, almost causing multiple accidents while driving with my [XXX] and [XXX] . The Kia customer service agency said this must occur three times before they will replace my engine. They are not replacing the engine. I fear for my life, my husband life an... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine started to overheat. The contact stated that the temperature gauge was raised beyond the hot level. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a cracked head gasket and a failed sensor. The contact was informed that the he... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
My airbags are currently disabled due to a faulty occupant detection system. I see that this was an Infiniti recall on many2017 Q50s, but my car is not included in the recall. The dealership confirms that my car is not part of the recall. The specific part involved in the recall is the front passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS), which triggers the error code being produced by my car.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
ESC fault codes came on. Brake light switch intermittently not activating causing vehicle to set ESC fault.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Lexus ES350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); 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 not ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
I was getting my Brakes done and realized i have no rear brakes on the right and left. I was told i can not speak to anyone higher up until Monday.
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
Rear spring and lower plates have snapped and are broken. This happened at around 60,000 miles. A lot of 2017 & 2018 Audi Q7 owners are complaining at Audi Forums. Please take a look at this issue. Thank you.
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
I was in an accident on 10/18/24 where a person switched lanes and hit the front end of my vehicle. My airbags didn't deploy.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jan 6, 2024
THE AFFECTED VEHICLE IS A 2017 GMC SIERRA 1500 4X4 CREW CAB TRUCK WITH LESS THAN 34K MILES. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE TODAY THE BRAKES BECAME VERY HARD, LIKE A LOSS OF POWER BRAKES. FELT LIKE THERE WAS A LOSS OF VACUMN. AT SLOW SPEED IN REVERSE THE BRAKES "SHUDDERED" WHEN APPLIED. HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO A DEALER AS IT JUST HAPPENED WHILE TRAVELING. CHECHED FOR INFORMATION FOR SYMPTOMS ONLINE AND FOU... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2024
This is an ongoing issue regarding this vehicle's steering where it can become very hard to turn the steering wheel when going highway speeds. I tried calling a dealer and corporate, and they both told me that parts are not available and I have to wait.
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
The vehicles electrical system will go out mid drive. Front collision and rear collision sensor will turn off. Also the traction control will turn off with the other sensors going out. Plus the transmission while it’s sensors are going out will make it unable to pull out either forward or reverse.
Incident date: Oct 8, 2020
In the last six months fourteen of sixteen original equipment lug nuts have had to be replaced because they were "swollen". The dealer was able to do this work but I am concerned for the times when I was not having the vehicle serviced. What if I had had a flat tire and could not change the tire because of this issue? This would put me and the vehicle at risk to find a place of safety to replace t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2024
In cold weather my car will not start. Gas is in the car and all the lights come on. Would have to crank car multiple times for it to to start or it will not start at all.
Incident date: Jul 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel briefly vibrated, and there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
The foam in the car seat completely broke in half without any damage to the car seat, the fabric was ripping at the seams new out of the box. The company sent us replacement fabric and it was the wrong size despite the company saying it was the same thing. The company sent us a new seat and the shell of that seat arrived scratched and damaged.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
The contact owned a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle struck a deer. The contact's daughter lost control of the vehicle, crashing head-on into a tree. No warning light was illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The contact's daughter was shaken up, but she had no visible injuries and did not receive medical treatme... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Ram 1500. The contact had received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V653000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) and 24V729000 (STEERING, EXTERIOR LIGHTING); however, the parts 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle downshifted with the “Service Transmission” message displayed. The contact stated that the continue to drive and do not shift message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the contact noticed smoke ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Fisker Ocean. The contact received notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V623000 (Service Brakes, Electric); 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.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
On the highway and interstate highway, during stop in stop-and-go traffic, the vehicle randomly automatically shifts into park and apply the parking brakes when attempting to accelerate from standstill. This only happens when you try to move again after stopping, and the vehicle is shifted into park in the most inopportune times. It requires you not only to shift it back to drive with your r... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (AIR BAGS); 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. Parts distribution disconnect... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
On 10/21 the vehicle accelerated on its own. At a stoplight behind another automobile, when I only slightly lifted my foot from the brake, the car lurched forward and the auto safety stop system lit up. I never touched the accelerator pedal. I pushed back down on the brake. This was not the first time this happened.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
1. The specified vehicle has intermittent ABS/ Brake Hydraulic Control module error. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. Error causes ABS and Cruise Control to be disabled while in motion as per warning messages displayed on instrument cluser and audio annunciation. 3. Driver and passenger were endangered due to ABS malfunctioning intermittently **while in motion**. I have re... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Sept 26 1:38pm pulling in garage it swerved wheel towards wall and sounded alarms I have lane departure disabled, am manually driving under 15mph, and use proper blinker but this “safety feature” causes it to “jerk” the wheel and display warnings to the detriment of safety. This affects the entire fleet and was never an issue before around 2022-2023.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Sept 26 1:38pm pulling in garage it swerved wheel towards wall and sounded alarms I have lane departure disabled, am manually driving under 15mph, and use proper blinker but this “safety feature” causes it to “jerk” the wheel and display warnings to the detriment of safety. This affects the entire fleet and was never an issue before around 2022-2023.
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
I keep getting the service electronic stability control along with abs, no traction control,no remote start and no power whatsoever when I drive it happens mainly when it's cold outside but we have had this issue before and it was in and out of the dealerships garage for 8 months and the problem eventually went away after it got warm outside again. It is getting cold and now we can no longer drive... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
Fuel pump recall. Honda states that they do not have the part and they will contact me once the part is here. It has been months (Dec 2023 recall), I am worried that the car will brake or even worse I may have an accident. Already had and still have tons of electronic issues that Honda refuses to fix even though they lost at the arbitration! They literally told me after the trail: you’re on your... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
The ball joint metal part broke. The ball joint is not connected to the lower control arm instead the ball joint is a part that has a metal piece included that connects to the lower control arm. The piece is thin and break in my car over a small pothole doing speed limit this would not happen in any other make. The part looks cheap on the metal piece. The safety of the vehicle was bad until I got ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
Air bad for rear seat warning light. I can’t drive with my kids in vehicle. Erratic fuel issues stalling bad computer gives faulty reading. Cause me to get in necessary maintenance. Suspension issues always shakes on highway.
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
1. Unable to remove key from ignition switch while vehicle is in park. 2. Infotainment system turns itself on when car is started; playback skips on Pandora app. 3. Circular windshield crack appeared spontaneously.
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
I am writing to bring to your attention a critical safety issue affecting my 2021 Ford F-150, caused by a recent SYNC software update. On or around August 2024, Ford issued a software update that has resulted in significant malfunctions in multiple vehicle systems, including intermittent freezing and non-responsiveness shortly after vehicle startup. These issues persist for several minutes, severe... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
Service engine light came on took to Ford dealer to be checked was told need new engine due to coolant intrusion
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the brakes became inoperable. The contact had to slam on the brake pedal for the vehicle to stop. The Service Advance-trac, brakes, and check brake system messages were displayed. The contact researched online and discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not inc... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2024
While driving on the highway at approximately 65 mph, the car warning system beeped and displayed several error messages, including problems with the power steering, braking, and road mitigation systems. I was told to get my car to the dealer immediately. I also noticed that the car seemed to be losing acceleration power. As I was driving in traffic, my main concern was to get the car off the high... Read more