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 29, 2025
This vehicle has a death wobble above 50 mph when hitting a slight bump in the road causing loss of control. It has been repaired multiple times with no resolution. We tried arbitration but because we continued to drive it, they ruled in the manufacture's favor not understanding we had no choice but to continue driving it to take my wife's father to cancer treatments. It now has 56000 miles on it ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2024
It has been 6 times that we have needed to jump start the car. The time that i start it before it actually needs a jump you notice the screen and ac take a minute or two to turn on after you have already turned on the car. Today it started fine and the second time it needed a jump start. I contacted AAA the first time it happened, they checked the battery at the dealer and everything looked great ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The air bag warning system shows "passenger air-bags not engaged" If involved in any accident that requires passenger air-bags to inflate, they will not. Causing serious to deadly consequences. January 28 2025 the Mazda service department had our vehicle to recalibrating the system. Checking the problem after the service still show the same problem. Another Mazda CX-30 was brought over, and the... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2021
Fuel injector warning light has come on for the third cylinder. There has been absolutely no impact to gas mileage or overall car efficiency and yet I'm being told I need to replace all of my fuel injectors at a cost of $1,600 in order to clear this code (P219E). This code just started appearing right after I had my fuel pump replaced under warranty recall. I have to presume there is some link and... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while making left and right turns on several occasions, the steering wheel vibrated with the "Steering Assist Fault - Service Required" message displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed, and a software update was performed. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred on the way to the residence. The veh... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2024
Two problems 1. Auto Start/Stop feature 2. Pre-Collision Assist (1) Auto Start/Stop feature- unpredictable.. 1. My engine turns off at busy intersection for red light with a vehicle coming in fast from behind, I hit gas to move forward . My truck revs hard from starting with foot on gas and darts forward. Almost went into cross traffic. 2. There is a current recall on Maverick batteries. ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2024
While driving the power steering cuts out and flashes on the dash power steering unavailable, service required. It happens intermittently, but when it happens the steering wheel locks up while driving. I have had it to the Ashland Chrysler dealership, they charged me to say that it happened because it was cold outside. It keeps happening even though it's not cold
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
While driving my ram truck, a notice goes across the cluster center saying to shift vehicle to park. No other lights go on like check engine lights etc. But the truck goes to a complete stop and makes you shift in to park then back in to drive this is dangerous because it happens to me while I am driving to include one time coming off the off ramp on the freeway possibly making someone rear end me... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
While driving, the vehicle went into Engine Power Reduced mode, check engine light went on, and the Brake Assist notification came on. I pulled over and turned off the vehicle; vehicle would not restart. Had the vehicle towed for diagnosis; told initial codes were timing issues. Vehicle has 83,000 miles and showed no evidence of any sort of failures - no warning lights, no brake issues, no hesitat... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
I took my car into Winn Kia dealership in Fremont, Ca to have my recall completed which entailed seat belts and airbags. They claimed to have completed the recall and gave me my car back a few days later. A month or so later, they called and ask me to bring my car in so they could complete. After back and forth, they couldn’t confirm if the recalls were done and advised I take it to another sist... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
I took my car into Winn Kia dealership in Fremont, Ca to have my recall completed which entailed seat belts and airbags. They claimed to have completed the recall and gave me my car back a few days later. A month or so later, they called and ask me to bring my car in so they could complete. After back and forth, they couldn’t confirm if the recalls were done and advised I take it to another sist... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
I received a service hybrid electric vehicle system warning. Also vehicle speed may be limited warning. When I shut the vehicle off, it was loud and remained running. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because the warning happened while I was driving and I couldn’t get speed to park in a safe location. I had my car towed to a local Chrysler Jeep Dodge dealer and they updated so... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while stopped in the driveway, the vehicle shut off and failed to restart. The hill assist, traction control, brake, fuel empty, and the engine overheating warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle went into battery-saving mode. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacte... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the instrument cluster displayed a black screen. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. In addition, the contact stated that the dealer had replaced the instrument cluster twice si... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2024
I purchased a car from Carvana , a few days later the airbag light came on , I was instructed by Carvana to call the warranty place and let them no there was a problem. They instructed me to go to Levanders body shop in GrandIsland Ne . The body shop ran a diagnostic and could not find why the light was going off so they removed the passenger knee panel to which they found the wires were taped an... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
Driver assist features disabled while driving
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
Driver assist features disabled while driving
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
Driver assist features disabled while driving
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
Driver assist features disabled while driving
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Audi E-Tron Sportback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V867000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manu... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
I purchased my 2022 GMC SIERRA XLT in February of 2022. I have had it in the shop 4 times for recalls. They couldn’t or didn't put an inspection sticker on the truck because I honestly don’t think it could have passed inspection. The truck sounds like a truck on Transformer when I turn it off breaking town like a robot. On yesterday which was 1/27/2025 while backing up to turn around the truck... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
I purchased my 2022 GMC SIERRA XLT in February of 2022. I have had it in the shop 4 times for recalls. They couldn’t or didn't put an inspection sticker on the truck because I honestly don’t think it could have passed inspection. The truck sounds like a truck on Transformer when I turn it off breaking town like a robot. On yesterday which was 1/27/2025 while backing up to turn around the truck... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
I purchased my 2022 GMC SIERRA XLT in February of 2022. I have had it in the shop 4 times for recalls. They couldn’t or didn't put an inspection sticker on the truck because I honestly don’t think it could have passed inspection. The truck sounds like a truck on Transformer when I turn it off breaking town like a robot. On yesterday which was 1/27/2025 while backing up to turn around the truck... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD BOTH HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING. NOT PARK LIGHTS JUST HEADLIGHTS. HAD TO DRIVE ALL THE WAY HOME WITH NO HEADLIGHTS. CALLED DEALERSHIP THEY SAID MY VIN DIDNOT HAVE A RECALL. IT WAS SOME 2015 BUT NOT MINE. THESE HEADLIGHTS ARE FAULTY. MY 2015 WORK CRUISER IS DOING THE EXACT SAME THING WHICH IS A FORD EXPLORER. I NEVER HAD A CAR OLDER FORDS AND OTHERS THAT HAVE FAULTY HEA... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
The Tailgate Control Module (TCM) was infiltrated with water due to a crack in the seam on the rear driver side panel. This caused the tailgate to be unusable and no longer latch as a result of no power to the tailgate latch. The TCM (Part #: 74970-THR-A12) had to be replaced as well as all seams needed to be sealed.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
The airbag light is turning on and off, and I'm wondering if it's related to the same recall that was issued previously.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, engine oil was leaking onto the ground while the vehicle was parked. The contact stated that the dealer had previously replaced the spark plugs, and cylinders #3 and #4 twice, and an independent mechanic had r... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2024
Our Forest River Salem Hemisphere Travel Trailer posed a severe safety risk to my family due to improper construction. Specifically, an electrical outlet installed under the sink and near the water heater was not GFCI-compliant or waterproofed, violating NEC Table 310.15(B)(16) and NEC 551 standards, which are mandatory for RVs. While camping, we noticed a burning smell and then smoke coming from... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 2, 2024
There currently exists a recall (24T-009) on the Continental ProContact GX AO 255/35R19 96H XL tire which was the OEM tire on some MY21+ Audi A4/A5s. The recall was the result of the compound used on the inner and outer edges improperly dissipating heat, resulting in premature wear, and belt breakage. I have a 2023 Audi A4, [XXX] which has the OE Continental ProContact GX AO 245/40R18 97H XL on it... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
This is the 3rd engine failure in 23K miles. The first was a Lifter/Rod problem at around 3K miles. The 2nd was catastrophic engine failure due to a spun bearing at 21K miles. Now at 23K miles, I'm having another catastrophic engine failure with the same issue. Engine is the 6.2L L87.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2024
The contact owns a Nuna Car Seat, Model Type: Rava, Model Number: CS05103CVR, Manufactured Date: 09-04-21. The contact stated that upon inspection, the harness straps loosened independently without the release button being depressed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24C002000 (Child Seat); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 BMW X2. The contact stated that while driving, a "Driver’s side rear turn signal malfunction" message was displayed. Upon investigation, the contact was able to find information online and replaced the rear turn signal bulb herself. The contact stated that several days later, the failure returned, and the contact decided to take the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2024
Airbags did not deploying after passenger side impact
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
There is a severe throttle delay when pressing the gas pedal in all situations. From a stop to go when you press the throttle there is a severe delay causing a massive safety problem when pulling out / pulling into traffic / merging into a highway or roadway / wven while driving at any speed and you press the pedal there is a huge delay. Its a big safety hazard This is an issue on many ram ve... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
- Autopoilt/FSD had a failure and malfunction, the car speeded up on its own and hit the divider while driving on a highway exit road, which is a u shaped road. - Everyone in the car could be dead if I didn't pull the steer wheeling at the last minute to aviod fatal accident, it was horrifying - I have reported the claim to Tesla right after the incident, but they were not responsive in providin... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
Main bearing failure on my 6.2L at 17,000 miles. Starting making knocking noise, and within two miles it died and wouldn’t restart. No check engine light or warning lights. Blew a 40 amp fuse. Once replaced started but knocked and died. Dealership determined spun main causing internal engine failure. Motor replaced. Started making internal engine noise again like almost a spark knock type noise ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
We experienced a failure of the entire steering rack assembly and tie rod ends and also the control module for the steering system. The repair cost was just under $5,000.00. I question why the entire rack and pinion steering system needed to be replaced. I ask what component failed on on the steering rack and what specifically fail on the steering control assembly. No logical answer was provided.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Jaguar F-Pace. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in the park gear, the vehicle unintentionally accelerated at approximately 10 MPH and the entire front of the vehicle crashed into several trees where it ultimately came to a stop. There was minor cosmetic damage. No warning light was illuminated. The air bags were deployed. A police report was filed. The contact ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
As I was pulling into a parking stall at work, I pressed on the brake and the vehicle did not stop. It went up over the sidewalk which is stepped up from the parking lot 4-6". i continued to press the break in as far as I could and the vehicle continued to travel at least 20 and stopped when it hit the building. The vehicle is equipped with the automatic emergency breaking and collision warning... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
Missfire from coolent leaking in engine
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
Vehicle is leaving a strong gas order inside and around the vehicle. This issue is currently awaiting to be inspected but for the meantime, it’s parked inside a garage where it completely fills the area with said odor. This is particularly unsafe due to our water heater also being located in this section of the house. Gas smell first appeared about a month ago and had consistently releasing thes... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failur... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
Unable to respond to text messages verbally whenever you get a text. Initially the driver could accept and reply thru the radio if so desired but now this function does not work as before. Both the dealer and Chevrolet have not resolved the issue. Three case numbers have been assigned (9-14405693026, 9-14415635001, & 9-1445732776) without resolving the issue. The vehicle is well within warrant... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
November 2022, my rear window shattered while parked in my parents driveway. Did not know what happened so I called my insurance company (State Farm) they came out a few days later to replace it. I reported it to my dealership and they said they have never heard of that happening before. December 2024, my rear window shattered again while sitting in my garage, this time I called American Honda.... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
The contact's daughter rented a 2024 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, after driving over a small imperfection in the roadway, there was an abnormal scraping sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The driver pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact observed that the exhaust mounting bracket... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
A deer hit the driver side of my car. The air bag had a smell but did not deflate. The seatbelts kinda detached from the driver’s seat and both front seatbelts are locked very tight. This happened 1/3/25. About three months ago while driving, the driver seat went into the lowest level position. When I put it back where I could drive it, it did it again. I had to keep putting it in place till I ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 27, 2025
The dealership sold me a brand new travel trailer with water leaks and water damage in multiple areas.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Driver side exterior rear view mirror shakes/vibrates at highway speeds (65mph or higher) making it difficult to safely change lanes/view following traffic. The dealership inspected this and was able to replicate the issue, but said there is nothing they can be done / they’ve seen it before / it’s just how it is - “not that bad”. This is a dangerous defect and it needs to be fixed. It i... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
While driving on an interstate, the Instrument cluster / digital gauge cluster screen behind my steering wheel turned off. I was driving with my adaptive cruise control on when all of a sudden I see the screen go black and I was no longer able to see how fast the car was going, the engine temperature, or how much fuel I had, as well as all of the other metrics on that dashboard. The car never lost... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
My car was recalled by Hyundai for a critical safety issue and has been at the dealership since July of 2024 awaiting repairs due to missing parts. Despite repeated follow-ups, Hyundai has been unable to provide a timeline for the repair. Recently, they offered to buy back the car, but the offer was far below its fair market value. When I declined, they stated they would return the car to me unfix... Read more