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: Oct 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the front driver's side windshield exterior A-Pillar trim separated, hit the windshield and flew off. The local dealer and a second dealer, Speedway Ford(1710 N Expy, Griff... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 BMW X7. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), 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 and confirmed that parts... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle went into idle, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant intrusion leaked into the engine's cylinders which caused the engine to fail. The contac... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
ABS Modular is malfunctioning and recommended to be replaced. I have been waiting 1.5 years for this part and continue to be told it’s not available. My check engine light continues to be on and my car does not function as it should. The part is identified as needing to be fixed but no parts available. I’ve called multiple states and made over 100 calls over the year. I am stuck with a car not... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
ABS failure warning lights on and off constantly. Dealer replaced failed HVU and ABS module for 1181$. This is an open investigation.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
SERVICE ELECTRONIC BRAKE SYSTEM AND ABS LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY COMES ON DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD OR WHEN STOPPING. HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR THE PAST 3 WEEKS NOW.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
SERVICE ELECTRONIC BRAKE SYSTEM AND ABS LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY COMES ON DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD OR WHEN STOPPING. HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR THE PAST 3 WEEKS NOW.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
I previously filed a complaint on this car about the sticky steering. I understand Honda has recalled many cars for this same problem on model years 2020-2023. Why would they not recall my 2017 civic with this very same steering issue. It IS a safety issue, especially at highway speeds.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
Automatic auto off-on began to fail and car didn't start well. I began to disable the automatic auto on off while driving because it began to sound like it would stall out while stopped at a traffic light . Then I forgot to disable the automatic auto off on and car stalled out while stopped at a traffic light. I took it to dealer, Rafferty Subaru, they couldn't find anything wrong with it. Then... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2024
recall in 2022 on rear bolts breaking was done bolts was replace. how ever new bolts are breakng as well, and dealership has put out report but only if rear bolts brake at this time u wreck the car , note two cars has crash do this when i ask they said the not replace them unless they break this incluedes bolts in upper and lower control arms, and related compontents, now why would say replace th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
Bought car like this not sure what happened. It’s a 2011 Toyota Camry LE
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
There has been a recall on the 2020 sierra 1500 for the driveshaft which causes shuddering and vibration which my vehicle is exibiting but my vin is not on the recall list
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
There has been a recall on the 2020 sierra 1500 for the driveshaft which causes shuddering and vibration which my vehicle is exibiting but my vin is not on the recall list
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
The NH-788P White Orchid Pearl Paint that was given an extended warranty due to a "paint peeling problem" on the Fit and HR-V models is now affecting Civics. I currently own a 2017 Civic Hatchback with the same paint, from the same country of manufacturing origin, within the same time frame, and was never given an extension warranty and currently am being denied help. The worst paint peeling, un... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
I would like to express a concern with how Jeep is handing the issue with the hybrid batteries in the Wrangler 4XE. I'm connected with the 4XE across the US and Canada and I am seeing issues with how they are addressing the potential for fires in the batteries. In my case, my Jeep was initially part of the B9A recall but was removed from the list. I was on the 04B recall list and had that update ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2021
While my wife was driving her car going down a slope, Her brake pedal fell to the floor loosing brakes and would not return to normal position for a few minutes. I took the vehicle into the dealership over two weeks ago and they have not been able to re-create the situation that took place while my wife was driving the car and still have not returned the vehicle. My concern is that my wife will no... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2021
Engine had sudden unexplained loss of oil followed shortly after by Engine failure due to broken rod
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
On Saturday October 5th at roughly 8:30 p.m. heading West on I-94 near battle creek, MI, the glass sunroof on our Mercedes suddenly exploded out and shattered. We were traveling at 75 mph with little surrounding traffic and no over-head obstructions. It took a second to re-gain control of the situation and slow down to a stop. We had the sun-shade closed, saving us from glass shards raining dow... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
I was driving on the freeway when due to heavy traffic, it was a stop and go. the engine stalled and on re-started on multiple trials. this created a very dangerous situation for an immediate accident as there were vehicles all around me. the engine stalling continued the next day also and I took my vehicle to BMW for servicing and they diagnosed engine starter motor failure which they then repl... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
The head gasket on cylinder 4 broke. Releasing coolant into the engine block, causing stuttering and stalling within the engine. As well as causing the car to loose coolant quickly that lead to the engine overheating. All of this information about my car I was given by the head mechanic at Olympic Auto, Longwood FL. He said that many Ford escapes have experienced this issue. The only warning lig... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
The head gasket on cylinder 4 broke. Releasing coolant into the engine block, causing stuttering and stalling within the engine. As well as causing the car to loose coolant quickly that lead to the engine overheating. All of this information about my car I was given by the head mechanic at Olympic Auto, Longwood FL. He said that many Ford escapes have experienced this issue. The only warning lig... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
The navigation/ radio / rear view camera just resets multiple times while driving, sometimes it happens more frequently than other days. Message that comes up is: Network Communication Lost. Researched online and tried to resolve via software update but seems to made it worse. Reluctant to take to the dealer as warranty has expired and more importantly, blogs show that the issues have never bee... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
Windshield wiper system worked intermittently for the last couple of years. Now it the windshield wiper system doesn’t work at all.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
Under normal driving conditions, I have experienced extended brake pedal travel while braking, accompanied by the activation of the ABS, brake, and traction control warning lights. This issue has recurred multiple times over the past year while driving at speeds up to 65 mph, typically lasting for several days until the warning lights reset and hydraulic/regenerative braking is restored. The failu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
Several different instances I've had my parking brake release as soon as I go to move after being parked for a long period of time. (I never set my parking brake to begin with so I don't understand why it keeps telling me it's released) Once it tells me it's been released, it's followed by a rough jersey of the car and then I'm able to move. Ever since I bought the car, there was a small shake. Th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
Several different instances I've had my parking brake release as soon as I go to move after being parked for a long period of time. (I never set my parking brake to begin with so I don't understand why it keeps telling me it's released) Once it tells me it's been released, it's followed by a rough jersey of the car and then I'm able to move. Ever since I bought the car, there was a small shake. Th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2024
First, there is a problem with the transmission. The car will stall or stop abruptly while driving. Second, the automatic turn signals do not work. Third, the driver safety belt does tightly secure the driver.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
My car made a loud pop noise when I go to turn it over. Then it was just dead others tried to jump it, but it wasn’t getting enough juice. Along with this all the warning signals start flashing through on the dash before basically dying. There had been warning at all early I had been driving around just fine. When we finally get to the dealership they say it was just the battery. We replace the ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
The Forward Collision Assist would intermittently disable during driving. The Lane Keeping Assist light illuminated and would not allow me to disable it causing the vehicle to drive straight only and to make left or right turns extremely hard to turn the vehicle. This incident occurred on [XXX] and was dropped off at Johnson Hyundai in Wake Forest on that date. After a week of no contact of a diag... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2024
When driving a warning sign came on saying stop safely your vehicle will shut off soon. When driving another time the vehicle shut off completely while driving and then came back on.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
As I was waiting for the light to change, my car suddenly shuts off and won't restart. Luckily, some goof Samaritans helped push my vehicle out of traffic. The mechanic close to where the incident took place found that the ASD fuse needed to be replaced and my car started right up. Well my car shut off while waiting for a light a few days later. I will be having my car looked at again however afte... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was a sudden explosion, and the glass sunroof panel was ejected from the vehicle. The contact retrieved the sunroof from the road and the vehicle was later taken to the dealer. The cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 116,000.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2019
After driving for about an hour stopped a light and accelerated to proceed and drivers side air bag exploded. Subaru states it was my fault because “dirt” got in the system. Refused to cover replacement or rental car. Minor hand injury.
Incident date: Oct 8, 2024
I have a problem with the door sensor, when temperature drops below 60 the system shows the door is open and doesn't let me lock any door even after driving, keeping the lights inside and outside the vehicle to stay on, this lead in few times to the alarm goes off during the night, the problem is that I have 2 kids they always use their seat belts but my little one sometimes put the hand on the do... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
Loss of dash display engine shuts down and no control of anything including steering very dangerous
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
I bought a brand new Yukon Denali in 2021. In 2022 at 12,000 miles, the car was riding extremely rough. It was diagnosed as a transmission issue and the transmission was rebuilt after 90 days in the service department at a GMC dealer. Later in 2022, I started getting low oil lights on the dash. The car was brought back to GMC and I was told that there aren't any leaks evident so nothing was do... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
As i was coming off the highway my powersteering went out. I was able to pull over and stop prior to hitting the car infront of me. I called the local dealer/repair shop and they said the power stearing rack is discontinued and they were unable to help me.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
Transfer case splines sheared, causing the awd system to fail. This eliminates power output to the rear wheels and could cause a loss of control while driving in sub par road conditions. This appears to be a very common issue among the Type-S trim.
Incident date: Oct 8, 2024
There has been an open recall on my vehicle for 10 months but the carmaker and dealerships are refusing to fix it. They are claiming "parts availability" but it has been 10 months now and they are selling the part online for profit. They are also using parts to sell new vehicles for profit before addressing the safety issue for existing owners.
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
THE ABS BRAKES YES IT IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION BY NOT HAVING ABS BRAKEING WHEELS HAVE LOCKED UP HAVE NOT HAD DEALER CHECKIT HAD A MECHANIC PUT ON COMPUTER FOR CODES NO TRUCK HASN'T BEEN INSPECTED BY ANYONE ELSE BUT THE MECHANIC WARNING LIGHTS HAVE COME ON AND OFF A NUMBER OF TIME AND LATELY MORE OFTEN IT STARED ABOUT A YEAR AGO TOOK IT TO DEALER THEN BUT WASN'T REPAIRED PROPERTY
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
Rear toe link (driver side) just purchased the car from a Police department and i was not aware of the recall. 10/8/24 i made an appointment for other service and was informant by Elk river MN ford dealer and recall is scheduled to be preformed 10/17/24. [XXX] at [XXX] when turning left at approximately 30mph (2 lane country roads) the vehicle became uncontrollable mid turn. vehicle did not hit ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and making slight right turns, the steering wheel was sticking and required to be manually steered to the center. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure had progressively gotten worse, requir... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir, and the vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a coolant intrusion and engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaire... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was app... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2024
Crank case ventilation hose breaks and engine runs poorly part#06C103235B
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Avalon. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 experience... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
While driving in the parking lot of my kids school to drop them off in the morning, I heard a loud noise and felt something hit me in the back of my head with some force. It was not painful, but was actually very uncomfortable. I stopped in the parking lot to see what it was. I noticed that my driver side headrest was out of place (the fabric portion was popped forward) away from the plastic ba... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH at midnight, there was an abnormally loud grinding and clunking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact inspected the vehicle, but could not determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the nearest dealer, where it was diagnosed that the r... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
Couple of recalls are out. Requested service but have yet to hear from company
Incident date: Sep 29, 2024
The back door on my 2016 Dodge Grand caravan on the driver side will not open from the inside or the outside I can't get my infant out if there was a fire or an accident vehicle only has 47,000 miles on it