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: Jul 19, 2026
The engine starter failed on my 2020 BMW Z4 M40i. The vehicle experienced starting failures and the repair shop diagnosed a faulty/shorted engine starter assembly. The symptoms and component failure match the exact defect description of active safety recalls NHTSA 24V-576 and 25V-636 (Starter Motor Fire Risk due to electrical short circuit/overheating). However, when checking my specific 17-digit ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2026
While driving on the highway at approximately 65mph the trucks display showed that the transmission shifted from 9th gear down to 1st gear, the truck however did not stall or shift hard. Shortly after the Ford pass sent a message stating there is a power train malfunction / reduced power. And that the transmission control module has detected a concern when trying to shift 4th gear. And a failsafe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2026
Windshield wiper washer does not properly clean the windshield. Holding the wiper stalk in the spray position , the spray only squirts for a sec or so as the wiper blade is vertical . Not enough cleaning solution is deposited in the correct location to clean the windshield. All other vehicles I have owned spray solution the entire duration of the wiper stalk being in the spray position. This ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2009 Acura MDX. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 117,500. At the time of the vehicle registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 140,223.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
The bolts that hold the mount to the trannsmission on keep coming out dropping the tranny breaking my axle 3 times now. It's a 2015 Nissan versa note what suggestions do you have. Because I'm pretty sure the trannsmission shouldn't fall out of any car. No matter the year.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
My SRS light went on without being in an accident. Around the same time I noticed that there was a recall reported (NHTSA Recall Number 26V-227) which states that the vehicle may deploy airbags without cause by going over a pothole etc. I took my vehicle in to the Honda dealership and they confirmed that my SRS ECU needs to be replaced bc it detected an airbag deployment but since it already deplo... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2025
My 2025 Hyundai Palisade intermittently experiences an abnormally high engine idle of approximately 1,500 RPM during the first few minutes of driving. The condition occurs randomly and is not present on every trip. While stopped at stop signs or intersections with my foot firmly on the brake pedal, I can feel the engine pushing against the brakes because of the elevated idle speed. When I release ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2026
The right rear seatbelt keep’s going into alarm over and over like someone is unplugging it and plugging back in. The alarm is persistent no matter who sits in the seat. It flashes on the dashboard and the audible alarm sounds most if not the whole car ride every day.
Incident date: Jul 21, 2026
Complaint to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) I am filing this complaint regarding an unresolved safety recall on my vehicle. This recall has remained open for more than one year, yet no remedy has been made available. Despite the manufacturer acknowledging the safety defect, I continue to operate a vehicle that presents significant safety concerns because the defect has... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Audi A7. The contact stated the engine had been overheating, and the contact had to pull over to add coolant to the coolant reservoir before continuing to drive. The failure became more persistent within the last 2 months. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was determined that there was coolant leaking into the engine from the water pump, vacuum lines, and the cool... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2026
Subject vehicle has 11919 miles. The vehicle is less than three years old and covered under factory warranty. While driving 35MPH, engine suddenly did not respond to throttle. This engine stopped. Driver was able to coast to roadside. After OnStar analysis, engine control computer logged code 'P129F - An issue has been detected in the Fuel Management System used to maintain, control and monit... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2026
Subject vehicle has 11919 miles. The vehicle is less than three years old and covered under factory warranty. While driving 35MPH, engine suddenly did not respond to throttle. This engine stopped. Driver was able to coast to roadside. After OnStar analysis, engine control computer logged code 'P129F - An issue has been detected in the Fuel Management System used to maintain, control and monit... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); 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 contact stated that the Traction Control and ABS warning lights were illuminated, and the alarm sou... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2026
Fuel Tank leaking at inlet port. Leaking gasoline on ground. Vehicle is at Sunset Dodge for fuel tank replacement. Not under warranty or a recall at this time. Fuel started leaking with no warning
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, the camera image was blank. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unkno... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2026
The ABS control module has internal problem which shuts down the module. Results of the module shut down includes: -The stability and traction systems are offline. -A failure in the ABS module or hydraulic unit. -Cruise Control inoperable. -The module no longer modulates brake pressure, which can result in brakes locking. Currently, Mopar has stopped production of this item, so there is no method... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
The ABS control module has internal problem which shuts down the module. Results of the module shut down includes: -The stability and traction systems are offline. -A failure in the ABS module or hydraulic unit. -Cruise Control inoperable. -The module no longer modulates brake pressure, which can result in brakes locking. Currently, Mopar has stopped production of this item, so there is no method... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2026
I am writing to report an accident involving my son who was driving Tesla 2024 Model-3 on July 18th 2026 approximately 10:15 AM EST. He was returning home from his volunteering with Emergency medical Service(EMS) when the vehicle's steering wheel suddenly froze. while attempting to maneuver the vehicle to safe location , it collided with a roadside barrier. fortunately , my son was not injured... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
7/9/2026 Check engine light on at 320 miles. Had car 3 weeks. Took to dealership they ran diagnostics & the code came up as P050B00 (cold start ignition timing performance). Dealership told me that the manufacture knows there is a problem but does not know how to fix at this time. I was told there was nothing they can do and keep driving the car with a check engine light on, which is ridiculous. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
Traveling on the highway with no cars near us and our panoramic sunroof exploded showering myself and my passenger with glass at highway speed. There are no over hanging trees or over passes in this area.
Incident date: May 20, 2025
After noticing an oil leak and blue smoke in my 23 VW atlas, I took it to my local dealership in Tupelo, MS. I realized there was an open recall for the PCV Valve / Oil separator under code 10LP. However, the bad PCV valve also caused the timing chain cover to go bad. The dealership called me back and said VW would not cover this issue. I then called VW to see if they would step in and provide som... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2026
The car showed an error message saying shift to park when trying to turn the car off. The car was in park and showed in park on the dashboard & shifter but the error message still said it wasn’t in park. While this error is showing it will not allow the car to shut off or lock doors. I have a little over 19k miles on this car and should not have this issue. After researching this has been a know... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2026
Driving down the highway at 60 mph and the sunroof exploded. No cars in front of me and nothing in on coming lane . I was on a newer road no big bumps. Sounded like a shot gun went off glass all over
Incident date: Jul 20, 2026
I was on the highway when the vehicle alerted me that shift was unavailable then the auto start/stop was unavailable then the airbags were unavailable then my FUEL and my MPH were not reading. My windshield wipers started all on their own and could not be turned off! And my EMERGENCY LIGHTS WERE INOP. I LOST POWER STEERING and was locked in gear! All while in morning rush hour traffic on the high... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2026
On XXX, I delivered my 2020 Genesis G70 3.3T AWD Prestige (64,267 miles) to Jenkins Genesis of [XXX], for routine factory-recommended maintenance, including transmission, transfer case, front differential, rear limited-slip differential (LSD), brake fluid, and cooling system services. Before this visit, the vehicle had no history of drivetrain problems. It had recently completed an approximately 8... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on several occasions, the vehicle lost automotive power with the check engine warning light continuously illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local Auto Zone and a diagnostic machine retrieved DTC: P0191. The vehicle was then taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact wa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2026
When i go to accelerate i lost power and then 2 seconds later car would finally go, this has happened several times getting onto freeway or just trying to pass and have almost been rear ended, i took car to dealer and no remedy available still 1 year later, my specific car has had several recalls which is ridiculos, i am not getting any help with my situation
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V651000 (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 repair. The contact stated that the infotainment system glitched and turn off intermittently causing the safety information and... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed and the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred after starting the vehicle, and the steering wheel locked up. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the fai... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2026
Instrument Cluster Failure Complaint – 2020 Honda HR-V VIN [XXX] I am reporting an intermittent instrument cluster failure affecting a 2020 Honda HR-V. The digital display that contains the fuel gauge, odometer, and mileage information intermittently becomes heavily pixelated or goes completely blank. I have been dealing with this issue for over a year. The car has 83K + miles. The problem occ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V099000 (Seat Belts). While driving approximately 45 MPH and approaching an intersection, the air bag warning light illuminated. There was an abnormally loud sound like a gunshot coming from the vehicle, and smoke was inside the vehicle. The front passenger’s seat belt unexpectedly deployed and r... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
Hello I contacted bmw about a recall on my vehicle and made an appointment the gentleman I spoke with at first did the whole recall appointment. He wasn’t there on the day of and the other technician refused to conduct the recall repair and very rudely said to me you either pay $500 for diagnosing or you come pick up your car now otherwise I will charge you $200 daily storage he said the car did... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
No one was harmed. We have been using the car seat for 9 months, assuming it is latched into the base correctly when we hear a click. We have a second interchangeable Graco infant carrier car seat in a second car but it was hardly used. While we were removing both seats to try out new convertible car seats, we noticed that the hooks on the carrier shell of the snugride snugfit are missing or pu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
the engine revs high and transmission wont shift and when you turn the steering wheel ya get a loud click and the steering wheels jumps
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
The tire pressure warning indicator started to come on indicating the front driver side tire is the one causing the alarm. This is dangerously we check the tire pressure on each tire on each individual tire every third day. Our 2020 Ford Escape is parked in the garage. I cannot drive myself currently. I am rehabbing from a severly torn rotor and biscep. My spouse brought this to my attention. She... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2026
The cross traffic did not alert me. The opposing vehicle was parked in a parking spot at the Jacksonville Dermatologist office near the Martinez dental office 32216. She caused over $8900 dollars in damage. She indicated she did not see me in her rear view camera. Her vehicle from 2017 Kia did not have the cross traffic alert system. She did not believe me there was such an alert system. I showe... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 15, 2026
I’m concerned about the power brakes I’ve received these faults a few times. DTC DTC System DTC Sub System C184987 CHASSIS LKAS Also there are reports online that other owners have experienced this issue with their Santa Cruz’s Some reporting dealers lack of concern. Diagnostics History My vehicle Last Reported Original Date Mileage Status DTC DTC System DTC Sub System 02/23/26 02/... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2026
Harness straps are becoming loose due to debris getting lodged in the release tension button causing straps to loosen without pressing button causing a safety concern. Cybex’s solution to this is to basically tell you to just keep it clean when they should be recalling and fixing this issue with a cover to prevent this (which they have done with the newest version coming out the T) nuna recalled... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
While getting ready to parallel park the car, the entire screen system (dashboard, center console) went completely blank. This completely eliminates visibility to all safety aids, speed of vehicle, and warning systems. This has happened with this specific vehicle in the past, and the vehicle has been updated by Honda dealership. it has not been brought to a dealer quite yet. I am awaiting th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
Reduced engine powers caused by turbo charger underboost, at 91200 miles.
Incident date: Jul 17, 2026
When vehicle is completely stopped at a traffic light there have been numerous occasions in which all electrical components fail and the vehicle turns off and fails to restart. This only occurs when the auto idle start is engaged. A few times I’ve had to completely jump the vehicle. I have replaced the battery and also had the car examined at the dealership. They stated they had previously updat... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2026
The power steering system, failure. completely without warning I see recalls on this model. But do not see it on the website. Nor will ford repair it
Incident date: Jul 17, 2026
The driver's side (left front) door failed at the check-arm attachment point inside the door assembly: the spot welds securing the check-arm reinforcement bracket to the inner door structure cracked and separated. The vehicle is a commercial fleet 2022 Ford Maverick XL SuperCrew with approx. 82,000 miles. The vehicle and failed component are available for inspection upon request. First symptoms w... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
This is a third occurrence related to NHTSA complaints 11749893 and 11750183. On July 15, 2026, at approximately 7:30-7:42 AM, while driving to a scheduled Ford service appointment, the vehicle exhibited hesitation and delayed acceleration at multiple intersections, not isolated to one location. Although the vehicle's auto start-stop feature has been manually disabled, the hesitation at each stop ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
This is a third occurrence related to NHTSA complaints 11749893 and 11750183. On July 15, 2026, at approximately 7:30-7:42 AM, while driving to a scheduled Ford service appointment, the vehicle exhibited hesitation and delayed acceleration at multiple intersections, not isolated to one location. Although the vehicle's auto start-stop feature has been manually disabled, the hesitation at each stop ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2026
I am reporting a severe safety recall compliance failure and fraudulent reporting by an authorized dealership regarding a 2023 Audi electric vehicle. On May 30, 2024, under Repair Order 227719, the dealership officially certified to the NHTSA and Audi that Safety Recall 93U6 (Compact/Portable Charging System Cable) was fully completed. The dealership never actually removed or replaced the hazardou... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle, and the interior sunroof glass panel shattered. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and remained with the dealer for additional repairs. The repairs were made as per the insurance provider. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The fail... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2026
Parking sensors and forward sensors used for adaptive cruise control will identify objects that are not there and the car will break. Car with shut off while driving (not the normal engine cutoff with restart) and shift to park suddenly. Backup camera is blanked out and rear sensor will not work. Towing mode with initiate on its own with not trailer hooked up while driving. False low oil light... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the exterior a pillar trim on the driver’s and passenger’s side of the windshield detached. No warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the part was not available to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact rec... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
The vehicle has had regular maintenance, oil change, and inspection including the brakes. My boyfriend is visiting me in [XXX] from the [XXX]. OnXXX while driving the vehicle the engine started. Making a ticking noise especially during idle and when accelerating in idle. About 15 minutes after the ticking stopped and all of a sudden there's a complete loss of breaks they locked up and the driver w... Read more