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 3, 2025
I had my vehicle for about 2 years. I noticed that after I went over a certain amount of mileage, my car went into an engine power reduce mode. With the engine power reduce mode my vehicle could only go 25 mph. This was happening to me when I was driving on major highways, etc.. I would have to pull over and stop the vehicle because after certain amount of time it also would tell me oil pressure l... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
Backup camera does not function at night. The issue appeared on day one, the car was leased in this condition in July 2024. The problem has been reported to and known by the dealership and witnessed by the sales manager at King O’Rourke dealership in Smithtown NY. The first record of written correspondence is shared in a photo of an email September 2024. If it’s dark outside without brigh... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2023
Instrument panel failure when driving over any small bumps. Randomly turns off while driving. Complete loss of electrical system.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
EL EMBLEMA DE RESINA EN LA CUBIERTA DEL MÓDULO AIRBAG DEL CONDUCTOR EN LOS VEHÍCULOS AFECTADOS PUEDE TENER DURABILIDAD REDUCIDA DEBIDO A POSIBLES VARIACIONES EN EL PROCESO DE PRODUCCIÓN DEL PROVEEDOR. EN ESTA CONDICIÓN, CON EL TIEMPO, LOS POSTES DEL EMBLEMA PUEDEN DESARROLLAR GRIETAS, Y EL EMBLEMA Y LOS COMPONENTES DE RETENCIÓN PODRÍAN DESPRENDERSE EN CASO DE QUE SE DESPLIEGUE EL AIRBAG.
Incident date: Dec 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle began to lose automotive power and reduced speeds and smoke was present coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was driven to the home and while parked in the garage the temperature gauge indicated that the engine temperature was extremely hot. The vehicle was later towed to the local de... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2024
The rear camera produces distorted images during and after rain, snow, dust or other road or atmospheric conditions. The defect in the camera's design creates significant safety risks because the driver cannot see obstacles, including people, behind the car when backing up. The vehicle has not been taken to a dealer, independent service center, manufacturer, police or insurance representative. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2024
The rear seatbelts metal ends are disintegrating with extreme corrosion. Discovered just before 25,000mile service. No corrosion in any other part of the vehicle.
Incident date: Aug 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after two or three attempts each time. The check engine warning light was illuminated and the OnStar app notified her of fuel issues. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump and the ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after two or three attempts each time. The check engine warning light was illuminated and the OnStar app notified her of fuel issues. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump and the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
In the document (ZD8), although my VIN does not appear, I have unfortunately encountered the SAME EXACT problem. My Jeep first exhibited this issue back in 2022, and I managed to repair it at that time without being aware of the existing recall. As it stands, my vehicle is now at the dealership again, plagued by the SAME recurring issue. In trying to resolve this, I have tirelessly reached out to ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the safety belt on the rear driver's and passenger's side seats would unintentionally unlatch. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle remained at the place of residence. A dealer was contacted however, the diagnosis was pending. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the fa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The Catalytic Converter is the issue per our mechanic. We have had several issues out of the the vehicle, resulting in more money than the car is worth. The car no longer reaches over 55-60 mph, which is unsafe on the highway. Many times the car wont start. We thought it was the battery which have been changed several times, but the last mechanic stated it in fact the recall part that is needed.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The Catalytic Converter is the issue per our mechanic. We have had several issues out of the the vehicle, resulting in more money than the car is worth. The car no longer reaches over 55-60 mph, which is unsafe on the highway. Many times the car wont start. We thought it was the battery which have been changed several times, but the last mechanic stated it in fact the recall part that is needed.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
Contacted General Motors to have the Recall software patch installed, appoint was set, vehicle was dropped off and now they are telling me there is nothing they can do, that the recall is not available. The software update is available, and is being installed on other vehicles. This is a life safety issue as the rear wheels can lock up at any time which could cause a vehicle accident involving t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2025
Vibration on exceleration, dealer states transmission is bad.
Incident date: Dec 31, 2024
The transmission-10 speed. Yes it is available. The vehicle has been exhibiting on and off hard shifting since early December. Yesterday while crossing an intersection the vehicle went out of gear and would not move. A car behind me traveling at normal speed had to brake and swerve into the next lane to avoid hitting my vehicle. After contacting a few transmission shops they all confirmed that ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2024
Spare tire jack collapsed when jacking up the vehicle. I don’t think the jack is rated for a PHEV Sorento.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with multiple warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagno... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
The oil cooler lines came disconnected and oil leaked out. Had to have it towed and repair shop fixed it said the front lines where broke and rear lines where coming apart
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding an ongoing issue I have encountered with my 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. Recently, I experienced a significant problem with the vehicle’s trunk and rear seat release mechanism, which has made it impossible for me to access the trunk or fold down the rear seats. The specific issues I am facing are as follows: Trunk Latch Stuck: The trunk latch has ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
I'm not quite sure what component was affected, some module of some sort got water in or near it that wasn't supposed to. It is available for inspection. Yes my safety and others was out at risk. Yes the problem was fixed by service center supposedly. Yes the car has been inspected by the manufacturer. There were no warnings. What happened was on 12/29 I was driving the car and out of absolutely ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
I'm not quite sure what component was affected, some module of some sort got water in or near it that wasn't supposed to. It is available for inspection. Yes my safety and others was out at risk. Yes the problem was fixed by service center supposedly. Yes the car has been inspected by the manufacturer. There were no warnings. What happened was on 12/29 I was driving the car and out of absolutely ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
My starter caught on fire trying to start my car
Fire
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
* When I turn the steering wheel, especially when parking, there are noise coming from the suspensions, especially as if they are coming from the head of the suspensions.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 40-70 MPH, the steering wheel was jerking abnormally. The contact had to hold the steering wheel tightly. The steering wheel was moving unintendedly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V763000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) and NHTSA Campaign Number 24V744000 (Ste... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
On [XXX], I was driving my 2021 Jayco Motorhome built on the Ford F53 chassis on a trip to Tucson, Arizona. On my way there, just outside of Clovis, NM, I noticed a strange vibration in my front end. When I attempted to slow down to enter Clovis, I heard grinding as I stepped on the brake and had a hard time slowing. We immediately searched for a local Ford Truck repair shop. Finding none anyw... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
brake master cylinder failure, took car to chevy after brakes got super hard to push , luckily no accident , felt like no brakes, at the point of failure, brake light, abs light, check engine light all went on ,at some point abs and brake light went off but check engine light stayed on and screen on Dash indicated max speed 62 then in a couple of minute screen showed max speed 42 mph , then light... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
I remote started my vehicle about 5 minutes prior to getting in. After I got in and placed the key in the ignition, I started to smell smoke. I see in my rear view mirror the entire cab of my truck started to fill with smoke. When I turned my head around the interior of my rear window was on fire and my entire truck cab filled with smoke. I get out of the vehicle and immediately try and look for h... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the 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 avai... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
Unknown, I was driving on the Highway when all of a sudden my car came to a stop with the engine smoking up. I had it tow to my house and had my brother in law who is a car mechanic come check and he states that it is the connecting rod bearing. We see recalls on it for other same car model and year, but not for my VIN.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
I was driving on a city street and slowed to turn right onto a driveway at at a private residence. As my car entered the driveway and near the end of the right turn, my car had a sudden unintended uncontrolled acceleration, continued the turn, went over a low hedge of shrubs on the right side of the driveway, continued down a short rocky incline, and landed on a large rock where the car stopped.
Crash
Incident date: Nov 21, 2024
The Thermo control valve on the vehicle failed. This has been such a consistent problem, that Subaru has extended the warranty for this item to 150K miles. I realize that alone is not a safety problem, but the issue is that when there is a check engine light error, the system shuts down the cruise control, lane departure, collision avoidance (EyeSIGHT), and XMODE (all wheel drive). The safety i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
I was involved in a front end collision [XXX] that caused my vehicle to be totaled and me to be transported to the hospital via an ambulance. I purchased the vehicle with the understanding that it had numerous safety features including airbags throughout. During this accident my impact completely crumpled my engine compartment and left portions of my engine were left lying around. The only air... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
I was involved in a front end collision [XXX] that caused my vehicle to be totaled and me to be transported to the hospital via an ambulance. I purchased the vehicle with the understanding that it had numerous safety features including airbags throughout. During this accident my impact completely crumpled my engine compartment and left portions of my engine were left lying around. The only air... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
Both rear Lower control arms are rusted thru and need to be replaced. Car has 113,000 miles but is only 10 yrs old, Rust is severe enough that we were advised not to take long trips and to get it repair by dealer soon. Estimate is for $1400.00 and the dealership is offering no help with the cost,
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
Any time I get into the car and immediately start driving before the car has time to catch up with what I am doing, the NHTSA mandated safety sounds played when the car is in reverse or drive does not play until the cars computer can catch up and begin playing the sounds. Most times this can take 3 seconds or so but today I had an incident where it took over 30 seconds before it would start playin... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
Any time I get into the car and immediately start driving before the car has time to catch up with what I am doing, the NHTSA mandated safety sounds played when the car is in reverse or drive does not play until the cars computer can catch up and begin playing the sounds. Most times this can take 3 seconds or so but today I had an incident where it took over 30 seconds before it would start playin... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
during a hydroplaning incident on a ramp, the tesla refused to budge or give any steer. Major issue was no air bags deployed during collision.
Crash
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
My car has been in the Kia shop for engine. We just stopped on the freeway and for the module recall and my safety bag is just constantly on since I’ve gotten it and now I’m noticing electrical issues that shouldn’t be someone told me. Hey you need to file a complaint because your car can catch on fire And I don’t know what else to do but to do a paper trail just in case but it’s been re... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
My car has been in the Kia shop for engine. We just stopped on the freeway and for the module recall and my safety bag is just constantly on since I’ve gotten it and now I’m noticing electrical issues that shouldn’t be someone told me. Hey you need to file a complaint because your car can catch on fire And I don’t know what else to do but to do a paper trail just in case but it’s been re... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
Went 12/21/24 Coggin Honda Orlando for oil change and they also do safety recall campaign fuel pump motor. After replacement still with problem worst because have problem starting the vehicle. When for 2 time they fix pinched o-ring, get the car worse this time my car shut off when backing up. When 3 time they change again fuel pump this time inside the car smell too much gasoline have drive back ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
Check Right Tail and Brake Lamps warning light will not go off for months. They are working fine but the light won't go off. Googling on MB World, it shows Mercedes is aware of this problem and a recall is needed to get it corrected being safety issue with warning lights not working properly. See all info. below from owners, conversations and work done by dealers, etc. People note it is a middle s... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while using the right turn signal, the signal seized and failed to turn off and remained engaged. The vehicle was taken to the Tesla Service Center; however, the service tech was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The Tesla Service Center declined to provide a steering wheel replacement. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. The check engine warning light illuminated. Shortly afterward, the message "Reduce Propulsion, Engine will not Start" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with a defective EGR valve. The contact wa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the failure occurred while on a four-lane highway. The contact stated that later, several un... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. 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 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. ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
We were driving and then suddenly stopped, thank goodness nothing bad happened to us. and the car never turned on again! I Was told by a mechanic it was the engine. We were told there were several recalls and alot regarding the engine for this year. Why should I have to pay for something we're still paying on and that has been sitting in our driveway for over 2 years! Fix our car!
Incident date: Dec 6, 2022
No incident occurred. However, Audi recalled my EV (2022 Audi E-tron) months ago, stating there exists a fire hazard associated with these vehicles. Audi has not provided any effective remedy. The sole advice offered was to refrain from charging the battery beyond 80%. However, Audi has not substantiated the claim that this measure is protective, and it also restricts the performance and intended... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2025
vehicle shuddering at speeds between 25-40...vehicle has a little over 58k miles on it...found no recalls but numerous issues of same degree...Ford not wanting to take responsibility for bad product! Costing the owners thousands in repairs!