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: Oct 15, 2024
Hello there my name is [XXX] , i bought this car 2-3 year ago but on around december 2023 i found out before i go to work my car smell like mildew but i could figure it out coming from where i thought my kids forgot shut the truck because we went to travel and came home early and was raining. Anyway after i found out come from the sunroof throw the handler bar and go underneat of the break where i... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
Driving down the road several large pieces of pain flaked off on the driver side door. This is a 2014 Kia Optima with 61,000 miles on it. None of the other questions apply. I am filing this because I see on other forums that both KIA and Hyundai cars with the Snow White Pearl paint have this problem, so it seems to be a failure by the manufacturer.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
None of the safety sensors were working.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
None of the safety sensors were working.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
None of the safety sensors were working.
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
The rear differential appears to be an issue on these vehicles. 2021-2022 models/vehicles were recalled for having an issue with the rear differential. Fortunately there was not an accident with my vehicle as I was able to determine that it shouldn’t be driven. However, I’m told by the dealership that there are 155 vehicles waiting for the same repair (a rear differential replacement), and tha... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
Car went complete stall after a warning light came off “Hybrid System Warning - Check Brakes” I am completely braked, but when I slowly releasing the brake pedal, there’s was a loud grinding noice and the wheels wouldn’t go forward at all, so I have to step on the brake again . I got stuck IN THE MIDDLE of the road and couldn’t park on the right curb since the car randomly got stalled ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
While highway driving, engine suddenly lost power and car could not exceed 5 mph. Was able to get off at next exit and get to a local garage. Mechanic inspected. Bolt connecting high pressure fuel pump to cylinder sheared off leaving bolt body in cylinder, bending fuel pump and caused oil to spray over entire engine compartment. Repair unlikely. Engine will likely need to be replaced. Car has al... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
While highway driving, engine suddenly lost power and car could not exceed 5 mph. Was able to get off at next exit and get to a local garage. Mechanic inspected. Bolt connecting high pressure fuel pump to cylinder sheared off leaving bolt body in cylinder, bending fuel pump and caused oil to spray over entire engine compartment. Repair unlikely. Engine will likely need to be replaced. Car has al... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
The back up camera is not working properly. It shows a lot of colors (green , purple) while blocking the rear view in the back up screen.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
I was traveling down road clear day at 50 miles an hour and the car slowed down to 20 miles an hour immediately in seconds like the automatic breaks were applied car would not accelerate for 3/4 of a mile the card just kept slowing down. Dash was blinking EBS then transmission malfunction light came on. I was able to pull off road (very dangerous) road was crowded. and I had to go over 2 lanes I... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
I NEED TO REPORT FAILURE FIXING MY CAR RECALL NAMED *Faulty door Latch HARVARD FORD TEXTED ME TO RAKE MY CAR TO GET DONE BUT THEY DID A BAD JOB REPAIR INSTEAD OF REPLACE RECALL PART THEY DIDNT THEY DID CUT OUT WIRE HARNESS INSTEAD .Therefore THAT DAMAGED TYE AUTO NOW REVERSE CAM SCREEN IS NOT WORKING .TYE DOORS OPEN ITSELF WHILE IM DRIVING IT .DASH Board IS NOT ALSO WORKING IM FILLING A COMPLAIN... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2023
In November 2024, the sunroof mechanism failed in a crooked, partially open position and would no longer move. The motor operated, but there was a grinding noise and no movement of the sunroof. I had to return from North Carolina to Alabama in the rain with a partially open sunroof. The service department at Bramlett Kia in Decatur, Alabama, confirmed the sunroof mechanism has to be replaced. The ... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2023
I recently had an issue with the brake actuator on my 2010 Toyota Prius, showing error code C1391. This caused reduced braking efficiency, and research shows it’s a common safety concern with Priuses. While there was a recall, it has expired, leaving owners like me without support. I kindly request an investigation to address this critical issue for the safety of all affected drivers.
Incident date: Dec 24, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? 3rd for left and right seatbelts do not retract or lock. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I have children and they ride in that row if the seatbelts do not retract or lock they will fail in a crash. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent servic... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Hi my name is [XXX] and Im an owner of a 2014 Ford Explorer sport my vehicle is at the service department for almost 2 months already before i took the vehicle into the dealership to get fix i was going to have a car crash thanks to the front tires of the car. Both front tires locked and the car slide really bad that day the steering wheel went loose and i wasnt able to control the vehicle. I too... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V744000 (Steering) and 23V704000 (Steering); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
The vehicle has no heating, I’ve taken the vehicle multiple times to the dealership From September 2024 and to date January 2025, the vehicle has been in the dealership since December, multiple attempts has been made to fix the heating system including replacing parts one of them being a valve. Vehicle is still not working after replacement of parts, the engineering company called “Star Engine... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
My headlights are not working properly. This is an ongoing issue with Kia model vehicles- check online forums
Incident date: Dec 23, 2024
Paint peel, only happening on shiny white pearl coat.
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
Exhaust manifold bolts failed resulting in a separation of the manifold from the engine block. Resulting in a loud “ticking” noise coming from the engine compartment. Vehicle was driven to a mechanic were new bolts were installed resulting in a several hundred dollar repair cost.
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
At 40936 the valve body needed to be replaced. With such low milage vehicle is having problems.
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
At 40936 the valve body needed to be replaced. With such low milage vehicle is having problems.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2022
The vehicle’s emergency braking system randomly applies the brakes even when the front is not obstructed. Front sensors are kept clear of any debris, dirt, or bugs. I went to Honda of El Cajon in El Cajon, Ca and they could not help me even though the service advisor admitted that another Honda CR-V driver had the same problem the same day. This is a safety concern as my car has applied he bra... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
I own a 2023 Toyota Camry se and has a big crashed and the air bag didn’t explode the car is total loss is unsafe vehicle was big impact front bumper and big damage on rear too the car spins around two times the front tires exploded that cause the accident it was only 23 k miles on it
Crash
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
The transmission performance is poor, sometimes bordering and dangerous. In reverse you sometimes supply the gas in the car just sits there and doesn’t move and then it will quickly move backwards dangerously. There’s also a hesitation on acceleration and harsh shifting. I’ve had it to the dealer where they reset and reloaded the transmission software, it seem to smooth out the driving a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
Multiple fuel pump failures. Being left stranded or disabled on the highway. this is a known issue on this bike and no remedy has been provided or devised.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
Multiple fuel pump failures. Being left stranded or disabled on the highway. this is a known issue on this bike and no remedy has been provided or devised.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -while driving (Honda HRV) the sunroof exploded and shattered glass sprayed all over our family. Nothing hit or caused trauma to the glass, it simply exploded by itself. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -shattered glass sprayed all over 3 adults and an infant and could have c... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated while starting and driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Check Blind Spot Collision Warning System" and "Check Forward Collision Avoidance Assist System" messages became displayed. The ABS, traction control, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who retrieved DTC codes: C121002 and C121... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
Mazda has a warranty extension for the 2014-2016 Mazda 3 infotainment touch screen as it may malfunction and glitch. This glitch can be a distraction as the system believes that it is being touched and may cause many things to change in the car such as radio station, navigation setting, and even some vehicle setting accessible from the infotainment screen, causing distractions. However, this issue... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
Mazda has a warranty extension for the 2014-2016 Mazda 3 infotainment touch screen as it may malfunction and glitch. This glitch can be a distraction as the system believes that it is being touched and may cause many things to change in the car such as radio station, navigation setting, and even some vehicle setting accessible from the infotainment screen, causing distractions. However, this issue... Read more
RAM
PROMASTER CITY
(2015) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 2, 2025
Incident date: Mar 2, 2024
ABS Control Module Solenoid Valve Malfunction
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the passenger's side air bag warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2020
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer and was repaired for excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired at the local dealer under an unidentified NHTSA recall; however, the repair failed to prevent a failure from occurring. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
Since the middle of 2023 I have noticed a gas fume smell both inside and outside of my 2015 Mazda Mazda3 after I fill my gas tank to full. This smell persists up until I use about a half tank of gas or slightly less. I do not top my gas tank off and stop filling when the automatic gas pump stops. There are no visible leaks on or around the gas tank or below the vehicle, and there are no noticeabl... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The steering system appears to have malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to consistently pull to the right, even after multiple alignments with perfect specifications. This issue is ongoing, and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at ri... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
I want to bring to your attention what I consider a safety concern with the 2025 Honda Ridgeline Black Editition that I just purchased and an important feature that does not function properly. My concern is the the Auto High Beam Headlight feature. This is one of the features for which I choice to purchase this particular pickup truck. The issue/problem is as follows. The auto high beam featur... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2024
As we are driving on a highway the truck steering begins to fiercely and violently wobble and cause us to nearly have an accident. This is a serious issue and we want this addressed please. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Jun 13, 2024
HAS VERY STIFF STEERING,HARD TO KEEP CA,R GOING STRAIGHT,CAR WANTS TO WANDER FROM SIDE TO SIDE IN LANE. HAS 400 MILES ON IT.DID THIS WHEN NEW, GETTING WORST EVERY DAY.
Incident date: Jun 13, 2024
About 7 months ago, "Refill Inverter Coolant" warning came up. Since then, I've scheduled service appoitment wtih Van Nuys Kia dealership 5 times to resolve this issue, but even after recent appoitment 2 weeks ago, this warning is still came up on my dashboard. Every time I start the car, the persistent refill inverter coolant light comes on. I believe I am experiencing this issue because KIA and ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2024
The audio system in these car is failing for multiple owners. Complaint was filed with Honda and all they do is to turn their back on the customers and not acknowledge the issue. You have the complete engine noise amplified through the speakers of the car if you don't stop the car you can easily get your hearing impaired(My wife and I are health care professionals) The issue: Atrocious noise( in... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2024
I was driving with adapative cruise on a highway around 65 mph. I can only assume it did a sudden and rapid slow down on its own due fairly defined shadows on the road from tall rocks/cliffs on the side of the road. Luckily I was the only one on the road at the time. It was a clear sunny day. This to me is pretty unsafe if there had been other cars. I have made a service appointment about the is... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. While the contact's husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the RPM increased, and the drive signal flashed on and off. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed w... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2024
P225 65/R17 Multiple Sensor leaks, false TPM readings, on/off TPM signals.
Incident date: Dec 31, 2024
Started hesitating and did it at random times. I had a tune up done and it continued. I thought it was the transmission and took it to the transmission shop and they didn’t find anything wrong with the transmission. Started losing power and hesitation became worse while in traffic. Now it’s hesitating while stopped at the traffic light and not accelerating when taking off from a complete stop ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Was driving home from work (on city streets) and noticed that the engine seemed to be idling higher than normal RPMs. Van would not shift from first gear and would not accelerate beyond about 30 MPH, very sluggish, while RPMs rose above 3K and engine made a grinding/whining sound. No warning lights of any kind came on while driving or while stopped. While stopped at a traffic light, heard severa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
roof caves in going through car wash due to thin roof panel general motors issued a technical service bullitin for it the fix did not work the roof dented again directly afterwards i have an open case with GM for it they are attempting to come up with a fix for it but nothing yet this has been going on for 10 months now and now i am hearing they will do nothing about it until the NHTSA issues a r... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2024
Driving on town road up a hill at about 30 mph when I got a brake system warning and the engine shut off and accelerator did not work. I was able glide to the side of the road (steering worked). I turned the car off and on and was able to continue driving to my destination but the same error message was present along with several others (eg TPMS, lane assist, collision mitigation). After being ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2024
Driving on town road up a hill at about 30 mph when I got a brake system warning and the engine shut off and accelerator did not work. I was able glide to the side of the road (steering worked). I turned the car off and on and was able to continue driving to my destination but the same error message was present along with several others (eg TPMS, lane assist, collision mitigation). After being ... Read more