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: Nov 21, 2024
While driving, my cruise control got stuck at 110 miles per hour. Three times I turned it off and on and each time the 'cruise' speed was set at 110mph. I took it to the local dealer and they were unable to replicate the issue.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
All Air bags Failed to deploy on impact into a semi tractor at 45 MPH
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Dec 21, 2024
I have had this vehicle since December 28, 2017, and during that time, the battery has been replaced nearly five times at the dealership. The reason they provided is that the battery now lasts less than two years. I have repeatedly asked them to investigate whether there might be an issue with the electrical components, but they have refused to do so, even while my vehicle was still under warranty... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2024
My water pump recall involves an electrical short circuits, that has disrupted other nearby electrical components, like the temperature sensor. • The water pump short-circuit is causing an oil leak directly that is putting a strain the engine and turbo system. • Additionally, a faulty water pump or sensor allowed unnoticed overheating, further stressing the turbocharger seals and leading to da... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
My water pump recall involves an electrical short circuits, that has disrupted other nearby electrical components, like the temperature sensor. • The water pump short-circuit is causing an oil leak directly that is putting a strain the engine and turbo system. • Additionally, a faulty water pump or sensor allowed unnoticed overheating, further stressing the turbocharger seals and leading to da... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2024
We were driving down the highway when the ford escape shut down and the the check engine light came on for the Evap system several parts have been replaced but I get the same code and the car is dying at idle and losing power a different times while driving
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
A rear coolant leak crossover pipe rear of engine top 14 hour reapair . No warning signs just an oder local repair shop
Incident date: Dec 30, 2024
2024 July summer time, the compressor started same issue as the temperature increased. All of a sudden, the car was started showing major “drivetrain error” and “high voltage battery error”. I have taken the car again back to the same dealership and this time the car was starting to show major system failures. I have kept BMW in the email loop and at the first instance itself I have called... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2024
Rear inner tail light on driver side is not working (34155-TZ5-H03). There is active recall on models between 2014-2019 but when checked my VIN it shows it is not covered. I went through the detail of recall and it can be clearly seen that the damage is same as shown in the recall. I will appreciate if someone can provide how do we know that my VIN was not impacted as there could be subcomponent w... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-40 MPH in cold weather, the vehicle started making an abnormal clunking and rattling sound near the wheels. The contact was unable to determine the source of the noise. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V091000 (SUSPENSION, STE... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate the vehicle briefly lost motive power before slamming into gear. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmissio... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2024
My car stopped while I was driving and I had a catastrophic engine failure. I had to use my engine warranty and also out of pocket pay. I want to issue a warning to the dealer who sold me this vehicle. And I want a reimbursement because I recently purchased the vehicle/
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
At the grocery store and trunk would not close. Warning on the dash says “power tailgate problem”. Stranded my wife in the parking lot until she was able to get in touch with me to tell her she had to close it manually. It’s very hard to overcome the actuators manually if you’re a smaller statured person.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The vehicle will throw a warning saying the cross trafic collision is in operable. A ford tech looked at it and said a wiring harness is chaffed causing blind spot monitioring and cross traffic collision systems to not work. Cost of the part only is $700, not including labor. this is a very serious fault, which could result in injury and fatalitys
Incident date: Nov 21, 2024
The strike plate on my rear driver door fell off. The plate and bolts are in perfect condition but the backing is gone. Multiple body shops have attempted to locate the backing, which is somewhere between the interior and exterior metal body pieces, and gave been unable to. Every body shop I've taken it to also says that they have never seen anything like this happen before. They are reluctant to ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
Coolant leaking in the engine at 96k miles. Car locked up and is not drivable. Manufacture quoted me $8500 for the repairs.
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
While traveling at highway speeds, my Chevrolet Bolt (2020 with 20K miles) made a clunking noise followed by a loss of speed. The clunking noise had previously been reported to the dealer, but they were not able to identify any issues at the time. During this incident, however, the car ultimately lost all speed, forcing me to pull over to the side of the highway. This sudden loss of propulsion pos... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
The car won't start this is my third time raking it in for the brake switch replacement
Incident date: Dec 22, 2024
Excessive Upper Deck Frame Flex. Unit is currently at Busted Knuckle Mobile RV Repair Auto, RV & Trailer in Henderson NV and has confirmed the unit is out of spec for Frame Flex. Grand Design has authorized minimal repair. See attached document for issues/symptoms.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2024
I was driving my vehicle. It said there was an issue with code "RCM_a056 Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault." Many older model 3's are having this issue and with the quote from tesla, they would need to perform a retrofit for the electrical wiring system.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2024
I was driving my vehicle. It said there was an issue with code "RCM_a056 Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault." Many older model 3's are having this issue and with the quote from tesla, they would need to perform a retrofit for the electrical wiring system.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
Vehicle lost power while driving on a busy freeway and came to a complete stop and would not restart resulting in it being struck by a vehicle in the rear. More information available in the collision center pre estimate scan and full estimate.
Crash
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
I was at a stoplight behind a Toyota Tacoma. I must have stopped around 8 feet behind it. I was not using FSD and I was not one-pedal driving. My foot was on the brake. I must have been at a complete stop for approximately 10 seconds when my Model 3 suddenly accelerated full throttle on its own and rear ended the Tacoma, directly hitting its trailer hitch, causing my car's driver-side airbags to d... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
UNKNOWN. Complete car system failure. Car is stuck in neutral, unable to shift gears to move. Service technicians have been unable to fix and per their description, the high voltage battery and the motor units are failing to connect/communicate.
Incident date: Dec 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 BMW X5. 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 unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the rec... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 528i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving at approximat... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 528i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving at approximat... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel was locked. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle per the owner's manual; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering gearbox needed to be replaced. The contact w... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer 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 no... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
Started receiving an auto start error message on the dash. Then after long drives vehicle would not start up without a jump. Went to test battery and it failed while connected to vehicle. I bought a new battery, I installed it, and then tested it and failed the test. I then checked the old battery (not connected) and it past. Which means there a parasitic battery drain. I then changed the engine o... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2024
Rear windshield spontaneously shattered for the SECOND time in less than 3 years while it was parked in my driveway. There was no external impact or foreign objects that may have caused it. I called an Acura dealership immediately and they acknowledged that this is a known issue with Acura RDXs, but since there’s no recall and my warranty ended, they refused to help fix the issue. Went to a loc... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
The remedy to the most recent recall has not determined to be effective or a viable solution. Our children should not be a test subject whether the “repair kit” they are sending owners 2 months from now. With the recall all seats should be replaced. I also found out via the news and not through nuna there was a recall. This is a safety risk in itself and the company should be fined.
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
The remedy to the most recent recall has not determined to be effective or a viable solution. Our children should not be a test subject whether the “repair kit” they are sending owners 2 months from now. With the recall all seats should be replaced. I also found out via the news and not through nuna there was a recall. This is a safety risk in itself and the company should be fined.
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
This a Safety concern with the console dropping down while driving. The Overhead (Central) Console behind the rearview mirror dropped down on my current vehicle (It also dropped down on another Tiguan that I owned while it was parked at the dealership for a different repair (doesn't seem to be a coincidence along with other complaints by customers who show photos online of the same problem with th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2024
Loud clicking noise hurt for several days, then when reversing and turning the steering wheel, the front right of the car collapsed; The suspension broke because a bolt came loose which was found in the driveway. Front right wheel area collapse and is touching the top of the wheel liner. There was no prior accident or damage causing the issue. Car had to be towed and repaired.
Incident date: Jul 12, 2023
The Power Take Off Assembly (PTU) failed. I had it replaced a a Ford Dealership with a genuine Ford PTU. After driving less than 125 miles the PTU failed again and my right front half shaft disengaged without notice on the high when traveling at highway speeds. Upon return to the dealership they noted that the PTU failed and it was replaced at no cost. However, they charged me for the replacement ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2023
Car was parked in driveway of residence. Opened the driver's door and got in. Upon closing the driver's door, the back windshield shattered/exploded. The car was not running when this happened. The window that broke was on a door that had not even been opened. (There is a video that will be forwarded). There is a know technical service bulletin (TSB 22-014) that Acura is aware however, when contac... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
T3G Campaign 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD, 116000 miles. Purchased from a dealer in VA [XXX]. Never would have purchased if engine issues had been disclosed. The letter re:T3G campaign went out to dealers/service managers from Hyundai (of which I have a copy) is dated for October 2019. We never received any information regarding a T3G campaign. We took my car to the dealership on 12/16/24. (... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. 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 several unknown warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact noticed a burning odor in the interior of the vehicle. The diagnostic scanner was attached and the received co... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
Rear axle failed while driving. Had vehicle towed to Malloy Ford in Winchester, VA. They replaced the failed components, at no cost. When I asked about reimbursement for towing, they were not able to assist me in filing my claim for towing reimbursement. I contacted FORD Customer Service, who said they only way they may help me is if I return the vehicle to Ford Service (must be in their posse... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The rear window shattered on its own!!!. I had it replaced but not all the glass debris could be removed and it is trapped inside the trunk door (lift gate), unreachable, because the way the door was manufactured. The body shop says the entire lift gate needs to be replaced. How is it possible that the customers have the pay for the repairs of this manufacturing defect! Every time I open the lift ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
My car has 123,000 done everything by book. Been report issues for over yr. Car almost got my killed by not stopping, turning, jerking on Accelerating and decelerating when shifting. All my motor mounts, transmission mount busted , messed up suspension control arm, ball joints, struts , axle, brakes all once. Drained battery. Spent 4500. Then my service shifter just came on. So back at shop. This ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
On October 27th, my Jeep started shaking violently as I was driving on the highway. I brought the Jeep to the dealership, they test drove it, and the mechanic did not experience the shaking so I was told “that’s just what Jeeps do”. I then researched Jeep shaking and found the Death Wobble is a common problem among Jeeps and there are several ways to fix it. I took my Jeep back to the d... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
Automatic transmission issues. When putting car into reverse, the car pauses and then jumps into gear very hard. When driving down the road above 2k rpm, the car will drop into first gear, pegging the rpm gauge and throwing you forward. Only way to resolve is to pull over and cycle power. This happened multiple times with cars almost hitting me.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
Vehicle will stall while driving. Has happened 15+ times when trying to accelerate from a stop light, twice while driving at 45+ mph. Engine will stall and the dash will say "Shift to park to continue driving." Vehicle must be shifted in to park, and then the start button must be pressed to restart the engine and continue driving.
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
I own a 2009 audi a4. On the Month of october 2024 my transmission failed. I towed my car to a mechanic who then replaced my transmission i picked up my car on December 11 2024 at 7 am from audi of fresno. I have had no prior issues and like always i expect a dealership to inspect a new vehicle that comes in ,as i have never been able to get work done with out them always doing their own diagnosti... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
On or around December 15 while driving I lost the ability to steer the car without using considerable strength
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
Brakes line rapture on front left line in driveway with foot on pedal had had feel of having brakes put van in drive started out of car port got on the down grade of the driveway pushed brake pedal and had no brakes to stop the vehicle I sideswiped a tree to keep from rolling In to to neighbors house
Crash
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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 stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, ... Read more