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: Feb 1, 2023
My 4runner have major frame rust issues and is a major safety hazard. This a known issue to Toyota and a recall needs to be made.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
My 4runner have major frame rust issues and is a major safety hazard. This a known issue to Toyota and a recall needs to be made.
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
I was driving and came to a stop at a light and all the sudden in my car just shut off. It took me a minute to try to turn it back on while cars behind me honking their horn. I’m assuming it has something to do with the electric due to the start stop button. I don’t have official incident report because I was able to get my car turned back on. I looked it up on the Internet and several people ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
My daytime running light is inoperative and no longer works. This one small LED strip on the passenger side light requires a $2,300 full headlight replacement, which is unreasonable for any consumer given the scope of the issue. My vehicle is only four years old, and several other customers are experiencing this same issue.
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
Car only has 89K miles on it and is garaged and maintained. Went to run an errand yesterday and all of a sudden engine started knocking and sputtering. I then experienced loss of power and the engine light came on. That was the first and only time the engine light has ever come on. Pulled over, checked oil and it seemed very, very low and a burnt smell. It had only been 4K miles since the car was ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the low engine oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and the vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil drive belt needed to be replaced. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part was not yet ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The contact's neighbor owned a 2019 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds to the end of his street in the cul-de-sac. The brakes were sticking. The contact stated that there was an abnormal ticking noise detected. A neighbor walking her dog alerted him about an abnormal sound emerging from the vehicle. While driving over the curb, approaching the driveway, the vehicle s... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The coolant level was low. The contact cleared the check engine warning light. The contact stated that coolant was entering the cylinder and pistons. There was no indication of a coolant leak. The contact linked the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 20-2... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
I rented this car. The adaptive cruise worked great in the daytime, but when it got dark and started to rain, the system started to lose its ability to detect other vehicles. Instead of disabling itself like it should have, the system continued to operate. It often would detect vehicles intermittently, speeding up and slowing down randomly and abruptly. The worst incident was when I was behind an... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
On [XXX] at 6:15 PM approximately my brakes failed to engage and caused a rear end collision on [XXX] . This accident was caused by my brakes not responding at all when pressed fully to the ground and causing a collision and damage to two vehicles Loss of vehicle usage, property damage, and loss of work, After the collision I received an email from Dodge Fiat Chrysler at 2:01 AM on November 26th 2... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
back window spontaneously burst. vehicle was stationary. I was in the vehicle while it was parked.
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
Had to replace transmission at 103000 miles. Regularly maintained no harsh driving. No warning signs it was going out till it happened
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
Lost power steering while turning into driveway causing impact with light pole.
Crash
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
Second email and attempt Truck is sitting untouched after a major accident. Please reach back [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
There is a possibility that the sunroof glass may detach from the vehicle's frame, posing a road hazard and increasing the risk of an accident.
Incident date: Dec 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds in a parking lot, the power steering function was inoperable. There was loss in communication with the rack and pinion. The power steering service message was displayed. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V167000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, wh... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Accord. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
My engine is ticking. The auto shop told me that my motor is shot and the same thing happened to my sons car. We both have the same car same year. There has been a law suit for this issue.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the message "Brake Assist Failure" was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated upon turning off and restarting the vehicle, the message was no longer displayed, and the vehicle operated as needed. The contact stated while driving 25-30... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the message "Brake Assist Failure" was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated upon turning off and restarting the vehicle, the message was no longer displayed, and the vehicle operated as needed. The contact stated while driving 25-30... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the message "Brake Assist Failure" was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated upon turning off and restarting the vehicle, the message was no longer displayed, and the vehicle operated as needed. The contact stated while driving 25-30... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that the message "Driver Restraint System Malfunction" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the driver’s side knee air bags needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under war... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) and 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time fo... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) and 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time fo... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
Unknown Transmission hesitation, causing vehicle to delay when pulling out in traffic. Vehicle also slips when driving at 2,000 rpm’s.
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 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 that upon further inspection, the bottom half of the front driver’s side A-pillar trim had fractured, and the front passenger’s side A-pillar trim had become loosened. The local dealer was c... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2022
- Step on accelerator and no acceleration, - When at stop then gas there is hesitation with extra slow accelerator. - Shifting from 1st to 2nd there a jerking and hard shift which something cause loud noise. - Reported multiply times to dealer and indicated its normal (Replace purge valve) no help.
Incident date: May 7, 2022
Rod Bearings failed on the vehicle. No indication that were going bad. we were driving on the interstate and all of a sudden heard major "clunking" and safety system lights on the dash flashing. The vehicle was towed to a private auto shop and inspected to find it was the rod bearings. there are recalls on the same motor for model years 2016, 2018, and 2019. The vehicle is available for inspection... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the contact looking in the rearview mirror and became aware that the tailgate had opened. The contact pulled over and closed the tailgate. The contact stated that while entering the garage, the tailgate opened unintendedly. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufac... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2024
Our Honda had a failure while driving on the highway. The camera behind the windshield apparently failed all at once and this caused all of the safety features to stop functioning and we almost had a wreck trying to get across the busy lanes of traffic because when this camera failed it caused the service brakes light on the dash to come on and stay on as well as the adaptive cruise control, the l... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2024
Fuel Injector Failure in traffic resulting in complete loss of power
Incident date: Dec 8, 2024
The brake system ABS module/sensor malfunctions- yes it is available for further inspection. Safety is an issue due to the ABS indicator light on. Yes, the problem/issue has been confirmed by a dealership. No inspections have occurred other than the dealership. The only warning is the light indicator for the brakes, parking ABS.
Incident date: Dec 8, 2024
The brake system ABS module/sensor malfunctions- yes it is available for further inspection. Safety is an issue due to the ABS indicator light on. Yes, the problem/issue has been confirmed by a dealership. No inspections have occurred other than the dealership. The only warning is the light indicator for the brakes, parking ABS.
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
Wipers stop working In snow storm
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
Wipers stop working In snow storm
Incident date: Dec 7, 2024
My tailgate randomly opened while the vehicle was parked this fall on three separate occasions. I see there was a recall (N232426400) but it only included the Canadian equipment. Can we be certain the Canadian equipment wasn't used in my vehicle? If the Canadian equipment was faulty it's not a stretch to think the American or other equipment could be too.
Incident date: Sep 8, 2024
Steering wheel began erratic movement from right to left causing vehicle to swerve in a deadly fashion. Steering wheel continues to whip from right to left while sitting still on side of road. Vehicle cannot be safely driven at any speed without the risk of losing control.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
Oil consumption issue began June 2021 with my 2017 Audi Q7 with the 3.0 engine, we were at 78,841 miles. Our vehicle was always serviced at the dealer on the recommended schedule. The dealer stated high oil consumption of 1 quart per 1,000-2,000 miles was normal. The high oil consumption issues continued. At 99,559 miles the car began shaking on the way home from a routine oil change. They found... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
head gasket leak at 69k , crowley chrystler replaced head and now at 101 k leaking again
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
While I was parking in the lot, the vehicle nearly came to a stop when it abruptly accelerated on its own. My foot was firmly planted on the brake, a standard practice at the end of the parking process. The sudden acceleration made it impossible to regain control, resulting in a collision with the parking lot sign and a small tree. I took decisive action to steer the vehicle away from the glass do... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while test driving the vehicle afte... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
I own a 2017 Ford Edge. I noticed white smoke and check engine light came on. I took the vehicle to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with coolant intrusion and engine failure. I was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. Failure was approximately 80,000 There are thousands of ford cars reported with this engine issue: Other affected models include the 2015-2018 Edge, 2017-2019... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
I purchased my car 08/08/2022, my car stopped charging by June 2023. I took it to the shop and was told, it was my charger. In August of 2023, I was told it was the ICCU. From 06/2023-12/07/2024, I had a total of 9 recalls on this car. Kia did not notify me at all for any recall with the exception of the second one that occurred in December of 2024 (the 9th recall). Some of the recalls I found on... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (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 recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts n... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
-PURGE VALVE SOLENOID REPLACED TWICE FOR EVAP SYSTEN, CODE 1450 OCCURED 01/05/2021 & 05/14/2021 AND -LEAK IN RADIATOR, UNKNOWN IF BLOWN GASKET. RECEIVED MESSAGE “HIGH ENGINE TEMPERATURE STOP SAFELY” WITH ZERO RADIATOR FLUED IN TANK OCCURED 11/2/202. THIS HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED BUT I HAVE BEEN AWARE OF CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT RELATED TO THIS ISSUE.
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
On 12/1/24 I was driving my Kia Sportageto my home around 3pm. The car seemed completely fine and out of no where there was a large knocking noise and the car shut off and would not restart. I was in the middle of a main road and put me in a position of danger as oncoming cars were unable to see my hazards and I was almost hit several times till it was safe to get out of the vehicle. As of right n... Read more