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: Dec 1, 2018
Concerning Goodyear Wrangler Trailrunner AT P275/65/20 tires that came stock with my 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD, which currently has 42,000 miles on it. While driving a round trip of no more than 30 miles the evening of 11/29/24, I noticed a slight repetative jaring motion, which I initially attributed to a potential transmission issue. The bump rapidly worsened halfway though the drive. Upon inspect... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2024
I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding a manufacturing defect in my vehicle and the refusal by Toyota to honor its responsibilities for repair despite clear acknowledgment of the issue. In October 2024, I discovered a small water leak from the roof of my vehicle. I attempted to schedule an appointment with the nearest Toyota dealer, but the timing of their available appointments confli... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2024
Wife was going to work. Started to notice difference in the feel of the drive. Then the check engine light came on. When she started to accelerate the vehicle jerks. When the vehicle is at a stop then accelerates the it takes about 5 seconds for the car to start moving. Today the vehicle turns on but can’t switch gears to put it in reverse or drive. Vehicle is a paper wait and the earliest time ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
When I parked and tried to turn off car it would continue to run. I had to put it in park and drive back to park several times before car would turn off. There’s a recall for this issue on other blazers and I feel 2020 blazers should be included. The dealer replaced the shifter assembly, cleared OTC
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
I was driving down the street, stopped at an intersection, and made a U-turn. Immediately after I made the U-turn a message came up on the screen saying "Eye Sight Disabled." From that point on the cruise control stopped working, the lane deviation stopped working, the forward collision system stopped working, and several other things malfunctioned (I can't seem to connect to the bluetooth system ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The vehicle hood has an angled section near the windshield that causes sunlight to beam intensely, directly into the drivers eyes when driving with the sun in front of the vehicle.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The infotainment system or head unit has gone haywire! The car calls random people from my phone book and hangs up, plays the radio changing channels every 5 seconds switching to the map and then to settings and changing dash from Mph to Kph and so on and so forth. This is dangerously distracting and there is no way to turn it off. I have to disable my phone to drive the car. None of my buttons o... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
multiple errors show up on the dash. I was told it’s dealership, but this is due to a failure of the multipurpose computer in the car. This is the issue that keeps recurring across all their cars of this type that has this unit.
Incident date: Dec 7, 2023
After completing a right turn with a right turn signal, the vehicle will sometimes signal a left turn for 3 blinks. I believe this is because the turn signal stalk 'bounces' down to the left turn signal area when returning back to normal position from a right turn. This is a safety issue because the vehicle is signaling a left turn when no turn is intended. This could cause confusion to oth... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
Backup camera doesn't work 50% of the time (black screen) when in reverse OR when it works stays on after being put into drive. Has happened numerous times (over 20). Took to dealer, they said if there's no error code, they can't do anything. (Of course it worked fine the 15min I was at the dealer).
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
Attached is a report from the Florida Attorney General's project office. Vehicle front headlight bulbs burn out prematurely and frequently and without warning causing reduced visibility at night on dark roads. This is a common and on-going problem for Toyota and other manufacturers and me. Toyota recognized this and issued its own recall ending in 2019, but my car was missed. The 'fix' for me ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon his wife starting the vehicle, the "Power Steering Assist Fault" message was displayed on the instrument panel and the steering wheel failed to operate as needed. The contact was called to the scene of the failure and inspected the vehicle. The contact discovered that there was no mechanical failure with the vehicle. Due to the fail... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
Upper trim piece of grill broke off while traveling down roar at 60mph. Part struck my windshield and flew over cab of vehicle and impacted the vehicle traveling behind me. Could've caused a much more serious accident!
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
I have attempted informing Lexus of this situation. To my knowledge, they have not pursued the case. On October 31, 2023, we brought our NX300 [XXX] ) in at 44,806 miles. The left parking brake actuator was inoperative (also rendering the cruise control inoperative). To get to the dealership from Ormond Beach, I removed the appropriate fuses to avoid any undesired operation from the unit. I... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
Right rear safety belt would not retract while installing a car seat with it. Seatbelt was pulled all the way out and it would not retract. Vehicle was taken to Subaru dealership. Dealer stated seatbelt had been over extended. I manually pushed belt in and pulled it out several times, and it finally retracted and started working. If belt doesn't retract it cannot be used. There was no reason for ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
My exhaust pipe rusted apart after the muffler causing the hot exhaust to expel upward and melt a rubber grommet on the floor. Then it proceeded to shoot into cargo area, melting the carpet backing and Styrofoam pad and insulation under the cargo area carpeting. This happened on an 11 hour road trip with the cargo area full of vacation stuff. I'm concerned about this being a potential fire and car... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
Power conversion system (PSC) failure. Only charges at 16 amps. I know other Tesla owners have had this problem as well.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
Twice the vehicle has malfunction at high rates of speed no brakes no steering and almost caused serious injury to myself and young son the second occurrence I record the last 15 seconds safely to have proof of exactly the speed of disengaged control. For this very reason. Vehicle has been at dealership since 10/28 I’ve had to rent a car 1700.00 and more than 30+ days no diagnostic or response t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
UNKOWN Was Driving my sons car to dealership, because there was an oil leak and transmission fluid leak. I checked the levels before i left and made sure everything was up to the required levels. After leaving it, I got a call a few days later and they told me they were surprised the car didn't catch on fire due to how bad the issue was. The dealership called in the warranty claim to car shield ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 528I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and after an hour was able to restart the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
Cam phaser and timing chain is starting to go bad
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on both sides of the windshield started to detach. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the A-pillar trim ret... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
April 2024 - While driving to work, I stopped at a stop sign. When I went to turn, the car went into neutral. I had to turn the car off and restart before I could change the gears. I took it to the dealer who stated they could not get the vehicle to replicate what happened and to keep eye on it. November 22, 2024 on my way home as I was exiting off the highway, the vehicle starting lunging then sh... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start after refueling. The contact stated that several attempts were needed to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated and remained constantly illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an ind... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
The contact owned a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E550. The contact stated while her husband was driving 20-25 MPH and making a right turn, the brake pedal was depressed but traveled down to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact's husband stood on the brake pedal; however, the vehicle failed to respond and crashed into a small ditch. The contact was occupying the front passenger's si... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 3, 2024
October 30th 6pm, parked car at home and exterior lights (headlights, fog lights, rear lights) would not turn off. Car was not running. Lights finally went off when battery was completely drained. Had to jump battery to get car to dealership on October 31st. There were no previous warning lamps or messages. Dealership did a complete reinspect and were able to reproduce issue. Dealership determine... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
Sunshade will not retract and blocks vision to see out the rear view mirror and back window
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
Sunshade will not retract and blocks vision to see out the rear view mirror and back window
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
While checking the harness/tightening I pulled to check for any slack and I was able to pull the loose without using the harness release lever. I had my child get out of the seat to check. I’ve cleaned out around the lever and still have the same issue. Nothing has been taken apart or altered since this issue. Harness straps are in good condition and everything is connected as it should be.
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
UNKNOWN. The car decelerated on the freeway from 80 mph by automatically going into N. Once we managed to pull over to the shoulder, the car would not turn on again or shift gears. The dealership thinks it's an engine failure and they have multiple escalades in the shop for the same issue.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
First- it has been reported to dealer at least twice when car was in for other service. They said they could not reproduce. When speeding back up from a stop on near stop, especially in a right turn, the engine will not accelerate. After a second or two it finally takes off. During this time, I fear getting hit by another vehicle, either from behind or to the side. It is very scary and puts me an... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
First- it has been reported to dealer at least twice when car was in for other service. They said they could not reproduce. When speeding back up from a stop on near stop, especially in a right turn, the engine will not accelerate. After a second or two it finally takes off. During this time, I fear getting hit by another vehicle, either from behind or to the side. It is very scary and puts me an... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the fuel door would randomly disconnect from the vehicle. While idling at a stop light, the vehicle shut off. The contact stated that while restarting the vehicle the vehicle jerked and hesitated while shifting gear before accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure because there... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
The car has had over 5 batteries in the last year and 3 in the last 2 months. Something is constantly draining the battery in my car and making them go very bad. Also the car will be dead if I park it too long because of the electrical issue and it’s been a huge problem for me.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
The car has had over 5 batteries in the last year and 3 in the last 2 months. Something is constantly draining the battery in my car and making them go very bad. Also the car will be dead if I park it too long because of the electrical issue and it’s been a huge problem for me.
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the sunroof assembly switch failed to function as intended. The contact pressed the switch to open the sunroof and the sunroof assembly fractured. The contact stated that a plastic piece from the sunroof trac fell into the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed wit... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
Blown head gasket at 116k miles and it’s a known issue for these vehicles (Chrysler/Jeep). They are faulty and nothing is being done
Incident date: Dec 16, 2020
Entire system (everything) shut down without warning, sometimes kick back on, and other times not at all. Extremely dangerous as it will occur no matter traveling on highway or turning a corner in a parking lot. There are discussion boards in which many people have experienced this problem and clearly it is because of "Bad Battery Cables" and common within the 2014-2018 models. My truck is curr... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2020
Cam Phaser Rattle and engine ticking noise. No check engine lights illuminated.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2020
Leaf spring fractured and failed twice on the same side of RV following NTHSA mandated recall repair 16V579, and safety modification kit part# 425750. This time the leaf spring failure caused the tire to rub the wheel well and create enough friction to start the interior wheel well carpeting and a garment bag on there to ignite and smolder filling the interior cabin with smoke. Contacted manufac... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
Tailgate releases on its own while parked, without the use of the switch. Tailgate released on its own with my trailer attached while parked on many occasions. The result of the Tailgate releasing caused damage to the upper section of the Tailgate, the "kicker speaker system" in the Tailgate and Tailgate switch located on the upper section of the Tailgate. There also have been multiple times when ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
I have the yoke steering wheel. To activate the horn, you press on the right side of the steering wheel. I was driving at freeway speeds and a car did not see me and started to move into my lane. Due to the placement of the horn on the side next to windshield wipers, the wipers went on but not the horn. You have to take your eyes off the road to look down for the horn. Tesla is aware of the d... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
Unknown,don’t want to have an accident if my rear wheel lock up on me for my recall of my vehicle don’t want to put my family at risk
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
VEHICLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED AND NO DUPLICATION WAS OBSERVED. PART NOT AVAILABLE AND HONDA MOTORS DOES NOT HAVE PARTS READY FOR DEALERSHIP DELIVERY.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Component/System Involved: The multi-purpose camera system on my 2019 Honda Fit has malfunctioned, affecting critical safety features, including the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), and Collision Braking Warning System (CBWS). The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: The malfunction of these systems significantly jeopardizes safety. For exam... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
Infotainment system volume shot up full blast on its own with no operator control or influence. The volume of music was so high that it was hard to concentrate on driving while trying to reduce the volume and could not. Had to pull over on the side of the road and shut off vehicle to get the volume to go down. This could be a potential safety risk when driving at higher speeds causing the driver... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
I leased a 2024 CR-V Sport Hybrid in April 2024. And in early October I backed out of a parking spot. When I applied the brakes there was no response and I back into a parked car. No damage was done to it but I had an estimate of $2000.00 to mine since it was on the hatch back door. I didn't report it because I thought it was my fault. But on Friday Nov. 29, 2024 as I was parallel parking I rever... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at night at approximately 35 MPH with the low beam headlights activated, there was a rectangular shadow cast ahead by both headlights. The shadow was cast directly to the front and the road was not fully illuminated. The contact stated that while using the high beam setting the shadow was not present. The contact... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
I have a 2017 F-150 3.5 Ecoboost and contacted my local Ford dealership and was told my vehicle does not have a recall on the cam phasers but there is a recall on this faulty parts and I'm experiencing these parts failing with only 73,000 miles. Would there be a program I could qualify for to help with the replacement of these faulty parts ? Thank you.