Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 29,025 complaints for RAM
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
What happened: While driving on the freeway, the engine cooling fans failed, causing the engine temperature to rise excessively and increasing pressure within the cooling system. This resulted in a hole being blown through the thermostat, and all the coolant leaked out. Only after the coolant was lost did the engine overheating warning lamp come on. I safely pulled over, but the engine had alread... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
My 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee touch screen is delaminating. I have attempted to contact uConnect and Jeep. UConnect initially agreed to replace the screen free of charge after having it diagnosed, but once I had it diagnosed and called back uConnect claimed the first representative that approved the replacement was wrong and now refuses to rectify the situation. The screen has "ghost" touches - ba... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
My 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee touch screen is delaminating. I have attempted to contact uConnect and Jeep. UConnect initially agreed to replace the screen free of charge after having it diagnosed, but once I had it diagnosed and called back uConnect claimed the first representative that approved the replacement was wrong and now refuses to rectify the situation. The screen has "ghost" touches - ba... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
I am writing to express my concern regarding a serious issue I encountered with my vehicle. On September 9th while driving, the sunroof of my car spontaneously shattered without any apparent cause or impact. I did not see or hear anything that could have hit the sunroof to result in such damage, and I was driving under normal conditions. This is an alarming safety issue, and I would like to under... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
After changing the battery, my truck was affected by a computer malfunction which caused my ABS, forward collision detection, electronic stability control and other systems to not work and indicate trouble in the dash. I took it to the dealer, and they charged me $205 to reprogram the computer. These are all symptoms of recall 85B, but my VIN is not in the affected list at this time. I believe ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
Airbag light came on indicating an issue. Went to dealer and the codes that came up are B0030 (Passenger Instrument Panel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2 Short to Ground) and B0413 (Temperature Control 1 Feed back Circuit Actuator Stuck). It cost $597.67 to have a new airbag installed. I worry others couldn't afford this and it should be covered by the mfg due to the safety risk created from... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
Fuse box (rear) 2008 Buick Lucerne CXL. FUEL PUMP Relay burns fuses out quickly. The fuse box located under the back seat has been having issues of burning where the fuel pump relay is located. It then in turn shorts out the fuse box which keeps needing to be replaced. This is a safety issue as it catches fire under the back seat. Fuse box has been replaced before and continues to have issues an... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
I was driving and the ABS lights and other lights came on and the brakes went out. I had to push the brakes to the floor before it gradually stopped. If there was someone in front of me when when the brakes went out I could have died. The car was taken to the dealer where they replaced the brakes but Jeep won’t buy the car back. I only had the jeep for 2 months and bought it new.
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
My truck has been stalling at low speed, automatically shifting into park, and the emergency brake is automatically engaged. This occurs at random times, but typically as I approach or depart a stop sign or community gate. It has happened with other vehicles in the vicinity. The dealership has changed out the MGU, but it happened again the next week, 3 times. The dealership states that they are ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
One year ago I experienced my truck down shift to 1st gear suddenly, my truck shut off and a yellow wrench appeared on the dash. I restarted the truck and it ran fine for a week before this happened again. I found a notice from Ford that the NHTSA had required Ford to fix this issue. I took my truck to the local Ford dealer, but they couldn't find the associated code for the problem. They did ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
One year ago I experienced my truck down shift to 1st gear suddenly, my truck shut off and a yellow wrench appeared on the dash. I restarted the truck and it ran fine for a week before this happened again. I found a notice from Ford that the NHTSA had required Ford to fix this issue. I took my truck to the local Ford dealer, but they couldn't find the associated code for the problem. They did ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
Chime comes on. Then displays parksense temporarily unavailable. Then a few seconds later another chime and a display come on and reads service shifter. And if my cruise control is on the vehicle disengages the cruise control. When this happens occasionally will disengage the transmission and I will have to pull over and shut the vehicle off then start it back off. Then it will let me put it back ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while cold starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test was performed on the vehicle. The mechani... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags); 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. Parts distribution disconnect... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the vehicle was hesitating and shaking abnormally while being started. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic where it was diagnosed with an engine misfire. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another dealer where it was diagnosed and determin... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
Driving on hwy at 55 miles per hours complete power loss. No engine no electrical. I was able to coast to stop but was not able to activate hazards . I had just had the aux battery for auto start stop replaced by lithia Jeep dealer in corpus Christi
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
Driving on hwy at 55 miles per hours complete power loss. No engine no electrical. I was able to coast to stop but was not able to activate hazards . I had just had the aux battery for auto start stop replaced by lithia Jeep dealer in corpus Christi
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the Customer Service Prog... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
I received the recall notice V06, for the Drag Link, I purchase 4 new tires and took the truck in to have the repairs done, the dealership informed me that I also needed upper and lower ball joints both sides and front end alignment, I had them preform all that they said it needed. I took the truck back because I noticed excessive tire were and they told me that the Drag link needs replaced, the a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
I received the recall notice V06, for the Drag Link, I purchase 4 new tires and took the truck in to have the repairs done, the dealership informed me that I also needed upper and lower ball joints both sides and front end alignment, I had them preform all that they said it needed. I took the truck back because I noticed excessive tire were and they told me that the Drag link needs replaced, the a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his nephew who is a mechanic was replacing the front passenger’s side ball joint, he observed that the radiator was hanging down and the support brackets were rusted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
Vehicle shakes when turning on and while driving, check engine light is on or blinking, service stabilitrack warning, traction control light is on, poor acceleration, Tire monitor system light is on and does not read tire pressure (this is all happening at the same time).
Incident date: Mar 11, 2020
I was driving a new truck i had purchased from a dodge dealer , i was rear-ended at highway speed, the truck lost control and went off road hitting a earthen burm head on, flipped and came to rest on the roof. The traction control didn't work, the front impact airbags did not deploy and the engine was still running while the truck was upside-down Download of the trucks ECM shows the srs seat posi... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Mar 11, 2020
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the transmission was slipping and shifted hard. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with failed transmission clutches. The contact was informed that the tr... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2020
Headlights flicker about once every minute. it gives the impression that i am using my brights for oncoming traffic and has caused other drivers to "flash" their brights at me and i get flashed after passing other vehicles. I am concerned that at one point the "flicker" will just shut off and leave me totally in the dark driving country roads. i drive mostly on rural highways. it would be impo... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Gulf Stream Conquest built on a 2022 Chevrolet Express Chassis. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V231000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages, Structure); that was misplaced. The contact stated that the entry door latch had failed, and the door could only be locked or unlocked from the outside. The contact stated that he was physically disabled, and the fail... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
Day 5 my check engine light came on. Code was showing multiple misfires in multiple cylinders. I cleared the code. Following week same thing happened again. By the weekend my battery was dead, when I got jumped, my dash said there was a problem with blind spot detection and the arrows on both side mirrors were stuck on. I manually shut them off and went on my way. Check engine light comes on show... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, while attempting to fasten the passenger’s side seat belt, the seat belt failed to retract. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the retractor mechanism had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the fail... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
Passenger side headrest deployed while PARKED and plastic pieces fell out.
Incident date: Sep 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 VW ID.4. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V344000 (Back Over Prevention, Equipment, Electrical System) and 24V651000 (Structure). The contact stated that on several occasions while in reverse(R), the reverse camera worked intermittently. Additionally, on several occasions, while the vehicle was turned off, the rear door latches were pulled to ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
ABS control module failed while driving. This also took out cruise control and electronic stability. This can cause brakes to lock up and/or a loss of control in inclement weather.
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
The ABS seems to kick in over aggressively. It will kick in and the brake pedal gets all jiggly on slight changes in road situations. For example, going into my driveway, driving over a manhole cover, etc. This has felt dangerous in several instances if I'm slowing down for a red light and the ABS kicks in and significantly increases my stopping distance.
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the headlights failed to function properly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was also illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate f... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
ABS and Traction control warning lights are on display. Cruise control and 4x4 will not engage due to this issue. Also causing malfunction while towing a trailer.
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
ABS and Traction control warning lights are on display. Cruise control and 4x4 will not engage due to this issue. Also causing malfunction while towing a trailer.
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
ABS and Traction control warning lights are on display. Cruise control and 4x4 will not engage due to this issue. Also causing malfunction while towing a trailer.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
ABS and Traction control warning lights are on display. Cruise control and 4x4 will not engage due to this issue. Also causing malfunction while towing a trailer.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
One of the 2 horns has stopped working. After checking the Hyundai Forum website, I've found that one or both horns has suddenly went dead on not just Santa Fe's, but virtually all Hyundai models across the board. This seems to be a widespread defect. This is very dangerous because the cessation of operation is sudden and without warning (ie, no dashboard warning light). If there is a need for the... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Forward camera failure, will not reset, continues to come up since 2021 multiple times this vehicle has been in the shop for this repair now that the warranty is over it is not covered and is not getting fixed I cannot use my cruise control and it continues to come up on the dash. This needs to be repaired and no one wants to fix it
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
The collision mitigation braking system malfunctioned. The car would be available for inspection upon request. After the light turned green I entered the intersection, going approx 20mph, when suddenly the car braked on its own without a car/object in front of my vehicle. I could hear the beeping from the collision mitigation system at the same time. Since I did not know the car was about to stop... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
The collision mitigation braking system malfunctioned. The car would be available for inspection upon request. After the light turned green I entered the intersection, going approx 20mph, when suddenly the car braked on its own without a car/object in front of my vehicle. I could hear the beeping from the collision mitigation system at the same time. Since I did not know the car was about to stop... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
While driving on a highway, breaking became inefficient(very soft, failing to the floor) and car start showing "BREAK", ABS, VCS, Exclamation sign AFTER that. We had to drop the speed, exit highway (i95) and have car parked. It turned out that the booster pump has been working/turning on every 5 seconds and was barely able to create pressure in the breaking system. Now the booster pump, break actu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2023
While traveling down the road in drive my vehicle failed to accelerate. I would press on the gas pedal and car wouldn’t go any faster. I had to come to a complete stop on the highway put the car in park then back in drive and then it was fine. This has happened many times and is very unsafe.
Incident date: Aug 31, 2024
1.5L EcoBoost engine block failure, crack letting cooling into cylinders
Incident date: Sep 8, 2024
The dashboard bulbs went out from 0-40 mph and 6-8 rpms. It seems to be a common issue on Reddit and I have found complaints on the internet.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2024
On September 9, 2024, I experienced a serious and concerning issue with my 2024 Volkswagen Atlas that compromised the safety and comfort of the vehicle. After stopping at a gas station, I returned to my vehicle and started the engine. Immediately, an extremely loud humming/vibrating noise began inside the vehicle, which was unbearable. I turned off the vehicle, but the noise persisted. We attempte... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact connected a diagnostic machine to the vehicle and retrieved a DTC code for a failure with the purge valve and the catalytic convertor. The contact replaced the purge valve; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that several unknown... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V510000 (Air Bags, Seat Belts); 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. The contact ha... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2024
Transmission went out at 100,000 miles
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
I bought my 2018 Ram Truck in 2019 new from a dealership. the first sign of a problem started at about 25,000 mi. It started sending tones with the message "Service Electronic Braking System" and "Service Antilock Brake System". It would toggle between these two messages and sound warning tones while the truck is in operation. The first shop I took it to replaced my carburetor. That was not it. I ... Read more