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: Jun 1, 2021
Vehicle steering locked while driving at highway speed, dealer tested system and replaced a can bus switch. Upon driving home from dealership (after fixing) the steering once again failed. Luckily no one was injured. We did get a warning steering failed only after the steering locked and was immobile. This is the most critical part of a vehicle and should not fail in under 50,000 miles and fail to... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
After riding around with a friend one afternoon, we went to a drive-thru for a snack and my car began to notify me that it was overheating. The dashboard stated that I should pull over and immediately shut off the engine for it to cool down. Upon doing so, I checked the coolant level, and upon releasing pressure, I noticed the coolant was low. I drove to the nearest Autozone and appropriately fill... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
Good day to whoever is reading! I've recently discovered that my brake light does not turn on on my bike no matter what brake i use front or rear. Only way it works if i push brake really hard, like way beyond regular or emergency braking. I've found similar issues online and people pointing on faulty brake sensors. They are located under the gas tank. It requires good amount of skill and time t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
About two months ago, SRS/Supplmental Restrain light came on. It has been coming on/off. Took to the dealership to check; however at that time the light was off-they did not find anything wrong. ON 9/5/24, the light came on again, took to the dealership same day. They diagnosed as code B0020-13. Stated there is an "open or increased resistance in the left side airbag inflator. Installed SRS ha... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
I had a powertrain failure on the highway and went Ford fixed it. They only fixed one component of a three component issue saying that if the components did not break they could not fix it. When I picked it up I drove it again and the second component of the powertrain failed which caused me almost to get in a second accident. Then when I went back to Ford and told them that I wanted the third pie... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
California catalytic converter breaking
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
My problem is with my Ram ABS/Traction control, cruise control doesn’t work, 4 wheel drive will not engage. Having only rear wheel drive makes it hard and dangerous to drive on snow covered roads. Almost hit a semi head on because my traction control and 4 wheel drive doesn’t work. I’ve been waiting almost 2 years for a new ABS controller. Chrysler has put the part I need on back order... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
-Transmission fluid leak -Trans cooler broken/cracked -Check engine light never came on (I had to discover this problem by a noise I was hearing) -Problem has been prepared by auto mechanic ($2,600). I have read there has been a recall for 2020 explorer models but my VIN is not included (should it be?). Attached youtube video shows the problem and mechanic states it’s been a problem: [XXX] I... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
-Engine and yes. -Safety put at risk due to car not on when the street light turn green and I'm not aware that the car had turned off. -No -Message appeared on the dashboard stating Engine will shut off automatically to conserve battery.
Incident date: Sep 8, 2024
I was driving in town, alternator decided to quit working, car went into limp mode on a busy street and I was nearly rear-ended.
Incident date: Sep 8, 2024
Driving on cruise control the Anti-Lock brake light came on causing the cruise control to turn off at highway speeds. The anti-lock brake system, cruise control and traction control all quit working. Warning light went out and then all started working again. Very intermittent problem at first then started getting more frequent. After research I found it is a known problem on 2017 and 2018 ram pick... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
The steering column has failed causing steering wheel separation from the steering column. The issue happened simply driving down the road almost causing a loss of control of the vehicle. Vehicle has been at a local dealership currently and they are stating there is no active recall for this model year vehicle and ford is not responsible for repairs due to being outside of my warranty by approx. 2... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
On Sept 6th the check engine light came on. A diagnostic test showed it was code P0442 related to the canister purge valve /solenoid. It also showed that it was a permanent thing that had been on there a while but when I look up my Vin number there is no recalls for it, but there is for other 2019 Buick enclaves.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
- The idle engine function does not work. I turn it off in general because if it is on, when I stop the car dies and the dashboard and electric functions, malfunction. They turn on and off and I cannot automatically start the car; it takes several times for the car to restart. - Today, I went to a pharmacy and when I tried to restart my car to leave, it would not begin. The dashboard went on and ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
- The idle engine function does not work. I turn it off in general because if it is on, when I stop the car dies and the dashboard and electric functions, malfunction. They turn on and off and I cannot automatically start the car; it takes several times for the car to restart. - Today, I went to a pharmacy and when I tried to restart my car to leave, it would not begin. The dashboard went on and ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
I noitce a werid sound the cooling fan was making and car started run different so I turn around came home park it came out few hrs later ND oil spilled on floor and all over the engine
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
ABS, Brake, and traction light came on. Took my vehicle to dealership for diagnostic. The dealership stated it was caused by internal failure to ABS module and HCU. Parts are not available for repair due to parts engineering approval. This is a safety issue were the brakes could fail. Manufacturers should be responsible for repairs and recall vehicles for safety issues. How can the dealership say... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2024
On 9/6/2024 I was driving on I-10 E going about 70 mph in the left lane. I had engaged the cruise control but not the Autopilot because I’ve had dangerous experiences with the Autopilot phantom breaking and misinterpreting cracks in the road as lane markers and dangerously changing lanes. So even though Inoaid thousands of dollars for Autopilot I never use it. So I was driving approaching a bi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2024
On 9/6/2024 I was driving on I-10 E going about 70 mph in the left lane. I had engaged the cruise control but not the Autopilot because I’ve had dangerous experiences with the Autopilot phantom breaking and misinterpreting cracks in the road as lane markers and dangerously changing lanes. So even though Inoaid thousands of dollars for Autopilot I never use it. So I was driving approaching a bi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
Took my vehicle in for service. On 06-11-2024. I was informed that there was a recall on the engine. They said i cant drive my car. Gave me a loaner. That i cant use for my work. It is now 90 days later. Was told it would be next year before it gets fixed.
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
Two issues: The rear view camera is not reliable. It sometimes fails to engage or becomes covered up by another graphics layer such as the user authentication screen. In some cases it comes late or the steering angles lines are rendered very late or missing. Second, the forward ultrasound park assist chimes often do not chime. The audio is ducked under other audio sources such as Spotify. T... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2023
Brake module malfunction kicks out cruise control and dings constantly. Seems to be a recall for other years but this year is missing?
Incident date: Sep 7, 2023
On Saturday, August 31, I was traveling approximately 50 on a freeway overpass, when my head was hit/jutted forward, causing an immediate migraine. This caused me to hit the brakes a bit and veer a little. Upon stopping and inspecting, the headrest had come apart. After googling, I see there had been a serious issue with the “Active Headrest Restraint” on select Chrysler models. This matche... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2023
On Saturday, August 31, I was traveling approximately 50 on a freeway overpass, when my head was hit/jutted forward, causing an immediate migraine. This caused me to hit the brakes a bit and veer a little. Upon stopping and inspecting, the headrest had come apart. After googling, I see there had been a serious issue with the “Active Headrest Restraint” on select Chrysler models. This matche... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
Ever since receiving this vehicle, the turn signals will intermittently not work. This is the new 'stalkless' turn signal design, using push buttons on the steering wheel. When going to signal a lane change, either direction, the button will not register me pressing it, no matter how hard I try to mash on it. It will not signal, resulting in a dangerous, illegal situation for myself and other d... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
2019 Doge ram 1500 quad cab- the engine completely and immediately froze up and locked all tires in the middle of a busy 2 lane street- sounded like only 2 of the 8 pistons were barely firing, was told my engine was "toast-it sucked a valve"! I am an old school mechanic so I take care of every aspect of my truck regularly by professional mechanics- how can a truck not even 5 yrs old with payments ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
I recently bought this car used a month ago, currently I still do not have any check engine lights. The other day while turning my power steering went out and “service esc” flashed on my dash. My vehicle is normal when you start it but as soon as I start driving and make a turn in any direction my power steering goes out and the traction control gets turned off.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
Several weeks ago my wife noticed that the vehicle skids when accelerating and she told me about the situation. I hardly drive the vehicle because I was not aware of the situation, but today I drove it and realized what is happening. I am not a mechanic to give a diagnosis of the situation. For me it could be the transmission and it only has 85K. I'm going to do the next oil change at the dealer. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
As I was driving the steering wheel started getting hard and couldn't really turn as easily. Luckily I was able to make it home, couldnt park it in ny driveway because i coupdnt turn anymore so I only made it to the curb, but I have not been able to move my truck since then due to the steering wheel almost being impossible to turn. Tried to put power steering fluid only to come and fined out it's ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The steering wheel does not return to the center on its own and keep stuck in which direction it is turned. The steering wheel also produces types of clunking noises when the car is standing or at a slow speed, and if you move the steering wheel left and right, it gives clunk clang clank clunk noise. it is very much a safety issue and can create a big accident. I have not taken it to the dealer, b... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
I started smelling gas getting in and out and near the car. I checked under the car when I first started smelling it and for maybe a couple more days before it had an appointment for PDR repair at body shop. I wasn’t seeing gas. I had night dropped the car at the body shop and when they smelled it they called and asked if they could take it to Honda of Lincoln for me. They said it was a puncture... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
While driving from Abilene, tx to Houston, tx on [XXX] my vehicle displayed intermittently several warning message. The first message said idle-stop was unavailable and lasted for about 30 minutes. The second message was displayed in red and stated the electric steering was inoperative and lasted for about 10-30 seconds and it was definitely harder to turn the steering wheel. INFORMATION REDACTE... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
While at highway speeds my truck has recently started downshifting to 1st gear. I've contacted Ford, Ford dealers and provided them with my VIN number and I keep being told my VIN is not included in the recent recall Ford issued. I find it disheartening to say the least that Ford will not acknowledge this! How can they single out just one year model and not all the years that have the exact transm... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
Engine Coolant Bypass Valve has gone bad and presents a 'Engine Maintenance Required, see Dealer' error message.
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
Blower motor stopped working. Same issue has now happened on my 2021 Hyundai Sonata Limited. I have been waiting now three months to have my 2020 Sonata to be fixed. Hyundai technician said the wiring harness had a crack and it’s why my 2020 Sonata’s Blower motor stopped working. It’s now three months since they diagnosed and ordered the wiring harness but supposedly it’s still on back ord... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
Was driving to store got to store came out vehicle won't start just keeps turning over. From others that have the same vehicle ecodiesel I'm told it's the tone wheel/crankshaft position. And that the cheap plastic housing chips which causes the no start. Also recall for high pressure fuel pump. And the closest dealership to me can't get my vehicle in for over a month and won't provide a loaner v... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
Vehicle is showing a “secure vehicle against rolling” warning. Upon doing research this is a common problem with the BMW X1, a default spring in the gearbox, which breaks at around 20000-60000 miles. The repair is very expensive $1500-$2000 at a dealer for a $3.00 part. It should be a recall as it is common breakage.
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
Manufacture r sold us a car with faulty Falcon tires. At 2.5 years 50K miles, tire blew out completely on highway, with no previous service warning duriing regular maintenance check-ups. Tires were problematic at less than 36K miles, but dealer did not mention anything other than a need to rotate and balance the tires.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
I can't stand having to drive a car with that risk to life any longer. I have to drive with my family inside, there are two small children and I'm scared, and Chevy just tells me that they still don't have the part for the airbag. I've been dealing with this for years and I still don't have an answer. My car's price has dropped a lot because of this problem and Chevy isn't taking responsibility fo... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
I purchased a ford focus 2014 in 2018 and was told everything was OK with my car. Fast forward to 2024, my transmission is now slipping and making noise & shuddering when I drive. Ford refuses to fix my car because the extended warranty to fix the faulty transmission of the ford focus expired. I am now responsible to pay $4,000 if I want to replace it. I was not told that the car had any recalls w... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
Unknown, but I believe the torque converter gave out and messed up the transmission.
Incident date: Sep 7, 2024
Purchased 2017 Pacifica Limited in [XXX] from Carmax. 38K miles. Purchased Carmax 100K warranty. Within 90 day Carmax dealer repair warranty, Misfire cylinder 3 check engine light came on. Carmax replaced coil, injector etc. Cleared check engine light. June 24 Misfire cylinder 5 check engine light came on. Vehicle never over heated. Took the vehicle to independent repair shop that performs MaxCare... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
I’ve had multiple “service engine soon” errors appear while driving normal highway conditions. The same code appears on my mobile application as the following… Powertrain Malfunction / Reduced Power What Is Happening? Illuminates when the system has detected a powertrain or a four-wheel drive fault. What Should I Do? A Powertrain or All Wheel Drive (AWD)/Four Wheel Drive (4WD) fault h... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the message "Service ABS" remained displayed with the check engine and traction control warning lights remaining illuminated. Additionally, while attempting to stop the vehicle, the stopping distance was extended, and the cruise control was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed a misfire in cylinder #3. The cylinder #3 spark plug, and ignition coil were replaced; however, while driving 55 MPH, the message "Engine Over Heating" was displayed. Upon inspection, it was discovered... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The car randomly stalls while I am driving it. I lose all power to the car and the RPM's go to zero. I have to jiggle the fuse box and turn the key to the on position until I hear the fuel pump kick on, then I can start the car. I can tell when the car will stall on me when the RPM's fluctuate and the car stutters. My safety is put at risk to me and to other people because my car loses power while... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
My Edge has 41,000 miles on it and the engine light came on. I took it to my local dealership and they found that it has coolent intrusion and therefore I need a new engine. The dealership told me there is a TSB# 22-2133 (2.0L EcoBooser - Coolant in Cylinders) for this issue but Ford never issued a recall. I did my own research to find out that there is a class action lawsuit in the Eastern Dis... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
A warning message appeared the following day after purchasing the car. The car stopped functioning while driving on the highway 70+ mph. The car started to shake violently and a-lot of alarms went off. I barely managed to pull over on the side of the interstate. I waited for 10 minutes before I could get the car to start again. I only had the car for 3 days. This problem persisted so I exchan... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Air bag light illuminated. VIN number not associated with current air bag recall even though it is exhibiting the very identical problem. Dealer will not acknowledge the recall since the VIN doesn’t show on the recall site.