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 6, 2024
Vehicle over heated on the freeway on my way home. Engine light came on and info display said to stop driving immediately. Also had a loss of power reducing my speed to 25 mph. I pulled to the side of the road and opened hood. There was no coolant in the reservoir. I was able to get a ride to an auto parts store to purchase more collant. Took it to the ford dealer ship and the discovered coolant l... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle failed to start while pressing the Start button on the key fob. The contact was able to start the vehicle while pressing the Push to Start button inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independen... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
No power going up hills, won't shift going down hill, park sensors lights come on, zero oil pressure then Electronic Throttle. From what I seen on internet and from others with the same issues it's due to high pressure fuel pump which has a recall on it. But when it was sold by the dealership in November 2023 the dealership said there was NO open recalls. But then I find out there is an open reca... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
Head gasket blew at 87, 000. Had complete head gasket replaced. less than 2000 mile with the new head gasket engine blew.
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
After car stalls, the vehicle enters limp mode. I’ve also randomly lost power and can barely accelerate. It’s very alarming and dangerous.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
ABS module has failed and is affecting steering, transmission and speedometer. Truck is not driveable and dealer cannot obtain the needed ABS module. Manufacturer is not supplying them. Truck spent June and July on dealer lot but no repair is possible. Truck was towed to my home and is useless in current condition.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
This vehicle has a massive leak with both the winshield and sunroof. Brand new car and terrible leaks
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V566000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 24V381000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
While driving on a highway, a small pebble impact caused a windshield star on a Mazda vehicle. Within hours, this star developed into a full crack from the left driver A-pillar to the center of the windshield without any further impact. A few days later, two more pebble impacts on a 50-55 MPH roadway immediately caused another vertical crack from behind the windshield mirror mounting area straight... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2022
Display screen in center console is not functioning and back up camera is inoperable. All of the controls and setting that are only accessible through the touchscreen can not function. The screen is completely black and does not work, there is no other way to access anyy of these safety features and information for the vehicle.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2022
Alternator I changed the starter I changed the alternator brand new it ran but then it stopped in mid drive and I won't just start and that's how I crashed into something now my car is wreck in the fridge and it won't start and if it does it stops
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and allowed the vehicle to cool off before continuing to drive home at slow speeds. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant w... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
Suddenly started driving badly on the highway. It would swerve side to side after hitting a bump. The rear sits about two inches lower than the front. My trusty independent mechanic said I should check the rear subframe and refrain from driving the car. KBB lists a safety recall for this issue, stating that the rear subframe wasn't sufficiently rustproofed. Mercedes and NHTSA do not list this... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel was significantly difficult to turn. The message "Power Steering System Not Available - Service Required" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering system assembly had failed an... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
The Powertrain control system has detected an internal PCM communications error PCM will invoke failure mode effect management.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
I was driving my daughter to school and started hearing a crunching noise, mostly when I turned or stopped. It also sounded like rattling. Once I got to my daughters school the noise became extremely loud and there was a loud bang and smoke coming from behind my car. It smelled burnt. A piece of my car had broken from underneath. After my husband looked at the car he found it to be the rear differ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
I was driving my daughter to school and started hearing a crunching noise, mostly when I turned or stopped. It also sounded like rattling. Once I got to my daughters school the noise became extremely loud and there was a loud bang and smoke coming from behind my car. It smelled burnt. A piece of my car had broken from underneath. After my husband looked at the car he found it to be the rear differ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the contact experienced a death wobble. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was shaking violently. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the front suspension needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was n... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
The cable for the Hood latch release has become separated/detached from the release Mechanism.
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with AWD module failure. The contact was informed that the AWD module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
The contact owned a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, he dozed off as the vehicle drifted off to the right shoulder of the highway. The contact regained alertness once the vehicle drove over the highway's rumble strip. As the contact attempted to regain control of the vehicle; the vehicle crashed into a tree. The contact's face smashed into the steering whe... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 3, 2020
1. The headlights in this vehicle have shadows and this is exceedingly disconcerting and actually dangerous. Subaru insists the headlights are fine and yet other owners of this same model complain of the same issue which I discovered in doing internet research. AND 2. Due to the use of soy based materials in the engine of this 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, it has literally been assailed by rodents. Thi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2024
On [XXX] we were traveling westbound on [XXX] from Keenesburg, CO in our 2014 Ford F-350 Super Duty at roughly 75mph. We were in the right lane and went over a bump in the road and as soon as we did, the steering wheel and the entire front end of the truck started shaking violently. We pulled onto the shoulder of the highway to slow down/stop. Once the truck stopped shaking, we pulled back into th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2024
The vehicle at low speeds or when stopped at an intersection UNEXPECTEDLY stalls, sometimes when rolling. This disables the vehicle and to restart you must turn the gearselecter knob to Park, put your foot on the brake and push the start button. Sometimes the engine requires multiple attempts to restart. The instrument display after the stall shows the check engine light illuminated along with the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2024
I was driving and when I came to a stop light the power steering stop working and I had to go because the light turn green so I had to steer very hard and pull over to the side. It was very dangerous and I can’t believe this happened. The warning light came on as well and it says service power steering drive with care.
Incident date: Mar 10, 2024
My car overheated and broke down on the highway. Towed in to a repair shop and was told I needed a new engine because of leaky coolant in the gasket? I just paid my car off last month, purchased directly from the dealer in 2019. It has an Eco Boost which are having these issues across the board. I was told the cost to repair or replace a new engine could range from $3500-6000k. Are they going to r... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
While parking and putting my car in park. Hello, my car needs a recall. August 31, 2024 While parking and putting the car in park. my car shifted into Neutral and lunged forward causing me to hit a sign and maneuver away from a wall. My car is dangerous. Please help!! My car lunged forward and i ran into a bush. I am injured. This car malfunction jumping gears. Not shifting properly the car is d... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
Two issues with my truck. #1. The ABS HCU was replaced under warranty once. I am now at 75k miles and it is doing the same thing again. Difference is I'm having to pay for it. #2. The Clock Springs has been replaced once already and now needs it again. I paid the first time and am now having to pay again!!! Absolutely not acceptable!!!
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
This truck has had two major REAR-END repairs. After the last one it vibrates. Several sets of tires and even a new set of rims and it still vibrates. NONE of the dealers can locate anything.I took it to a shop that has vibration detection equipment. Their results show the issue is in the rear end. I get no resolution or help in resolving the issue. I have been out a lot of money on this truck due... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
This truck has had two major REAR-END repairs. After the last one it vibrates. Several sets of tires and even a new set of rims and it still vibrates. NONE of the dealers can locate anything.I took it to a shop that has vibration detection equipment. Their results show the issue is in the rear end. I get no resolution or help in resolving the issue. I have been out a lot of money on this truck due... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2021
It is making like diesel trucks sound with vibrations while accelerating the speed! Since few days.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2021
In July 2024, with approximately 31,500 miles on my vehicle, I began experiencing issues with the "service electronic braking system" warning appearing on the dashboard. I brought the vehicle in for inspection, and the dealership identified and replaced the tire sensor under my extended warranty. A week later, the warning reappeared, and the dealership replaced the brake master cylinder sensor, al... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2024
I have a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4 with less than 30,000 miles on it. The leather dash is currently peeling away and bubbling. There was a recall back in 2014 by Chrysler, but they have ever since taken away the recall because they "claimed" they have fixed the problem. I will attach pictures of my vehicle and other similar Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland's that I have found in the mar... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 45-50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the head gasket was blown. The dealer determined that the engine block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where the engine was replaced. The vehicle was repaired.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V566000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 24V381000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were 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 conta... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2024
From purchase the UConnect system has faulted out and have effected items like Navigation, etc but wasn't a real problem. On 7/18 I had my dealer perform recall # 66B/NHTSA 24V-436 On 7/20 the UConnect system began faulting out but this time it started Disabling the Automatic Emergency Braking while driving, Disabled the parking brake when it was set, Indicated that various lights were not working... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving at various speeds; when the brake pedal was depressed, the brake pedal failed to return to the original position. The contact stated that upon inspection, the brake pedal felt abnormally loose and there was a brake fluid leak present. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was lifted and was noticed tha... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving at various speeds; when the brake pedal was depressed, the brake pedal failed to return to the original position. The contact stated that upon inspection, the brake pedal felt abnormally loose and there was a brake fluid leak present. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was lifted and was noticed tha... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving uphill at 20 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mil... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
My Nissan was bought Used. It has no damages and it drives well. I was told it was in an accident that affected the right side. The doors were replaced.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
On several occasions, the turn signal indicator buttons on the steering wheel failed to activate the signal. The button appeared to be jammed, it was not possible to feel the "detent" when pressed. This puts myself and others at risk due to the inability to properly signal when preparing to make a turn which has to then be aborted. I've found the button can only be "unstuck" by clicking the opp... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2024
Driving at a low speed and blind spot warning light comes on, then all warnings light up and car loses all power and goes into limp mode. Engine light stays on, but will start back up after it is shut off, open and shut car door and restart. Engine light stays on. Has happened to me three or four times. In the past, the engine light will eventually go off before I can get it to the dealership. Hy... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2024
I am reporting a critical safety incident involving my vehicle, which occurred during rush hour on a busy highway with no traffic lights or stop signs. While waiting in the left turn lane at a center divide, my emergency autopilot braking system activated unexpectedly, causing my car's left front side to encroach into oncoming traffic. Despite my attempts to move the car, it became immobile. I att... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
2017 Ford Fusion Titanium 2.0L Ecoboost purchased brand new. Coolant intrusion into Cylinder #1, causing a misfire,registered in Vehicle Health Alert system; check engine light on. Liberty Ford dealership was notified within the first week of the 1st misfire. Autozone found fault code P0301. Code scanner suggested replacing cylinder #1 spark plug. If misfire cont., it stated to replace Coil on cy... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
Hitting bumps causes an intermittent chime and notification alerting me that the Antilock Breaking System and Electronic Breaking System need service. Both the ABS and traction control lights are illuminated. I contacted my local dealer and they indicated that this isn't an immediate safety concern and is due to an electrical issue for which they haven't solved. They quoted me $1,600 for the repla... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
UNKNOWN: Vehicle collided with another vehicle on highway and control system and functions stopped. Airbag on Driver’s Side malfunctioned burning driver with liquid and metal.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
UNKNOWN: Vehicle collided with another vehicle on highway and control system and functions stopped. Airbag on Driver’s Side malfunctioned burning driver with liquid and metal.
Crash
2 injured