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 1, 2024
Gear shift button broke and came out of the shifter completely. I can not put the vehicle in gear and I am stranded. I contacted my local dealership and they acted like they have never heard of this being a problem. My vehicle had under 12000 miles and this happens. Of course it is a problem. The components broken brittle parts speak for the cheap plastic used in such a critical area. The cost of... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
Driving and B pillar on the driver side came off my vehicle. Then later while driving the B pillar broke while driving down the interstate, luckily no one got hurt when it broke in half. Now I have it taped up so water doesn’t go into my vehicle.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
My car is a 2013 Rogue S with 118,000 miles. Two weeks ago I was on the I-95 at around 70 miles an hour and the car suddenly goes to 45 miles, despite my insistence to maintain my speed, I had to give up and pull over to the right ... I was able to go home at low speed and this experience traumatized me. After that I consulted a mechanic who told me without joking that these cars have the worst t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
The defect is a rusted rear subframe with large holes that will break and cause wheels to become detached and lost control of the vehicle. The issue was identified and repaired by an authorized Mercedes dealership. Additionally, an authorized Mercedes mechanic provided video of my vehicle showing a rusted rear subframe with huge holes on both sides of the vehicle. He also stated the vehicle is un... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2024
HISTORY: Honda service bulletin 21-025 // NHTSA recall 21V-215 // Safety Recall received May 2021. Fuel pump was replaced June 2021 at Beaverton Honda. EVENT: [XXX]; HR-V, without warning stopped while traveling [XXX] (mp 55), southbound in passing lane. Resulted in full stop in fast lane. Required transport "tow" to Medford, OR. Honda dealer. Cost us lodging and meals for a week while ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the power steering suddenly failed, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. During the failure the "Power Steering" message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the steering rack was faulty and needed to be replaced. The steering rack was repl... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not 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 not experi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH on the expressway in the center lane, the Forward Collision Avoidance system engaged, and the vehicle came to an abrupt stop and failed to restart. After several minutes the vehicle restarted, and the contact was able to continue driving. Additionally, while in a parking lot, the vehicle shut off and failed to restart. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
Vehicle shuts off and engine stalls at slow speeds, then applies electronic e brake for no reason. I have seen multiple reports online for same issue. Then voltage drops until restarting Vehicle which then resets. Went to dealership and they have found code p032f with no fix.
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
I found out my 2015 BMW 528i has a recall on the Engine Coolant Pump, and it’s causing some serious issues. The pump can fail, leading to engine overheating, which could even result in a fire. The car’s performance has dropped, and there’s a risk the engine might shut down while driving. I’m stuck waiting for the parts to come in, which means the car’s out of commission for a while. On t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the parts were not yet avai... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
Abs traction control light
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
Abs traction control light
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
I have had the ABS/HCU replaced a year or two ago and now I’ve got the same issue again today 8/30/2024. Code C0020. I have to wait to get it to the dealership after the long weekend and holiday on Monday so they can check it out. Lights flashing in the dash and cruise control is not working when this happens.
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
Headlights have intermittent lighting failure resulting in brief flashes/blinking of the lights. There are multiple complaints and this is known by GMC, but there is no current resolution.
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
Motorcycle brakes on the front require being double pumped in order to work properly. Vehicle has been in twice for the concern and the issue persists
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
2017 BMW X1 has a transmission warning to use parking brake because of potential hazard of car rolling away while in park. I investigated this issue and there are hundreds of thousands of people who are receiving this warning as well. This is a major safety issue for the car, the risk of it rolling or not understanding that the car is properly in park. This needs to be covered as a recall for this... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
2017 BMW X1 has a transmission warning to use parking brake because of potential hazard of car rolling away while in park. I investigated this issue and there are hundreds of thousands of people who are receiving this warning as well. This is a major safety issue for the car, the risk of it rolling or not understanding that the car is properly in park. This needs to be covered as a recall for this... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ram Promaster 1500. The contact stated that water was leaking from the roof into the cabin of the vehicle and engine compartment, causing several electrical failures. The contact stated that the vehicle would only drive in LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the oil pressure sensor, transmission sensor, torque converter pressure se... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while making a left turn, the steering wheel made a complete 360-degree turn; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. Additionally, the horn and the buttons on the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact pushed up on the steering wheel, applying a lot of pressure, to steer the vehicle while turning. Additionally, when t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while making a left turn, the steering wheel made a complete 360-degree turn; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. Additionally, the horn and the buttons on the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact pushed up on the steering wheel, applying a lot of pressure, to steer the vehicle while turning. Additionally, when t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that the front passenger's side air bag and seat belt warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the front passenger's side seat sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer contacted the manufacturer, and the manufacturer advised the dealer that the front passenger seat needed to be replac... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Aug 7, 2024
My passenger side rear door will not open from the outside or the inside. You pull the handle on the outside and nothing happens. You push the door from the inside and nothing even budges (the door lock still works not that there's a use for it right now). This seems to me to be a safety risk for anyone that has to sit in the backseat behind the front passenger seat. If there were an emergency, th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
Unknown. I was driving home when I get a message stating “passenger restraint system malfunction”
Incident date: Mar 14, 2024
I was driving the truck when the light came on for EBS (Electronic Braking System) and the steering wheel locked up then the truck dash read a warning stating "Service Power Steering". Through my research on Kelly Blue Book this is a common problem with this year make and model of Ram 1500 pickups yet mine doesn't have this as a specific recall. I also have an issue with the exhaust manifold bolts... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving up an incline at approximately 30 MPH, there was a loud clanking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the vehicle started to shudder and vibrate with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2024
Over the past the month the vehicle has expereinced a sudden loss of power/ complete electrical failure twice. The first was in a parking space in a parking lot, the second was in the middle of busy intersection. Both times were promted by the vehicle's automatic start/stop function.
Incident date: Jul 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side seat headrest had exploded while the vehicle was turned off. On another occasion, while driving approximately 10 MPH, the contact heard a loud explosion and the driver's side seat headrest exploded. The contact stated that no injuries were sustained. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manu... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2024
The 15mm nut securing the 2nd row seat track, behind the passenger front seat, was not secure and the seat track moved in all directions by several millimeters. The nut was stripped and could not be tightened. This manufacturing defect was repaired by Rivian. However, given the ongoing quality issues with this Rivian, I would speculate that other safety related defects have yet to be discovered... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle downshifted unexpectedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after parking in the garage and turning the vehicle off, approximately six hours later it was discovered that a fire had started in the garage area and had begun to spread inside the townhome. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the fire, the vehicle was destroyed and later towed away. Also, a ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, several unknown warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. In addition, the contact stated while at a stop, the transmission shifted into neutral independently. The vehicle was to... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, several unknown warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. In addition, the contact stated while at a stop, the transmission shifted into neutral independently. The vehicle was to... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to turn left, and while driving over rough road surfaces, there was a sound like metal striking metal sound coming from the rear-end of the vehicle. The contact stated that while turning left caution was used because the vehicle was bouncing and was losing stability. The contact stated that the rear driver’s side whe... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
There are multiple exposed screws facing inwards in the rear wheel wells pointing towards the tires. I reported the issue to the dealer and they inspected other similar cars on the lot and found they all have the same issue. The screws are about an inch long each
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
There are multiple exposed screws in the rear wheel wells facing inward towards the tires that could pose a tire puncture danger should the vehicle encounter an extreme terrain. I own 2 of these vehicles and the condition exists in both, I also reported the issue to the dealership and they inspected similar vehicles on the lot and they all had the same issue
Incident date: Aug 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel seized, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,150.
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
2.0L Engine Valve Spring Fracture may Cause Engine stall and excessive oil leaks that migrates in the catalytic converter causing fumes that linger inside the car with a very strong smell.
Incident date: Aug 17, 2024
The vehicle suddenly started performing very erratically on highway. After inspection the camshaft and lifters are very damaged and the engine is constantly misfiring. I have performed regular routine maintenance on this vehicle its whole life. There is no reason these parts should be damaged unless they were defective from the beginning.
Incident date: Aug 17, 2024
This truck is shutting off, especially when I reach a stop and sometimes become hard to start. I take it three times for recall and they refuse to fix the problem. They also charge me and I am at wrist with this vehicle I did because accidental or death and damage properties. I need an immediate solution because it did last had running me around telling me lies. I cannot drive my vehicle and I can... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2024
This truck is shutting off, especially when I reach a stop and sometimes become hard to start. I take it three times for recall and they refuse to fix the problem. They also charge me and I am at wrist with this vehicle I did because accidental or death and damage properties. I need an immediate solution because it did last had running me around telling me lies. I cannot drive my vehicle and I can... Read more
RAM
PROMASTER 3500
(2024) — POWER TRAIN
Aug 27, 2024
Incident date: Aug 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while shifting from park(P) to drive(D), the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle responded as needed after the second attempt. The power train warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred while shifting to drive(D) and to reverse(R) in a drive-thru. The contact stated that the vehicle ... Read more
RAM
PROMASTER 3500
(2024) — POWER TRAIN
Aug 27, 2024
Incident date: Aug 17, 2024
The truck is a 10-speed and the 10 gears are displayed on the dash. While driving down the road, the gears start to disappear. Once it gets to the gear you are in, it will force a hard downshift. It will continue to force a downshift into first gear and the truck stops with hard engine breaking. The first time (6/26/2024), I was almost rear ended. If you put the truck into neutral, all gears... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2024
2017 Ram 2500 crew cab ABS light on know traction control light on will not engage in 4x4 because ABS light on Code said ABS C0020-01 ding,ding,ding,ding always.
Incident date: May 22, 2024
The contact owned a 2020 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH in rainy weather, the vehicle inadvertently spun in circles, and he lost control of the vehicle. The contact took his foot off the accelerator pedal. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle crashed into an embankment and then spun twice before inadvertently driving into the forest and coming to a complet... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 22, 2024
The contact owned a 2020 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH in rainy weather, the vehicle inadvertently spun in circles, and he lost control of the vehicle. The contact took his foot off the accelerator pedal. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle crashed into an embankment and then spun twice before inadvertently driving into the forest and coming to a complet... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
The system does not work in my 2024 Grand Cherokee. My dealer agreed to take me out for a drive and after several attempts to get the system to engage (straight on rear end, corner of a stopped vehicle, corner of an exiting vehicle) nothing! No audible, visual or brake jerk. The technician was an awesome driver because he scared the ---- out of us trying to get the system to engage. Service adviso... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated while driving approximately 4 MPH and exiting the driveway, the check engine warning light and the check gear shifter warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the dealer was u... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
the abs module brake setstem has not been working properly for about 9 to 10 months. when I call to see if dealership they keep telling that their engineers are still working on the problem. the problem can go out anytime. i would like for the NHTSA to investagate the problem. I was told that this problem is a big safety problem.