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: Nov 12, 2024
All of the lights on the dashboard and check engines light were illuminated. The speedometer would not work and the stick shift would stick in park causing me to have to release the shift lock manually to drive. The failure mileage was 59,450.
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 20–25 MPH, the steering became inoperable. The contact was unable to control the vehicle and crashed into the curb, and the passenger side tire popped. The driver continued to drive and parked. The contact changed the tire, and upon starting the vehicle, the tire and traction control warning lights illuminated. The con... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while attempting to turn the steering wheel, there was an abnormal vibration with a clicking sound coming from the steering column. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the steering column had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure persisted. Th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2024
The car has been experiencing oil consumption issues for the past 15k miles and it's getting worse hyundai says .y vin isn't under recall and they can't help me. My mechanic says my oil consumption is high and is concerned about potential engine failure. I have to add oil every 500 miles. The 2.4l engine has had major issues but Hyundai will not expand the recall. My mechanic has seen issues like... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2024
I own a 2015 Ford Focus with 69,071 miles - low mileage. It's driven lightly. A couple of months ago, I was driving when suddenly the power steering went out and was extremely difficult to drive and manuever the vehicle. I went to the local dealership to schedule repairs and their computers were out so I couldn't even make an appt. So, I called Ford Motor Company about the power steering going... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
When taking vehicle for test drive about a month ago, the check engine light was on and after driving it, i noticed when AC was on and when off, the car loses power. When i go to pull out it has no power and i almost got hit in the side every time i would pull out from a busy highway. They had check engine light looked at and they said computer told them it was air valve leak or something like tha... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
When taking vehicle for test drive about a month ago, the check engine light was on and after driving it, i noticed when AC was on and when off, the car loses power. When i go to pull out it has no power and i almost got hit in the side every time i would pull out from a busy highway. They had check engine light looked at and they said computer told them it was air valve leak or something like tha... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
There is a known problem, which Cadillac refuses to recall, regarding a steering assist reduced warning. The warning light disables the air conditioning system and steering assist. When the light comes on, reduced power to the steering system occurs. I took the vehicle in to be serviced, but the service light was off, and Cadillac refused to fix it; intentionally trying to run the timer out on t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the EPS warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway, turned off, and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V08600... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Fisker Ocean. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V490000 (Structure), 24V466000 (Structure), and 24V404000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that on three occasions the dealer was contacted that stated that there would be a cost for labor and parts for all recall repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not e... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Fisker Ocean. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V490000 (Structure), 24V466000 (Structure), and 24V404000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that on three occasions the dealer was contacted that stated that there would be a cost for labor and parts for all recall repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not e... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Accord. The contact stated that the SRS and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that there would be a cost for a diagnostic test. Additionally, the contact was informed that there would be a cost for the repair if the Warranty department denied the claim. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while the vehicle was at a red light, parked, or while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic made the cont... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2024
The Battery was leaking fluid, smoke was visible and rotten smell from the battery. Electrical secondary brake system came on the dashboard
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the engine started running rough and then the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle was blowing white smoke from the exhaust and was idling rough while starting the vehicle in the morning. The contact stated that the "Coolant Overheating" warning light was illuminated. The contact had take... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufactur... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
My vehicle has a message that pops up and says "Service Transmission Now, Unable to Shift Soon". I took my vehicle in to a GM dealership and they did a diagnostics and told me that it needed to be "updated and "rebooted". This was not covered under my power train warranty because it was software. However, the message is stil showing and my vehicle is not shifting, jumping, and not wanting to drive... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control - (ESC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that pa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
My car dealership in Route 23 (700 NJ-23, Pompton Plains, NJ) did not give me any notifications regarding my car recall. I found out myself from the News, so I called Route 23 to schedule a service appointment on 11/13/24. Route 23 refused to schedule me, stating that I did not receive any paperwork in the mail from Honda. I emailed my salesperson on Nov 14th, and was told to wait until further no... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
The passenger seat airbag turns off when a passenger is sitting in the seat. I have taken the vehicle to the service center twice for this issue and they insist it is working as intended. This is a major safety issue for myself and children when we are sitting in the passenger seat. Please help in resolving this!
Incident date: Oct 13, 2024
Approx. 1/4 mile after merging onto the interstate; and accelerating to highway speeds, the tire wire in the middle of the tread seemingly exploded. No objects in the road. 215/65R17
Incident date: Nov 19, 2024
I was in a car accident. I was hit on the passenger rear side and the car spun out of control but none of the airbags deployed. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer but we did reach out to them and are in the process of filling out a questionnaire. The vehicle is currently being assessed in a body shop as we work with the insurance to see the final damages.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
While driving 50 mph in traffic 2019 Ram 2500 Bighorn 6.7 Cummings Diesel lost power, steering failed and brakes failed. I had to use the emergency brake to avoid a crash. I had my daughter and 2 grandsons in the truck. ESC or ESCM light and engine light. Then the truck wouldn’t turn off. Then there was an awful noise from under the hood - it was a now loose pulley and belt.
Incident date: Nov 16, 2024
My Tesla stopped in the middle of a 4 way intersection without notice. As I was turning left, the car started to shake for about 2 seconds and then stopped. No warning or anything. The notification stated "electrical system unable to support functions." My safety was put at risk and others. I was traveling with my 11 month old and other cars could have hit my car if they were not paying attention ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2024
My Tesla stopped in the middle of a 4 way intersection without notice. As I was turning left, the car started to shake for about 2 seconds and then stopped. No warning or anything. The notification stated "electrical system unable to support functions." My safety was put at risk and others. I was traveling with my 11 month old and other cars could have hit my car if they were not paying attention ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2024
Vehicle was apart of a recall that involved the engine having engine intrusion. We are now suffering a vehicle that is currently no longer functioning.
Incident date: Nov 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 51... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front tires became low on air. The contact noticed that the wheels were cracked. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for routine maintenance, and it was determined that the rear wheels were cracked. The wheels were replaced. The manufacturer was ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Golf. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the fuel gauge level dropped quickly, and there was an abnormal fuel odor before the vehicle shutoff in the middle of the roadway. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact exited the vehicle and push the vehicle to the side of the road. The contact stated th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
I live in a rural area about 10 miles south of Albany NY. I am retired and am not employed, so most of my driving is done in the daytime. However, last November I was driving home in the dark from a medical appointment. I encountered heavy wet snow as I left a suburban area (Glenmont, NY) where there are street lights on the main highway, [XXX]. My headlights were on and I could see fine UNTIL I l... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2024
The instrument cluster display on my 2020 Volvo XC90 went completely out while driving my vehicle. This was a single point of failure and SAFETY ISSUE as it affected my speedometer, gas gauge, etc. I was driving without any functioning indicators on the highway when it went out. There was no advanced warning. The issue was fixed by my dealership and part replaced, invoice is attached. We have ma... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2024
My 2021 Bronco Sport suddenly died on [XXX]. The parking brake engaged unexpectedly, locking all four brakes and resulting in a significant skid mark. An error message flashed: “Park Not Available. Apply Park Brake Before Exiting,” and the park gear light blinked. I turned off the engine again, but the car was dead when I tried to restart it. After getting a jump start, the car turned on. Ho... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
engine misfires, rough idling, decreased fuel economy, and a check engine light due to potential clogging or wear within the injectors, sometimes caused by debris from the high-pressure fuel pump
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
Passenger side window has came off track and fell into door panel. There is no way to open door to get to window to put back on track to raise window
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
Transmission 10R80, 10 speed. Had HARD shifting, 1st to 2nd gear, excessive engine RPM in 1st gear then dropping hard into 2nd causing tire squawk. Hesitation in power after hard shift causing loss of acceleration, dangerous in heavy traffic. No warning lights and no fault codes produced. Warranty time period expired mid June 2024. Mileage at 52236 was under 60000 limit. Ford dealership refused ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
On [XXX], my 2015 Honda CRV completely stopped at a traffic light on [XXX] . All warning lights came on. At the time, the vehicle had 60,000 miles. I was towed to Bill Page Honda in Annandale, Va. They could not determined the cause of the engine failure. I was then towed to Ourisman Honda of Tysons Corner where I purchased the vehicle. (Reference attached invoice dated 08/08/03) No reason ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
The leather on my Porsche Cayenne dashboard has shrunk and is pulling away from the front of the dashboard. My mechanic tells me that this is a possible safety issue because if the vehicle is in an accident, the front passenger airbag may not deploy correctly and recommends replacing (expensive). In checking various Porsche online forums, this appears to be a common issue among owners with the mor... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2024
Parking brake and ABS lights are on. According to internet research it is a common problem amongst Toyota Prius Brake Actuators
Incident date: Nov 10, 2024
The contact owned a 2019 Ford F-350 hauling a small trailer with 2 horses. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 mph, another driver waved him down and informed him there was a fire from the front of the vehicle. The contact merged to the side of the road, parked, and exited immediately. The contact attempted to open the hood but was unsuccessful in doing so as the hood had bec... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 10, 2024
TIRE BLOW OUT AND TREAD SEPERATION AT 70 MPH. 35000 MILES. STARTLING EXPLOSION HARD TO CONTROL BUT MANAGED TO SLOW AND PULL OFF ROAD. HAS HAPPENED TO MANY EKKO OWNERS. NO WARNINGS, TIRES INSPECTED BEFORE TRIP WITH NO INDICATION OF ABNORMALITIES. $1400 IN DAMAGES TO VEHICLE FRONT END.
Incident date: Nov 9, 2024
I got my oil changed and since I picked it up, I have an EPB light on and my “auto-hold” is orange, I also can’t set my cruise control. This disables safety features on my car- adaptive cruise control.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
I got my oil changed and since I picked it up, I have an EPB light on and my “auto-hold” is orange, I also can’t set my cruise control. This disables safety features on my car- adaptive cruise control.
Incident date: Nov 11, 2024
It shifted out of gear into first. It wouldn’t pull giving it gas didn’t help I was lucky I wasn’t injured when it shifted. A wrench flashed on dash board when it jumped gears.
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); 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 contact received a message displaying a hazard symbol for the driver restraint s... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
The turn signals are on the steering wheel. Sometimes these buttons are not pressable so I have to turn w/o signaling. That is after taking a risk of an accident. I have run into this multiple times and the stress level of operating the vehicle when that happens is very high. There have been a couple of occasions that I had to signal when the steering wheel is partially turned and I have to look d... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 428I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); 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 fail... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
In September, my vehicle would not start. I had it boosted and it started right up. The very same afternoon , it would not start and had it boosted. Drove it for 2 days without issue and on day 3 it would not start and boosting was unsuccessful. The vehicle could not be put in neutral and needed to be towed. The car spent several weeks at the dealer and I was told it was the battery which I re... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
I have been having several issues with this vehicle since I bought it. I’ve had the vehicle break down on me about 3 times and need repairs or adjustments to previous repairs. The main issue right now is that the car has been in the shop for about 50 days or so for repairs on the suspension or tie rods, inner/outer. I’ve had the same issue with vibrations and shaking coming from the front end ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
While driving on the highway, vehicles dashboard lights came on and car immediately began to slow down which resulted in a complete stop. Let vehicle rest and started up again no issues. After driving for a period of time it occurred again. Dealership reviewed and reported no problems. Requested dealership to drive vehicle at a higher speed for a period of time. Issue occurred again. After further... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
The Chicco fit 360 has a magnetic chest clip, the chest clip has started to just come undone without pressing the buttons to release it.