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: Apr 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Fisker Ocean. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V499000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
The rear passenger control arm broke off of the subframe due to severe corrosion despite Hyundai applying a corrosion preventative under recall 17-01-013 on 12/1/2015. During all service work following the preventative in 2015, corrosion was never brought up as a concern by the dealership (we have all service records since date of initial purchase). Thankfully we had just reached our destination a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
Will driving on the interstate, using the adaptive cruise control feature, vehicles were slowing down to a stop ahead and my car accelerated instead of slowing down. I then pressed the brake and simultaneously, the car breaks locked down (automatic braking). Unfortunately I wasn’t able to avoid an accident as I rear ended the vehicle in front of me. My vehicle has been turned over to the insur... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
Issue: Post-Airbag Deployment PCM Lockout Description: I am reporting a critical safety concern regarding the 2024 Mercedes-Benz C300. After an airbag deployment, the vehicle's Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is designed to automatically lock, preventing the engine from being restarted. While this feature is intended to enhance safety, it poses significant risks in certain emergency situations. ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
In May 2024 my Hyundai Tucson died in a middle of an intersection with no warning. Worse than that is Hyundai motor USA informed me that the car was on a recall list for an engine failure issue that was apart of class action suit . Ans further told me that that were obligated to have the highway transportation safety dept notified first consider cause of the issue. They told an inspector from your... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
The front bumper sensor has stopped working. This is preventing proper function of the forward collision warning and the parking collision warning. I took this to be fixed to Executive Kia of Wallinford, CT and they identified corrosion of the component as the cause of the failure. My car has had no accidents or damage to bumper so any corrosion is due to improper sealing of part, or weather proof... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
The front bumper sensor has stopped working. This is preventing proper function of the forward collision warning and the parking collision warning. I took this to be fixed to Executive Kia of Wallinford, CT and they identified corrosion of the component as the cause of the failure. My car has had no accidents or damage to bumper so any corrosion is due to improper sealing of part, or weather proof... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while attempting to reverse out of the driveway, the vehicle stalled and failed to shift into the intended gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated while at an intersection, the vehicle stalled a second time. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it w... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while attempting to reverse out of the driveway, the vehicle stalled and failed to shift into the intended gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated while at an intersection, the vehicle stalled a second time. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it w... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2021
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander that I financed through your bank. Since purchasing the vehicle brand new in 2022, I have encountered numerous issues that have caused significant inconvenience and concern for my safety. In the past two years, my vehicle has experienced multiple problems, including: 1.Randomly Shutting Off: Last year, my car began rando... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2024
The battery on this car drains despite standard operation. Battery replacements do not work and it must be jumped. Some programming aspect clearly is wrong and drains the battery when not in use. It needs to be fixed asap for safety and to avoid stranding.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and the RPM was between 2,500 - 3,500 RPM, the vehicle started decelerating. There was a red lightning bolt illuminated on the instrument panel, indicating a failure with the electronic throttle system. The failure had become persistent. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer but was not diagnose... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2024
The car is unable to be driven at no more than than 20 miles per hour. . I believe and other mechanic people believe that the problem was a fuel injection problem. Honda autopark Honda in cary, NC charged me $1500 to fix a water pump problem. No issues with temperature inside the car.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
I bought vehicle at almost 60,000 miles and 8 to 9000 miles later engine is misfiring. Vehicle has been in should previous year and I got it back this June(24) for 2 days and back in shop only to find that ford had work on cyclometer before and refuse to let that be know when it was in shop the first time from same noise and complaint. The dealer recommendation is for a new motor in which cost $12... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle lost power, the parking brake activated, and the transmission independently shifted into the park. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The instrument panel showed that the battery charge had dropped to 12-Volts. The failure had occurred twice. The tow truck company was contacted and was abl... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
I HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY ENGINE OVERHEATING AND TOOK IT TO FORD DEALER FOR SERVICE AND WAS ADVISED THAT WATER HAD GOTTEN INTO THE CYLINDER #2 I BELIEVE AND RUINED THE ENGINE. THE DEALER SAID THE WATER WAS GETTING INTO THE ENGINE BLOCK AND I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. ANOTHER SERVICE DIRECTOR FROM ANOTHER DEALER SAID THEIR WAS A ISSUE WITH FORD AND THERE WAS A PROGRAM ON THIS. A NEW ENGINE IS AROUND $... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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 distribu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Ocean Honda of Hanover had leased me this vehicle with a safety recall not repaired.I drove the car up to Washington Mountain in NH with my family without knowing the vehicle had a safety recall. Approximately 8 days after the day of I leased the vehicle the seller contacted me asking to take the vehicle back to the dealership to repair a safety recall , I immediately went to the dealership and l... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
I was in a minor accident involving a small animal on [XXX] and there was not much damage done to it. After it got repaired a few months later the steering wheel started locking up on me so I had it towed down to Bob Johnson Ford in Pulaski NY. They couldn't diagnose the issue and said I was safe to drive it home. On the way home the steering wheel locked up while exiting the highway and caused me... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
Pressed the button to open the rear passenger sliding door and it would open. When opened manually it would open only about 12 inches. Then when we were driving on the highway the door opened on its own. The door had to be manually closed and now it will not open. This is now a safety concern that in the event of a crash passengers may not be able to exit the vehicle or the door could open again... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
Dashboard leather has completely delaminated. High bubbling and excess material causing poor viability and obstruction. Ram will not repair.
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE VERY BAD LOW BEAM LIGHTING AT NIGHT. ITS SO TERRIBLE THAT ITS LIKE HAVING NO LIGHTS ON AT ALL AND RIDING WITH THEM ON CONSTANT HIGH BEAMS HAS RESULTED IN ME BEING PULLED OVER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS BY POLICE BUT ITS ALSO UNSAFE TO ALL OTHER DRIVERS I PASS. THE LOW BEAMS WERE WHY I HAD AN ACCIDENT IN NOV OF 2023. THAT RESULTED IN ME GOING DOWN AN EMBANKMENT HITTING A TREE ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE VERY BAD LOW BEAM LIGHTING AT NIGHT. ITS SO TERRIBLE THAT ITS LIKE HAVING NO LIGHTS ON AT ALL AND RIDING WITH THEM ON CONSTANT HIGH BEAMS HAS RESULTED IN ME BEING PULLED OVER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS BY POLICE BUT ITS ALSO UNSAFE TO ALL OTHER DRIVERS I PASS. THE LOW BEAMS WERE WHY I HAD AN ACCIDENT IN NOV OF 2023. THAT RESULTED IN ME GOING DOWN AN EMBANKMENT HITTING A TREE ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the starter had failed, causing the battery failure. The contact was informed that the starter and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that after the vehicle was repaired, the contact became a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission started to erratically shift up and down, dramatically reducing the speed. The contact stated that the vehicle then returned to normal functionality, and she was able to drive to the destination. The contact stated that the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illum... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
The thin decorative steel cover on the wheel lug nuts are cracking at the corners and deforming to the extent that they would be difficult to get off with the provided tire wrench in a roadside tire failure. My tire shop had to drive a socket on, then drive it off.
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
Vehicle would not go into park fortunately we were in a safe location to avoid a possible accident or injury. The vehicle has electronic transmission shifting. According to the dealership the park solenoid in the transmission valve body failed. This prevented us from putting the vehicle in park so it could safely be shut off. We were able to set electronic parking brake but ignition continued to... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
This model was affected by the originally cosmetic, but well documented "sticky dash" recall. I am an automotive enthusiast who has worked within the industry for over 12 years, including notifying customers of NHTSA recalls and assisting with scheduling recalls to be performed. The dashboard can be severely melted to the point of becoming a mirror finish, I was driving at night in the headligh... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
Lights flickering while driving at night
Incident date: Aug 4, 2024
I received a recall notice from Mini USA in July 2023 regarding the Footwell Control Module (FRM). The letter states, "This safety recall involves the Footwell Control Module (FRM), an electronic control unit located behind an interior trim panel in the driver's footwell area. Due to a number of contributing factors, over time, the FRM could become susceptible to corrosion. Eventually, the corrosi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2024
Mazda issued a recall for backup camera failures on specific vehicles over 1 year ago on July 14 2023 (Mazda Recall 6023G, NHTSA #23V-487). According to Mazda dealerships I contacted, parts are still not available. Drivers impacted have been waiting for repair components related to this safety recall for over a year. Simply submitting this as a complaint about an ongoing recall resolution.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
The headlight/taillights control dial switches modes and settings when entering and existing vehicle, the dial for the auto lights it will change and turn off the lights so that while you drive at night the daytime driving lights come on but there will be no rear tail lights. Creating a very dangerous driving at night with no tail lights . I have not taken it in to the dealer as it is intermitten... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2022
I purchased a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. Two years ago, I'm having issues with my car paint peeling off in the hood, roof and trunk. Many times I when to the dealer to ask them about the recall, and they state that there is nothing they can do since they did not have anything registered for a paint peeling recall. My car day by day is getting worse and I need help for this issue to be fix.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Odyssey. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact called another local dealer, Shottenkirk Honda Decatur (735 Beltline Rd SW, Decatur, AL 35601). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle jerked abnormally, and the advancetrac, traction control, steering assist, and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that an unknown message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
The engine stopped while driving with no warning and provided no opportunity to exit the travel lane of the road. No warning lights were illuminated on the dashboard and all gauges appeared normal leading up to the event. This event is extremely frustrating, but I am thankful that it didn't happen on the interstate as there is no telling what the outcome may have been......... Leading up to the... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Fisker Ocean. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V499000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and would not accelerate above 20 MPH. Additionally, the contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was turned on and off, the doors remained locke... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Fisker Ocean. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V499000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and would not accelerate above 20 MPH. Additionally, the contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was turned on and off, the doors remained locke... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Fisker Ocean. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V499000 (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 failure. The VIN was unavai... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2024
Glass on main cabin door became loose while driving on the interstate (08/10/2024) and we had to duct tape it on to prevent it from completely coming off. Called Winnebago on 8/20/2024 to report it and to obtain repair advice.
Incident date: Jul 19, 2024
A diagnostic code has been displayed for the Anti-Lock Brake System - C0020-01 —> ABS Pump Motor Control - General Electrical Failure. Going over a bump in the road will cause the ABS system to deactivate the cruise control. The diagnostic code can be cleared and the cruise control will resume. Reading on RAM / Cummins online sites, many say that either the HCU and / or ABS Module needed to be r... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle shuddered. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the f... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2024
ABS light will come on, speedometer will stop working, Gear shift will lock up and not move. Jeep will stop moving while on highway at random times without any warning. Steering will lock up on turns not allowing the vehicle to turn.
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
The parksense system on the vehicle becomes defective over time. My vehicle does not have parking assistance but I get a chime and screen message that "parksense unavailable" every minute or two when driving. There is also a "service shifter" warning simultaneously. I've taken it a dealer for repair several times and they're unable to address it. Upon searching forums for this issue I found it... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
Coolant intrusion into cylinder. Confirmed by independent service center. Known issue with Ford, reference Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 22-2134
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
Middle passenger side captain seat becomes unlocked. The back rest does not stay locked and when falling forward the seat lifts up and unlocks and slides forward. You just bounce around in the seat.
Incident date: Aug 18, 2024
The transmission is making a vibration in the accelerator pedal. dealer says its a normal characteristic but I had the same vehicle in 2021 and never had the problem
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
The issue with the car involves a problem with the steering gear box. The grease between the rack and support yoke seat has thinned, leading to increased friction during steering. This causes the support yoke to drag along with the motion of the rack, resulting in contact with the rack housing. As a result, a clunk sound and vibration are felt when turning the steering wheel, especially after the ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
The issue with the car involves a problem with the steering gear box. The grease between the rack and support yoke seat has thinned, leading to increased friction during steering. This causes the support yoke to drag along with the motion of the rack, resulting in contact with the rack housing. As a result, a clunk sound and vibration are felt when turning the steering wheel, especially after the ... Read more