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: Oct 25, 2024
I have a 2024 Ram Promaster Travato/Winnebago Class B 4 mo. ago I noticed the sliding door window on the right side of the vehicle fell on me as I was walking by the Van. I taped it on with tape and drove to Meyers Syracuse, NY location 730 Interstate Island. May 17th 2024 315-413-0401. They supposedly fixed it. Today I noticed I couldn't close that same window and there was a big gap under the... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
As I was driving my vehicle around 5 miles per hour on a small street looking for parking, the car had some electrical malfunction that caused it to move forward and hit a parked vehicle, then reversed into another vehicle. The safety of my fiancee, myself and my dog were put at risk as we were jolted back and forth as this happened. The car has been inspected by my insurance company and the mecha... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
While driving down interstate, the panoramic sunroof panel above the driver and front seat passenger spontaneously exploded and shattered. This occurred on a clear sunny morning and there were no other vehicles on the road in the area at the time.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
Timing cover gasket failed. I notice leak at 70k but the gasket may have failed earlier. I believe this to be a manufacture defect as this is a common issue.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
MY CAR LEAKS FUEL UNDER REAR IF I AM FUELING. CAN ONLY ADD 2 TO 3 GALLONS OF FUEL OR FUEL WILL SPILL. ALSO HAVING THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR ISSUE. CAR WAS ON RECALL LIST FOR ALL 7 RECALLS AND VIN. CHECK SAYS ALL HAVE BEEN FIXED BY PREVIOUS OWNER. THE SAME PROBLEMS ARE HAPPENING AGAIN. YOU SHOULD DO ANOTHER RECALL
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
My vehicle only has 78,000 miles on it and the timing chain needs to be replaced?! This is no longer under warranty because it’s been over 5 years but this should last a life time. Now I have a car that doesn’t start or run that I have to make payments on and no one wants to do the work on my car! I looked online and a bunch of people are having the same issue with the same exact car at simila... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2024
While driving, my wife and I heard a bang, and when she went to turn her head, she noticed that the vehicle was smoking from rear defroster, and the back windshield had smashed. we immediately pulled over and the vehicle did not stop smoking until we turned off the rear defroster. This put our safety at risk as the entire vehicle could’ve caught fire. When we went to check to see if it had been ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
I was lightly stepped on the gas coming off a complete stop with no cars in front of me. The automatic breaking came on hard and a sensor flashed to BRAKE as if I was going to hit someone but there was nobody in front of me. The sensor alert system was turned off 15min prior as I had gone through a car wash. This is the first time this has happened but unknown why. Had there been a car behind me, ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
REPAIR ORDER DATE: 11/04/2024 MIKE PERRY CHRYLSER/NACOGDOCHES PROBLEMS: SHAKING WHILE IDLING/STOP-START NOT WORKING ACTIONS TAKEN: REPLACED SUPPORTS AND MOUNTS ENGINE SUPPORT – $105 TRANS MOUNT – $274 ENGINE MOUNT – $155 PARTS - $535 LABOR - $600 TOTAL - $1191 REPAIR ORDER DATE: 10/14/24 - MIKE PERRY CHRYSLER/NACOGDOCHES PROBLEMS: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON/ENGINE MISSING ACTIONS TAKEN: ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
Fuel pump lid is electrical connection is cause a malfunction when fuel up and burning a hole in the electrical connection causing fuel to leak out under the back seat this need to be fix before someone is killed do to a fire this is the 2n time being replace and the same issue
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle downshifted with the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed by the dealer that transmission fluid was added to the vehicle. T... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
THE DEALER HAS CONFIRMED A PROBLEM ON THE MATTER AND SAID IT WOULD COST $8000.00 TO FIX IT. HAS NOT PUT A RECALL ON IT YET. BUT THERE IS A BULLITON ON THE MATTER.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
This vehicle has continual electronic issues. Aside from the 2 (as of now) recalls that are out on it- with no repair available- the functionality of this car is completely undependable. The computer screen (which controls almost every function of the car) often shuts off in the middle of operating (e.g. driving on a highway) and the only way to "fix" it is to shut the car off. Not ideal. Of cours... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
We have been living full time in our RV since Nov, 2022. We just brought our Grand Design Momentum M-381 in for the front cap replacement as there was frame flex over the past several months that we didn't realize was happening and there were cracks in the top of our cap. Let me explain, we saw evidence of "something" happening like the bedside tables rubbing against the wall and saw dust, the ou... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated there was water dripping from the grab handles and the dome light was filled with water. While driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that water was leaking into the vehicle causing the comput... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2024
I was driving the Forte and my steering wheel started to feel loose. It would click when I turned it. When I would go over a speed bump or hit a pot hole, my steering would jolt and make a loud noise. While driving on the highway, steering seemed loose and wasn't stable. I drove slower because I was afraid the problem would become worse or I would lose control of the steering.b
Incident date: Nov 3, 2024
Ball joint & control arm failure, twice within 3 years
Incident date: Nov 3, 2024
The contact owned a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and making a right turn, the door opened unexpectedly. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V651000 (STRUCTURE); 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... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
On three occasions so far in this vehicle with fewer than 3,000 miles I have experienced the “death wobble” after going over a bump on a highway at highway speeds. The intense shaking of the vehicle persists until I am able to slow down to below 50mph or so. The incidents have taken place on [XXX] (twice on [XXX] driving North from Cupertino) and on [XXX] driving in Napa on [XXX] towards Yount... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the transmission only shifted gear at 5,000 RPM’s. The contact stated that the failure had become progressively worse, causing the contact to become stranded on two separate occasions due to transmission failure. The local dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN related to the fai... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Lately this car has been signalling , to brake sooner because a vehicle is near but there is no vehicle around. While driving today we pulled out of a parking lot and entered main road the car stopped and it felt like a vehicle slammed and hit the rear end. My husband is assuming transmission went out. Our traverse wouldnt accurate over 16 mph. (While driving) very dangerous!!!!
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
So models which have digital cockpits that were produced before July 2021 are faulty and the screen goes black. I was on the I95 when the display was gone and I didn’t have a speedometer. The manufacturer is already aware and accepts there’s a issue but doesn’t have a recall.
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
I was driving home from work after picking my [XXX] daughter up from school. The car started making a noise I hadn’t heard before while I was traveling on [XXX] in Huntsville, AL. I got off at the nearest exit to take it to the place that changes my oil. The car didn’t travel more than a few miles before the oil light flashed and car just shut off and wouldn’t start in the second to far rig... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
Ford had a TSB 22-2322 and previous recalls due to coolant intrusion for vehicles equipped with1.5L engine instead of long block replacement ford is requiring short block replacements vehicle has been in service almost 2 months and has had engine replace twice in 1 year span and now needs a cylinder head replacement due to engine overheating and leaking due to those coolant intrusions and I’m ex... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
Rear driver side door suddenly will not open from outside or inside. A rear passenger would be essentially trapped in the car should an incident/accident happen. I googled and it seems this is a well known issue affecting several model years of Hyundai, including my 2017 model. I do not see a recall for this extremely dangerous issue.
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine overheated and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the turbo and other unknown parts were ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
While I was driving my new 2025 Lexus NX 350H on the freeway, the driver side rear tire disintegrated and I had to make an emergency evasive maneuver to the shoulder of the freeway!
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
While I was driving my new 2025 Lexus NX 350H on the freeway, the driver side rear tire disintegrated and I had to make an emergency evasive maneuver to the shoulder of the freeway!
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the paint on the hood, the front driver-side door, and the rear passenger-side door was peeling. No warning light was illuminated. The VIN was included in an unknown manufacturer's customer program related to the paint issue. The vehicle was taken to an auto body shop where it was diagnosed that certain areas of ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle was running abnormally rough, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion into cylinder four was causing a misfire, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the short block needed to be replaced. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the steering wheel was turned left, however, the steering failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the steering proceeded to go forward. In addition, the contact depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle slid onto the grass and crashed into a ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal fluttering sound and the vehicle hesitated to start. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, while driving, the vehicle inadvertently lunged forward. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the spark plugs and starter; however, the failure persis... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
My mechanic informed me that this car will no longer pass NYS inspection due to body rust/corrosion holes where the rear trailing arms attach to the car's body. Honda has issued a recall for the same model year CR-V, which has a nearly identical trailing arm attachment design, due to the risk of losing control of the vehicle if the trailing arm mount separates from the body.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
My mechanic informed me that this car will no longer pass NYS inspection due to body rust/corrosion holes where the rear trailing arms attach to the car's body. Honda has issued a recall for the same model year CR-V, which has a nearly identical trailing arm attachment design, due to the risk of losing control of the vehicle if the trailing arm mount separates from the body.
Incident date: Sep 24, 2024
HCU/ABS modules have failed for the second time in 50K miles. While using Cruise Control at highways speed (70mph) in heavy traffic the warning lines and chime came on. At the same instance the truck started slowing down dramatically. Almost causing us to get rear ended. It was like slamming on the brakes, but without brake lights to warn cars behind me. I finally figured out it caused the Crui... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2024
HCU/ABS modules have failed for the second time in 50K miles. While using Cruise Control at highways speed (70mph) in heavy traffic the warning lines and chime came on. At the same instance the truck started slowing down dramatically. Almost causing us to get rear ended. It was like slamming on the brakes, but without brake lights to warn cars behind me. I finally figured out it caused the Crui... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
I recently purchased a 2021 Toyota Corolla SE. After a few days the "Engine Maintenance Required - See Dealer" notification appeared. See as it was purchased very recently, I assumed this was the oil maintenance light, and reset it. Later that day, it came back, and I reset it a different method under the assumption I did it wrong. The next day it was back, and that is when I realized it must be s... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
Water accumulation in the rear passenger side when it rains. Can hear slushing water when driving. It accumulated all the way to the luggage compartment and caused the Control unit rear electrical and the ASD module to fail causing $2564.61 in repairs. Was wondering if this is the case of the issue [XXX] . When I read online there Is a lot of complaints about this. Has BMW ever acknowledged the i... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
Water accumulation in the rear passenger side when it rains. Can hear slushing water when driving. It accumulated all the way to the luggage compartment and caused the Control unit rear electrical and the ASD module to fail causing $2564.61 in repairs. Was wondering if this is the case of the issue [XXX] . When I read online there Is a lot of complaints about this. Has BMW ever acknowledged the i... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
I have been experiencing sponginess in the brakes. the air conditioner stopped working, the temperature gauges stopped working, and the ABS and Brake light are all on in the dash. Reviewing possible fixes according to Toyota Nation Forum online all these symptoms are a result of an ABS Control Module. This part alone costs almost $1500.00 and supposedly is a very common problem with this type of ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2024
the car lost power in the middle of the freeway -and decelerated; in a highway with speed limit of 65mph while driving in I-680, all of a sudden the car slowed down from 65mph all the way to less than 20mph - displaying "power reduced - 0% battery" ; even it was recently fully charged - I was able to drive the car - back at 20mph speed - went straight to the Nissan dealer/service - where I left ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2024
Engine/Crankshaft/Main Bearing excessive noise, metal shavings in oil. Crank shaft cracked or broken. Similar to NHTSA PE23-020.
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH on an interstate with her son occupying the front passenger's side seat, the vehicle shuddered violently. Additionally, the steering wheel became uncontrollable. The contact stopped in the right-hand lane and turned on the hazard lights. The contact was able to continue driving, but the failure recurred while drivi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
I am writing to bring to your attention an issue with my 2020 Ford Explorer, as well as many other vehicles of the same make and model. Recently, I discovered that the spare tire compartment in my vehicle accumulates water due to a leak, which I believe could compromise the safety and integrity of the vehicle. Upon further investigation, I found that Ford Motor Company acknowledged this issue in ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle shuddered. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The contact stated that upon adding coolant to the vehicle, the vehicle operated as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant con... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
Back up camera shows upside down image. It also sometimes has lines through the image or a blue screen. It is not safe and I see others complaining about the same safety issue.
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
Cp4 pump failed on car with 85,000 miles on it sending metal pieces throughout the fuel system causing damage and a $9,000 bill to fix a car worth $9,000 so it is essentially totaled.
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle sputtered and stalled. The vehicle was able to restart. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was running roughly. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000(Fuel System, Gas... Read more