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 18, 2024
Vehicle was in motion the battery indicator and service engine light displayed. Additional warnings for other components (e.g. lane assist, brakes, battery power saver etc.) displayed, stopped at an intersection, applied acceleration and vehicle shut off, put itself into park, became disabled and would not restart. No power to restart or to power road hazard flashers. Complete shutdown of vehicle.... Read more
RAM
1500
(2016) - EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:120/240 VAC ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:CHARGER LOW VOLTAGE BATTERY
Oct 18, 2024
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
They advise users to immediately cease using the adapter, citing concerns that it may overheat and potentially damage the charge port. News outlets are reporting that Ford/Tesla is classifying this as a customer service action, which is inaccurate. Their intention is to have all adapters returned to the manufacturer to mitigate the risks. Avoiding NHTSA appears to be a strategy to protect the repu... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
the coolant leaked into cylinder of engine and might cause engine damage fortunately the engine light was on and was noticed by me prior to sending vehicle to dealer for checking the problem was confirmed by Ford dealer at Winchester, MA. It was also confirmed by independent service shop.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
7 months old Kona with 700 miles on it. Woke up one morning with a "Totally" dead battery. The internet is full of incidents such as mine--new Konas with dead batteries. The dealer could not give me a service date until one month later. Car is still at the dealer...
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
Speedometer/odometer is incorrect and Toyota manufacturing says it cannot be fixed. Toyota sells this vehicle with two different size tires. The smaller is approximately 30.6 inches high and the larger is 32.61 inches high. Toyota manufacturing sets the odometer and speedometer for the larger tire and says that is the only option. That means that the speedometer is off by 4 miles an hour at 6 4 mp... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that while making a right turn into the driveway, the steering wheel had become stiff. No warning light had illuminated. The vehicle was no longer being driven since the steering wheel was too stiff and required excessive force causing control to be lost while driving. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repair... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
When attempting to refuel the vehicle with gasoline, the refueling nozzle automatically stops after just 1 or 2 seconds of fueling at the full flow rate. Even at somewhat slower rates, something happens to cause the refueling nozzle to shut off ("click off") the fuel flow. Operating the refueling nozzle at a very slow rate is the only way to get fuel into the vehicle. This takes a very long time... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
Vehicle has now put itself into park and applied the parking brake while moving 3 times and requiring restart to move. Dealer and manufacturer unconcerned because they cannot duplicate. But it’s had numerous other issues too
Incident date: Oct 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed to the floor and the brake pedal was stiff. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed ABS and brake booster. The contact was i... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact's family member owns a 2019 Honda Passport. The vehicle owner received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000(Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while the driver was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The contact did not know whether a warning light was illuminat... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped in the middle of the street, however the engine was still on. The contact stated that the gear shifter did not function as intended. The contact stated that the ge... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Thunderbird. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH over a speed bump, the contact heard a loud grinding noise with no warning light illuminated. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed fuel leaking from the fuel tank with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump f... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V436000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
This is not accident related, but what appears to be a systemic issue related to Cayenne and Macan leather dashboards. The issue is related to delamination of the leather dash cover that can impede the safe deployment of the passenger airbag. Many cars are affected and the repair can be a significant expense to owners (~$10K) for vehicles less than 8 years old. There should be a recall to address ... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: May 9, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
A few times when I drive to a stop light/sign, the SUV engages the parking brake without my input, unlocks the door and prevents the vehicle from being driven, unless I reengage the gear back to drive. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it does not work right away and takes a few times to shift the gear. Seems to be getting worst. One time on 10/17/2024 at my work parking lot, I forced the SUV to drive... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
A few times when I drive to a stop light/sign, the SUV engages the parking brake without my input, unlocks the door and prevents the vehicle from being driven, unless I reengage the gear back to drive. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it does not work right away and takes a few times to shift the gear. Seems to be getting worst. One time on 10/17/2024 at my work parking lot, I forced the SUV to drive... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2018
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Oct 8, 2024
Vehicle speeds up and breaks uncontrollably. When stopped it displays several codes on the dashboard 1) power steering fail, increased effort, driving permitted, 2) GRA/ACC fault driving permitted 3) faulty windshield wipers No fault codes are found with a code reader.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The touch screen glitches. While traveling depending on maps I can't safely drive and follow the screen.
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
I went to the dealership to address this safety recall and was told not to worry about the issue and they have no parts to address it anyway. Honda dealerships are saying this is not a safety concern and not willing or able to address. How are consumers supposed to know which safety recalls are important?
Incident date: Nov 23, 2023
I was driving in the Columbia Gorge on highway and the Drivers Keyless entry trim Blew off, and broke in half, the top half hit the car behind me dented his hood and put a nick in his window. I'm very thankful the piece that broke did not cause an accident or kill anyone. The lower half (with the keypad) was flapping in the wind being held on by electrical wires. The keypad blew a fuse, sending m... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2023
Specifically the model: 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid Max. immediately new off the dealer lot when driving between 0-40mph, there is a transmission issue. In real life situation of stop and go, and needing to accelerate after making a right turn out of a driveway or stop sign on to flowing traffic, often times it feels as if the gear is shifting too high or skipping causing the car to lose power/ r... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
Engine light and problem with catalytic converter 2015 ford edge sel and seat driver ac air blowing make seat cold.
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
SERVICE SHIFTER LIGHT, CAR NOT GOING INTO GEARS.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
ABS system failed and is not working properly. Also the screen in the car for all of my interaction with my car including Bluetooth and any errors involving the car. If my brakes go out in the middle of driving it could cause me and my family to be unable to protect ourselves. I have confirmed the system with 2 different mechanics and both agree there should be a recall. The warning lamps go off a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
I was driving the vehicle couple of weeks ago and I began to notice that I did not have any power when pressing on the brake and that the engine was beginning to buckle I came to a stop and it continued to run very roughly I had trouble driving a half mile home when I got into driveway a great deal of white smoke was coming out of the back of it vehicle I was able to restart it the next day but th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
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 repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer 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 distribution discon... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2020
My vehicle 2017 Ford Fusion has a chronic condition. The coolant comes into the engine and causes an engine misfire, which is a very serious problem. The 21n12 customer satisfaction program has already come out, but I bought this car secondhand and it's already out of all conditions. I'm wondering why this issue is not a recall. Many owners of the same car are complaining of the problem and this i... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2020
I got locked in the car and couldn't get out for about 4 minutes. I had the key with me, it wouldn't start or unlock the doors or roll down the windows.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
I got locked in the car and couldn't get out for about 4 minutes. I had the key with me, it wouldn't start or unlock the doors or roll down the windows.
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
The Safety Recall has been on for 2 to 4 years NHTSA # 22V406000 Manufacturer Recall Number Z48 I've got many E mails about repairing the safety recall and No Service available I knew the fuel pressure pump is available please respond it worries me a lot to I may get in an accident
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
My cars rpm's started randomly jumping which would coincide with a slight jerking feeling when the car shifted gears. First I was told it was my spark plugs and then the coil packs. When both of those were changed and the problem persisted they ran multiple diagnostic tests and came up with nothing. Then my car started to shudder when I put gas in it and then the radio screen and door locks would ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
My cars rpm's started randomly jumping which would coincide with a slight jerking feeling when the car shifted gears. First I was told it was my spark plugs and then the coil packs. When both of those were changed and the problem persisted they ran multiple diagnostic tests and came up with nothing. Then my car started to shudder when I put gas in it and then the radio screen and door locks would ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
Vehicle suddenly stop in the middle of traffic no electricity at all wouldn’t start stay cold black out for 5 min . After waiting it power back up on it own after closing the hood
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 BMW 740i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
Upon starting the Highlander, there is a very loud screeching/feedback noise through the speakers- it appears to be coming from the DCM as described y a Toyota representative. . This happens upon stating the car at least once a day and frequency is increasing.
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
Toyota has a coolant control valve problem on the RAV4 that it has known is a problem but will not issue a technical service bulletin or recall. It is only covered by the extended warranty. Any other is 800 dollars out of pocket. The warning ⚠️ on the dash blocks the speed indicator and cannot be cleared until the fix is made.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V720000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 exp... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that on several occasions while in reverse (R) she observed a grinding noise emanating from the rear passenger side of the vehicle and the steering wheel began shaking simultaneously. On a few there occasions while making left or right turns, she observed the same grinding noise emanating from the rear passenger side of the vehicle. The... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the transmission had erroneously downshifted causing the vehicle to suddenly reduce speed. After restarting the engine the failure had self-corrected and the vehicle operated as normal. The vehicle was taken to the local transmission mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure and the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
Throttle body and motor was replaced twice due to engine keep stalling issues on the roads intermittently. Had faced life threatening occasions multiple times because the car engine stalled while car was driving on the roads. I brought the car to the local Ford service center several times and got the DTC P2112 code each visit. Ford service center approved the throttle body replacement on 2/10/202... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
Fuel indicator is reporting empty when car is full, and car is switching gears or shutting off by itself in the middle of driving.
Incident date: Oct 13, 2024
Electronic throttle body failure My car lost power going 50 mph in road construction The car had a recall and extended warranty on it from 2014-2024, i was not notified Check engine light, drive shaft light, and service advance trac appeared a few weeks before the failure
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 BMW X2. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a f... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 BMW X2. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a f... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
Forward radar sensor pass side lower grill/bumper area. 1st told a sensor recall but after 3 hrs and then seeing the vehicle in the shop with the entire front bumper clip removed the sensor was out of its driver side socket and 1 side flopping around which may have caused a small dimple from the inside to pop out on the 6x5 cover that is the entire lower rubber/plastic black bumper/grill. Told the... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
Forward radar sensor pass side lower grill/bumper area. 1st told a sensor recall but after 3 hrs and then seeing the vehicle in the shop with the entire front bumper clip removed the sensor was out of its driver side socket and 1 side flopping around which may have caused a small dimple from the inside to pop out on the 6x5 cover that is the entire lower rubber/plastic black bumper/grill. Told the... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
Forward radar sensor pass side lower grill/bumper area. 1st told a sensor recall but after 3 hrs and then seeing the vehicle in the shop with the entire front bumper clip removed the sensor was out of its driver side socket and 1 side flopping around which may have caused a small dimple from the inside to pop out on the 6x5 cover that is the entire lower rubber/plastic black bumper/grill. Told the... Read more