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: Jul 1, 2024
Transmission does not shift into gear when idle and pushing in the gas pedal. Truck randomly shuts off when at stop lights and have to restart it. Transmission shifts randomly into different gears at different speeds while driving. Transmission struggles to shift into gear and when it does the whole truck shakes and loud clunk noises happens. Cruise control speeds go up and down while driving and ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2024
Vehicle produces code C0020-1 ABS pump motor control failure, vehicle disengaged cruise control unexpectedly causing rapid deceleration. Dealer states ongoing problem with 2018 Ram 3500 HD trucks
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact stated that there was a message to update the software displayed. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the vehicle came to a complete stop. While driving at various speeds, the camera and the infotainment screen were inoperable. The vehicle failed to start as needed. While the vehicle was idling, all the doors were locked, with ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact stated that there was a message to update the software displayed. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the vehicle came to a complete stop. While driving at various speeds, the camera and the infotainment screen were inoperable. The vehicle failed to start as needed. While the vehicle was idling, all the doors were locked, with ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2024
I own a 2016 VW Passat that I'm thinking of painting yellow and I don't like yellow. I was driving going about 75 mph on freeway in Idaho and a truck from the slow lane started merging over into my lane I went to hit horn and it didn't work. I hit my brakes and I mean hard because he obviously didn't see me and he merged over into my lane but had I not braked as hard and when I did it would of b... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2024
this is the third time i am filing a complaint. My 2013 dodge grand caravan completely dies and looses all power going over 50 miles per hour. no warning, no codes appear, nothing. looses all power, power steering, brakes, etc. have to get to side of road, wait 20 minutes, then car will start. this has happened now over 16 times. The latest time with my grandchild in the car, the vehicle behind me... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
Radio knob broke and radio audio became stuck at a loud status making it difficult to hear any first responder vehicles or concentrate/navigate through daily traffic. Please reference this thread for there are several Tundra owners dealing with this malfunction [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
On Saturday, July 13th, 2024 my engine light came on. I stopped, checked all my fluids and hoses and all were good. I took my car into the shop on 7/16 (I did not drive it after the 13th until I could get into the shop). They used their machine to check the codes and it is showing P0867 - Transmission Fluid Pressure code. This has never happened before and as I research it, thousands are having th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking abnormally. The contact stated that the engine power was reduced. Additionally, the contact stated that while making a turn, the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with clutch failure. The contact was informed that the clutch needed... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the vehicle had stalled several times. The contact believed that the vehicle was leaking oil; however, when the coolant reservoir was inspected, the coolant fluid was low, but no visible leaks were found. The contact stated t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that the subframe had experienced extensive rust and corrosion. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Lane keep assist will intermittently trigger while driving straight. After having this happen several times, I now disable the option at the start of every drive. Lane keep assist module will trigger a fault and restart mid drive despite being turned off prior to driving. This is in a drive by wire vehicle in which there is no direct connection between the physical wheels and the steering wheels... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Kia K5. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was appr... Read more
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
My CMBS stopped my car in the middle of the road coming home one day. There were no other cars around me (in front of me, behind me, or coming towards me). The word “brake” flashed across my dash and then it beeped at me and just stopped in the middle of the road going 55 mph. My kids and elderly mother in law were in the car with me and we were all shaken up and also very glad there were no... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
ABS & service electronic brake system constantly going off. Known issues with faulty ABS module on braking system which at times can malfunction while braking or driving.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
Harness suddenly started to loosen by itself without pushing on the release mechanism. Extremely dangerous as child is not restrained at all when this happens. After doing some research online, it appears that there may be something stuck in the release mechanism area, but there is no easy way to get to the area to clean it. (Only way is to unscrew the bottom portion of the car seat - which a Nuna... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
I purchased my 2013 Kia Forte EX5 used with 35,000 and now have 165,000 with normal wear n tear I've been mostly satisfied except with the head lights, tail and brake lights and the plate lights. Until reading here, I didn't make the connection that Yes, I have spent a lot of time and money on getting these replaced multiple times each year-seems every oil change there's been a bulb out. No melti... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-450 SD. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked on the side of the road, the driver attempted to start the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the battery junction box harness had failed. The dealer replaced the battery junction box harness assembly, engine module, fuse junction box, and... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
Rack and pinion/ Gear box repaired. Honda already had a recall on the gear box. According to dealership the part in question was not under recall warranty and not covered. I strongly feel this part should be included in recall. I feel either Honda or the dealership is trying to get around from repairing a faulty part when they already had a recall on another part for same issue.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Infotainment center continues to have issues/restarting as if the car was just started. Attempted to resolve with KIA after ongoing issues but they do not feel that this is a safety concern or feel it needs to be investigated appropriately. This occurs when driving typically on the highway because most of my travel is highway. When this occurs it is a distraction for the driver. It interferes w... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2024
A tiny crack started at the top of the window butnothing impacted. Thenit slowlyintwo weeks crackeddown quickly on the windshield of the driver from passenger side. Again no rockhit itor anything else.It appeared quickly and spread. Our extra warranty shield protection doesnt coveritbutit seems almost like a factory defect.
Incident date: May 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to properly accelerate before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine oil pump tensioner had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V464000 (Air Bags); 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: Jul 5, 2024
One day my car just turned on. Lights come on will not turn off. Dashboard lights up with every symbol blinking, relays under the hood turning off turning on non-stop. Took it to the Honda dealer, who said I needed a VSA module. Only catch here is the part will not be available until October 2024. 4 months from now. Was told they put me at the bottom of the list as my car is 7 years old. Newer veh... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2024
Concerned that the airbag recall has been a known death threat for over a year with still no replacement parts. If the parts can't be procured I should be provided a new equivalent car, shouldn't I? It's anxiety inducing to know I could be killed by supposed safety features in my vehicle.
Incident date: Jul 14, 2024
Cruising at highway speeds while turning left the steering wheel sticks and does not go back to center. The driver has to turn it right an inch or two before releasing and goes back towards center.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2024
Recall has no remedy since march 2024
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
My Tesla (dark gray) was t-boned by a 2015 Hyundai (white) while it was passing the intersection on green light. The Hyundai hit my car when it tried to turn right on red light. My car was running at around 25 mph at that moment. About one second before the accident, my car's front collision warning went off, but everything was too late; the Hyundai's left front bumper hit my car. The crash did no... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
My Tesla (dark gray) was t-boned by a 2015 Hyundai (white) while it was passing the intersection on green light. The Hyundai hit my car when it tried to turn right on red light. My car was running at around 25 mph at that moment. About one second before the accident, my car's front collision warning went off, but everything was too late; the Hyundai's left front bumper hit my car. The crash did no... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
Retractor won't pull driver side seat belt back in
Incident date: Jan 31, 2024
ABS module constantly going off and removes 4 wheel drive, parking assist, traction control, and and brakes
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
ABS module constantly going off and removes 4 wheel drive, parking assist, traction control, and and brakes
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
- Truck makes a sizzling sound when parked - Car wouldnt start and needed battery jump, unknown source draining the battery - Truck has engine issues , started shaking and died in the middle of the highway, GM replaced engine - Engine replaced after less than a week, truck would not start, Gm replaced starter - After 2 days and using the vehicle once, truck would not start again. GM is try... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
- Truck makes a sizzling sound when parked - Car wouldnt start and needed battery jump, unknown source draining the battery - Truck has engine issues , started shaking and died in the middle of the highway, GM replaced engine - Engine replaced after less than a week, truck would not start, Gm replaced starter - After 2 days and using the vehicle once, truck would not start again. GM is try... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Ridgeline. 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 contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceede... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
service shifter, park sense unavailable, auto start stop unavailable warning lights came on ever time truck are in slow speed or stopped. sometimes cancel the cruise control and turn on the check engine light
Incident date: May 1, 2023
MB USA is not honoring Recall 2005110001 for 25 years per NHTSA Bulletin. The Mercedes Benz Representative said that the recall is closed for a 2003 car, but which should not be closed until 2028 for my car. The Mercedes Benz Representative agreed that she does see the car matches the 2003-2006 E class with chassis of A336226 falling between A0- and A7- for the recall. The Mercedes Benz Represen... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle failed to exceed 20 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact purchased a po... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
Abs system failed and had to brake hard causing the wheels to lock up and lose control of the truck ,lost speedometer, brake lights, 4x4,cc,trailer brakes
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. 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 not made aware of the failure. The contact ha... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist failed intermittently to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact was informed that the steering column n... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
There is coolant intrusion in cylinder 3. My engine needs to be replaced and it has 95,000 miles on it. Ford only covers it to 84,000 miles.
Incident date: Jun 27, 2024
Tread separating from belt. Only 17k miles on new car. 3 of 4 tires were affected. Tire size 245/35r20
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and the intake manifo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the coolant reservoir and became aware that it was empty. The contact refilled the coolant; however, after attempting to drive the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated again. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic w... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2024
Reversing out drive way and coil rear suspension spring snaped
Incident date: Jun 26, 2024
Continuous "Trailer Brake System" alarm makes the vehicle undrivable due to to distraction
Incident date: Jun 23, 2022
Clutch was replaced already 1 time now it’s bad again also the tmi was replaced 2 times since I’ve had the car it has 126000 miles