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: Sep 30, 2024
We have had 4 transmissions since we bought the vehicle. It slows down to almost a stop after it hits 30 mph and makes weird noises all throughout the vehicle. The back right tire sticks to the pavement and jerks when i start to drive. The key ignition has been fixed several times and still sometimes won't turn with the key or come out. Yes Warranty told the repaid service company to fix whate... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
Multiple issues that are safety concerns. 1. The lane mitigation system or forward collision warning system. These has been a constant problem from date of purchase. A. repeated warning flashes on dash when driving on any type of road with a slight curve or a standard turn, also two lane roads causes terrible warning on the dash as well. Very distracting! 2. The adaptive cruise control performs ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
The part that failed was the cooling fan. According to a litany of Google searches, and from a few dealerships, Nissan has known for years about faulty cooling fans and has done nothing about it. My cooling fan went out last night and sprayed coolant everywhere. Not only did the coolant become gaseous as it burned against the hot engine, this poses a huge safety issue as it can cause a vehicle to ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
The part that failed was the cooling fan. According to a litany of Google searches, and from a few dealerships, Nissan has known for years about faulty cooling fans and has done nothing about it. My cooling fan went out last night and sprayed coolant everywhere. Not only did the coolant become gaseous as it burned against the hot engine, this poses a huge safety issue as it can cause a vehicle to ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
I bought my 2022 Hybrid Sonata in the summer of 2022. I drove it down to the beach (8 hour drive) about a week after purchasing the vehicle so at that time there were less than 100 miles on the car. We didn't use the vehicle for the week we were at the beach and when we tried to unlock the car to load our bags, the key would not unlock the car and we couldn't get in. We had to manually unlock the ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
When driving around a bend in the road regardless of left or right bend, once the steering wheel is turned between 45-90 degrees, the steering wheel moves back and forth from left to right on its own. Also when sitting still, with the vehicle running, if you turn the steering wheel in either direction between 45-90 degrees there is "play" in the steering wheel of approx 10% without moving the ac... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
This is a continuous issue that has been pending for over one year.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Received a software "fix" that engages my parking brake every time I turn off the engine. I don't want the parking brake engaged each time I stop - the potential for freezing in place due to cold or rust is too much. Not even sure what this "fix" was supposed to resolve.
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gas tank was dragging on the ground. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel system needed to be repaired. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
In September 2023 went in for an oil change. Next day all My CMBS, ACC, LKAS and Road Departure Mitigation System all light up on my dashboard as well brake system light. I called and took the car in they said that it had something to do with the camera sensor. I left a complaint and the manager called after I explained to him he said he would call me back. 1.5 years later he never called back.... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
In September 2023 went in for an oil change. Next day all My CMBS, ACC, LKAS and Road Departure Mitigation System all light up on my dashboard as well brake system light. I called and took the car in they said that it had something to do with the camera sensor. I left a complaint and the manager called after I explained to him he said he would call me back. 1.5 years later he never called back.... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
Seems that when brake pedal sensor can trigger a "pressed" reading when not actually being pressed. The only way to turn off the car manually is defeated by, you guessed it, depressing the brake pedal. This causes the vehicle to remain on and unlocked. Even if you are able to leave the vehicle in a locked park state, at any point, the sensor can register a "pressed" reading and essentially unlock... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
when i drive the vehicle, i goes into this shaky mode where i have to completely stop the car and restart it. this happens if i hit any kind of bump. I brake every bump that i see hoping it will stop but today is got so bad i could not move. Also the braking for driving down a curvy mountain. I almost got in multiple accidents this week
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Braking system engaged while driving, slamming on brakes for no reason within first 6 months of having purchased my 2018 Honda Accord EX. While driving the car on a normal highway with no cars in front of me, the car suddenly brakes and then the brake releases. The car came to a complete stop for no reason while driving around 55-60mph on the highway with no cars in front of me or to the sides. I ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 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 dealer was contacted and confirmed that vehicles with a failure were being prioritized for repair. ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
1.5L Short Block Coolant Intrusion to Cylinder "19B37" Customer Satisfaction was Performed in January 2020 with 65,000 miles on it. We bought car in June of 2020 now with 105,000 miles on it needs a Motor Per Dealer. They won't cover it Being it's out of Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 its Still within 7yrs but not 84,000 milage. When we bought it we were UNAWARE of issues before Purchase.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2018
Car isn't cooling while supercharging. Problem originated while at Tesla Collision in Fort Lauderdale. Mike DiPietro, the general mgr stated they don't have a supercharger at Tesla Collision Fort Lauderdale to test it and they're not willing to drive it to the supercharger to test it because it's a service issue. When I dropped the car off it cooled while supercharging and now that it's not c... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
Twice so far my EV9's main screen and the HUD have gone blank. This leaves me with no way to view my speed, alerts, etc. The only way to fix this, as far as I can tell, is to disconnect the 12V battery for a period of time and then reconnect it. It is extremely dangerous to not know how fast you are driving and to not have any other information, including driver alerts. And the fact that there is ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Backup camera stayed on when car was in Drive, Park, and Neutral. Backup camera also stayed on after I turned vehicle off and opened door. The infotainment system usually turns off once car is parked off and door has been opened. This was very distracting when driving down the road. Picture was when I was in drive at a stop with foot on brake leaving a business parking lot. Taken by passenger
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
car would not speed up no matter how hard i pressed accelerator, vehicle wouldn't speed up kept going at slower speed had to have towed to dealership. Don't know what is wrong. I was scared someone would hit me, or my speed would cause an accident. Only after issue started did engine light come on.
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
car would not speed up no matter how hard i pressed accelerator, vehicle wouldn't speed up kept going at slower speed had to have towed to dealership. Don't know what is wrong. I was scared someone would hit me, or my speed would cause an accident. Only after issue started did engine light come on.
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2024
2013 Silverado LT 100k miles can't inspect due to frame rot state doesn't allow frame repairing keeps saying to repair the frame. I'm in a northern state with a failed frame costing. I just purchased this vehicle for 11,500 it's worth 15k until the company's negligence to fix the frame issues. Frame swap is upwards of 10k. If the frames were properly coated they wouldn't rot. Also warranty sta... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2024
Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am writing to express my frustration with the ongoing issues with my Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. Despite repeated repair efforts, the situation has become unsustainable. As a one-car household, visiting the dealership multiple times a month is both financially and personally stressful. While the service department has been excellent in try... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2024
Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am writing to express my frustration with the ongoing issues with my Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. Despite repeated repair efforts, the situation has become unsustainable. As a one-car household, visiting the dealership multiple times a month is both financially and personally stressful. While the service department has been excellent in try... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
There was a prior recall where if there was discoloring or charring of the battery terminal a new battery was suppose to be installed. I reported this and showed the damage, and they just cleaned the terminals and sent me down the road. Now that these are burning houses down I would like to get out of this lease, its almost up anyway.
Incident date: Feb 9, 2023
This vehicle was manufactured with a defective fuel injector pump that has led to excessive wear and damage to the engine. We have experienced catastrophic failure with a repair estimate pending of over $17,000. When the components failed, our driver was on a dangerous section of road. He was not struck by other traffic, but was left stranded for 7 hours. Our company has purchased 6 of these F... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2023
This vehicle was manufactured with a defective fuel injector pump that has led to excessive wear and damage to the engine. We have experienced catastrophic failure with a repair estimate pending of over $17,000. When the components failed, our driver was on a dangerous section of road. He was not struck by other traffic, but was left stranded for 7 hours. Our company has purchased 6 of these F... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2023
Engine has slowed itself for years, even while pressing gas pedal, the mph and engine would sound like it revved up then go dark on me while coming to an uncontrolled stop.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
Engine has slowed itself for years, even while pressing gas pedal, the mph and engine would sound like it revved up then go dark on me while coming to an uncontrolled stop.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
Unknown . Nothing appeared and there was no warning. Should I have been warned? There was no warnings or anything to prevent me from crashing except to make the best decision possible and crash into a less dangerous position.
Crash
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
Unknown . Nothing appeared and there was no warning. Should I have been warned? There was no warnings or anything to prevent me from crashing except to make the best decision possible and crash into a less dangerous position.
Crash
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
.I PURCHASED BRAND NEW VEHICLE FROM CARMAX OF OAKLAWN , WHO IMPORTED THE VEHICLE FROM NAPERVILLE IL IT CAME WITH 90 DAY GAURANTEE OR MONEY BACK.I THEN DROVE TO FLORIDA 2 WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE OF WHICH MY BOYFRIEND [XXX] AT THE TIME CAN ATTEST THE VEHICLE DROVE AMAZING.UPON MY ARRIVAL I WAS HAVING ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THE ECO DRIVE AND THE COMPUTER CODED AND DISAPPEARED 3 TIMES. I ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated with heavy white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was informed that there was a coolant leak into cylinder #1. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the window glass fell into the door abruptly. A mechanic inspected the vehicle and determined that the failure occurred due to an internal door fracture. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated while driving and turning the steering wheel, the steering wheel ma... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
Several times I have experienced intermittent operation of the rear view camera system and rear brake light operation on my vehicle while reversing. The issue has occured about 10 times in the last year or so. The issue seems to be the same as symptoms as FCA US recall 77B, but my VIN number apparently does not fall under that recall despite being the same model, which I think is a mistake.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
I have experience multiple episodes of the "death wobble"that previous 2021 Jeep Wrangler have reported over the past year. The steering wheel starts to wobble at times going over 60mph or hitting a bump. It appears that that the auto maker does not have an answer given the reports I have reviewed by NHTSA.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the front end of the vehicle was very unstable and was shaking and vibrating while driving over bumps in the roadway. Additionally, there was a loud squeaking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the front lower control a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the front end of the vehicle was very unstable and was shaking and vibrating while driving over bumps in the roadway. Additionally, there was a loud squeaking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the front lower control a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2024
Death wobble at speeds greater than 46 mph. I have to come to a complete stop to make it stop. I almost got rear ended by a semi before I could get off the interstate on the shoulder. My vehicle is a 2014 but I have experienced this several times since I bought it new. Took it to my local ford dealer to see if they can do anything to fix it. It’s really dangerous when it happens on a busy inters... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
Stalling when braking and then accelerating. Car sputtered while on highway and then it stopped running . The car indicated to try to put it in neutral and start again. This did not work after several tries. The car will not successfully start up.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2024
Experienced slipping and shuddering while driving and a sudden loss of power. The vehicle also would not accelerate while driving. The vehicle was towed to a Chevy dealer as it was not drivable. The Chevy service department found an evap leak, vehicle does not move in reverse, slips going into drive. Checked fluid level and condition found level ok.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH and making a turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and almost struck a wall. The contact was able to remain in control of the vehicle. The contact exited the highway and pulled into a parking lot, where the contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle remained in ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2024
The low beams on my 2014 Cadillac SRX are useless at night and dangerous. They are not bright enough to illuminate the road. The car cannot be driven at night unless using the high beams. The problem, as I understand it, is that the coating within the headlight assembly degrades over time due to heat. Hundreds of Cadillac owners have complained of this safety issue to Cadillac and the NHTSA, yet n... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
The cruse control comes one when it wants to this is an intermittent problem and gives no warnings it has happened several times since we bought the truck
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
Lost power steering while driving.
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
The Power Transfer Unit has been diagnosed by dealer as, "Internal failure within PTU obstructing shift". This unit automatically transfers power to a rear wheel or wheels whenever the front wheel or wheels loses traction/slips due to wet, slick surfaces. This action enables vehicle to regain traction and stabilize control of vehicle. Without it loss of traction cannot be corrected putting the ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2024
At approximately 10000 miles the drive train (transmission) developed a shuddering while driving. This occurs at any speed but more frequently at 45-60 MPH. The frequency of this problem has increased with the vehicle which now has 45202 miles. It is now occurring periodically at acceleration from a complete stop. The problem has been reported to the dealer at every service. It was evaluated by ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
Just purchased a 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite and as soon as I turned on the sound to listen to music for carplay /bluetooth/stereo all methods of sound it started making loud crackling sounds and starts going intermittent with sound cutting out. I lowered the volume and crackling still loud like little tiny rocks hitting window sound. I seen there's a recall with the same issue for other vehicles bu... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
I started getting an intermittent error code on my truck with only 36k miles on it. the traction control, abs and cruise control wont work when the service electronic braking system code is present. I have done a lot of reading and this seems to be a very common issue with the 2017 and 2018 ram trucks. It is so common that I called my local dealer and the part is on back order for months. I a... Read more