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 13, 2024
Before I purchased the vehicle the head gasket was replaced do to an misfire on cylinder 3 fault code. Misfire on cylinder 3 fault code consistently comes back on after replacing coil packs and spark plugs. Independant mechanic states he cannot solve the issue. Chrysler dealer states engine needs replacement as the block is cracked and leaking into cylinder 3. 120k miles on engine. Bought it with ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
1. COLLISION WARNING SENSOR ACTIVATED WHILE DRIVING IN THE #1 LANE( CLOSEST TO THE CEMENT HIGHWAY DIVIDERS) AND AGGRESIVELY BRAKED AND SLOWED WHILE DIVING AT 77 MPH. NOT SAFE!! 2. EVEN THOU I PURPOSELY TURN THE RADIO "OFF" WHEN EXITING MY CAR, UPON ENTERING MY CAR AFTER A SHORT DURATION OF TIME, THE RADIO TURNS "ON" WITHOUT ANY ASSISTANCE BY ME....VERY FRUSTRATING!! VEHICLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
Several systems suddenly were disabled, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Front & Rear Park sensors, Tire Monitor system as well as the cruise control that may not be considered safety. The truck only as 11K miles. I have not been able to reset the system and the noted systems are inactive. I will contact the dealership but am bracing for a less than supportive meeting. From what I've read this... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2024
Several systems suddenly were disabled, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Front & Rear Park sensors, Tire Monitor system as well as the cruise control that may not be considered safety. The truck only as 11K miles. I have not been able to reset the system and the noted systems are inactive. I will contact the dealership but am bracing for a less than supportive meeting. From what I've read this... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2024
ACC, LKAS, collision mitigation system problem, road departure mitigation system, and auto high beam problem warnings all appear on instrument panel. None of these systems work. Have replaced battery and problem not fixed. Warnings continue to appear each time car is turned on. Vehicle has 47783 miles on it. Codes indicate there’s a problem with the camera in the front of the car. The car is onl... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2024
ACC, LKAS, collision mitigation system problem, road departure mitigation system, and auto high beam problem warnings all appear on instrument panel. None of these systems work. Have replaced battery and problem not fixed. Warnings continue to appear each time car is turned on. Vehicle has 47783 miles on it. Codes indicate there’s a problem with the camera in the front of the car. The car is onl... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2023
While driving to our vacation destination, we head a very loud pop from the roof area. We found a place to pull over and realized that there was a huge hole in our sunroof glass. Nothing hit the car while driving, it just spontaneously exploded upward and shattered the area around it. There was broken glass all over the sunroof area. Nothing had come into contact with it. It just exploded upward a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2023
While driving to our vacation destination, we head a very loud pop from the roof area. We found a place to pull over and realized that there was a huge hole in our sunroof glass. Nothing hit the car while driving, it just spontaneously exploded upward and shattered the area around it. There was broken glass all over the sunroof area. Nothing had come into contact with it. It just exploded upward a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2023
My 2018 Ram 2500 has 85,000 miles currently. At about 80,000 miles I got the ABS and Traction control warning lights along with dash messages to check the ABS amd electronic braking systems. I am a heavy equipment mechanic and thus checked the systems myself with a scan tool and other test equipment. I found that the ABS module has an internal electrical failure resulting in power not being suppli... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2023
Driving on the highway in the fast lane, vehicle suddenly lost all power. A message on the car said “ pull over safely “. No prior warning of anything wrong with the vehicle. I managed to dodge traffic with my hazard lights on and came to a stop on the side of the highway. I inspected the car with no signs of anything wrong. I shut down the car and restarted. Everything came back on and was dr... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2023
Driving on the highway in the fast lane, vehicle suddenly lost all power. A message on the car said “ pull over safely “. No prior warning of anything wrong with the vehicle. I managed to dodge traffic with my hazard lights on and came to a stop on the side of the highway. I inspected the car with no signs of anything wrong. I shut down the car and restarted. Everything came back on and was dr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2024
For 4 years the car intermittently would turn on all warning lights, shake, become hard to steer and steer in unintended directions. We paid $1500 for the dealer to fix it and we still had the problem. Today, the car will drive less then a mile and die. When we start the car all warning lights come on, the vehicle vibrates and struggles to keep speed of 5 mph or so then will die.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
Brakes failed after less than 12000 miles.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2024
While driving, the car developed a brake malfunction. when the brake pedal is depressed you can feel the pedal pulsating and was not slowing down until you pressed harder then the brakes apply abruptly causing risk of rear ending. Upon pulling over to the hard shoulder the pedal pulsating/drumming continued to happen even though the car is completely stopped and is in parking gear. The symptom is... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2024
Knocking noise began so I took it to a Honda dealership. They said I have a “lower knock noise” and need a new engine because a bearing went out for a rod which could cause my engine to seize. Though there is a recall for some 2018 odysseys, I’m being told mine isn’t covered. Apparently there are many more people with the same vehicle and the same issue as me. I’d like to see this inclu... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
ABS module unit replaced while under warranty. Vehicle again with ABS warning on/off intermittently for at least the last several months...regardless of weather, speed, road conditions, etc. Comes on and off while driving, sitting in a parking lot...pretty much as soon as I turn on the motor it starts...goes off again for several minutes/hours/days, then starts doing the blinking and dinging again... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
I own a 2020 Jaguar I-Pace. Last year H441 software update had been installed on my car as per NHTSA guidelines. To reach of the right car started giving me trouble. I was getting loud fan noise. A few days later I got a traction battery fault notification.Since then, the car has not been charging more than 72%. I gave the car to the dealership for service. They informed me that the H441 software ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while reversing the back over prevention camera failed to display an image, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2024
I have had multiple instances of brake failure while driving this car and it is to a point where I've been directed by my attorney to not drive the vehicle anymore. First instance of possible serious injury or death occurred on 1/15/2024: I brought the vehicle in to Audi of Iowa City because the brakes did not feel reliable. Several days before I brought the vehicle in, I was going 35 MPH and ... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2024
Consistently have "brake system failure message" upon start of car every day. Also, have been locked inside the car multiple times. Also, consistently see every day, "charge port door open" even though the charge port door is closed. Both the driver screen and the infotainment screen have gone dark while I was driving for about 2 secs and then it comes back on. This has happened once. Collision... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2023
- During one of my rides my rear brake malfunctioned. - If needed, yes it is available for inspection. - Due to the malfunction of the brake I almost crashed. Luckily I was able to stop my scooter (Vespa) using only front brake. - Yes the problem was confirmed by independent service. - Problem was inspected and confirmed by official service. - No warning lamps or any sort of messages were displ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
July 11, 2024 Message alert appeared indash with instructions to service ABS system. This vehicle experienced the exact same issue in April of 2022 and was taken to the dealer(Patterson Dodge-Tyler,TX) for repair, where the ABS Module was replaced. The replacement was not covered by the warranty.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear power sliding window top track loosened, and the window almost detached. A local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
At approximately 6:15am while driving at approx 45MPH on a surface street on the right lane, I noticed an alert on the dashboard regarding the PSI of the rear driver side tire had 0 PSI of pressure and simultaneously heard the thudding sounds of a flat tire. I neither heard, nor felt any impact and there were no potholes in that section of road. I pulled over and called for roadside assistance to ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2024
This is on a motorcycle: The right hand turn signal/License plate vibrated off. July 5, 2024 I had just got back from my girlfriend’s house and I had planned on riding the bike to her house on Sunday. But, now the bike is un-rideable because the left side turn single and plate are precariously hanging towards the rear tire and drive area.
Incident date: Jun 18, 2024
The AC is very poor and no back AC units is bad for small children. Also, engine light for exhaust
Incident date: Jun 24, 2024
The service electronic brake system warning light and chime along with the traction control and ABS warning lights and the cruise control fails to work. This occurs frequently. The code is C0020-01 ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Pump Motor ControlGeneral Electrical Failure I believe.
Incident date: Jun 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Infiniti QX60. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-up camera malfunctioned and a black screen appeared, causing a visibility hazard for the driver. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campai... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an electrical wiring failure. The contact was informed that the electrical wiring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or r... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2023
ABS light come on and the service antilock brake system light comes on and NO cruise control, happening all the time so NO ABS systems and in south dakota that is a big problem and no parts for 8 months now comes on when you hit a bump all the time 68 times driving 50 miles
Incident date: Dec 10, 2023
Ani-Lock Brake System Unable to get an appointment to get the part repaired Have been trying for over a month to bring the car in & was told that there was a worldwide glitch & the dealership was unable to get the parts to fix the problem
Incident date: Dec 10, 2023
Ani-Lock Brake System Unable to get an appointment to get the part repaired Have been trying for over a month to bring the car in & was told that there was a worldwide glitch & the dealership was unable to get the parts to fix the problem
Incident date: May 11, 2024
NHTSA recall 22V312000 Not implemented by Jerry's Hyundai My vehicle has been at Jerrys Hyundai since Feb 15th 2023 due to a failed engine. I verbally asked to have the recalls done once the engine was replaced and also asked if the recalls were complete before picking up the vehicle. I was told all the recalls would be done once the car was running and I was also told that the recalls have been ... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2024
Hyundai sent a notification a few years ago about a known manufacturing defect in the engine of the 2013 Santa Fe Sport. Stated that due to the manufacturing process of the engine, burs could be left inside that could disrupt oil flow causing it to stall. Stated a software patch would prevent this. The patch was completed. It didn't prevent this. While getting on the highway, during afternoon n... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a metal clicking and scraping sound coming from underneath the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the wheels felt loose. The contact stated that a nearby driver informed her that sparks were coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
After plugging my Mach-E into a Blink Charger at Sheehy Ford in Ashland, VA my vehicle became disabled and will not go into propulsion mode. The car is now 98% charged but will not come out of Park. The dealership blames a NHTSA stop work order on a software update that in their words would resolve the issue.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
After plugging my Mach-E into a Blink Charger at Sheehy Ford in Ashland, VA my vehicle became disabled and will not go into propulsion mode. The car is now 98% charged but will not come out of Park. The dealership blames a NHTSA stop work order on a software update that in their words would resolve the issue.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
In April 2024 a small rock hit my windshield and it immediately cracked. I’ve had rocks hit the windshield on other vehicles but usually nothing is visible or worse case it was a chip. The 3-4 inch crack grew to over a foot by the next day. I had it repaired at Safelite and had to pay the $500 deductible. The cost was even greater due to the need to recalibrate the safety cameras. My son ju... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2024
Recall 23TA09 (Interim Remedy Notice 23TB09) is coming up on 11 months since it was introduced. It took until December 2023 for the Interim Remedy to be ready. We are approaching nearly a year since this was introduced with no full remedy, causing a decline in trade-in value and dealers are unable to sell these vehicles as TCUV (Toyota Certified Used Vehicles) due to the nature of the recall. And ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and idled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with purge valve failure. The contact was informed that the purge valve needed to b... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2024
One of my daytime running lights is out at 50k miles, thinking it was a simple solution I reached out to dealership and have been informed that the entire headlight needs to be replaced at a cost of $2k. Sound unreasonable considering this car is not old, and the way it has been built in makes it impossible to DIY. More than anything from research online it sounds like it is a common issue in Atla... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2024
Bought the truck brand new and the transmission hard shifts in every gear. Has been in and out of the dealership nonstop for the past 2 years for electrical issues with the radio, an oil sensor wiring issue, and the dealership is trying to say 5 modules are out in the truck. They only posted 3 modules and they were transfer case module, power steering module, and body control module.
Incident date: Jun 18, 2024
Bought the truck brand new and the transmission hard shifts in every gear. Has been in and out of the dealership nonstop for the past 2 years for electrical issues with the radio, an oil sensor wiring issue, and the dealership is trying to say 5 modules are out in the truck. They only posted 3 modules and they were transfer case module, power steering module, and body control module.
Incident date: Jan 20, 2024
My driver side head rest deployed without an accident
Incident date: Jan 20, 2024
My suburban 2007 drains battery overnight, tried different alternator and batteries but continuously drains battery’s.
Incident date: Jul 2, 2024
Engine leak was repaired multiple times. Heated Seats repaired multiple times. Purge Pump repaired multiple times. Car is a junk.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
UNKNOWN ISSUE: Car shut off while driving and would not crank back up. In fact it didn’t respond to the key turn at all. SENSOR reads the code p0014 which can mean costly repairs.
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
Kia 2014 Optima LX-There are noises in the steering column when turning the wheel or going over bumps. It sounds like metal rubbing together. Took it to a mechanic and it was determined there was a coupler problem and it was recalled. The mechanic said we should take it to Kia to be fixed. I am anticipating having trouble getting them to fix it because my car year and model does not fit the tota... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. 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 local dealer... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Audi S3. The contact stated while driving during rainy conditions, the wiper blades were making a loud sound and almost scratching the windshield, making visibility difficult and increasing the risk of a crash. A local dealer was contacted; however, the contact was advised that the failure was a part of the normal operation of the wiper blades. The vehicle was not diagnosed... Read more