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 23, 2024
Vehicle was being driven at highway speeds and suddenly lost the ability to accelerate with a "Check Hybrid System" warning. After pulling to the side of the interstate, car was shut off and restarted and brought back up to 40 / 50 mph when the same issue occurred with a lack of ability to accelerate and a "Check Hybrid System" warning. The issue appears to be related to some portion of the hybrid... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a cloud of white exhaust coming from the tailpipe causing an odor of exhaust to emit from the vehicle. The contact, an independent mechanic, had inspected the vehicle and noticed water leaking into the cylinders. The contact replaced the water pump, thermostat, and temperature sensors. The failure... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
Coolant leaked into my combustion chambers and turbo destroying my engine and causing it to overheat. I was told this is a known issue with the ecoboost motor.
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
My collision mitigation braking system is automatically braking on me with nothing in front of me going high rated speeds on the interstate. I have chronic migraines and neck issues that also have been being treated on a very consistent basis. I brought it in numerous times. I have appointment documents from dealership stating these issues, with no solution. Today it happened again severely and it... Read more
3 injured
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
The touch screen is inoperable so you can't control the radio or aspects of the car such as how the lights, wipers, maintenance, etc. are set. This is a hazardous situation. I contacted the dealer, and they knew exactly what I was referring to as they said they don't repair the system but only replace and it is $3.200. My auto was only 3 years old but had over 36,000 miles (the warranty). Why ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
The touch screen is inoperable so you can't control the radio or aspects of the car such as how the lights, wipers, maintenance, etc. are set. This is a hazardous situation. I contacted the dealer, and they knew exactly what I was referring to as they said they don't repair the system but only replace and it is $3.200. My auto was only 3 years old but had over 36,000 miles (the warranty). Why ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2024
Vehicle started to display ACC PROBLEM, LKAS PROBLEM, TRNSMISSION SYSTEM PROBLEM, COLLISION MITIGATION SYSTEM PROBLEM, ROAD DEPARTURE MITIGATION SYSTEM PROBLEM, AUTO LIGHTS PROBLEM and BLIND SPOT INFO SYSTEM PROBLEM recently around September 19,2024 and disabled all the safety features mentioned on the vehicle while it is in motion. This is a huge safety issue and could cause severe problem for m... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
My truck 2020 gmc sierra 1500 AT4 denali is not working properly since July 2024. I took it to 2 different dealership to get a diagnostic and i finally ended doing the repairs for brake issues. I have been towed 6 or more times and almost experienced 2 car accidents since I drive the truck after the supposedly repairs where done but i ended stranded again with no brakes. The dealership has repair ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
Oil pressure switch faulty only has 58168
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
There is a recall on this vehicle and is very dangerous to drive. The screens go dark and we are unable to see how fast we are going. When this happens we also do not know if any of the safety features work. I have been told by the local VW dealer that as of right now there is no fix to this recall. I feel that VW should have better options for the consumer to be taken out of this vehicle. This... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
There is a recall on this vehicle and is very dangerous to drive. The screens go dark and we are unable to see how fast we are going. When this happens we also do not know if any of the safety features work. I have been told by the local VW dealer that as of right now there is no fix to this recall. I feel that VW should have better options for the consumer to be taken out of this vehicle. This... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
I took my truck, a 2020 Ford F150 (manufactured 11/19) to the Ford dealership to fix my AC (apparently a failed compressor) and to look at what could be causing a loud screeching noise from underneath the vehicle which began randomly happening a few months back. The truck had also started to lag when changing gears accompanied by a loud clunking sound. This was especially a concern when merging in... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2024
The rear brake lights allow moisture inside the brake lenses.
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
I had several safety concerns regarding the 2024 Jeep Wrangler that I purchased and subsequently traded in after only 31 days due to multiple issues that I believe may compromise vehicle safety. Upon purchasing the vehicle, I noticed that the front inner splash guards were loose. After the dealership, Tyson’s Motors in Shorewood, IL, replaced both splash guards, I discovered that the front left... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
There is a common warning message on Tesla Model 3 and Y that states “Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault” I just received it on mine. Tesla service advised that the passenger airbag and safety system may not function in the event of a crash. I searched online and can see in forums that many people receive this warning. Tesla also confirmed that if someone receives this message w... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
For the 2011 Mercedes Benz C300, the following is a general description of the issue: The component that failed is the "internally faulty" electronic steering column lock control unit which doesn't allow the car to start its ignition. The technician at the Mercedes Benz car dealership noted on the invoice "found the electronic steering lock is internally faulty." Technician provided two specific... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
After returning to the car from a short stop, the cluster display, including speedometer, would not turn on or display. This also made it seem like turn signals were not working, but they seem to actually have worked, just not been audible or visible inside the vehicle. This reportedly is happening to many Kia EV9 owners, and the solution is to leave the car off for 30+ minutes. In my case, leavin... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2024
No incident. But it's a problem with the ABS. Dealership says it's nothing wrong with the brakes. But it is. Had a diagnostics done at Auto Zone, and it came back showing a code for the ABS system. But showed the service dept the code that it showed something is wrong with ABs. They still say nothing is wrong.
Incident date: Sep 19, 2024
On Mon, [XXX], my father was involved in a single car accident in the family's Mercedes-Bens EQE 350 (all electric) vehicle. When he was in driveway, he claims he was on the brake when the car suddenly accelerated on its own. It destroyed the garage door and then went through the garage destroying property, the attic staircase, and the frame of an interior wall into a bedroom. We have pictures ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
Shift selector failed. Could no shift into gear Drive, low or Reverse. Locked in park but could shift to neutral. no power steering or AC. If this design flaw failure occurred while the car was on the highway, it could cause an accident. I have contacted General Motors and reported the potential safety issue and awaiting there response.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-53. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated the windshield wipers on both sides of the vehicle were not functioning properly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the windshield wipers had completely stopped working. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked intermittently. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred for the past two years. The vehicle had previously been taken to an unknown dealer several years prior to the failure, but the dealer was unable duplicate the failure. The contact related ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
After driving app. 10 min, at speeds above 30 mph. the steering becomes sticky. When the car starts going to the right you of course steer to the left, but you need a lot more force to turn the wheel. It makes a clicking sound when it jumps. My concern is that if it jumps too far into an opposing lane and causes an accident. I'm use to it but it seems to be getting worse. Because of this I won't... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); 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 t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2024
Front windshield cowl is made or substandard materials and is cracking. You do a google search or YouTube search and you will see that many are having this exact issue. It is a safety hazard. If the cowl breaks it can surprise or cover the windshield of the driver that can result in injury or death.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2023
No incident has occured at this time however it is highly likely to due to the loud wind noise coming from driver side door when traveling more than 60mph. Concern has been addressed multiple times with no solution.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2023
ABS module failure. Lights up emergency brake, tire pressure warning, Electrical power steering, and Vehicle Stability Assist indicator. Did some research and the failure is caused by faulty soldering inside the ABS module.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2023
Honda notified me of a recall of a seat sensor for my 2021 Honda Accord over a year ago. The dealers I have called in San Diego, CA have all told me that they have the parts but won’t repair my vehicle because they are only allowed to repair cars with their airbag light on. A year ago rha mase sense, a year later knowing that the dealer is sitting on the parts and aren’t allowed to install t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
I'm deeply concerned about the safety risks my family faces due to unresolved Audi recalls. On December 19 and 20, 2023, Audi issued two recalls: one for high-voltage battery modules that may self-discharge, leading to overheating and an increased risk of fire, and another for the 220V/240V charging cable, which can overheat home wiring, posing a serious fire hazard. On September 19, 2024, I took... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
These 3 things may be related to each other because they all are connected to the steering wheel. My car can be scheduled for an inspection regarding these safety problems. 1. The Airbag warning light is sometimes on when I drive the car. I'm worried it won't work if I'm in a wreck. 2. The horn doesn't work when I press on the part of the steering wheel that should make it work. It does make a l... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
The brakes fight and lock from time to time. The steering will get a tug like a car is in front of me. The engine has a weird tug before pulling of and switching gears.when I pull off while turning the car feels like it completely losses power!?
Incident date: Sep 19, 2024
When driving home the car emergency braked with no cars, debris, or anything else in the road. Car breaked to a full stop from 40mph causing serious whiplash and almost causing an accident.
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 19, 2024
When driving home the car emergency braked with no cars, debris, or anything else in the road. Car breaked to a full stop from 40mph causing serious whiplash and almost causing an accident.
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled and failed to immediately restart. The vehicle was eventually restarted; however, while driving approximately 50 MPH on a freeway, the vehicle stalled again. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the fuel pump had failed and needed to be... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a routine oil change and the contact was informed that there was a misfire in cylinder #3, and there was coolant intrusion into the cylinder. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a routine oil change and the contact was informed that there was a misfire in cylinder #3, and there was coolant intrusion into the cylinder. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
On [XXX] I backed my 2020 Ford Fusion out of my driveway. I stopped and tried to shift from reverse to drive and the transmission locked up in Park, the engine died and the parking brake was engaged. I was sitting across the street with no way to move the car. I had the car towed to a Ford dealer and they replaced the transmission cable bushing and cover. These parts are the same as those used in ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2024
While sitting in my car at idle in park, the car cuts off after 20 minutes or so. At this point, the car will not restart, and it seems that the battery is dead. It did not respond to an attempted jump start, however. On the first occasion the car restarted normally after approximately 1 hour. It has been starting and running fine since then. . On the second occurrence, today, the car shu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the ABS and Service Electronic Stability warning lights illuminated. The contact had previously taken the vehicle to the dealer for the same warning lights being illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer for the first failure. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the ABS module had failed an... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the ABS and Service Electronic Stability warning lights illuminated. The contact had previously taken the vehicle to the dealer for the same warning lights being illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer for the first failure. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the ABS module had failed an... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormal squeaking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while hauling a trailer... Read more
RAM
PROMASTER 2500
(2021) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sep 19, 2024
Incident date: Sep 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormal squeaking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while hauling a trailer... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V720000 (Structure) and 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V720000 (Structure) and 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Ford F-350. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle in the morning during a rainstorm, he observed that both the driver’s and passenger’s side windows had rolled down independently. As a result of the failure, the vehicle had become rain soaked overnight. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The m... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
Timing chain issue same as 2015 and earlier current recalls. Happened aroun 68,000 miles. May stall pulling out from stop light. Mechanic diagnosed problem Car ran bad at idle and stopped in drive or reverse. Often stalled. Repaired 9/13/24 approx 3,500 bill.Stony Creek Auto Center, Reading, PA did repair. The timing chain kit and oil pump were replaced inpected by mechanic. Warning sign code P00... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle hesitated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump. The vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
I purchased a 2021 Honda Odyssey with 55,000 miles on it. At 57,000 miles with normal driving conditions, I heard a metal on metal noise on rear passenger side. Upon taking it to the mechanic, both rear springs were rusted & broken - essentially giving my van no rear suspension and making it very dangerous to drive. I had to find a new vehicle for my kids for a month and a half as there is no aft... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2024
Engine is burning 2 QT of oil every month and burning it in under 1000 miles. Kia dealership says it's a common issue but can't help me until the engine seizes up. The car has less than 85k miles on it. How can this be a common issue but they can't fix it till the engine dies? What if the engine dies out of warranty? Then I'm out 12k for a new engine that will die in 80k miles. This should be a re... Read more