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 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
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
My steering system needs to be replaced. While driving, my steering became very hard to control. My vehicle sways and I wrecked bc of it. Ford said it’s the steering gear that needs to be replaced for $2600. My driver and lane keeping assist lights came on when this started happening. My car needs a new sensor because of the wreck as well. This has prevented me from attending to everyday activit... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
I discovered my car was leaking a small amount of oil on 08/26/2024. I made a service appointment to get it looked at and found out that the crank case oil separator and the upper timing case were both leaking. These were both found at my local Volkswagen Dealership. I was told to continue driving it but to check my oil levels weekly. On 09/14/2024, I put oil in my car that morning and at 4:30pm m... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aw... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
Frank Fletceher would not safety recall or warranty inspect my honda bc I didn't buy from them. I need a PGM-FI idle stop sw update & tailgate wire harness inspection.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
Front suspension has a popping and creaking sound when driving and turning steering wheel. Safety issue as sounds something is loose but Tesla says no issue it’s the body flexing which is even scarier to hear the panels rattling if this is in fact true. Tesla will not do anything about it. Additionally the brakes and rotors squeal when pressed at slow speeds coming to full hard stop. Both fron... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle shuddered while coming to a complete stop. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the sparks plugs and two ignition coil packs were replace... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
The PVC valve failed on my two-year-old Volkswagen Tiguan at 60,000 miles. As a result, the upper timing gasket was blown, the oil pan went bad, along with several other issues relating to gaskets, seals and sensors, causing an oil leak. This problem was confirmed by my local Volkswagen dealership, and is costing me over $2,000 out-of-pocket. The check engine light was extremely inconsistent - com... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2024
I have had ongoing electrical issues with my 2017 Kia Niro. First, the back passenger (driver side window) was working intermittently. The back windows from the day I bought the car brand new are rarely used, but when it was used for the 3rd or 4th time I had already gone over the miles where it would have been covered. The dealership was going to charge me almost $300, so I never fixed it. I ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
Upon purchasing and receiving the car from a dealership, I attempted to drive it around my neighborhood and after about 1 minute received a warning saying "safely stop now!" and the steering wheel locked and the power shut off in the middle of the street. The car would not turn back on and had to be towed to the dealership. The dealership (not Ford) already replaced the battery and that did not fi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
Issue: Shift SYS Fault, DTC P07E6 System: Transmission Description: Emergency parking brake failed to disengage (solenoid could be heard attempting to move), as a result the transmission would not shift out of park. Check engine light and multiple codes/warnings illuminated on dash. Vehicle could not be moved or shifted into neutral. Waited 10-15 minutes before 2nd attempt, parking brake still fa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
Truck takes itself out of gear and goes into Neutral stalling the engine while driving you have to place it in park and restart. Normally happened at slower speeds, turning in an intersection/ slowing to enter a parking lot, accelerating onto ramp. Took it in and couldn't find an issue.said could be a door sensor maybe?
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
Engine seized without warning while driving at approx 50mph. This occurred within 6,000 miles of a KIA dealership performing a 6,000 dollar maintenance to the vehicle.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
CVT TRANSMISSION ISSUES. JUDDERING, LOST SPRRD DOWNSHIFT JERKS. GOING 70 ON HIGHWAY IT LOST SPEED JERKED ME AROUND LIKE I AM GETTING HIT. COULDN'T EVEN GO UP RAMP ON HIGHWAY. Its hard to believe that NHTSA dose not have a ban on these vehicals. There are many complaints and Nissan letters within Nissan that have been issued out to dealships ect. no to mention the law suits. NHTSA would be the fir... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
The paint on the roof is peeling and some area around the windshield. I contacted Honda but was informed the extended warranty expired as of January 2024. The paint began peeling around July 2024. Honda also stated the extended warranty was valid from the time of purchase. However, I am not sure if this is for the initial purchase (1st owner) or when I purchase it (May 2019). If this is for the in... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
I have the same issue but my vin does not meet the requirement. reading multiple forum and a lot of people having the same issue. NHTSA RECALL NUMBER:23V-751 MFR CAMPAIGN ID:OH6 CAMPAIGN DESCRIPTION:2016-20 MDX Conn Rod Inspect Recall RECALL DATE:11/08/2023 RECALL STATUS:17 Character VIN Required SUMMARY: American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2020 model year MDX v... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2024
Car failed to accelerate when pulling into traffic on 5 lane road. Dealer completed a software update on 9/17 they thought would remedy the issue (which is ongoing) but it apparently did not. Vehicle gives no warning lights, error messages, etc. Just does not accelerate from a complete stop for 4-5 seconds.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
Claim # CAS CXH-026-40233- PRE- COLLISION ASSIST(PCA) TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN PLEASE FORWARD TO CUSTOMER SERVICES Since they refused email. We have a 2024 In route to RIVERHEAD FORD and refuse to pay their $200 diagnosis fee on PCA failure. Not in OBD III plug in diagnosis no way to check if functioning. Will be reported to NHTSA. MY Broncos 2022 is still in bumper to plumber warrantee but re... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2024
Claim # CAS CXH-026-40233- PRE- COLLISION ASSIST(PCA) TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN PLEASE FORWARD TO CUSTOMER SERVICES Since they refused email. We have a 2024 In route to RIVERHEAD FORD and refuse to pay their $200 diagnosis fee on PCA failure. Not in OBD III plug in diagnosis no way to check if functioning. Will be reported to NHTSA. MY Broncos 2022 is still in bumper to plumber warrantee but re... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
Turned right into garage slowly. Car suddenly accelerated very fast by itself. I swerved and avoided 1 parked vehicle. Was not able to avoid another one. I braked. The car stopped. Airbags had gone off.
Crash
Incident date: Sep 17, 2024
The car is beige and peeling everywhere. I know there is a recall for paint for white and Blizzard, but its doing the same for the beige color. I would like it repainted.
Incident date: Sep 17, 2024
Engine Mounts are faulty / victim of design fault. I have had my engine mounts replaced twice within the first 7,000 miles of ownership (at 3,825 miles and again at 6,583 miles). Per my service advisor this is a common issue with all Grand Cherokee models and he anticipates the need to replace them again.
Incident date: Sep 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power without warning. The contact coasted to the roadside and replaced the fuel filters. The vehicle started but remained idling without the proper RPM. The contact was able to get the vehicle to drive at slower speeds only. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The co... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear and the vehicle abruptly decelerated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway and turned off the vehicle however, the failure persisted. The power train warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2024
I was driving to drop 3 out of my 4 children off at school when the transmission failed and started slipping and completely died in the middle of the road. The road is an extremely busy highway in our town. I turned the car off and back on and it went into forward gear just enough for me to get onto the shoulder. My children and myself were put into danger due to the transmission failing on a bus... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
When Engine goes idle during the brief traffic stop, Collision mitigation warning shows on and goes off quickly, sometimes causes the engine to not turn on during the times. Problem is so intermittent and hard to track as it is random behaviour and comes on for milli seconds in terms of warning on the dash board.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 3500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V835000 (Power Train) and 23V060000 (Electrical System); 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not ye... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The sunroof shattered while driving down the freeway. No vehicles near or overpasses near. The shade was closed so the glass fell on it not on my head or passengers that could have been present. Sounded like a loud pop. Then I heard wind noise. The glass is blown upward, not downward. I am 40 year auto technician and own my own shop. Its my personal truck I bought new. Has never had any issues at ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Windshield broke while sitting parked. Was not impacted by flying objects. Had to replace out of pocket.
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
The MCU in my 2018 Tesla Model 3 failed after a software update, rendering several key safety features inoperable, including the car’s cameras and Autopilot functions. The vehicle currently has 16,600 miles and had previously received an MCU replacement in 2022. This most recent failure occurred during a firmware update, which got stuck at 50%. The Tesla Service Center confirmed that the MCU nee... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Lexus RX350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2024
Backup camera fails to perform in poor lighting. Camera images are distorted appearing as a mix of colors The lack of clarity, renders the rear view camera as worthless.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
Cruise control was set at approx. 62 mph driving on the Interstate. An exit was taken and coming down the off ramp the truck would not slow down. It seems the brakes did not disconnect the cruise control. Brakes were both pumped and firmly depressed. No response when the gear shift was placed in a lower gear. The electronic system did not shut off after the ignition was placed in the off posi... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
Cruise control was set at approx. 62 mph driving on the Interstate. An exit was taken and coming down the off ramp the truck would not slow down. It seems the brakes did not disconnect the cruise control. Brakes were both pumped and firmly depressed. No response when the gear shift was placed in a lower gear. The electronic system did not shut off after the ignition was placed in the off posi... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
Cruise control was set at approx. 62 mph driving on the Interstate. An exit was taken and coming down the off ramp the truck would not slow down. It seems the brakes did not disconnect the cruise control. Brakes were both pumped and firmly depressed. No response when the gear shift was placed in a lower gear. The electronic system did not shut off after the ignition was placed in the off posi... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
I was at a stop light and when the light turned green the car i took my foot off the brake and placed it on the gas pedal, but the car wouldn't move. Almost like it shut down. I had to restart it to make it go. It ran but not the same.
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
While driving at highway speed, my vehicle began to drag and slow down, I had to apply more on the gas pedal to keep it going. It scared me very much. I took it to my shop where they diagnosed a bad ABS pump, they also told me they had done several of these pumps on the same vehicles. I hope this helps, something needs to be done.
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Fisker Ocean. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V466000 (Structure), 24V404000 (Electrical System), and 24V405000 (Electrical System). The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel became inoperable. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention system failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the back over prevention function was displayed. In addition, the contact stated that the control panel displayed a black screen. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times while children were inside the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2024
The component issue is the dashboard. The dashboard has deteriorated and melted to a sticky, shiny tar with a major shine that is causing a glare and potential blind spot will driving. The problem with my vehicle has been a known issue with several models experiencing similar issues. The manufacture has a habit of not fixing the problem until many attempts made by the owner to rectify the proble... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2021
The coolant bypass valve has leaked. It is available for inspection upon request, however this seems to be a larger ongoing problem across the country with this make, model and year. The check engine light did go on.
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding a significant manufacturing defect in the transmission of my 2019 Ford F-150. The vehicle, which I purchased new from an authorized Ford dealership, has exhibited persistent and severe transmission issues that have compromised its performance and safety. Specifically, the transmission has been shifting harshly and erratically, ca... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2024
ABS brakes module. Failed at 60k miles and has been on back order for almost 2 years. So I have not had ABS brakes in almost 2 years now. Seems to be a major problem. I know of 5 people with the same issue.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2022
My car dies out while driving. I've replaced so many parts already and it keeps leaving me stranded.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
The ABS warning light and alarm come on while driving. Loss of ABS and cruise control, near rear end collision by following vehicles on the freeway while using cruise control. Ram knows they have a problem with 2017 and 2018 2500 pickups. Why no recall? Safety problem!
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
We are unable to sell the car because it’s listed as unsalable because of the recall and we are unable to drive the vehicle. BMW should replace the vehicle at their cost.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
We are unable to sell the car because it’s listed as unsalable because of the recall and we are unable to drive the vehicle. BMW should replace the vehicle at their cost.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
Severe outside tire wear on front tires and vibration at interstate speeds. Multiple cases on the forums which no one can get resolved. Unacceptable. Results in bald tires in as little as 10000 miles. See picture and links to forums. Stellantis should really recall or TSB this issue, especially on a high end vehicle. We need consumer protection from the government on these lemons. Three posts belo... Read more