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: Jun 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and downshifted independently. No warning lights illuminated. Additionally, an OBD2 diagnostic scan retrieved diagnostic trouble codes: U0146, U0101, and U0100. A local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because the VIN was not... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
The 12-volt auxiliary battery and related electrical system in my 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4XE plug-in hybrid (leased new 8/25/2025) repeatedly fail. The battery completely discharges after the vehicle sits plugged into a standard home charger, undisturbed, for several consecutive days, leaving the vehicle completely inoperable. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request and is currently at a ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
My 2018 Honda CR-V began experiencing repeated battery drain and would not reliably start. Multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle also would not shut off after the ignition was turned off, continuing to run/stay powered on. The vehicle was taken to an authorized repair facility for diagnosis, where it was determined that the Body Control Module (BCM) had failed and neede... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
My 2018 Honda CR-V began experiencing repeated battery drain and would not reliably start. Multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle also would not shut off after the ignition was turned off, continuing to run/stay powered on. The vehicle was taken to an authorized repair facility for diagnosis, where it was determined that the Body Control Module (BCM) had failed and neede... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
There's a problem with the horn in my car. Either the high or low. The problem is intermittent and the horn will fail and it is not available in emergency situations. I brought this to the dealership and made them aware but they refuse to take this seriously and two adequately evaluate the car. They blew the horn and said it was working. It was not working and I said it was intermittent and they s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
Car seat when you press to collapse the third row press it once the seat activates to collapse if my granddaughter’s in the rear seat and she’s not sitting properly, it’ll collapse on her. Causing death or injury. It won’t retract unless there’s significant pressure to make it retract again. The press and hold will prevent accidental injury.
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while in Reverse, the rearview camera failed to display a clear-view image. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
While driving 40-45 mph on a curvy mountain highway, the power steering suddenly stopped working. There was no warning message prior. Once the power steering ceased, a warning message displayed, "Service Stabilitrak". I was left in a situation which was challenging to steer the vehicle, and much more difficult to maneuver at slower speeds and turns. Soon after, I parked the vehicle and shut it of... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
My 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer has experienced repeated safety-related defects involving the body, electrical, and powertrain systems despite 6 warranty repair visits. The vehicle has been out of service 72 cumulative days, and the current repair still ongoing. Before the most serious incident, the vehicle had already been returned to authorized Jeep dealerships multiple times for liftgate malfunctio... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
My 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer has experienced repeated safety-related defects involving the body, electrical, and powertrain systems despite 6 warranty repair visits. The vehicle has been out of service 72 cumulative days, and the current repair still ongoing. Before the most serious incident, the vehicle had already been returned to authorized Jeep dealerships multiple times for liftgate malfunctio... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
While driving my car randomly displays a warning that I need to shift to park or neutral immediately and turn off my engine. Sometimes my car will work afterwards, other times it will not and I’m stuck for 5-7 minutes. It happens in the middle of me driving with no warning signs. I’ve tried to ignore it and the whole car shuts off and the brakes lock up. It is very frightening. I brought it in... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
I have coolant intrusion into cylinder 3, pressure in the coolant tank, white smoke from the exhaust. I had code that indicated misfire in cylinder 3. I have taken it to Ford dealer and they did a diagnostic and stated the engine needs replaced. in my research I have found this is a very known issue with thousands of complaints, multiple class action lawsuits for the exact issue i have experienc... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
The contact owned a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an inspection, where a leaking oil pan gasket was diagnosed. Although the vehicle had been taken to the dealer two months prior, the dealer did not find the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,000.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
am writing to file a formal complaint regarding my recent experience with the service department at Audi of Cherry Hill concerning my Audi e-tron. My vehicle remained at your dealership for approximately four weeks, during which time no repairs or meaningful progress were made. Instead, I was informed that I would need to approve approximately $13,000 in diagnostic fees before the vehicle would e... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
On June 25, 2026 my 2023 GMC Yukon Denali with 53,456 miles was brought to an authorized GMC dealership after displaying a Service 4WD warning light and exhibiting a groaning noise when shifting into Drive and Reverse. The vehicle was diagnosed with the following brake system fault codes: P25A2, C0511, C0517, C1595 and C1596. These codes indicate brake control module failure and wheel speed sensor... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2024
I received alerts while I’m driving to tell me that the fuel pressure was low and to turn off the engine immediately… and then it would go away. there were several different times about 5 total separate incidents on separate days that my car would not move forward and lurch forward from a parked position and then died with a quick alert on the dash. Thankfully, I was in parking lots and neig... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
I am reporting a serious, progressive structural defect involving excessive frame flex and structural failure on a 2021 Grand Design Momentum 395MS fifth-wheel RV. This complaint directly aligns with the ongoing NHTSA investigation PE24-0209. The unit exhibits clear and worsening structural integrity failure, including: Slideouts and doors open during transport. Upper deck walls moving under lo... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
The dealership was saying this recall was done but it was not and the problem still persists and I have the airbag/rearbelt light permanently on: **Passenger Airbag OCS Sensor (2016): A loose electrical connector under the front passenger seat can prevent the passenger airbag from deploying properly in a crash. This problem still persists as I had the car on diagnostics and they 3 codes come u... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2026
My steering suddenly got extremely stiff on the highway while driving. There was a warning that assist will be reduced but no assist was present. I had to use all my strength to turn the steering and pulled into a parking lot with great difficulty. Then I reset the main computer and the power steering was functional again. I was lucky since the traffic was moving slower than usual but it could hav... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
The frame rust issue was recalled through 2011, my 2012 was manufactured in the same plant same time as the 2011 model, and has the same rust issue, but was not included in the recall. I have significant damage to my vehicle from rust frame, causing it to be borderline unsafe without modification. I would like to have this included in the recall.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
Brake light wont cut off and drains battery. Car wouldn't start and once battery was charged all steering, cruise control, hill assist, lane assist and other lighs came on. 7 total alerts came on and car struggled to go up hills and speed up after braking at lights. Brake light stayed on entire drive and didnt go off even when the car was off.
Incident date: Nov 25, 2025
Passenger side door lock will not respond via iKey or button inside of car rear automatic trunk hatch will let down and close on its own with someone bending over to remove or put something in the trunk also rear back middle seat seatbelt locked while being filled extended and has permanently stayed locked and will not wind back in.
Incident date: Aug 25, 2024
Transmission splines went out and transfer case has also failed which is only sending power to front wheels
Incident date: Aug 25, 2024
The subframe rotted through broke as I was driving on Thruway. My mechanic confirmed it needs to be replaced and is very common in heavy winter states.
Incident date: Jul 5, 2026
Explorers moon roof shad came of track and I was unaware and could not see behind my in my rear view camera. Also was covering my infant child's face when it drooped down instead of rolling back.
Incident date: Jul 5, 2026
Explorers moon roof shad came of track and I was unaware and could not see behind my in my rear view camera. Also was covering my infant child's face when it drooped down instead of rolling back.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The steering rack and gear went completely while we were driving 60mph on the highway. We had absolutely no steering all of a sudden and ended up missing a cliff and veering/driving 40 feet into a pasture at 60mph. No warning lights came on, the steering wheel pulled for a minute and then went completely loose with no steering. We had the vehicle towed. Steering rack and gear are completely o... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2026
Front camera default and required replacement totaling $2,400.00 in repair costs. This is a safety issue as the Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Lane Departure Warning were all disabled due to the front camera malfunction. This should be a recall by Honda as it seems to be a common mechanical failure in Honda Odysseys from 2018-2022.
Incident date: May 28, 2026
Front camera default and required replacement totaling $2,400.00 in repair costs. This is a safety issue as the Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Lane Departure Warning were all disabled due to the front camera malfunction. This should be a recall by Honda as it seems to be a common mechanical failure in Honda Odysseys from 2018-2022.
Incident date: Jun 21, 2026
Transmission overheated. Transmission fluid leaked but the computer in the car didn't let me know there was a leak. Couldn't move my car into reverse so I had to get a tow to Ford. They said it was a Transmission leak which caused the overheating. But once the car received Transmission fluid the car did not go into reverse. Clutch failed.
Incident date: Jun 21, 2026
Transmission overheated. Transmission fluid leaked but the computer in the car didn't let me know there was a leak. Couldn't move my car into reverse so I had to get a tow to Ford. They said it was a Transmission leak which caused the overheating. But once the car received Transmission fluid the car did not go into reverse. Clutch failed.
Incident date: Jun 21, 2026
Transmission overheated. Transmission fluid leaked but the computer in the car didn't let me know there was a leak. Couldn't move my car into reverse so I had to get a tow to Ford. They said it was a Transmission leak which caused the overheating. But once the car received Transmission fluid the car did not go into reverse. Clutch failed.
Incident date: May 10, 2026
Vehicle engine shut down and completely lost power. Technician inspected and found intake camshaft actuator came loose from camshaft. On this vehicle it simply uses tension from the bolt torquing. There is no keyway to prevent this. Vehicle engine is destroyed. Very unsafe design.
Incident date: Jun 24, 2026
The anti-lock brake system (ABS) control module on my 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited failed, resulting in a C2200 internal ABS module fault. The failure disables the ABS, electronic stability control, and traction control safety systems. The failed component is available for inspection upon request. The initial symptoms were ABS, traction control, and stability control warning lights appearing inte... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
Vehicle: 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Component: Steering (Electronic Power Steering / EPS Gearbox) Description of Safety Defect: While driving at highway speeds (above 45 mph), the steering wheel experiences a severe "sticky," "notchy," or binding sensation. It catches when making minor directional adjustments, requiring excessive and abrupt physical force to break the wheel free. This causes a dange... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Add oil to engine" message was displayed. The vehicle was driven to an AutoZone within two minutes and turned off. Upon inspection of the engine oil level, the contact observed that the dipstick was completely dry. The dealer was notified of the issue, and an appointment was scheduled for ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
Odometer Fraud: The contact purchased a 2013 Lexus RX 350. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 96,575. After reviewing an AutoCheck report by Experian the following day, the contact became aware that the mileage was 151,219.
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-250. The contact received a recall notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while the contact's husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended and lost motive powe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated while reversing, the rearview camera image was inverted. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had e... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine/powertrain failed. The vehicle is a 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine. The engine developed a severe knocking noise and loss of power at approximately 5,545 miles. The vehicle was taken to the GM dealership, where an engine replacement was approved. The failed engine/c... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
A month or so ago my car had a rough idle and the mechanic couldn't figure out why. Then last week my car lost power on the interstate, during rush hour. I'm lucky I didn't cause an accident as the loss of power was so sudden and all the traffic around me. Somehow I was able to safely pull over on the shoulder. I had my car towed and the mechanic found that the flex plate had failed and is cracked... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2021
My car had begun to accelerate when pressing the brake pedal. The first time it happened the car kinda stuttered as it fought itself, but the car stopped. That was also the only time it stuttered and corrected itself. The next few times it happened, the car was not as easy to control but was able to stop safely. I took the car in to the dealer to have it checked, but the problem could not be repl... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 23, 2026
Blindingly bright passenger-side map light came on for no reason, illuminating the car and startling the driver AND other nearby drivers (it was night). Light would not respond to touch-sensitive on/off control. Had to cycle dome lights (another distraction and even more light) to get light to turn off.
Incident date: Jun 15, 2026
I am experiencing a serious safety issue with my 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan. While the vehicle is in motion—either moving forward or in reverse—it will unexpectedly shift itself into PARK and engage the electronic parking brake. This has occurred several dozen times and creates an extremely dangerous situation, increasing the risk of a collision, injury, or other catastrophic accident. The Volkswa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
The front sensor camera has damaged, causing security issues
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
The front sensor camera has damaged, causing security issues
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
This event occurred after a history of ABS system issues as well as Infotainment system issues since 10k miles. During morning commute at approximately 60 mph, all dash warnings began to chime associated with the Touring features of the sedan. TPMS, Collision Avoidance, Braking System, Lane Departure, etc. AND Electric Power Steering. The steering wheel clicked and immediately became difficult t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle hydroplaned and pulled to the left unexpectedly. The contact initially contacted the dealer and was informed of the headlamp replacement and general inspection. Additionally, while the contact's husband was driving, the driver-side front tire experienced a blowout near a service station; ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
Driving on the road and heard static noise from the infotainment system after an update. I pressed the Collision Mitigation Braking System button and the dashboard had multiple warnings and disabling the entire Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The drive light starting blinking and a message appreaed to get to a Honda dealer. The Honda dealer inspected the front camera in the top of the w... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
Driving on the road and heard static noise from the infotainment system after an update. I pressed the Collision Mitigation Braking System button and the dashboard had multiple warnings and disabling the entire Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The drive light starting blinking and a message appreaed to get to a Honda dealer. The Honda dealer inspected the front camera in the top of the w... Read more