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: Jun 10, 2024
Vehicle experienced power terrain failure causing vehicle to stop while driving in the middle of the road meanwhile cars avoid hitting my vehicle. I had my [XXX] old in the backseat at the time and this incident could have caused injury or possibly death. Vehicle has also experienced accelerator issues. Vehicle would lag 3-5 seconds for vehicle accelerator to speed up when pressing on accelerator... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
Tire Size: LT235/80R17. Tire installed [XXX]. Tire Dated Stamp: 4619. Mileage on tire: Approx 23K. Vehicle: 2017 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn Dually w/6.7L Diesel. Road Surface: Smooth. Hazards: none. Weather Condition: Excellent. Front right tire blow out occurred on [XXX] approx 10 miles east of Leesville LA. No indication of tire failure prior to blow out. Initial tire inflation was 80 PSI. Appro... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2024
Back in September 2023 my brake light and ABS light came on in my 2015 RAM 1500. I took it into the dealership where purchase the Truck and had purchased a extended warrantee from the manufacture at that time of purchase. They told me that I needed a new ABS module but they were on back order. They have given many date where they were suppose to have them back in stock and all have come and gone... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 70-75 MPH, the transmission abruptly downshifted from 7th gear to 4th or 3rd gear. The transmission also downshifted from 4th gear to 1st gear. The failure occurred several times while driving until the contact shifted the transmission in neutral. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnos... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2023
Engine spontaneously seized/locked while driving. No check engine light on previous to this happening. Left me stranded in middle of busy road.
Incident date: Jun 26, 2024
2013 f150 truck wouldn’t get out of first gear from stop light, wrench light came on, speed odometer stayed at 0 miles. Took to ford dealership to have recall 19S07 done and was told this would not fix it, (needed a fix that was no longer offered bc I’m past 10 years mark) they did the recall and now the truck jerks when shifting gears and downshifts to first from any speed
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
AUTOMAKER REFUSED TO COMPLY WITH THE CVT RECALL.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
AUTOMAKER REFUSED TO COMPLY WITH THE CVT RECALL.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2024
Driving at approximately 40-50 mph and it suddenly downshifted to 2nd gear, stopping the truck. This was the first time this happened. Recall 19s07 was performed on 05/03/2019 that supposedly fixed and prevented this from happening.
Incident date: Jun 26, 2024
Contacted Tesla on June 25th for their June 19th recall (24V-456 and 24V-457) and they responded that my truck isn't (yet) on their list of recalled cars even though it's been 6 days since the voluntary recall happened. As Tesla has been the one to initiate the recall, I would have assumed my truck would instantly in the list. Appointments are booked out weeks in advance, and Tesla won't allow m... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
Transmission slipping while changing gears. Engine shutting down while driving. Was put in the shop 5/28, they said they fixed it. did it again on the way home on 6/21/24.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was excessive white smoke emanating from the exhaust. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
VW CarNet module 75 emergency call module and communication unit is "faulty needs replaced". DTC is B20004B and DTC B14D796 "internal malfunction of the module. Needs replaced." I own 3 VWs and this Module keep failing in our VWs this is major Safty concern for me and my Family this service calls 911 and give gps location in an event of an accident and VW is refusing to do a recall on this all th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2024
VW CarNet module 75 emergency call module and communication unit is "faulty needs replaced". DTC is B20004B and DTC B14D796 "internal malfunction of the module. Needs replaced." I own 3 VWs and this Module keep failing in our VWs this is major Safty concern for me and my Family this service calls 911 and give gps location in an event of an accident and VW is refusing to do a recall on this all th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2024
The 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 experienced a similar malfunction as is stated in Recall B2A, which is for 2023 Ram Pickup Trucks. This instance also deals with the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) and the SCCM does not meet the "requirement for original equipment" as per Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard #108. When it malfunctions, the left turn signal flashes when the turn signal is in the left... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer, where it was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, Audi Richmond (12592 Broad St., Richmond, VA 23233), where it was determined that the module conn... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2024
The contact's son owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that whenever her son started the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from under the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that prior to the issue, the vehicle had a coolant leak in an unknown location. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the cam phaser failed an... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
While driving truck on road at approximately 45 mph, truck suddenly and without warning shifted into first gear. After the sudden downshift, the truck then recovered normal shifting for the remainder of the drive. This is the third time this has happened in one year. The first time it happened, I was towing an empty small lawn trailer on a secondary road, with truck in "tow" mode. while descendin... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVIING WITH WARNING. FAILED SYSTEM IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION ON VEHICLE DUE TO LACK OF RECALL FOR SPECIFIC VEHICLE. COMPONENT FAILED WHILE DRIVING SPEED LIMIT ON HIGHWAY CURVE ENDANGERING SELF AND OTHERS. PROBLEM HAS BEEN CONFIRMED HOWEVER RECALLS ARE NOT APPROPRIATED TO VEHICLE IN QUESTION. IT HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY MECHANIC SHOP WHO STATED DEALERSHIP MUS... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact attempted to depress the brake pedal and the vehicle shifted to the right. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that his daughter informed him the vehicle had also shifted to the right while depressing the brake pedal to slow down. The vehicle was taken to an independent... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed up an incline, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway and turn the vehicle off. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The service transmission warning lig... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2024
Due a faulty battery recharge module…My vehicle lost power steering without warning
Incident date: Jun 8, 2024
Brake lights do not illuminate when parking lights are engaged. We have replaced the socket multiple times. The standard 1157 bulb causes the socket to melt and has deformed the housing for the bulb from extreme heat from the bulb. Replaced the socket 3 times in 3 months this last time it stopped working within 4 days. The obvious safety risk is that cars following the vehicle not being able to de... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2024
Brake lights do not illuminate when parking lights are engaged. We have replaced the socket multiple times. The standard 1157 bulb causes the socket to melt and has deformed the housing for the bulb from extreme heat from the bulb. Replaced the socket 3 times in 3 months this last time it stopped working within 4 days. The obvious safety risk is that cars following the vehicle not being able to de... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2024
We have had this vehicle about a year and a half, 2023 Toyota Tundra and have had to take it back and forth to McLarty Toyota for recall work. Concerning this particular recall, 24ta07-Engine may stall during driving, we were told is unfixable. If this vehicle cannot be fixed, we are demanding it be replaced with a reliable truck
Incident date: Sep 30, 2021
While driving at high speeds 60 to 75 miles per hour and going up an upgrade, the transmission starts to buck violently which causes the driver lose concentration and possible control. I have to shift the transmission into manual mode and select a lower gear to gain control. Dealer service said software is up to date and transmission is working fine when reported after purchasing car. I have not ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2024
When traveling on road and want to speed up to get on freeway, change lanes, or simple speed up I lose power shift and it goes from 6 to 4 or 3 in gears and I can't accelerate which has almost caused many accidents. The check engine signal will only blink right when it's happening and loose speed and the AC air flow will get warm until it corrects itself after I either slow down or shut truck off ... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2024
While driving, dash board alert notice of shifter requiring service appeared. Message states not to take gear out of "D" until reaching desired location or may not be able to use "D" again. Later Engine, power steering, air suspension, anti skid alerts began to appear is sequence. Cruise control and other electrical feature will not work during alert. Last anywhere between 5 and 30 or more min... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2024
Power steering control module failure occured on 2012 Ford Explorer. Dash displayed a "Power Steering Assist Fault" randomly but would resolve itself after turning vehicle off and back on, and now it is permenantly. Recall 15N01 was open on this vehicle but manufacturer will not service this vehicle under recall due to a 10 year, 150,000 mile limit. After getting the vehicle diagnosed a DTC U3000-... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2024
This EV car shuts off unexpectedly causing power loss. it has occurred 3 x Fisker has not answered the phone or answered email. fisker has filed chapter 11 and we do not know what to do for safety help
Incident date: Jun 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle lost electrical and motive power, causing the vehicle to shut off. The contact was able to pull over on the shoulder of the roadway and restart the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Zone where it was ODB scanned and determined that the cra... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2024
My 1.5 year old daughter is able to press the button on the chest clip and release the chest clip by herself. The button barely requires any pressure to be applied before releasing. She is unbuckling herself frequently.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
My 1.5 year old daughter is able to press the button on the chest clip and release the chest clip by herself. The button barely requires any pressure to be applied before releasing. She is unbuckling herself frequently.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the oil pump resulting in da... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2024
In August 2021 ABS brake light is on and on 8-26-2021 I paid Approximately $1000 to have the master cylinder replaced to correct the problem. In early 2023 the problem returned intermittently. I made appointment with Goofy's brake service. When I took the truck to Goofy's appointment they determined that the problem required a Dealer service department. Made appointment with Dealer for 09/29/23. M... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and shook abnormally while attempting to accelerate. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaire... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
Only 65000 miles I wash everytime all the truck undercarriage is rust easy especially the oil pan in the engine. And I check too many people make complaints about the oil pan. Now my oil pan is crack and rust and it's $3000 to fix its insane. 4 years and gone. Car value over $45000.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
A coolant intrusion into the engine from the 3rd valve occurred, requiring a full engine replacement.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
Truck has started dropping into 1st gear and losing speed with no warning. Has happened at low and high speeds.
Incident date: Jun 21, 2024
My airbag warning light came on and the system reported a seatbelt issue. There was a recall for my vehicle in 2014 that wasn’t repaired. Over time my vehicle has had insurmountable electrical issues as well.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
I was preparing to turn around a curve when my steering wheel locked straight, causing my vehicle to collide with a concrete barrier. My vehicle was the only one involved, and collided with the barrier twice. This has led to several thousands in mechanical and body damages.
Crash
Incident date: Jun 23, 2024
My drivers side door will not latch closed due to cracking from extreme heat. When I try and shut my door it doesn't latch and pops open.
Incident date: Jun 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while having a routine oil change performed, the independent mechanic stated that the head gasket was leaking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the head gasket was leaking due to two detached head gaskets. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) 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 contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front windshield trim on the driver's and ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion Energi. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V440000 (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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. T... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2024
The contact owns 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the cam phasers, the timing chain, and other unknown parts were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N03. The man... Read more
RAM
1500
(2023) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Jun 24, 2024
Incident date: Jun 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact noticed smoke exiting the tail pipe. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact was advised to have an oil change performed. The vehicle received an oil change; however, the contact stat... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2024
"Engine Maintenance Required See Dealer" Message on Dash Display Engine Coolant Bypass Valve I see this incident repeated for the recent Corolla SE and RAV 4 multiple times with no recall/resolution other than Toyota customers should be prepared to spend close to $750 to fix and replace this part that only takes about 20 minutes to be replaced. This is not new to Toyota. This a rip off. A lot m... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2024
Have 80,000 miles on vehicle , driving down highway , and total engine failure occurred. Luckily there was a highway shoulder I was able to roll onto for safety. No oil light had come on, but mechanic said there was an internal oil leak, and that I had no oil , and engine was blown. There are many known engine failures due to excessive oil consumption in the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport models. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2024
When the weather got sub 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the power steering went out completely, and then after warming up the truck came back on, but would rapidly jerk my wheel when steering for a while until it fully warmed up. Now its completely out with no signs of life. Ram will not service this part, only out right replace it, and you cant get the part anywhere. which is rediculous being that this p... Read more