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: Nov 9, 2023
Engine: I got the 100k engine maintenance done. I replace my coolant and got an oil change. The engine maintenance required warning is still on my dashboard and will not go away because the diagnostic reader states I need a new coolant bypass valve. This is not apart of the factory maintenance, alot on rav4 owners are dealing with this, and it is very pricey. I think it is best for this type of si... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2024
I bought this car I believe 1 year ago and I didn’t know it had a recall
Incident date: Sep 8, 2024
Coolant intrusion into engine cylinders and other components in the powertrain. Warranties and Ford companies DO NOT cover this. It is a factory flaw.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the instrument panel was inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera randomly turned on while driving. The contact also became aware that the instrument panel would turn off unexpectedly while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagn... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
Got an engine maintenance required light show up, took my car to the dealer to diagnose, they stated that i need to replace my coolant bypass valve
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
Fourth time! Car suddenly shut down on highway with message to stop safely soon. I retrieved codes which were PAO78. I do this every time since these codes will clear when power is removed from the vehicle. The dealer says there is nothing they can do since codes are no longer there when I bring it in. This car is UNSAFE when this happens on the highway.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2024
The truck has shifting issues. It down shiftshard causing the rearwheelks to lock up. vehicles have transmission issues such as shuddering and shaking in higher gears, and hesitation and lurching in lower gears. They also allege that GM told dealers to tell customers that these harsh shifts were normal
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
After riding around with a friend one afternoon, we went to a drive-thru for a snack and my car began to notify me that it was overheating. The dashboard stated that I should pull over and immediately shut off the engine for it to cool down. Upon doing so, I checked the coolant level, and upon releasing pressure, I noticed the coolant was low. I drove to the nearest Autozone and appropriately fill... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
Good day to whoever is reading! I've recently discovered that my brake light does not turn on on my bike no matter what brake i use front or rear. Only way it works if i push brake really hard, like way beyond regular or emergency braking. I've found similar issues online and people pointing on faulty brake sensors. They are located under the gas tank. It requires good amount of skill and time t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
Good day to whoever is reading! I've recently discovered that my brake light does not turn on on my bike no matter what brake i use front or rear. Only way it works if i push brake really hard, like way beyond regular or emergency braking. I've found similar issues online and people pointing on faulty brake sensors. They are located under the gas tank. It requires good amount of skill and time t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
My daughter had a tire blow out which caused the passenger side airbag to deploy. A piece of trim approximately 32 inches long flew off from the passenger's side hitting my daughter in the head and causing a concussion and requiring an emergency room visit.. Hyundai performed an investigation and stated the airbags deployed like they should have but refused to acknowledge the cause of my daughter... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
When I shifted to Park and hit the button to turn the car off, it continuously chimed and flashed the Shift to Park message on the dashboard. It would not allow me to fully turn off the car, stating I was not in Park, even though I was. I would have to turn the car back on, shift into drive or reverse, move forward or backward a little bit, hit the brake a few times, put it back to Park, hit the b... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
As i proceeded to get over on a highway with cars speeding, my car would not allow me to move over because it would not accerlate to be safe and my car slowed down as if there was no power as I had to get to the side of the highway to avoid getting hit as cars were traveling at a high rate of speed. My car then stopped and I was forced to move into the grass to avoid getting hit and causing a wre... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
As i proceeded to get over on a highway with cars speeding, my car would not allow me to move over because it would not accerlate to be safe and my car slowed down as if there was no power as I had to get to the side of the highway to avoid getting hit as cars were traveling at a high rate of speed. My car then stopped and I was forced to move into the grass to avoid getting hit and causing a wre... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
-Engine and yes. -Safety put at risk due to car not on when the street light turn green and I'm not aware that the car had turned off. -No -Message appeared on the dashboard stating Engine will shut off automatically to conserve battery.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
My wife and I recently purchased a new 2024 model 3 Tesla with the Autopilot and Full Self-Driving feature. We chose this vehicle because my wife has a long daily commute and we wanted to make the drive easier for her. We test drove a similar model in early August. When we were testing the Full Self-Driving feature, the car failed to safely exit the freeway three times in our short test drive, cau... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
My wife and I recently purchased a new 2024 model 3 Tesla with the Autopilot and Full Self-Driving feature. We chose this vehicle because my wife has a long daily commute and we wanted to make the drive easier for her. We test drove a similar model in early August. When we were testing the Full Self-Driving feature, the car failed to safely exit the freeway three times in our short test drive, cau... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2024
Driving on cruise control the Anti-Lock brake light came on causing the cruise control to turn off at highway speeds. The anti-lock brake system, cruise control and traction control all quit working. Warning light went out and then all started working again. Very intermittent problem at first then started getting more frequent. After research I found it is a known problem on 2017 and 2018 ram pick... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2024
The steering column has failed causing steering wheel separation from the steering column. The issue happened simply driving down the road almost causing a loss of control of the vehicle. Vehicle has been at a local dealership currently and they are stating there is no active recall for this model year vehicle and ford is not responsible for repairs due to being outside of my warranty by approx. 2... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
One day, I looked over at my seat and there were literally two tears in the leather. I immediately looked to see if something had ripped them. The only thing I put over there is a small cloth lunch sack so there’s no way that that could’ve done it. there was NOTHING SHARP on the seat. I am also very good about keeping my leather maintained and car maintained . It needs to be repaired before i... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
I believe my vehicle is apart of a recall that affects the same vehicle Yr./Mk./Mdl. as mine. When my VIN was searched by the service department at the dealer (same manufacture) it said no recall. I was told that the recall was for the vehicles from a different assembly plant. My vehicle seams to be having the same affect/issues as described in the recall. Recall in reference: Recall Date: April... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
Power system failed. Vehicle will not start. Error message appears “Power System Failure.” Vehicle will only start after 10-15 minutes of repeated attempts to turn on. No battery issues or other mechanical failures are indicated. Incident has happened 2-3 times in a six month timeframe. If my vehicle won’t start, I am unable to get out of potentially dangerous situation (ie: being held up at... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
When I came to a stop (stop sign) the vehicle's complete electrical system shut down, all went black. I couldn't turn on hazard lights or anything. (seems related to the recall notice). I waited to see if any change occurred, attempted restart, but nothing was operable. I connected a jump start battery and successfully restarted the car... all seemed ok afterward. This seems life endangering ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
When I came to a stop (stop sign) the vehicle's complete electrical system shut down, all went black. I couldn't turn on hazard lights or anything. (seems related to the recall notice). I waited to see if any change occurred, attempted restart, but nothing was operable. I connected a jump start battery and successfully restarted the car... all seemed ok afterward. This seems life endangering ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
The VSA/ABS module failed and is a costly repair that causes safety concerns. I see from research that this is a common issue among the 2014 Honda accords and a small number of 2014 Honda accords were recalled for this but not mine. The fact that so many are failing this recall should be expanded to include the other accords having the same issues.
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
On 9/6/2024 I was driving on I-10 E going about 70 mph in the left lane. I had engaged the cruise control but not the Autopilot because I’ve had dangerous experiences with the Autopilot phantom breaking and misinterpreting cracks in the road as lane markers and dangerously changing lanes. So even though Inoaid thousands of dollars for Autopilot I never use it. So I was driving approaching a bi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2024
On 9/6/2024 I was driving on I-10 E going about 70 mph in the left lane. I had engaged the cruise control but not the Autopilot because I’ve had dangerous experiences with the Autopilot phantom breaking and misinterpreting cracks in the road as lane markers and dangerously changing lanes. So even though Inoaid thousands of dollars for Autopilot I never use it. So I was driving approaching a bi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2024
have a ‘24 hybrid. my car started experiencing a vibration when idling (when the engine is running!), it would last for about 15 seconds. My POWER SYSTEM PROBLEM light and my EMISSIONS SYSTEM PROBLEM lights came on. Took it in to honda and they just said they need to reset the car, which they did. Now today my car was vibrating but, no system lights came on.
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
At high speeds, hood vibrates and moves abnormally up and down. The hood wobbles at highway or interstate speeds
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
Coolant leaked into engine causing cylinder to crack. The entire engine needs to be replaced. Codes showed misfires.
Incident date: Sep 7, 2023
On Saturday, August 31, I was traveling approximately 50 on a freeway overpass, when my head was hit/jutted forward, causing an immediate migraine. This caused me to hit the brakes a bit and veer a little. Upon stopping and inspecting, the headrest had come apart. After googling, I see there had been a serious issue with the “Active Headrest Restraint” on select Chrysler models. This matche... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2023
After starting the Jeep Wrangler it will not shift into drive and it says shifter needs service, then ABS needs service start stop needs service, it keeps flashing these warnings. It can sit for a hour or day then becomes driveable, took to local mechanic he says it's a Jeep dealer problem (had several people with this problem) they did repairs, but call them and they say never heard of this probl... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2023
After starting the Jeep Wrangler it will not shift into drive and it says shifter needs service, then ABS needs service start stop needs service, it keeps flashing these warnings. It can sit for a hour or day then becomes driveable, took to local mechanic he says it's a Jeep dealer problem (had several people with this problem) they did repairs, but call them and they say never heard of this probl... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
I have only driven my car for 10k miles in past 2 years. I have been on 3 long trips only. Every trip has become scary because one or the other tire turns flat right on busy highways with my little kids in it. I have had one replacement and two repairs on the only long trips I made. No other car I have have had any flat tires till date on the same routes in past 10 years. Tesla vehicles are heavy ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
Several weeks ago my wife noticed that the vehicle skids when accelerating and she told me about the situation. I hardly drive the vehicle because I was not aware of the situation, but today I drove it and realized what is happening. I am not a mechanic to give a diagnosis of the situation. For me it could be the transmission and it only has 85K. I'm going to do the next oil change at the dealer. ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
Daytime running lights went out at around 72,000 miles.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
Vehicle is consuming oil at an excessive rate (with still less than 70000 miles on the odometer) and I have had to keep a close watch on the levels. It is burning a quart right now about every 1400 miles and the problem is only likely to get worse with time. This could cause the engine to fail or catch fire while operating the vehicle, which is quite dangerous, especially at interstate speeds or... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
I started smelling gas getting in and out and near the car. I checked under the car when I first started smelling it and for maybe a couple more days before it had an appointment for PDR repair at body shop. I wasn’t seeing gas. I had night dropped the car at the body shop and when they smelled it they called and asked if they could take it to Honda of Lincoln for me. They said it was a puncture... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
While driving multiple error lights came on. I took my car in and they said it was carbon build up due to "bad gas." They cleaned it and it has been working fine. However, this is an acknowledged problem with the 2018 and 2019 Honda Fit. Honda actually extended the warranty for those years to cover those repairs. My car only had 22156 miles on it. And the error I experienced is the exact error tha... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
While overall pleased with vehicle, the low beams simply seem not visible enough to light the road properly. I believe this is a safety hazard and hearing how many other owners of the same make and model report this I believe the government to investigate this problem. Thank you.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
Engine Coolant Bypass Valve has gone bad and presents a 'Engine Maintenance Required, see Dealer' error message.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
Engine Coolant Bypass Valve has gone bad and presents a 'Engine Maintenance Required, see Dealer' error message.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
I have a 2016 Ram 2500 Power Wagon that i have turned into a show truck. The truck has never been off-road or in the mud, it is driven to and from the shows. Last [XXX] as i was driving to Hickory, NC for a car show on Saturday August 31st my truck instantly lost power and turned on the engine light. The transmission felt like it was stuck in second or third gear, so i pulled over and scanned the ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
Was driving to store got to store came out vehicle won't start just keeps turning over. From others that have the same vehicle ecodiesel I'm told it's the tone wheel/crankshaft position. And that the cheap plastic housing chips which causes the no start. Also recall for high pressure fuel pump. And the closest dealership to me can't get my vehicle in for over a month and won't provide a loaner v... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
Manufacture r sold us a car with faulty Falcon tires. At 2.5 years 50K miles, tire blew out completely on highway, with no previous service warning duriing regular maintenance check-ups. Tires were problematic at less than 36K miles, but dealer did not mention anything other than a need to rotate and balance the tires.
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
Manufacture r sold us a car with faulty Falcon tires. At 2.5 years 50K miles, tire blew out completely on highway, with no previous service warning duriing regular maintenance check-ups. Tires were problematic at less than 36K miles, but dealer did not mention anything other than a need to rotate and balance the tires.
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
Vehicle does not detect key intermittently while driving, vehicle begins an alert sequence while driving that requires the key to be retrieved and placed to the dashboard. The vehicle will present a red banner and warn of limited operation if the actions are not performed. These actions limit the attention and hand availability of the driver. It is dangerous and highly distracting. This issue h... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
Twice in the last 6 months this has happened while car was stopped at red light. The auto engine restart system failed, causing the car to shut down. Car had to be placed in park and restarted. Local dealer was unable to detect cause : no codes captured and there were no problems with battery or starter detected.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
1 Adaptive cruise stopped me several times for no reason as there was nothing on the interstate and the weather was clear. This was very jarring at 80 miles per hour on the interstate created a hazardous and dangerous driving condition as cars were all around, almost was rear-ended. 1a Adaptive cruise started all the sudden when I was stopped at an intersection almost caused a wreck, as soon as I... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
1 Adaptive cruise stopped me several times for no reason as there was nothing on the interstate and the weather was clear. This was very jarring at 80 miles per hour on the interstate created a hazardous and dangerous driving condition as cars were all around, almost was rear-ended. 1a Adaptive cruise started all the sudden when I was stopped at an intersection almost caused a wreck, as soon as I... Read more