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 7, 2024
I was driving my vehicle home and as I was turning to the street I live on the power steering went out and I almost lost control of the car. I had to use all my strength to turn the wheel and barely miss an oncoming car in the turn. If my wife would have been behind the wheel Im certain it would have caused an accident. After getting home I searched for what may have caused the loss of power fo... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
The car stalls and turns off when operating at a slow speed, both in forward or reverse. This is a serious and potentially deadly problem. With my two young children in the car, I was turning left across three lanes of oncoming traffic. When I began to accelerate, my car stalled in the middle of the first lane. I had to figure out what happened, put it in park, restart the car and finish my turn b... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The car randomly stalls while I am driving it. I lose all power to the car and the RPM's go to zero. I have to jiggle the fuse box and turn the key to the on position until I hear the fuel pump kick on, then I can start the car. I can tell when the car will stall on me when the RPM's fluctuate and the car stutters. My safety is put at risk to me and to other people because my car loses power while... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The car randomly stalls while I am driving it. I lose all power to the car and the RPM's go to zero. I have to jiggle the fuse box and turn the key to the on position until I hear the fuel pump kick on, then I can start the car. I can tell when the car will stall on me when the RPM's fluctuate and the car stutters. My safety is put at risk to me and to other people because my car loses power while... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Vehicle does not know it's in park. Can't turn off vehicle. Must shake or beat the shifter knob for vehicle to see it's in park.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
Factory recall 24V-107: On [XXX] took car to Haselwood Hyundai of Bremerton WA. for MANF. recall Genesis Starter Solenoid water contamination. Recall was completed in 2 hours when driving home car went into emergency mode and shut down on freeway with completely dead battery. Was told by dealership they would not pay 1200 tow bill. Applied for AAA membership and was approved. Car was towed back to... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
All four window regulators have failed. The plastic gear has totally disintegrated and has had to be replaced. I have noticed that this has been reported by customers numerous times. I hope that we may be reimbursed for the failure of the part since it is very, very common among these models. I have retained all receipts for parts and labor.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Early 2024, winter: Transfer case has only ever been used twice, and it failed. The entire transfer case had to be replaced. Case was replaced by an authorized Nissan dealership. This is a known problem by Nissan, just like the terrible 5.0 diesel engine.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
I have noticed moisture in the rear tailgate light which houses the rear camera, license plate light, reverse lights and a larger(racetrack) tailight. I have drained the light a couple of times and noticed a small portion of the light was dim. This has been going on probably a year. Last night our son was driving behind and noticed the whole tailgate light had gone out along with the license pl... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
While driving at 60 mph the lower front bumper assembly came off and detached from the vehicle and lodged under the car causing an emergency stop in the middle of the highway. When Lithia toyota was asked to repair the damage they have refused stating that it must go thru my insurance since it was an accident
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
After car stalls, the vehicle enters limp mode. I’ve also randomly lost power and can barely accelerate. It’s very alarming and dangerous.
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
The vehicle lost power steering. Restarting vehicle shows a "power steering assist fault" message. Looking into this fault, I found Safety Recall 15S18, for later year vehicles. This seems to be what I experienced. I have not had it towed to a dealer for diagnosis or repair yet, as the cost for repair seems to exceed the value of the car.
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
I bought my 2014 Toyota Tundra in March 2014, with no chips or peeling paint. Fast-forward a couple of months, the paint around the top side of the windshield is chipping and peeling. Living in a state that gets snow & ice, I am concerned about the potential for rust. Toyota is aware of the issue with their Super White paint with other models (Service Bulletin 23TE08), such as the following: ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V566000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 24V381000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V566000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 24V381000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
My transmission literally went out once on me the SECOND DAY after I financed it. Now, less than a year later, it says I need to replace the transmission again. This is ridiculous.
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
Car started to show FWC lights, LDW lights, steering warning, Traction control. Inspected by two mechanics and say the codes come back to ABS module defect.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2022
Alternator I changed the starter I changed the alternator brand new it ran but then it stopped in mid drive and I won't just start and that's how I crashed into something now my car is wreck in the fridge and it won't start and if it does it stops
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Sep 13, 2022
Alternator I changed the starter I changed the alternator brand new it ran but then it stopped in mid drive and I won't just start and that's how I crashed into something now my car is wreck in the fridge and it won't start and if it does it stops
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
Brake Booster has failed. There was previously an extended warranty published for this same issue on November 11, 2023 (No D-22-15) for XA7 Brake Booster, however that expires after 5 years after the vehicle was placed in service or 150,000 miles (whichever is sooner). The Brake Booster failure on our vehicle happened just a few short months after this "expiration date" of the extended warranty.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
The power steering quits with no warning. It is very difficult to drive as without power steering turning is very difficult. It takes agreat deal of strength. I am worried that I may not be able to make a turn if the steering goes out during a turn. Have to restart truck to get power steering back. Occurs randomly
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
The Powertrain control system has detected an internal PCM communications error PCM will invoke failure mode effect management.
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
Transmission slams into gear when coming out of park, into drive
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V344000 (Back Over Prevention, Equipment, 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 contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ins... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V344000 (Back Over Prevention, Equipment, 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 contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ins... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
The contact's son owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated while the driver was driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle experienced hard shifts and hesitated while responding. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission was skipping gears unintentionally and shifted in and out of gear while driving. The contact was unsure whether a warning light was... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. 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 65 MPH,... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
The contact owned a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, he dozed off as the vehicle drifted off to the right shoulder of the highway. The contact regained alertness once the vehicle drove over the highway's rumble strip. As the contact attempted to regain control of the vehicle; the vehicle crashed into a tree. The contact's face smashed into the steering whe... Read more
Crash
1 injured
RAM
1500
(2015) - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Sep 5, 2024
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds or while at a traffic light, the “Service ABS system Soon” message was displayed. There was an abnormal dinging sound detected. The ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken on three occasions to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the control module and the anti... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2020
Component: Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) My car has less than 2,000 miles on it. I have experienced the situation described below 3 times now. Traffic on a freeway/highway slowed down quickly, and I stepped on the brake pedal to slow down quickly but still gradually. However, the collision auto-braking system activated and my car suddenly halted to a stop with plenty of room (about 1... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that on several occasions while the vehicle was parked, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic twice where it was diagnosed that unknown parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred after approximately a week. The manufacturer was notified of... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2024
My car overheated and broke down on the highway. Towed in to a repair shop and was told I needed a new engine because of leaky coolant in the gasket? I just paid my car off last month, purchased directly from the dealer in 2019. It has an Eco Boost which are having these issues across the board. I was told the cost to repair or replace a new engine could range from $3500-6000k. Are they going to r... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2024
I have the 2.0L EcoBoost I-4 (assembled December 2017, engine block part number HV 206 AA) in my 2018 Lincoln MKC Black Label. The head gasket failed at 37,000 miles in May 2023, according to my Ford/Lincoln dealer. It started as intermittent misfiring/running rough with the check engine light illuminated. My scanner detected the code P0301 cylinder one misfire. My coolant reservoir tank level als... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2024
**Subject**: Urgent Safety Concern: Headlight Condensation and Water Damage in 2015-2018 Porsche Cayenne 958.2 Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report a serious safety issue with the LED matrix headlights on my 2016 Porsche Cayenne GTS (958.2). The problem involves severe condensation buildup within the headlight assembly, leading to water damage and electrical failures. This defect has caused my hea... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
While parking and putting my car in park. Hello, my car needs a recall. August 31, 2024 While parking and putting the car in park. my car shifted into Neutral and lunged forward causing me to hit a sign and maneuver away from a wall. My car is dangerous. Please help!! My car lunged forward and i ran into a bush. I am injured. This car malfunction jumping gears. Not shifting properly the car is d... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
This truck has had two major REAR-END repairs. After the last one it vibrates. Several sets of tires and even a new set of rims and it still vibrates. NONE of the dealers can locate anything.I took it to a shop that has vibration detection equipment. Their results show the issue is in the rear end. I get no resolution or help in resolving the issue. I have been out a lot of money on this truck due... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
It is making like diesel trucks sound with vibrations while accelerating the speed! Since few days.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
In July 2024, with approximately 31,500 miles on my vehicle, I began experiencing issues with the "service electronic braking system" warning appearing on the dashboard. I brought the vehicle in for inspection, and the dealership identified and replaced the tire sensor under my extended warranty. A week later, the warning reappeared, and the dealership replaced the brake master cylinder sensor, al... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2021
In July 2024, with approximately 31,500 miles on my vehicle, I began experiencing issues with the "service electronic braking system" warning appearing on the dashboard. I brought the vehicle in for inspection, and the dealership identified and replaced the tire sensor under my extended warranty. A week later, the warning reappeared, and the dealership replaced the brake master cylinder sensor, al... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2024
All 4 of my windows regulators went out within a week without any warning the two front windows went down and I can’t get them back up the two back windows are up but I have something holding them up which is dangerous because I can’t put the child lock on for my children because I can’t let the windows in case I have to get them out
Incident date: Jul 2, 2024
Incident Report: Spontaneous Shattering of Driver-Side Glass Window Incident Summary: The driver-side window of my vehicle spontaneously shattered twice while parked, producing a loud burst sound on both occasions. The first incident occurred in May 2024, and the second took place on September 5, 2024. Details of Incidents: - First Incident: May 2024 - The window shattered spontaneously with n... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2024
Like many many Ford Mustangs 2015 and newer, the AC Evaporator has failed and is leaking. This can cause condensation on the windshield and visibility issues with fogging / defrosting. Ford refuses to replace the defective evaporator. Ford dealer Coughlin Ford, Newark, Ohio diagnosed the defect and provided an estimate of $2,679.88 to replace the evaporator.
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
Cruising highway speeds, when accelerator is pressed to gain speed, make a pass, ect the transmission downshifts into 3rd gear, engine losses all power for 4-8 seconds while accelerator is held down. I’ve almost been in several accidents due to expecting a vehicle to accelerate and nothing happening and traffic
Incident date: Aug 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle would be low or completely out of fuel quicker than expected. The contact stated that while attempting to refuel, the contact was unable to fill the rear tank due to the tank being full of fuel. The vehicle had been taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the transfer pump had ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving at various speeds; when the brake pedal was depressed, the brake pedal failed to return to the original position. The contact stated that upon inspection, the brake pedal felt abnormally loose and there was a brake fluid leak present. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was lifted and was noticed tha... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2024
AT 78,000 MILES THE WATER PUMP WENT OUT AND TURBO BLEW LODGING PARTS IN CYLINDER 2. DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH WHEN IT HAPPENED. CAR SHUT DOWN AND WAS BARELY ABLE TO GET IT OFF THE ROADWAY. HAD TO BE TOWED.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2024
Sometimes when I am accelerating it feels like I am being rear-ended. The whole vehicle jumps as if it is being pushed. I have tried to reset the Transmission by watching YouTube videos that show the same problem. But it has not fixed it. It also happens when I am driving. I am worried that it may not shift gears at all. I use it for all my long distance trips and do not want to break down on Int... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2024
Q1. The car is shaking and making rumbling noises upon driving and a check engine light is turned on. It seem like the car will abruptly stop and may result in a crash on a highway. Inspection by multiple mechanics indicate that the engine is misfiring and there seems to be an engine oil leakage issue, imbalance of engine or some part of it. The engine configuration is the same as with the engine... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission shifted roughly from third to fourth gear. Additionally, the transmission inadvertently upshifted and then downshifted before returning to the selected gear while driving. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there wa... Read more