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: Dec 20, 2023
The engine stalls when coming to a stop pulling the clutch in. Yes, it is available for inspection. It has stalled several times in intersections which is a safety concern as I am concerned that I will get hit in an intersection. Yes, it has been reproduced. The service center at the dealerships claims that they have fixed it, and it keeps happening after we pick it up. It has not been inspected. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
VW Jetta should be included in the ignition switch recall. Problem started last year August on a trip out of state. After a day sitting in the hot parking lot on drive back car reported ignition switch failure and all electronics shut off and eventually the car shut off and wouldn't restart until the interior of the car cooled off. Once inside of car cooled down car was drivable again. Contact... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
Sunroof/Moonroof exploded while parked in driveway - loud firework/gunshot sound rang out between 9:30-10:00 PM. At that time, I went outside to find the sunroof/moonroof shattered. Brand new Nissan Armada purchased 5 months and 7 days ago. Could have been put at risk had it exploded while driving - the noise alone could've caused an accident no less the shattered glass falling on passenger/driver... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
The air bag light started blinking. We took the car to our local Nisan dealership. We had to pay $220.77 just to have them look at it. They said there was an occupant sensor unit malfunction and it needed the bottom seat pad replaced. We were then told “that it is discontinued “! We are left with an air bag that doesn’t work, and a blinking air bag warning sign that constantly reminds us of... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
When merging over left to right my steering wheel seems to stick like a magnet is pulling it. I've taken it to 2 different shops and they say that "it's the electronic rack and pinion. Nothing to be fixed as this is normal." What I see here is a safety issue because when the steering wheel releases from the "magnet" it makes me feel like over correcting my turn because it pulls hard to whichever d... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
Operating vehicle on German autobahn, 90mph, brake assist light came on, check engine light came on, vehicle loss turbo power, felt a shift in the transmission feeling, without notice as a slowly pulled into the gate guard at 30mph, I had zero brakes, loud metal noise and/vibration applying the brakes hard, I almost impacted the vehicle in front of me, vehicle was parked, vehicle would not start a... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2024
The contact called on behalf of his girlfriend who owned a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that his girlfriend parked the vehicle at her driveway residence, and she discovered that the vehicle had caught on fire underneath the front. The fire department was called and the police arrived on the scene later. The fire was extinguished with water. It was unknown if a police report was filed. The... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 6, 2024
While driving at a freeway speed of 70mph, my panoramic sunroof basically exploded raining glass everywhere. It sounded like a shotgun blast. There was zero indication of an outside object hitting it. The damage was so extensive it would have to have taken a fairly large object to cause this. It also seemed to have blown the glass outward, which indicates to me that there was some faulty component... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
We are a repair facility and the vehicle arrived for a concern with a weak battery and a battery warning light. The battery was testing bad and was replaced but the other issues persisted. The vehicle was scanned for codes and the codes present in the computer were B139F11, P26DC00 & P059700. After researching these codes we discovered a technical service bulletin related to the same issue and cod... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
On May 5, 2024 three passengers were locked in the rear seat of the vehicle. The door lock button in the car would not unlock the rear passenger doors, nor would the remote, nor would trying to open the door with the handle. Approximately 1.5 hours later, the rear doors unlocked. However, the rear passenger overhead lights would not turn off.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
On Friday [XXX], my vehicle began failing to brake after being in traffic for about 45 minutes. I had to punch the brake with my foot, hitting the floor, and it would continue to roll. It was towed to Courage Kia in Gastonia on [XXX]. On 5/14, they identified an issue with the HECU. Since then, they have been “running tests” with engineering to try to identify the issue. However, I’m seeing ... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2024
The component that failed was the steering lock control, and yes it's available upon request with a tow. I was stranded with no way of getting home. Problem has been confirmed by dealer. The vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer. No there was no symptoms prior to the failure. 06
Incident date: May 21, 2024
The component that failed was the steering lock control, and yes it's available upon request with a tow. I was stranded with no way of getting home. Problem has been confirmed by dealer. The vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer. No there was no symptoms prior to the failure. 06
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
Not secure possibly hacked
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
Vehicle had check engine light come on. Took it to the Ford dealer and was told it needed a tuneup. They put in new spark plugs and it did not solve the problem. I took it to an independent mechanic, he scanned it and determined the head gasket was leaking. Looked on the internet to find this is a fairly common problem with the 2.0 Ecoboost engine. The vehicle has not been fixed. Checking to ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
Engine blew up before oil change was required and car is under 100,000 miles Engine presumably failed on the way home from work, was making a sound. Parked the car, got in the next morning to take it to the repair shop. Check engine light came on during transit. They called and said there was a rod bearing failure and advised that I have it towed to Hyundai for possible warranty work. Car will be... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
Driving down the road at aproximately 40 mph and van shuts down. I turned on the hazard lights, coasted to the side of the road, put the van in park, turned the key to the off position waited about 30 seconds then turned key to on and the van starts up and seems to run fine. This is the second time in two days this has happened. No warning, no check engine lights. Very dangerous when driving a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2022
Driving at 70 mph, the vehicle shifted into neutral without warning. When attempting to place the vehicle back into drive, the vehicle dashboard Siad "vehicle condition not met" . I slowed the car and pulled over. It shifted into park but now will not start and will not go into neutral for towing.
Incident date: May 27, 2024
There has been numerous battery drains, can't charge phone without draining battery. I got and error code P062F Internal Control Module EEPROM. ERROR. and a battery power supply error code
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
The issues iw with the lug nuts expanding locking on the tire so it cannot be takeoff for rotation or replacement or if you have a flat tire tout on the spare. Went to BJ's tire in Pasadena, MD (1-410-647-6600) to have a rotation and they said they could not do it the lug nuts expanded to larger size and it could cross thread if they got them off and tried tout them back on. AS WELL THEY MIGHT NOT... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2024
the vehicles have a serious defect that causes the air conditioning systems to crack and leak refrigerant, lose pressure, and fail to function properly to provide cooled air into the vehicles. These failures lead owners and lessees to incur significant costs for repair, often successive repairs as the repaired parts prove defective as well. As summer temperatures in many regions soar into triple ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2024
the vehicles have a serious defect that causes the air conditioning systems to crack and leak refrigerant, lose pressure, and fail to function properly to provide cooled air into the vehicles. These failures lead owners and lessees to incur significant costs for repair, often successive repairs as the repaired parts prove defective as well. As summer temperatures in many regions soar into triple ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2024
Steering has developed a click and constant correction to maintain a straight line. Alignment did not help. Vehicle will sometimes begin to track to the right or left on its own. I know that a few vehicles were recalled for this electric steering/rack problem, but, mine wasn't one. This is pretty serious and expensive to repair. My local mechanic quoted around $4000. Taking it the Honda dealer nex... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost propulsion and stalled. Moments later, the contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. The next day the vehicle was driven to the local dealer who determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V372000 (Electrical System); but the part t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2019
Mileage: 38523 Engine Not Available Service Soon Propulsion Power Is Reduced Fuel Range Low: 3/4 Tank full of gas [XXX] - I was driving Northbound on [XXX] South of Castlewood in Northern California. I was driving 70 mph when I suddenly received the error messages above on my dashboard screen. The vehicle immediately had power from 70 mph quickly going below 59 mph. The traffic was extremely high ... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2024
I currently own a 2004 Hyundai Sonata with a severe sub-fame deterioration, Unfortunately it does not fall under the so called salt belt states, That being said I don't know how Kansas does not fit that especially north east Kansas. Wondering if there's some way that they could reconsider on this matter and maybe get some help. I know the cars almost 20 yrs but it's in good shape with only 108000 ... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2024
Driving the vehicle and out of no where the power steer failed and the steering wheel locked up. Had 3 young children in the car with me and was blocking traffic due to being unable to drive the vehicle. The dealer inspected the vehicle and said it would need a new power steering rack and that he has never heard of this problem before when it’s all over the internet. The part is not available an... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant consumption. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and to a second dealer, Norm Reeves Ford Superstore (18900 Studebaker Rd, Cerritos, CA 90703), where the vehicle was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in cylinder #2, and the failure was rel... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2024
With trying to identify a recall notice, I ran my vin number through the web site and the site does not identify my vin number. So, I haven't been able to receive any recall notices. The safety aspect of this is that there is no one to contact about this problem. Trying to run the vin number through the decoder won't function without this working.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
2023 Jeep Gladiator with 8000 miles shut off while driving down the highway at approximately 40 Mph. Service Electronic Throttle Control light illuminated. Coasted to a stop and put the vehicle in park. Vehicle wouldn’t restart. Vehicle is currently at the dealership awaiting service.
Incident date: May 24, 2024
Regarding NHTSA Number 24-022. I have called the dealership many times and everytime they kept saying they will contact me when the parts are available for the recalled item. I wonder if my acceleration surge at 15mph is related to this recall. I have received multiple emails and letter correspondence regarding this recall, but everytime I call, no Honda dealership seems to have the parts to ... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2024
My car will power off randomly, or will seem as though there is no power. I have to revert back to the manual key to enter the vehicle and hit the 12vlt reset to power it back on. This happened at least 3 times. Once while operating the vehicle, and twice while the vehicle was left parked. This is not a low battery issue as, the car will only do this occasionally, and not every time I enter and tu... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2024
My car will power off randomly, or will seem as though there is no power. I have to revert back to the manual key to enter the vehicle and hit the 12vlt reset to power it back on. This happened at least 3 times. Once while operating the vehicle, and twice while the vehicle was left parked. This is not a low battery issue as, the car will only do this occasionally, and not every time I enter and tu... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
For the very first time I've noticed that my car won't start in a normal way. It was a couple of months ago. It was driving fine back then. Two weeks ago, not only my car won't start many lights came on including the engine service light. I took my car to Columbia Honda dealership; they only tested my battery and told me the battery was fine. So, they let me go. On [XXX] my car experienced the s... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the exhaust and smelled a gasoline odor. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The f... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted to first gear. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train) however, the failure reoccurred. The local dealer was contacted and stated that the recall was a one-time free repair. The vehicle was not repaired... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
I own a 2017 Nissan Altima. This vehicle has been having similar issues that other owners have reported with the vehicle failing to accelerate after stopping or sitting ideal while running the and you go too take off, barely moves to a crawl even if the gas pedal is to the floor. It will also loose power (speed) without warning while driving. The vehicle will not register any warning lights wh... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated when he started the vehicle, he noticed that the steering warning light had illuminated. The contact stated that he was able to steer the vehicle, but the steering wheel was traveling more than normal before a turn to the left or to the right was completed. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determin... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
The AEB Braking malfunction light keeps coming on, i shut it off but it comes back on. I’m afraid it will do an emergency stop and cause the vehicle behind will hit me. No recall has been done by Nissan. I need help so I will feel safe driving my car.
Incident date: May 26, 2024
[XXX] 2021, Purchased 4 tires Walmart, Radar Dimax AS-8 size: 225/60R16. June 2023 tire badly separated. Denied warranty because Walmart did not install. Purchase 2 more identical tires and picked up [XXX] 2023 and installed both. Bad tire trashed no longer have in possession. Several months later had another tire separate so installed the extra tire I had. In March 2024 the wife told me... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2024
[XXX] 2021, Purchased 4 tires Walmart, Radar Dimax AS-8 size: 225/60R16. June 2023 tire badly separated. Denied warranty because Walmart did not install. Purchase 2 more identical tires and picked up [XXX] 2023 and installed both. Bad tire trashed no longer have in possession. Several months later had another tire separate so installed the extra tire I had. In March 2024 the wife told me... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
ABS and traction control lights come on intermittently. Cruise control won’t work when this happens. Problem seems to be a wiring issue and mainly happens during wet conditions and then stops after engine compartment warms up. I’m guessing ABS brake’s won’t function when light is on.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
When I come to a stop at a red light & the car is idling the car turns off & I have to put the car in park and turn the car on so over again. This happens in busy intersections
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
When I come to a stop at a red light & the car is idling the car turns off & I have to put the car in park and turn the car on so over again. This happens in busy intersections
Incident date: Apr 13, 2024
My brakes locked and my accelerator pedal deactivated without warning or cause. The engine and all accessories continued to work normally, but the gas pedal remained deactivated until I came to a complete stop. I was in the process of merging into the oncoming lane. I still own the vehicle but am trying to get the dealer to repurchase the truck. The vehicle(s) behind me had little warning and the... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Dealership stated on 6/4/24 extensive rust and perforations on rear vehicle sub frame that can cause risk to driver of accident or injury. MBUSA is offering to replace sub frame part # 212 350 38 05. However dealership advised MBUSA is not offering to replace corroded brake lines or brake fluid exchange, and would need to come out of pocket. MBUSA failed to notify me of safety defect. Vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
This has happened once before and I reported it then. This time I was stopped at a stop light and when I pressed the accelerator to go when the light turned green, the engine was off and would not go. The screen only said "malfunction" and no error codes (as before). I pressed the start button to turn the car off and then restarted it. It was fine after that. I have left a message with my service ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
I have a 2019 Ford Edge Se with just over 64,000 miles on it. For the past few months the car has not been driving smoothly. When the issue first started I took the car to the dealership where it was purchased brand new. They had a 2 month waiting list for the car to be looked at. Now the car is out of warranty by less then 300 miles. The dealership has had my car for over a week to look at it. Af... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2024
When starting my car it started for a second and stalled and when I restarted the car the car started accelerating extremely slow and wouldnt go past 20 mph.