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: 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.
Incident date: Jun 9, 2022
My wife was driving this vehicle 2 weeks ago and smoke came out of the driverside hood. She pulled into a parking space then the smoke came out the other side. Vehicle was towed as it would restart to the dealership. They have not done anything to look at the problem today. I reported this to their corporate for their records again little help. Based on the actual happening my research tells me it... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the moonroof was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the switch and sun/moon roof motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there was no Warranty coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The ma... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2024
My car started giving me an alert for a "Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault". There has been no accident to cause an issue. I'm being told by the service center that it is a known occurrence and certain models/years, require a new safety vent type front passenger airbag to maintain compatibility between the front passenger seat and the front passenger airbag.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions, there was a squeaking sound coming from the tires. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was observed that the steering wheel had seized and failed to move. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced, but the failure p... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
Subject: Complaint Regarding Excessive Oil Consumption and Engine Hesitation in 2019 Kia Optima SX To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding my 2019 Kia Optima SX. Despite meticulous maintenance and care, I have been experiencing significant issues with the vehicle that are concerning, especially considering its relatively low mileage of only 107,000 miles. Th... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra HEV. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power with a battery warning light illuminated. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle had to be turned off and restarted for the vehicle to recharge and restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact i... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2024
I researched that the sunroofs on these models are faulty and have caused water/electrical damage under the carpeting and seats of the vehicles. That is what has happened with my 2011 C300 Sport.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500 equipped with Goodyear Tires, Tire Line: Wrangler AT Adventure, Tire Size: 265/70/R17, DOT Number: PL1YJC1R0219. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the TPMS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the tires were diagnosed with tread separation. The contact was informed that all 4 tires needed to be r... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
Intermittent or permanent loss of braking performance. ABS saying intermittent issues. Dash alarm came on and I do not have ABS or traction control.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
Without warning, it became extremely difficult to turn the wheel while I was driving. An alert simultaneously appeared stating that steering assist was reduced. I was able to park the car, with difficulty, and then updated the software. The warning disappeared and the steering seemed to work again. Tesla recommended a remote visit only since the car didn’t appear to have any current warnings, ho... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
Ever since it was purchased new in 2021, the RV leans excessively to the passenger side even when it is unloaded and not moving. The dealer stated this is normal due to the weight distribution of the interior components. I recently noticed there are signs of the passenger side inner rear tire rubbing on a piece of chassis sheet metal, where the clearance is less than 1" on the passenger side. T... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
Unsure what component failed specifically, has been inspected by dealer multiple times. This randomly occurs while driving. It disables a number of safety features such a collision assist and traction control as well as several driving modes until the car is fully powered off and restarted. There are multiple reports of this occurring frequently in online groups. No warnings prior to the failure b... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
Unsure what component failed specifically, has been inspected by dealer multiple times. This randomly occurs while driving. It disables a number of safety features such a collision assist and traction control as well as several driving modes until the car is fully powered off and restarted. There are multiple reports of this occurring frequently in online groups. No warnings prior to the failure b... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
Travel Assist is disabled which includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist. The warning lights flash on and off, sometimes multiple times a second, sounding a loud beeping each time. It is triggered at engine start and persists through all speeds. I have experienced it 0-70 mph. The flashing lights and associated rapid beeping indicating the failure is extremely distracting while drivin... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
It keeps saying parking light out. The engine light is now on and brakes and suspension are not good. Texas Crown auto sales or Crown auto sales sold me this lemon and I have only made 6 months of payments on it. It goes to the shop and stays at least three weeks every month In 2024. I have pictures and video of everyone that worked on it and sold it to me that they fired already.
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
Gas tank/fuel line leaking. Mechanic said I have to buy entire tank.
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
I brought this car [XXX] and the next day it broke down didn’t start at all I been saying I wanted my money back from day he didn’t take no for answer basically held me hostage until I paid everything. I brought this car and been without a car since this is totally unfair . The Clean state motors is a bad service communication place to buy car it was totally the opposite before I gave money fo... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2024
The Multimedia dashboard is completely blank. Not able to use sound, gps, music, etc. Cant set time or any adjustments to vehicle. This seems to be a manufacturing issue. Dealer said there is nothing they can do about it. Was told will need to pay $1600 to replace it. Don't know how long a new won will last. Can't keep spending $1600 everytime the electrical system Malfunctions. Please he... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2024
A steering coupler is failing and will eventually cause a loss of steering control while driving. The steering problem was diagnosed at a local Car- X by a certified mechanic. The vehicle is available for inspection. I took the vehicle in for inspection because of a clunking and rattling vibration while driving. The rattling and clunking and vibration caused me unexpected alarm distracting my focu... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2024
The 2 LCD screens that display all car data from speed to navigation to charging to safety features have all gone dark. My Fisker Ocean One only had 1485 miles on it when this screen failure occurred. I cannot tell how much change the car has. I cannot tell how fast I am driving.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
This has happened on two separate occasions, with our purchased-new 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid, which has about 30,000 miles on it. We've had no other issues with this car prior to these two events described below, which happened within in one week of each other. FIRST EPISODE: I was driving on a 4 lane road separated by a median, moving straight ahead at around 30MPH, when suddenly, without any... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2024
When placed in "Park" the vehicle's brakes did not engage, which allowed the vehicle to roll backwards when I exited the vehicle. I was able to reproduce the problem again and I recorded a video showing the problem. When pressing "Park" on the electronic shifter, the dashboard displays that the video is in "Park". However, the brakes are not engaged as evidenced by the vehicle rolling backwards w... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2017
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while in reverse, the camera screen went blank. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V342000 (Back Over Prevention). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a ... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2017
Windshield - NHTSA Recall 24V031 I received this recall notice in February. It indicated that "when parts are available" Ford will send a follow-up communication. There has been no follow-up communication received. On [XXX] I called the local dealership (Parks Ford of Gainesville FL) and was informed that parts are not yet available. Today is 31MAY24. Why is this taking so long and why has th... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2024
The "Power Steering Assist Fault" light came on when the car was started and the steering wheel was very heavy and hard to move. Simultaneously, the "Service AdvanceTrac" light also came on. The vehicle was later scanned and an internal component failure code "U-3000:04-68" was identified for the Power Steering Motor. This is an internal system failure. The safety risk was to the driver along wi... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2024
Coolant Bypass Hose had to be replaced on a vehicle that only had 80,000 miles and only 4 years old. “Engine maintenance required” displayed. Took to dealer and code popped up with an issue with the coolant bypass hose. Nothing occurred to trigger replacement…it was a faulty part to begin with.
Incident date: May 31, 2024
At my last oil change, I was told by Kia that the oil was extremely low, which shouldn't be the case as I was not overdue for an oil change. They told me they couldn't tell me why, and I could try an engine cleaning service for $300 or $400 dollars that would have maybe a 60% chance of working. If it didn't work, then the engine was the problem and I was basically just screwed. I decided to see... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS MODULE AND HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT. THIS TURNS THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL OFF. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH SEVERAL COMPLAITS.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing abnormal battery drainage and was not operating based on the designed mileage. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was overheating, and the failure persisted after the vehicle had been parked and turned off. The contact also stated that the front passenger's side window would roll down uninten... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing abnormal battery drainage and was not operating based on the designed mileage. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was overheating, and the failure persisted after the vehicle had been parked and turned off. The contact also stated that the front passenger's side window would roll down uninten... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2024
The engine has a coolant leak and has made my car not properly functional. Have taken it in multiple time for repairs same issue would happen now they won't fix it because of a specific code is not reading but exactly what's going on they won't fix because it's over the milage coverage confidently.
Incident date: May 28, 2024
While driving at highway speeds, I heard a rattling sound twice and then noticed something flew off of my car. I couldn't tell what at the time. When I was able to look later, the driver's side front a-pillar (which I was recently informed has a recall on it) was gone. This had then become a hazard in the road for other driver's. No remedy for the recall is available at this time. There was no war... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2024
I bought this vehicle new and it has an issue with braking. Once in a while when you hit your brake the car wants to keep going. Kind of like accelerating on its own. I let Toyota know about this a couple of times when I went in for scheduling maintenance. They say that they can’t find anything wrong. It’s has happened at least twenty times to me and more lately. Yesterday 5/29 it happened twi... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. The contact stated that the temperature gauge indicated that the engine had overheated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that there was a hole in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be re... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH, the check engine warning light and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing motive power and slowed to approximately 40 MPH. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact had taken the ve... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2024
I contacted a Nissan dealer regarding a repair matter concerning a safety recall for the fuel pump module. It seems that the vehicle is encountering stalling issues, which could potentially increase the likelihood of accidents or injuries, potentially resulting in fatalities. I was informed that Honda does not currently have the necessary part and regrettably, they are unable to schedule the repai... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the brake pads were squeaking while driving at undisclosed speeds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the rear brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurre... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2024
July 2023 and May 2024 opposite spring hangers broke off. The first time it blew a tire out on my travel trailer. The second time I realized what had happened before something catastrophic happened. Now my 4-year-old travel trailer is unsafe to be pulled on the highway. After some research, I have noticed this has been an issue with Lippert frames for quite some time. This time it flattened the ar... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2024
Side Blind Zone Warning in Driver’s side mirror constantly alerts(turns on) when driving on a highway next to guardrails without any other vehicles nearby. Extremely disturbing at night.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
Stabil track and Steering assist reduced warning lights go off while using turn signal. power steering, cruise control intermittently shut off causing jerking steering wheel and inability to steer. Using break and turn signal intermittently shuts off motor.
Incident date: May 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated while driving 25–45 MPH, the trailer hitch cover detached from the vehicle. The contact was able to retrieve the cover on the road and noticed that it was damaged. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure m... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
When pushing on the gas pedal, the vehicle often pushes forward aggressively and shifts very hard. Other times it does nothing when pushing on the gas and several seconds later there is throttling and intermittent shaking back and forth. It does not happen all the time, but happens quite often. I fear the vehicle could propel forward when I am driving and hit someone or something or it could slow ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
When pushing on the gas pedal, the vehicle often pushes forward aggressively and shifts very hard. Other times it does nothing when pushing on the gas and several seconds later there is throttling and intermittent shaking back and forth. It does not happen all the time, but happens quite often. I fear the vehicle could propel forward when I am driving and hit someone or something or it could slow ... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2024
I was driving down the road like normal and then it stopped wanting to go. The screen on the dash said see manual and had a little orange wrench. The car stopped going. It was still running but I pushed on the gas and it wouldn’t go. I stopped and the car was running rough. I turned it off and then turned it back on. The problem went away and it drove like normal again.
Incident date: May 28, 2024
The contact owns a 1997 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel became loosened while making a left turn. The contact stated that the "Check Suspension" and "Check ABS" messages were displayed on the instrument panel along with the oil, brake, and battery warning lights being illuminated. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that the part needed t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 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 local dealer was contacted. 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 ha... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2023
Rust got to the back end of this car it is completely detached this car is not safe in any shale or form. The backend could fall apart at any moment and completely make the tires and everything else fall right off. It has only been inspected by me and I am 100%sure it is rusted through and through. Just don't wanna see someone get hurt. The car vibrates on the highway.
Incident date: May 28, 2024
Brake pedal is hard when starting the vehicle. Brake pedal turns soft when engine is started. The brake pedal is so hard that it requires significant force to depress sufficiently to start the engine. This indicates loss of vacuum in brake booster when engine is off. The vehicle is equipped with a start/stop system and it seems likely that the brakes would not sufficiently hold the vehicle when th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
I have contacted 2 dealerships about fixing the recall and nobody will call me back to schedule to fix. All they say is they will talk to the shop manager, and I never hear back. Now the hood is constantly stuck or not opening.