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
RAM
PROMASTER 3500
(2024) - AIR BAGS
Aug 27, 2024
Incident date: Aug 17, 2024
I have called GM multiple times and the local dealership. GM Motors has airbags and are currenlty fixing vehicles and has not included my vehicle in any current priority group. The local dealer tried to get my vehicle included in this current round and was denied despite my vehicle being in Louisiana where it is very hot and humid. Both of these are risk factors causing the explosion of the inflat... Read more
RAM
PROMASTER 3500
(2024) - POWER TRAIN
Aug 27, 2024
Incident date: Aug 17, 2024
Electrical short in transmission shift solenoid. Hard banging noise in transmission at 70 mph. Vehicle had to be moved to side of road. This caused the possibility of a tea end collision at high speed. Service engine soon message appeared at time of problem. Malfunction in transmission has been confirmed by dealer service center. The vehicle has been taken to service center because of hard... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2024
The contact owned a 2020 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH in rainy weather, the vehicle inadvertently spun in circles, and he lost control of the vehicle. The contact took his foot off the accelerator pedal. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle crashed into an embankment and then spun twice before inadvertently driving into the forest and coming to a complet... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 22, 2024
Power Steering is not working. At times it works fine, then sometimes it is hard to turn, and other times it stops working all together where I cannot move steering wheel at all. This has caused issues when driving on Highway and City streets as I am unable to safely maneuver the vehicle. I have narrowly avoided 2 accidents. I attempted to add power steering fluid and then learned this vehicle has... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering failed with the “Service Power Steering” warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred while making a left turn. The contact stated that due to the failure there was almost a crash with another vehicle. The contact turned off the vehicle and allowed the vehic... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V675000 (Suspension). The contact stated that while his wife was driving 45 MPH, the driver lost control of the vehicle and ended up nearby a ditch. The contact stated that while his wife was driving straight, the vehicle veered off independently. There were no injuries during the failure. The vehi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
My vehicle Check Engine light came on and after taking it to the Ford dealership they said that there is a coolant intrusion and the short block needs to be replaced as well as the cylinder head gasket. The repairs they told me would be over $10,000. I am not able to make that payment happen and the car is now sitting in the yard. I am the only owner. I never received anything about something bein... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
The vehicle experienced multiple system failures, indicated by error messages in 11 different systems, including the check engine light. The affected systems were Tire Pressure Monitoring, Brake System, Electronic Power Steering, Vehicle Stability Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Road Departure Mitigation, Electric Parking Brake, Emissions System, Brake Hold System, Hill Start Assist, and Collisio... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
The contact's husband owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon start the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with cam phaser failure. The contact was informed that the cam phasers needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The cont... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle came to an immediate stop and did not return to normal operation. The contact noticed that the front control arm had detached. No warning light was illuminated. The contact researched and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V458000 (Suspension). The vehicle was not drivable and ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
Been getting a low coolant warning, coolant is not low ,is actually over limit. Car then says overheating service now,goes into limp mode. Engine light comes on. I cannot drive car until it shuts off, sit awhile and then go. Engine light on get a p1299 reading,have had that reading for years,they replaced motor while under warranty ,now four years later the exact same thing is happening and I have... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
Been getting a low coolant warning, coolant is not low ,is actually over limit. Car then says overheating service now,goes into limp mode. Engine light comes on. I cannot drive car until it shuts off, sit awhile and then go. Engine light on get a p1299 reading,have had that reading for years,they replaced motor while under warranty ,now four years later the exact same thing is happening and I have... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2024
Our VW ID.4 was leased in December 2023. The vehicle unexpectedly went into "turtle"mode or limp mode, which according to VW happens when the battery is very low. Notably, we had 80% of battery charge at the time (which is the optimum charge). Unexpectedly, the yellow turtle display came on and, worse, the vehicle lost power while driving. The speed was greatly reduced, the power was also greatly ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
The contact's client owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); 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. T... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
Few days ago I was driving in the rain . suddenly i heard a scratching noise > i stopped the vehicle and looked underneath i saw a plastic sheet hanging . this happened while driving on the flash of water and due to impact of water because toyota used a very cheap quality sheet underneath for protection with plastic bolts . i took the vehicle to the dealer ship and they refuse to fix it under war... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2024
I was driving the vehicle with no other vehicles in front of me, yet the vehicle hard braked as if it sensed a collision was about to occur. This happened on 08/23/2024 around 10:05 am.
Incident date: Aug 25, 2024
I was driving the vehicle with no other vehicles in front of me, yet the vehicle hard braked as if it sensed a collision was about to occur. This happened on 08/23/2024 around 10:05 am.
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH and slowing for traffic, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brake pedal was firm. The contact stated that added force was needed to depress the brake pedal to slow the vehicle. The contact almost had to pull onto the shoulder since the vehicle was not slowing as needed. The contact stated th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Power Steering Assist Fault," message was displayed after which the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly. The contact stated that extra effort was needed to steer the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact briefly lost control of the vehicle, ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2024
Mercedes Benz USA has been equipping their 2023 EQS580 4Matic Sedans with Summer tires. It makes the vehicle very unsafe while driving in Winters. These are the tires which are not supported by the tire manufactures on their websites, but only supported by Mercedes Benz USA on their website. I am trying to report this so that it can be looked into. This could be a reason for creating car crashes. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
I was backing up with nothing behind me and the truck abruptly went into park, applied the parking brake, and shut down the engine. Later, on the drive to work, the battery light came on and I had received a "reduced battery capacity" message on the display. The truck has the hybrid system with less than 9k miles. Emailing the dealership, they did not claim anything is wrong. Two weeks earlier no ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted with the transmission overheating message displayed. The vehicle was able to restart however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
Car has unintended acceleration that can only be stopped by turning off ignition key. This happens without warning. When stopped and foot on brake car accelerates to top rpm then brake goes to floor resulting in no control of car.
Crash
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
August 2nd I noticed a smell of Coolant coming from my car. I looked under my car and noticed it leaking green coolant. I took it to Mazda where they had it for 7 days to then give me a $6,300 estimate with possible added expenses. They diagnosed it as a cracked cylinder head and needs a gasket as well. I am a single mother and have work but I cannot afford that repair especially since Mazda is ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2024
6L80 transmission failure at only 82k miles. This is a known Chevrolet fail point on all vehicles equipped with this transmission yet Chevrolet does nothing to recall or repair the issue. Customer absorbs full cost of repair ($6k) and chevrolet acts like they know nothing about it. This happens on the highway at speeds and vehicles suddenly have no drive putting occupants at risk of other traff... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2024
I filled my ram with gas and a gas tank strap fell through the frame. The frame around the strap failed while the rest of the frame looks to be in good condition.
Incident date: Aug 2, 2024
Driving on 55MPH multi lane road in a heavy load of traffic. While driving at a steady rate of speed the engine, with the gas pedal depressed, suddenly increases in RPM's and is no longer keeping speed. Pressing the gas further only increases the RPM's but does not propel the vehicle. Very unsafe trying to navigate the vehicle to a safe stop withing traffic flow. Error Drive System message on da... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
Our son no matter how we try and position him his chin is touching his chest and starts to bubble during our car rides in the mesa max. He also seems to overheat in it and comes out sweaty even with the shortest car ride. We contacted the mfg and they told us he was too big for infant inserts and too small in the bucket itself.. and to wrap a dish towel around the crouch buckle to help keep him pu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2024
Our son no matter how we try and position him his chin is touching his chest and starts to bubble during our car rides in the mesa max. He also seems to overheat in it and comes out sweaty even with the shortest car ride. We contacted the mfg and they told us he was too big for infant inserts and too small in the bucket itself.. and to wrap a dish towel around the crouch buckle to help keep him pu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Leaf. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was swerving to the right and then accelerated unintendedly. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated as needed upon depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, the contact stated that after the driver pulled over to the side of the road and released the accelerator ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
After fueling up at a gas station, my 2021 Ford Bronco Sport would not start. When I tried, all of the lighted features started strobing, flashing, and cycling through very quickly on my panel. I called Roadside Assistance, and they jumped me. It was a 50-minute drive home, so it gave the vehicle ample time to recharge. The next day, it would not start. I am waiting for a Roadside to jump me again... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Peterbilt 386 equipped with Kelly Tires, Tire Line: Armor Steel RSA2, Tire Size: 295/75/R22.5, DOT Number: 04N37XETW. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the tread separated from the front driver's side tire core. The contact stated that the tire was a replacement tire. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Fisker Ocean. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V499000 (Electrical System); 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 because the phone number on the recall notice was disconne... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Honda Accord. The contact stated when the vehicle started, the MIL warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that previously, while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the odor had gotten lighter over the passing days. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
The headrest on the drivers seat came apart. We have been unable to get it back together. Car was at rest in a parking lot and very luckily was not being driven at the time. This would be extremely dangerous if the car was being driven when this happened
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
I purchased brand new 2025 Kia Carnival SX less than 2 months ago and it is back at the dealership for service for the second time. First time it had an airbag light stay on the dash and the battery kept reading low voltage and would not allow us to use any features on Kia Access app such as remote start and 360 view. The dealership fixed the airbag light but did not find any electrical issues wit... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
In 2020, we started noticing the smell of engine coolant and the continuous running of the engine fan after shutting the engine off. The temperature gage never indicated any issue. We took the vehicle to the dealer to address the issue. Upon inspecting the vehicle, it was determined that there was a failure of one of the engine block bolts, which cause the coolant to seep in to the engine block. T... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
Whilst driving on the interstate,the vehicles engine shut off with no warning. Rpm and everything was as normal and the vehicle shut off with no gas power, nothing. Engine and oil lights started flashing heavily, engine started rattling. Upon checking battery all was normal, car started smelling of burning under the hood
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
i WAS CROSSING A DIVIDED HIGHWAY FROM A SIDE STREET AND WHEN I GOT ACROSS AND TRIED TO ACCELERATE IN THE LANE THE TRUCK WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO 2ND GEAR. I WAS DEAD IN THE LANE WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC COMING UP FROM BEHIND. A CAR HAD TO LOCK ITS BRAKES TO NOT HIT ME. i PULLED OVER AND TURNED THE TRUCK OFF, RESTARTED IT AND IT SEEMED TO WORK OK UNTIL ABOUT 10 MILES LATER WHEN DRIVING AT 55 USING CRUSE C... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
Full self driving version 12.5.1.3 has run through red lights on two occasions in past three weeks. This is completely unacceptable and software must be recalled. Suggest that Tesla should be reimbursing customers subscription fees paid.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
The automated emergency braking system has activated twice without any reason and slowing the vehicle rapidly. Once after turning into a parking lot and again while driving at a constant speed of 40 mph on a straight unobstructed road with no traffic in front or oncoming.
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
The vigils when turning left or right makes a grumbling sound from the rear or transmission. Took the car to Kia in Huntsville. Al and they keep saying they don’t hear anything. You can clearly hear it. I have video recording. Seem like they don’t want to cover what is broken. It could possibly be the transmission case/ coupler because it’s an AWD. Next I will be filing a law suite.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2024
I was drivin during the day with no one in front of me and all of a sudden the car was beeping, an alert flashed on the dash and my car skidded to a stop. The alert flashed so quickly I wasn’t able to see what it was and I had no control over my car. Fortunately no one was behind me.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2024
TFT/MID (Multi Instrument Display) fails to show any information, including speed, RPMs, gear selection, fuel gauge, etc. Can be inspected upon request. Safety compromised as vital information on the vehicle is not available. Problem is ongoing. Vehicle will be taken to dealership for further diagnostics. Due to nature or failure, no messages (or any other vehicle information) can be displayed... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2024
Strong gasoline smell noticed inside and outside vehicle. Took vehicle to dealership 3/1/24 where the smell was confirmed. Fuel rail was found to be leaking. Dealership removed and replaced all components damaged with leak. This problem started again Friday, 8/23/24. Did not resolve and got stronger. Car will be going back to the dealership Monday, 8/26/24 for evaluation.
Incident date: Aug 25, 2024
When stopped at a stoplight, in unbridled mode with one pedal driving engaged, the car surged forward on it's own. The surge forward caused my vehicle to rear-end another vehicle. I would assume the failure was the one pedal driving system and it is available for inspection. The problem has not been reproduced or inspected yet, but we have an appointment for a Ford dealer to evaluate the car. The ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
June 19. My engine light came on, low engine oil pressure warning on the display, and the power of my engine decreased rapidly. I was able to pull off the road and eventually park. Over the next few days I solicited advice about what could cause low engine oil pressure until I received the recall notice. Jun 23. After received a recall notice that mentioned low engine oil pressure so I called Mat... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Today is Aug. 24, 2024. On [XXX], as my wife and I were preparing to leave on a vacation trip, our leased 2023 GMC Acadia would not move out of Low Gears moving forward. I soon discovered that it also would not shift into Reverse. When I took the vehicle to the GMC dealership near my home in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the service advisor told me that the Check Engine light was on. The dealer has had ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
SVC 4WD light and clunking noises code C14A7-97-Rear differential and ptu spline failure and replaced at 34,870 miles. Now 71,060 miles SVC 4WD light on and code is again C14A7 rear differential and spline failure. And was told this time the 48 month warranty on the parts has expired. Its been 52 months. I purchased this 2018 in 2017. Why is this not recalled like the 2017 for the ptu and differen... Read more