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: Jun 10, 2026
On XXX, the 2.4L Theta II GDI engine on our 2014 Kia Sorento (current mileage: 160,000) catastrophically seized without warning while my [XXX] was driving at interstate speeds at night. This caused an immediate and sudden loss of power, power steering, and braking assist, creating an extreme traffic hazard. No one was injured and the driver was able to safely coast to the shoulder, but it created ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2024
AIR CONDITIONER SEAL AND COMPRESSOR PROBLEM CONFIRMED BY BOTH YES...DEALER AND INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP NO WARNING...APPROXIMATELY JUNE 10 2026 A/C COMPRESSOR HAS DIED TWICE IN 28000 MILES. ONCE AT 10200 MILES AND AGAIN 18000 MILES LATER. OUT OF WARRANTY BOTH TIMES. THERE ARE SERVICE BULLETINS ON SEAL BUT NOT COMPRESSOR. THE FAULTY SEAL EVENTUALLY DESTROYS COMPRESSOR SO THE SERVICE BULLETIN IS A H... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
While driving under normal highway conditions, my 2023 Nissan Rogue AWD experienced a sudden and severe safety malfunction. All warning and safety indicator lights on the dashboard illuminated simultaneously, followed by a complete shutdown of the digital instrument cluster. The vehicle lost critical display functions at the moment the issue occurred. Shortly afterward, the check engine light rema... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2024
There was a recall on these cars do to timing chain issues but mine was not in the recall with the others but ones not in recall are having same issues. Car is a ticking time bomb I want fixed under the recall.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
I have had to replace 6 of these tires on all wheels within in year as they develop bubbles even after almost being new with little mileage. I know of others who have similar problem. The service persons tell me that I am not alone with this issue. My son in his brand new BMW with same tires just got a bubble with 3K mikes on it.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
When I am stopped at a red light, the auto shutoff is activated, and when I lift off the brake and try to accelerate forward at the green light, the vehicle stalls for about 15 seconds, leaving the driver and passengers vulnerable to a car accident. One of the passenger seatbelts triggers the "no seatbelt" alarm, even when the passenger is buckled. If no one is seated there, there is no alarm. T... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
While driving on the parkway, the engine revved, and then the brakes became hard as a brick. The truck was unable to be stopped. There were no warning lamps or indications there was a problem, it happened suddenly and immediately. Other drivers' and my own safety was at risk because I could not stop the truck. Here is the diagnosis from the GM service center where it was towed to: "After the remov... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2026
The ioniq 5 highway driving assist, which steers the car and keeps it centered in the lane, will disengage without clear warning - the small green steering wheel icon (which is at the top of the dash cluster) simply becomes grey and blinks, but there's no audible chime to indicate that the car has disengaged the steering assist. I have had multiple times on the highway where it disengaged and I do... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
My wife and I were Driving when I tried to stop and the brakes failed. Within seconds the vehicle caught fire in the engine compartment. I had to slam the transmission into park cause the doors would not open. When my wife tried to escape out the passenger side the flames came into the cabin towards her. I then opened my door and then had to help my wife escape out the driver's side door. Within m... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
I believe this was a CDF Clutch Drum failure on the 10R80 transmission. Caused me to loose power midway through a signalized intersection. It is currently at the shop being diagnosed, but may be available for inspection upon a timely request. This issue put me and my family at risk because it caused my vehicle to stop in the middle of the road. No warning lamps, but the truck will no longer shift ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2026
While driving car will not let me accelerate and it hesitates while driving kind of a jerking if trying to accelerate. The AC blows hot air the check engine light is on I only had the car for two months purchased from dealership
Incident date: Jul 4, 2026
So the vsa/abs module on my car is malfunctioning which controls the abs system and the vehicles safety assist and my car through a code that says abs/vsa module malfunction and also I've been doing research online about it and all the forums and articles I've read says that it's a very common problem with 2007-2017 Honda Accord vehicle and I've reached out to multiple auto shops and they have tol... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
Whenever in park or reverse the vehicle suddenly power cycles. The vehicle also power cycles when steering and locks the wheel. This can be fatal if it happens on the public road in the middle of traffic.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
On January 19, 2026, my neighbors / daughter noticed smoke was coming from under the van that had been parked for over 3 hours. Shortly after, he confirmed the van had caught fire. I asked him to call the fire department.
Fire
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
The daylight running light in the rear do not work, which is needed for night time driving. At night when parked or driving the rear is completely dark, except the license plate lights. When I press the brakes they turn on, the signal lights work even the reverse lights. I've switched them to manual mode still no luck. I've checked some fuses, they all check out, nothing blowen. From some research... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
The daylight running light in the rear do not work, which is needed for night time driving. At night when parked or driving the rear is completely dark, except the license plate lights. When I press the brakes they turn on, the signal lights work even the reverse lights. I've switched them to manual mode still no luck. I've checked some fuses, they all check out, nothing blowen. From some research... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
While driving down a busy neighborhood street 2 lanes with cars on both sides making it a 1 lane road pulled over to the side a little to let cars pass. All of a sudden ALL electrical and engine stopped and turned off. Only thing that was powered was instrument cluster with multiple warnings like SRS Malfunction, Steering Malfunction, SOS Inoperative, Parking Brake and more. We believe the car ha... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
My power steering stopped functioning all of a sudden when driving on the road. I had to steer after that with much force and taking up almost two lanes when turning
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
Rock went through front grill. No protective screen behind. Punctured radiator. Coolant sprayed out at high velocity. Rendered vehicle un drivable. Towed away. Barely 1,000 miles on it.
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
I have owned this vehicle since February 2025 and as of June 2026 the CP4 Fuel pump failed and causes the Cummings engine to shutdown and the vehicle is now immobile. According to recent research and diagnosis, the cost of repair will exceed the value of the vehicle which I am still paying on. It is my understanding that a class action lawsuit for this particular issue is in progress and Nissan... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was a bell-sounding alert coming from the vehicle and several unknown warning lights illuminated. The messages Traction Control, ESC, and Cruise Control Offline were displayed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The local dealer was co... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The airbag warning light illuminated on my 2019 Ford Expedition. My Ford dealer diagnosed the vehicle and confirmed that the condition is related to an active Ford safety recall. The dealer also confirmed that the defect disables the entire Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), meaning the airbags will not deploy in the event of a collision. I was informed that the recall replacement part will not... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The airbag warning light illuminated on my 2019 Ford Expedition. My Ford dealer diagnosed the vehicle and confirmed that the condition is related to an active Ford safety recall. The dealer also confirmed that the defect disables the entire Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), meaning the airbags will not deploy in the event of a collision. I was informed that the recall replacement part will not... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
I took my SUV to Heritage Cadillac in Lombard, IL for a revving sound while accelerating, specifically from 0-35mph and then acceleration on the highway at higher speeds. It sounded like I was revving the engine even when I wasn't accelerating and stay at a constant speed. There were not any service lights or notification of any issues in my vehicle. The car is at 59,000 miles, I paid $230 for a d... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The transmission system failed, consistent with an active federal safety recall issued for this vehicle. The primary symptom was a complete failure to start. The vehicle is currently at Helfman, where it was towed for recall repair. It is available for inspection upon request at that location. A vehicle that fails to start due to a transmission defect under active recall creates a safety hazard in... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V101000 (Suspension), and the recall repair was completed. The contact stated that immediately after the recall repair, while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the rear end of the vehicle fishtailed, and the contact lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the same de... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V159000 (Visibility); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact to the NHTS... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
XXX at 300 miles on the bike, it broke down FSS failure/ engine overheating warning system came on the screen. Island Powersports repaired it and said it didn’t have enough coolant. At 568 miles or so on the bike, while traveling on sunrise hwy at 60 miles an hour, the bike began shaking, same warning light FSS failure, check engine light on. The bike lost power and I had to get from the middle... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2025
I own a 2020 Kia Soul that received Recall SC209. Kia performed the recall remedy and considered the recall complete. Before the engine failed, the vehicle had a documented history of excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was previously diagnosed by an independent third-party mechanic shop for excessive oil consumption, and I repeatedly had to add significant amounts of engine oil between oil ch... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2025
The service power steering warning light is illuminating due to a faulty electronic power steering module and is rendering the vehicle inoperable until the module can reset itself.
Incident date: Feb 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that white smoke was coming from the engine compartment whenever the vehicle reached normal operating temperature. The contact stated that smoke entered the passenger’s side compartment through the air vents and was coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated that there was a burning odor coming from the engine compartment due to an ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
Air conditioning problem . Ac shuts down after several hours . Has happened to numerous other Genesis cars .
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
My vehicle began experiencing excessive oil consumption several years before the engine failed. In approximately 2019, I reported the oil consumption to an authorized Hyundai dealership and expressed concern that my vehicle might have one of the known Theta II engine defects. I was told the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) campaign had been completed and that my vehicle was not one requiring e... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
My vehicle began experiencing excessive oil consumption several years before the engine failed. In approximately 2019, I reported the oil consumption to an authorized Hyundai dealership and expressed concern that my vehicle might have one of the known Theta II engine defects. I was told the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) campaign had been completed and that my vehicle was not one requiring e... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
Back up camera displays upside down image when vehicle is placed in Reverse making it extremely difficult to determine images pertaining to the safe operation of my vehicle while performing backing up or checking for obstacles; i.e. pedestrians, pets, bicycles, nearby vehicles or other objects that can cause damage to my vehicle. My vehicle was purchased in 2025 and was informed that this has been... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
I purchased a 2025 EX90 on XXX. Immediately upon purchase, nearly every time my [XXX] daughter was riding in the middle seat using the integrated booster, the car would alert me that someone was sitting in the other two seats on either side of her. There were also occasions when only one seat alarm would go off. I checked her positioning to confirm that there was nothing on those seats. I took it ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2024
Almost all functions connected to the steering column quit working. I do not have working turn signals, high beams or wipers, unless the wipers are on high. None of the functions on the steering wheel work. It seems like a safety issue to not have functioning turn signals or properly finctioning wipers and high beams. No lamps or warnings.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
I was waiting at a stop light. The idle system kicked and the vehicle turned off, as expected. Upon lifting my foot off the brake, the vehicle failed to start and the car went into park. I was unable to restart the car after holding the brake pedal down and pressing the start button multiple times. After many failed attempts, I shut off the power to the vehicle, waited a min or so and restarted th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
The vehicle displayed a low coolant warning and the coolant reservoir was low. Audi dealer service records dated on or about 02/14/2025 document the concern as: “client states low coolant warning was on, coolant reservoir is low, diagnose and advise.” The dealer performed coolant-related work involving the thermostat gasket / coolant hoses or connections to the coolant reservoir, ran the vehic... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
Scanned codes P0741, P1450, P1744, & P2196. Check the transmission fluid level and condition. No fluid drained from hole, added a little fluid, and retrieved a sample of the fluid. The fluid is very dark. Identifix states, if the fluid smells or has the appearance of being black due to internal clutch slippage, the transmission should be replaced or overhauled. If the transmission fluid is in good... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rear seat unlocked and flipped forward independently. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V393000 (Seats); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2025
The backup camera flips upside down when I try and reverse and or an error message pops up
Incident date: May 16, 2025
Summary: Recurring weak/no-start condition due to low battery voltage despite new battery replacement. Charging system (VVCS) fails to adequately maintain battery charge on normal driving patterns. -Purchased certified pre-owned vehicle Dec 2024. -Began experiencing weak battery (weak or no starts) approximately Jul 2025. Jump started and charged for a few months, as issue was intermittent. -... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
There is a shadow or "dark spot" observed in the LED low headlight beam. It is distracting while driving. The dark spot is distracting, sometimes you think an animal is coming into view, causing confusion. It is especially noticeable on totally dark roads in remote places.
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the awning deployed independently, and two huge metal pieces fell off the vehicle. The failure reoccurred on several occasions. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V695000 (Structure, Equipment); however, the fa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the awning deployed independently, and two huge metal pieces fell off the vehicle. The failure reoccurred on several occasions. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V695000 (Structure, Equipment); however, the fa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
One of two current recalls for this vehicle has no "remedy" or no "parts". Its a major recall and could honestly do some incredibly serious damage if it was to catch fire. Those of use that have a family, this is absolutely not safe to be driving.
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
Failure to release parking brake. Lining material improperly bonding to steel shoe from Manufacturer. Service Parking Brake warning Indicator “on”
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that it sounded like the lifter was banging inside the engine valve. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The man... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
I am filing this complaint because I believe I was the victim of odometer fraud in connection with the purchase of a vehicle from a private seller. At the time of the sale, I relied on the odometer reading and the seller’s representations about the vehicle’s mileage. After purchasing the vehicle, I discovered evidence indicating that the odometer had been rolled back by approximately 90,000 m... Read more