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: Apr 26, 2024
Sticky Steering wheel. Difficult to adjust steering. Small adjustments causing large swaying in lane.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
The APIM failed when the vehicle had less than 25,000 miles on it. It was paid for by an extended vehicle warranty, instead of being paid by Ford for bad equipment. It is now back in the shop and they want to charge almost $400 to provide a software update to the equipment that was just replaced. I had the same issue on a 2020 Lincoln Aviator. APIM had to be replaced, my extended warranty was use... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2023
Complete system brake failure. Brake lines are completely corroded.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
This happened on [XXX] at roughly [XXX] pm. I bought the new 2023 hybrid accord ex-l in June 2023 and the car only had 12413 miles. I was driving in Slidell, LA along [XXX] road towards [XXX]. I was driving 45 mph with adaptive cruise control. Suddenly there were lots of warning lights on. I don't really remember clearly how many warning lights since I was shocked. But I think that the "check eng... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2024
I had the push start button replaced approximately 2 years ago due to the part failing and the car being extremely hard to start. This was covered by Honda (not sure if it was an actual recall). Now I am having the exact same issue again. This is extremely dangerous as I leave work late at night and alone. I am tired of constantly being stranded and it taking several minutes to get my car started.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact's wife owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle would jerk and hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal as an abnormal, grinding sound would emit from the vehicle. A yellow transmission warning light was illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The manufacturer was also notified of the f... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
I was driving on busy road and truck completely shut down with a warning message”shifter autocorrect active” all power to truck died out and truck cruised to a slow speed and then abruptly jumped into park.i would restart it, drive few feet and it did it again. A few times it drove for a relatively longer distance but same message would come up and truck shut down in motion. Police had me take... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
When gas is pressed (even to floor) in drive, vehicle stalls, does not accelerate. Then vehicle jerks into propulsion after revving. Other instances, at deceleration the car will jerk and shake to a stop. I have mentioned the problem at every scheduled maintenance
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
When gas is pressed (even to floor) in drive, vehicle stalls, does not accelerate. Then vehicle jerks into propulsion after revving. Other instances, at deceleration the car will jerk and shake to a stop. I have mentioned the problem at every scheduled maintenance
Incident date: Sep 20, 2022
TPMS light came on and will not reset. As a result I have lost the ability to engage the 4x4 system. The front axle actuator is electrically controlled and will no longer engage.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2022
Motor started smoking, lost most power,able to get to side of highway
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
While driving, mostly but not exclusively at higher speeds (freeway, interstate, etc.) the steering wheel feels sticky. Usually occurs while gradually turning, the steering wheel will stick in place, and require force to correct and straighten the wheel back to center position. It was occasional at first but now happens almost everytime I drive the vehicle.
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
Model 2507S Trailer, Suburban 6gal Gas/Elec Water Heater. Has been out 4 times since new last summer. Last trip lasted 5 weeks. When setting up at camp, open up trlr and operate Water heater on Gas, with any kind of winds from Drivers side rear quadrant, The CO - Propane detector goes off, and readings of up to 350ppm of CO (no gas odorant noted). Gas heater is shut off as unit is emptied of ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2024
Twice in the past week my 2017 Honda pilot equipped with the auto start/stop feature completely shuts off at traffic lights. Usually it turns back on but it completely shut down and would not restart at very busy intersections. I was very afraid of being rear ended while i was stuck there at the light, and this is a known issue that Honda has yet to address.
Incident date: Apr 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, he observed a humming sound coming from under the front of the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle lost motive power and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
The gear post has been stuck in park for at least 3 days. I have to keep using the screwdriver method jut to get it in reverse. Everytime I make a stop and get back in the car have to use the screwdriver. I've had the car since January 16th never had this problem
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
Random downshift, loss of engine power, then power comes back at high RPMs then truck recovers. This has happened 3 times. Today, I was driving at approximately 55mph, with no throttle variation, the truck lost power and downshifted. Whatever gear it found it was enough to bark the tires.
Incident date: Apr 29, 2024
Tire size: 245/75 R16 LT 120/116Q Tire: Kumho Crugen HT51 I was driving on [XXX] and had only been driving about 30 minutes. I heard a sound and could see rubber from rear passenger side tire separating from the tire. I assumed I had a flat tire and immediately pulled over to the right shoulder of highway. When I stepped out I was surprised to see a lot of damage due to the tire tread separating ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags) 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 dealer was not made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact... Read more
RAM
PROMASTER 1500
(2021) — POWER TRAIN
Apr 29, 2024
Incident date: Apr 29, 2024
Gears are slipping and fluttering between gears 3, 4, & 5. Research leads me to a TSB-2250 released by Ford in 8/2023, and it has caused me to lose speed/control when accelerating through traffic intersections and getting up to speed on the high way.
Incident date: Apr 27, 2024
My 2014 kia sx limited is pealing paint, a huge chuck on drivers side pillar. It has been garaged kept, and only has 150,000 miles. If u need I can send a picture.
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
[XXX] At approximately [XXX] pm, while driving to Dallas, Texas, the car bucked numerous times while attempting to pass another car at approximately 65 mph. The GV70 then started to deaccelerate. The speed dropped to around 50 mph. I continued to press the accelerator, but the car would not accelerate but the engine was revving (RPM hit around 5000) and then dropped back down. I continued driv... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
Removed the winter cover for the RV and the laminated cover for the tongue jack was disintegrated, exposing the power switches and light. This jack was already previously replaced due to the same, or similar problem. The replacement jack has the same touch pad cracking problem as the original jack. I do not know if the jack may extend on its own if the circuitry inside gets wet, like the first rec... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2024
Stress Crack under Kitchen slideout. Dealer told me this is common. I disagree
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
WAS DRIVING THE CAR PARKED WENT INTO THE STORE AND CAME BACK OUT I STARTED THE CAR AND IT WAS DRIVING FINE THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I HAD TO GRAB THE WHEEL TIGHT BECAUSE IT FLASHED SAYING STEERING LOSS PULL OVER. i HAD MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR IT WAS SO UNSAFE AND SCARY AND I SEE MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS ISSUE AND I AM NOT UNDERSTANDING WHY THERE IS NO RECALL
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
I was driving to work and many of my warning lights suddenly came on. This includes my check engine light, my lane assist light, my auto collision braking, my eye sight disabled and my cool engine light keeps going on and off. My cabin heating also isn’t working. There is no reason for this happening other than my thermo control valve failing.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
Vehicle immediately accelerated as I was attempting to pull out of the house garage. I pressed hard on the breaks to halt it. I then returned the gear knob to park (“P”) mode. I tried again to place the gear knob on drive and the vehicle started raving on high as if it was about to take off at full speed. I waited for a few minutes while it was on park “P” mode, with the engine still i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
Vehicle immediately accelerated as I was attempting to pull out of the house garage. I pressed hard on the breaks to halt it. I then returned the gear knob to park (“P”) mode. I tried again to place the gear knob on drive and the vehicle started raving on high as if it was about to take off at full speed. I waited for a few minutes while it was on park “P” mode, with the engine still i... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
I have been driving this car for over a year and have not had any impact, collision or any kind of accident. Last week I noticed a crack around the windshield. I starts from the bottom, up towards the middle and arcs toward the driver side. There is no point of contact or any indication that a small/tiny rock fell on it. At first I thought it was a rain drop that rolled down on the windshield but ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
Hvac system blows cold or hot air through defrost in any mode. Face , feet, no matter what. Makes it hard to see out windows.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
Hood shakes when driving at highway speed.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
Brakes are incredibly stiff and require an egregious amount of force to apply any amount of braking force and the brake booster is constantly spooling up and making noises. apparently this as well the EGR was a recall but window to qualify for the recall is too short and the brake booster failing is a serious safety hazard.
Incident date: Apr 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle, the Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Collision Mitigation System, Road Departure Mitigation system, and Auto High Beam system warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that multiple failures occurred soon after the windshield was replaced by an independent mechanic. The dealer was notified... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the engine temperate HOT warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the engine started shaking and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to drive a short distance to the residence. The contact stated that an independent mechanic inspected the coolant fluid but there were no visible leaks... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2023
C1391 error code All brake dash lights (abs, parking brake, !) came on and brakes would not stop. I had to put my foot the floor to get the car stopped. No warning at all, lights came on and brakes instantly malfunctioned
Incident date: Aug 4, 2023
Check engine light is on. When it’s checked it says a fuel emissions leak. Code is cleared and then turns back on a month later.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
The piece that keeps my driver side door from opening to the point of breaking has broken from the door, and in turn is preventing my driver side window from opening/closing. The cause of this problem is that the solder came loose from the inside of the door. If the wind catches my door, I risk the chance of it buckling at the hinge of the driver door. I have taken it to the dealership in my area ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2021
The horn's position on the steering wheel is not fixed, leading to instances where it fails to alert other vehicles or passengers in potentially dangerous situations. For example, there was one occasion where a vehicle approached from the opposite direction, necessitating the use of the horn, but I struggled to locate it as the steering wheel was turned at a 90-degree angle. Additionally, the horn... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
The vehicle was already in for service once for this issue and is going back a second time the rear camera when backing up randomly starts to flicker and go crazy, and sometimes blanking out. The first fix replaced the camera to no avail. It seems to happen randomly, but about 50% of the time. I have video of the rear backup camera going crazy.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
ABS FAILURE / DEALER WAITING ON PART FOR OVER ONE YEAR
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
I have the KSDS and the engine light came on right when my engine began shaking and knocking and died in the middle of downtown Chicago traffic while driving. I had it towed to the dealership and they stated that I had no compressions in a cylinder which is part of the engine and I needed a replacement engine. My vehicle had regular maintenance at Kia they change my oil, add coolant and anything t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
My 2012 Chevy Tahoe Dashboard is completely cracked up. This seems to be a very common issue as I read online. I am very concerned about the Safety with the Dashboard being cracked in multiple areas. What do I need to do to get Chevy to replace this at no cost to me?
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the seat belt failed to securely buckle. The seat belt warning light was illuminated. There was an abnormal beeping sound detected. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact that the seat belt buckle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact tha... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced a failure. The contact stated that while driving... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer had been notified about the recall but informed the contact that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The cont... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
The passenger sliding door locked is stuck locked and the door will not open.
Incident date: Jul 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) 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 that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side windshield trim detached and... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2023
The dash deteriorated to the extent that, according to a Ford engineer, the passenger airbag will not deploy properly.
Incident date: Apr 23, 2024
Car has 120 000. Miles on it. Subframe is completely rotten and broken. UNDRIVEABLE!!!!!! WELL KNOW ON 2009 MURANO'S. What can Nissan do about this?
Incident date: Apr 23, 2024
DEFECTIVE headlamps. Excessive moisture builds up in housing effecting performance of lights in evening. Was stopped by DPS for having bad headlamps. Dealership says it normal, no its not. It's very unsafe to drive at night with moisture in lamps. Had it looked at or inspected by independent shop and DPS. My safety is at risk for you can't see at night with all the moisture in lamps. This is a com... Read more