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: Oct 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Maverick. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V380000 (Engine) 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 had not experience... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond, jerked and stalled. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to restart, but sputtered. The contact stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle, and continued driving; however, the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
THIS VEHICLE RECENTLY HAD A NEW ENGINE AND NEW TRANSMISSION INSTALLED INTO IT IN FEBRUARY OF THIS YEAR. LESS THAN 10K MILES ON IT. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ON 4/12/2024 AND I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER IMMEDIATELY. THEY CALLED ME ON 4/15/2024 STATING THAT THEIR ENGINEERS AND TECHS HAD HAD PROBLEMS ON THE TRANSMISSION RECENTLY INSTALLED ON IT DUE TO MANUFACTURING AND/OR FAULTY PARTS, AND TO REPL... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
THIS VEHICLE RECENTLY HAD A NEW ENGINE AND NEW TRANSMISSION INSTALLED INTO IT IN FEBRUARY OF THIS YEAR. LESS THAN 10K MILES ON IT. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ON 4/12/2024 AND I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER IMMEDIATELY. THEY CALLED ME ON 4/15/2024 STATING THAT THEIR ENGINEERS AND TECHS HAD HAD PROBLEMS ON THE TRANSMISSION RECENTLY INSTALLED ON IT DUE TO MANUFACTURING AND/OR FAULTY PARTS, AND TO REPL... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2020
Bought this vehicle from Bayou Ford in LaPlace, LA around 2 months ago. The back up camera stopped working correctly after first month. Paid to have reset at Ford dealer in Slidell, they said wasn't on recall. It's got squiggly lines when selecting reverse on shifter, unable to view behind me. This is dangerous as it's a large vehicle and I fear running over something or into another vehicle out... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
We Bought a Chevy Silverado 1500 truck used in Nov 2021for purpose of towing RV trailer. In having axel bearings packed on trailer March [XXX], 2024, the RV mechanic noticed no wear or brake dust. He checked and determined RV brakes had never engaged and found no power to the RV brakes in the plug in port on back of truck. Took to dealer, Chesrown in Delaware Ohio, on [XXX], 2024. After having tr... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 128I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic s... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2024
My blind spot detectors went out, now as a result most of the electrical stuff no longer works. The car powers on and drains the battery randomly and the speedometer doesn’t work. Every light comes on from front camera, abs, and even power steering. I didn’t feel safe taking my kids to school and now I don’t feel I should pay $1,300 out of pocket.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
ABS. Code c0020-01 abs pump motor failure
Incident date: Apr 23, 2024
Power steering locks up and makes it almost impossible to turn the wheel. Error diagnostic code is B2278. VIN is not included in the recall.
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the odometer displayed dashes only, not numbers. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that prev... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V581000 (Steering) 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, there... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
This model has been under a recall notice since September 25, 2023. The recall notice advises owners to park their car away from structures in fear of fire. According to the most recent data available, Kia has not even completed the remedy for the issue and has communicated NOTHING to owners about the status of a fix. It is now eight months since this recall was issued -- eight months of not kn... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2024
Operator reported that under braking, they lost all power assist to the brake pedal and brake pedal was extremely hard to push. This resulted in extended stopping distance and difficulty slowing the vehicle down. It was found that the vacuum pump had failed. We are a large utility fleet, and this issue has occurred a number of times to our Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon vehicles and we deem this... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2024
Saying check brakes and safely pull over hybrid battery failure
Incident date: Apr 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving at various speeds in the rain or in the snow, the instrument cluster, the instrument panel, and the infotainment system became inoperable, causing the Forward Sensing Camera system to become inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated that the rearview camera was inoperable while reversing in the rain or in the snow. The conta... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving at various speeds in the rain or in the snow, the instrument cluster, the instrument panel, and the infotainment system became inoperable, causing the Forward Sensing Camera system to become inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated that the rearview camera was inoperable while reversing in the rain or in the snow. The conta... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2021
On or about Sep 25th 2023, automatic brake system invertedly activated while driving 40mph with no traffic. Dealership could not find any codes or errors. On or about Apr 01st 2024, automatic brake system invertedly activated while driving 40mph with no traffic. Dealership could not find any codes or errors. On or about Apr 03rd 2024, vehicle turned on all by its shelf with no key fob around. Op... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
P215/55R18 94H M+S Nothing has happened yet, but we need to get all new tires! When we got these [XXX] they were 80,000 mile tires. The mileage on our car when installed was 33,231 and is now 74,434, so no where near 80,000 miles. There are cracks all around all 4 tires L Front the worst, on the sidewall by the tread! We have only been back to Sams once for rotation etc., because it is 20 miles... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
The dealer and manufacture have not been able to fix emissions issue. It has cause severe fuel saturation in oil and has cause severe motor damage. No one cares and they brush it off as no big deal.
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
At about 5,000 miles the steering started to become sticky at higher speeds. When driving straight it jerks slightly throughout the drive. Honda dealer has informed us we need a replacement part. 53620-3d4-a25. I believe this is a replacement steering rack. We took in to the dealer in October and as of April part is still back ordered with no estimated timeframe for delivery likely due to demand a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
The engine still make a sound and the body when is raining the water came inside
Incident date: Apr 21, 2024
Service light popped up that says “Service Stabilitrak”
Incident date: Apr 21, 2024
Once again the car loses ability to accelerate after driving at highway speeds and driving for about an hour. The car won’t accelerate and has to be turned off and has to sit for awhile. Sometimes the car struggles to start back up. This may happen several times when I drive. This is a safety issue as the car isn’t reliable and can’t just not accelerate on the highway. I feel this is re... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2024
Steering Rack and Pinion - Began malfunctioning (noise, and vibration when turning) at less than 10,000 miles. I visited Ram Dealer several times between 10,000 - 34,000 miles and they stated they could not replicate the issue. I drove the vehicle with their technical and they agreed there was an issue. Finally they replaced the Steering System when it had about 34,000 miles. This is a potential... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2024
I received this safety recall letter in Feb 2024. Have called Rivertown Ford In Columbus ga and they said they don't have the parts nor the approval to do the safety recall. Saturday while in Atlanta my car got a low oil pressure light I pulled over and called Ford they said they don't have approval to fix this recall but I can pay to have it fixed. since my vehicle is broke down. i had to pay 680... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2024
Engine failure-yes, available for inspection The engine may fail at anytime leaving me and/or family stranded. Putting us in danger of being seriously injured or even killed. Yes, the dealer mechanic explained that the coolant was leaking into the head gasket/ block. He stated this was a known issue by Ford. He also stated that he would not drive the more than just home from the shop because othe... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
My truck has the Death Wobble . It has been worked on for the incident It happened again yesterday at least 4 times within 30 minutes We turned around and came are parked the truck. Am going to talk to the Dealer where I Purchase the vehicle and want some answers and to fix this major problem with my Ford Superduty 250 2017
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
Auto start stalled at highway stop light , then parked and shut off, went to leave would not start , emergency Alarm going off will not start , Emission light , Lane depart light , transmission light , battery dead , I’ve been dealing with problems with the Honda pilot since I bought brand new 2019 Honda pilot elite , auto pilot stop and go wouldn’t kick back on and that was 40,000 take in cha... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
Auto start stalled at highway stop light , then parked and shut off, went to leave would not start , emergency Alarm going off will not start , Emission light , Lane depart light , transmission light , battery dead , I’ve been dealing with problems with the Honda pilot since I bought brand new 2019 Honda pilot elite , auto pilot stop and go wouldn’t kick back on and that was 40,000 take in cha... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
The known issue that Ram refuses to is plaguing my truck. ABS and Traction Control lights come on. This shuts off the cruise control as well as makes braking difficult. It is very dangerous. This is a ticking time bomb. Vehicle has under 50k miles on it. 2017 and 2018 have been known to have faulty ECU Module and HCU. Loss of brakes momentarily occurred on [XXX]. I am having the issues unde... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
The steering lock has miraculously failed and several other individuals have made this complaint. VW advised this is a known issue but has not issued a recall to have this fixed. Instead, we are forced to pay thousands to fix their mistake when it came to manufacturing
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
I have a 2017, Ford F150 I have a knocking noise on the engine and I also have oil pan leak. It’s been like this since I had 85,000 mile now I am at 99,000 miles
Incident date: Oct 4, 2023
My son and I slowed at a light to turn right. The vehicle completely shut down in traffic. We couldn’t put the car in neutral. We couldn’t turn the hazard lights on and couldn’t jump the vehicle. Luckily we were going slow traveling approx 10-15mph. Our emergency jump machine eventually worked after about 10 minutes, but the console screen remained blank and we drove straight to the dealer, ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
While driving around [XXX] PM on Thursday, [XXX], the Focus Electric displayed a "Stop Safely Now" message and proceeded to cut power going to the electric motor, allowing the car only to coast as if it was in neutral. Luckily no vehicles were around in my lanes, as that easily could've caused an accident. Electric steering, regen braking, and air conditioning were all disabled. I was able to coas... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
My car randomly swerves in a zigzag motion unexpectedly, nearly causing several accidents. I am scared to drive my car. I have not been able to detect any triggers, as it will do this randomly, regardless of a smooth road, street conditions, weather, speed, freeway, neighborhoods, etc. No warning lamps have come on. Tires are in excellent condition. I have not found any information online, and eve... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2024
When I drive the van just stops working. So I have pulled out into the street to cross traffic and on many occasions the car just won't drive like the transmission isn't in gear. It will eventually get into gear and go again but I have almost been hit before. I think my car should've been included in the transmission recall.
Incident date: Feb 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2007 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was pulling to one side. There was an abnormal winding noise detected. The window failed to go up when the button was depressed. The engine and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an ind... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
Despite a recall on the fuel pump, there continues to be a problem but instead of the “back” fuel pump that was fixed, the “front” fuel pump seems to be having the same issue. When taken to the dealer, the code P0087- fuel rail/system pressure too low shows up. This is causing car to stall, unable to pick up speed or simply pick up too much speed when attempting to accelerate. It’s a s... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
Despite a recall on the fuel pump, there continues to be a problem but instead of the “back” fuel pump that was fixed, the “front” fuel pump seems to be having the same issue. When taken to the dealer, the code P0087- fuel rail/system pressure too low shows up. This is causing car to stall, unable to pick up speed or simply pick up too much speed when attempting to accelerate. It’s a s... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
Shortly after purchasing brand new in July of 2021, this motorcycle developed a violent shake and wobble at 40mph, which could be felt between 35mph and 45mph, but was much worse at 40mph. It also developed at the same time a constant, uncommanded pull to the right. I have tried for three years to get this problem fixed and addressed under warranty. I have not been successful thus far. I have ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
Shortly after purchasing brand new in July of 2021, this motorcycle developed a violent shake and wobble at 40mph, which could be felt between 35mph and 45mph, but was much worse at 40mph. It also developed at the same time a constant, uncommanded pull to the right. I have tried for three years to get this problem fixed and addressed under warranty. I have not been successful thus far. I have ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while the transmission was shifted into reverse(R), the vehicle failed to move. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clutch had failed, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the fa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2022
.I had 2 lights come on . First one said service advance trac. The second came on that hill assist start . The third no turn signal. I took it immediately to our Ford Lincoln dealer it Midland, Michigan. They have had it almost 3 weeks . The part supplier said it is out of stock and they have no idea when be in. I asked can you check with another dealership to see if they have one . He said ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The blind spot monitor and rear traffic alert have now turned themselves off 3 times. Each time it will not turn back on by selecting in menu. All 3 incidents have required a trip to the dealer to fix. This is dangerous because when you start the car, there is no warning that they are not on.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
My 2019 Honda Accord showed 10 warning lights. I took it to the dealer and they advised my fuel injectors were running hot and misfiring. Requiring the replacement of one injector totaling almost $2000The vehicle only has 65,000 miles. Though the vehicle seemed drivable, I had no idea if it would just stop running, and it required immediate intervention.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
this is my second statement - my 2018 honda crv has a steering issue that began at about 75,000 miles - currently there is 86,000 miles - honda did a diagnostic test for $175.00 and told me the test showed no error codes - they then informed me the steering rack needed to be replaced at a cost of about $3000.00 but the replacement part is on back order until september 2024 - this crv is my only mo... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2023
Hello, Thank you for taking the time to address this issue. As you may already be aware, the honk button is not centrally located on the steering wheels of Model X or S vehicles. This has led to several instances where cars backing up in parking lots have nearly collided with my vehicle because I instinctively honk to alert them. Tesla has recently redesigned the honk button, moving it to the ce... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and independently turned off. After restarting the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Incident date: Apr 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became very stiff and failed respond as intended. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.