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: May 24, 2024
During normal operation of the vehicle the car suddenly would not accelerate or go faster than 12mph. The transmission failed without warning. I have filed a claim with the manufacturer.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2024
Tesla has confirmed that the firmware of the high-voltage controller of the Model 3 is known to occasionally go "missing in action", causing regenerative braking to entirely cease to function and the driving performance of the car to drop considerably. This was expected to be resolved in a firmware update, but the problem continues. The service representative advised that they (Tesla employees) a... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2024
The rear doors on the Model X are powered "Falcon Wing" doors. The motorize up in order to enter/exit the vehicle. The doors have ultrasonic sensors that allow the doors to sense if there is an obstacle in the way of the door's path of travel. When the vehicle is in a sunny hot location, the sensors on the doors either overheat, or the heat of the sun warps the door panel just enough that the sens... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
This car will suddenly slow down for no apparent reason when driving with the speed control set. I have experienced this multiple times at 2 specific intersections. It has also happened at other times but on roads I have traveled on less often. Traffic aware cruise control is always enabled on this car. There isn't an option to turn it off. I scheduled a service visit with Tesla explaining wha... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2024
Happens once in every 5 times. If I'm sitting still about to gas it to pull out into traffic the gas pedal does not react causing a massive delay that has almost got me in a few accidents. I've also been at an intersection, stop signs, traffic lights and parking decks moving slowly and the trucks Emergency Brake will automatically be applied.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
ABS Break Lights turned ON and it need replacement. Toyota have faulty ABS this is my 3rd Prius that have the same Issue.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
Engine is having an issue causing noises and symptoms of rod knocking which I suspect is the connecting rod bearing failing.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
I was driving on highway on 7/26 Friday in exit lane when my panoramic sunroof exploded and shattered on me while driving. It sounded like a shogun. Some of the glass came in on me and other part flew out vehicle causing paint damage. I inspected car there was no impact from anything (ie rock, branch etc). It was a clear sunny dry day no vehicles in front that would have kicked up an object no imp... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2024
The auto idle stop feature restart did not work properly and instead the car froze in stop and go traffic on a freeway. Not only did the restart, not work properly in addition the car's electronics froze with multiple error messages on the dashboard coming up. I had to turn the car off by pressing the engine start/stop button, waiting and then restarting it like normal.
Incident date: May 1, 2024
While we (Husband, Wife, [XXX] old & [XXX] old daughter) were doing a cross country road trip from Olympia, WA to Raleigh, NC, we experienced a serious safety issue while driving in the State of Iowa on [XXX] The incident happened around 5 PM local time on [XXX] just before [XXX] in the outskirts of Davenport, IA. The GPS location of the incident is (XXX) While I was driving in this freeway on t... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
I opened the driver side door and it the arm suddenly started making noises and it’s hard to open and close.
Incident date: May 1, 2024
It stalls and makes noise. And vehicle doesn’t pick up speed quickly after a stop
Incident date: May 18, 2023
2024 Model 3 Highland LR, right and left blinker buttons stuck occasionally.
Incident date: May 18, 2023
Windshield monocular camera seems to be failing. No way to stop the warnings from popping up everytime I crank my car, can’t even use cruise control. I paid extra for these features and it seems to be a safety issue.
Incident date: May 18, 2023
Windshield monocular camera seems to be failing. No way to stop the warnings from popping up everytime I crank my car, can’t even use cruise control. I paid extra for these features and it seems to be a safety issue.
Incident date: Jul 9, 2024
Vacuum Pump exploded, my breaks went out on the freeway. Metal pieces from the pump went into engine. Broke the camshaft. Now having to pay hundreds and hundreds of dollars to repair. I am missing out on work u til this can be fixed.
Incident date: Jul 9, 2024
Vacuum Pump exploded, my breaks went out on the freeway. Metal pieces from the pump went into engine. Broke the camshaft. Now having to pay hundreds and hundreds of dollars to repair. I am missing out on work u til this can be fixed.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
Upon getting a flat tire on the front passenger side tire, two of the vehicles wheel studs and lug nuts were seized together and broke off when using hand tools to remove the lug nuts. The metal was extremely soft and broke off easily. All 5 lugs and nuts needed replacement.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
Upon getting a flat tire on the front passenger side tire, two of the vehicles wheel studs and lug nuts were seized together and broke off when using hand tools to remove the lug nuts. The metal was extremely soft and broke off easily. All 5 lugs and nuts needed replacement.
Incident date: May 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH and making a left turn, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled off the road and turned off and restarted the vehicle however, the power steering functionality had not returned. The contact had taken the vehicle to a loca... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2024
While driving, the transmission will go into limp mode and will not drive over 40 mph. Comes on and off intermittently. Will not show error code. Was almost rear ended by semi trailer when happened
Incident date: Oct 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2024 Haulmark Stacker Trailer 9650. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH and towing a 28-foot Haulmark trailer with a 2023 Newmar Dutchstar RV 4370, the contact was alerted by a passing trucker who pointed to the rear of trailer being towed. The contact pulled over and checked the trailer and became aware that the 7-point pin cable was lying on the road and was ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2024
Vehicle was driven on a highway approximately 45-50 mph when a loud knocking sound occured. The vehicle began to shake erratically and a bunch of lights displayed. I pulled over at a safety point and turned the vehicle off to inspect it. A large amount of smoke poured from under the hood. The vehicle sat for about 45 minutes to cool down before I attempted to start it again. The engine continued t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
All vehicle alerts came on, vehicle randomly started braking hard while driving. We brought it to the dealership, told it needs all new fuel injectors and a VSA module. VSA module is on backorder, no timeline for a new one. Told vehicle is unsafe to drive without VSA module.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
All vehicle alerts came on, vehicle randomly started braking hard while driving. We brought it to the dealership, told it needs all new fuel injectors and a VSA module. VSA module is on backorder, no timeline for a new one. Told vehicle is unsafe to drive without VSA module.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
I was driving around 30 MPH when the vehicle suddenly turned off. The engine stopped running, all instrumentation turned off, no power steering and no brakes. The car became uncontrollable until it coasted to a stop.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
Powertrain issues less than 60,000 miles car having severe issues changing gears from 2 to 3rd gears, acceleration causes increase in hesitation after first gear causing hazards beginning at 20 through 40 MPH limiting ability to accelerate onto highways or appropriately pull into traffic on byways. Contacted Ford dealer locally who states the vehicle is no longer under powertrain warranty effectiv... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2024
The EGR valve in the 2016 Chevy volt will fail blowing fuse 3 which will also take out the engine oil pressure control solenoid, the evap emission purge solenoid valve, the engine coolant thermostat heater, and the oxygen sensor 1 as they all share the same fuse. The car will tell you that the engine is unavailable and, if you are out of hybrid battery power, will leave you unable to move the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
2023 Kia Forte LXS drives unsteady requiring continuous correction of Steering: feels excessive bumpiness/bounciness in the front end with subtle abnormal sideways movement (as if drifting away or swaying). It also feels the vehicle has subtle but sudden shaky movements and looseness in the wheel leading up to steering but no vibration. This is felt at both slow speed and highway speed. Dealership... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
2023 Kia Forte LXS drives unsteady requiring continuous correction of Steering: feels excessive bumpiness/bounciness in the front end with subtle abnormal sideways movement (as if drifting away or swaying). It also feels the vehicle has subtle but sudden shaky movements and looseness in the wheel leading up to steering but no vibration. This is felt at both slow speed and highway speed. Dealership... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a clunking sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact who is a certified mechanic, inspected the vehicle. Upon expecting the vehicle, the contact determined that both upper control arms had completely rusted and needed to be replaced. The upper and lower ball joints and suspension had b... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a gasoline odor inside the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was confirmed that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V792000 (Fuel System, Ga... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving over a bump at various speeds, the vehicle experienced the death wobble. The failure caused the front of the vehicle to shake uncontrollably, causing the contact to temporarily lose control of the vehicle. Recently, the contact was notified of Customer Satisfaction Program: 20N04 (Steering Linkage Damper Extended Coverage). ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
Intermittent ABS and Traction control light that after 2 weeks stayed on indefinitely due to the Hydraulic Control Unit that is known to go bad in these trucks. The dealer has replaced the HCU but at my own personal cost of around $900.00. This is something that has been a known issue on this truck and should be recalled as it poses a safety concern.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
265/45ZR20 104Y Tire shop has been unable to balance tire since there's a defect with the brand new tire itself. Vehicle vibrates excessively at highway speeds, feels unsafe to drive. I've reached out to vendor for tire replacement and hasn't made an effort to replace tire in a timely manner. I use my vehicle everyday. Tires were purchased from tireagent.com
Incident date: Feb 5, 2018
On 06-02-2024, at approximately 1430 hours, I was stopped in Traffic, because of a Red Traffic light and I was the last Vehicle in line. In less than a minute later, I was hit by another Vehicle. The other Vehicle left approximately 183' of Skid Marks on the Road and I determined that Vehicle was traveling at approximately 60 MPH, before it hit me, when I was stopped in Traffic. The damage was m... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
I rented this 2024 Chevrolet Malibu from Enterprise Rent A Car in Union City, GA. While driving the vehicle on the highway early on [XXX] a vehicle came to a complete stop and in front of the vehicle directly in front of me. This action almost caused a multi-car pile-up. I immediately engaged the brakes. I was met with force and pressed down as hard as I could to stop the vehicle. The brakes ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
I rented this 2024 Chevrolet Malibu from Enterprise Rent A Car in Union City, GA. While driving the vehicle on the highway early on [XXX] a vehicle came to a complete stop and in front of the vehicle directly in front of me. This action almost caused a multi-car pile-up. I immediately engaged the brakes. I was met with force and pressed down as hard as I could to stop the vehicle. The brakes ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
I have researched my 2014 Range Rover Evoque and have come upon 2 recalls. First one is recal no. 16V614000. This is where the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral as I am driving. I had a few instances with this as I was driving and car shifting to neutral and gearbox gets stuck...resulting in getting stuck in the middle of the road. The second recall is recall no. 14V155000 regarding the sus... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2023
Abs control module & HCU module not working properly. Ram brand knows about these problematic modules on the 2014-2018 rams trucks. Now, I can’t drive my truck since Ram fixes this issue.
Incident date: Jul 5, 2023
My truck randomly stalls, and which point the parking brake engages, sometimes in the middle of a turn or at a stop sign, This issue was the topic of a recall for the 2021 model year. Mine is a 2022 and is experiencing the same exact symptoms and issue.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800 Motorcycle. The contact stated while riding at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the headlight did not function as intended. The contact stated while riding at night, the headlight illumination was extremely dim and failed to provide adequate illumination to safely operate the motorcycle. The motorcycle was taken to the dealer. The motor... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made a rattling sound with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to accelerate properly. The vehicle was taken to a nearby independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
Clock spring on vehicle has failed. This is a known issue with many VW vehicles, but I have been told my vehicle is not on the extended warranty program. 2017 VW Passat - approximately 150,000 miles. This eliminates all steering wheel controls, horn, cruise control, and air bags.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
Clock spring on vehicle has failed. This is a known issue with many VW vehicles, but I have been told my vehicle is not on the extended warranty program. 2017 VW Passat - approximately 150,000 miles. This eliminates all steering wheel controls, horn, cruise control, and air bags.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2023
I used this carrier 3x (last was in Aug 2021), primarily due to Covid-19, or other travel that did not include use of the carrier. The fourth and last use was on [XXX]. The carrier was securely mounted to the A-frame of my travel trailer, as per the mfg's instructions. I had driven 150 miles from my home (via U.S. Interstates XXX and XXX), when I stopped at a rest area near Gila Bend, AZ, to stret... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2023
1. Incident: I was driving and stopped at a red light, took my foot off of the brake and the car completely died, leaving me stranded at the intersection. The car started back up after 4 minutes. Note: This incident happened after 2 months of weird electrical things happening to the car, such as the radio turning on after the car had been turned off, car not starting, sliding doors losing power w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
check engine light p052e positive crankcase ventilation regulator value performance
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
Touchscreen on radio system is delamination causing the system to cycle through sources, ie: fm, am, sxm, and Bluetooth. This causes distractions while driving. Dealership is aware of issue and stated it was common. No warnings before malfunction. Malfunctions started a few months ago.
Incident date: Jun 18, 2024
ABS and Traction control warnings intermittently go off and sometimes stay on for a while. This causes the truck to not have abs and traction control. Had a bucking issues sliding down a boat ramp yesterday. Truck is under 40,000 miles. This is a well known issue for years now.