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: Jun 1, 2023
My power steering started to get "sticky points" and then today I lost all power steering. After a Google search I checked the fuses and both were fine. But it seems to be a issue with this generation of trucks. And I saw that they're looking into the problem and may issue a recall in the future
Incident date: Apr 13, 2024
In January my starter caught on fire while driving down the road, and again in April causing me to lose days of work. Caused positive cable to battery to melt.
Fire
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
1. The vehicle has steering issues and is no longer drive able. Steering difficulty began in mid to late August 2023. The steering is now impossible to use and vehicle to l is rendered inoperable. 2. Since purchasing the vehicle I have noticed the transmission is having issues shifting gears. The rpm will be high at speeds of 40-60mph, and the vehicle will only shift to a different gear if I tak... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Battery has a recall in place for fire hazard..I contacted the dealership and they have no path for a repair . They have also denied my buy back request.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Smell of gasoline in the cabin and real bad outside of car
Incident date: Apr 12, 2023
Tesla officially confirmed as I brought my car in a THIRD time that the repeated turn signal failure I was/am experiencing is now a known software issue. They looked at the timestamps and video I shared and saw that I had indeed applied pressure to the turn signal buttons to no avail/effect. Out of the three times I took the car in and shared timestamps for when this issue occurred this is the o... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on almost a dozen occasions while driving at approximately 60 MPH, multiple unknown warning lights illuminated, and the instrument and head unit panels turned off and on and failed to work as intended. On another occasion, while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle started bucking and lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to a dea... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
When merging onto the freeway (60MPH) a wrench icon illuminated and my engine shifted to 3rd gear (limp mode) causing my entire truck to jerk forward. I was then forced to pull off the freeway with my engine RPM's upward near 4000. Once I was able to safely pull off the roadway. I turned off my truck and attempted to turn it back on with no avail. The engine would not even attempt to turn over. I ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2023
See attached document for complaint,
Incident date: Apr 10, 2024
In at least 5 or more instances the vehicle has had unintended acceleration and thrust the car forward while I was braking and trying to come to a stop. Once it happened at a 4-way intersection and propelled my car into the middle of the intersection and I had to swerve to avoid a head-on collision with another car. I , or the other driver, could have been killed. In all cases the braking failed... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2024
In at least 5 or more instances the vehicle has had unintended acceleration and thrust the car forward while I was braking and trying to come to a stop. Once it happened at a 4-way intersection and propelled my car into the middle of the intersection and I had to swerve to avoid a head-on collision with another car. I , or the other driver, could have been killed. In all cases the braking failed... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2023
I purchased a new 2023 telluride-SX in April 2023. For the first time since owning the vehicle, I used the Snow Mode during the snowstorm on 14 March 2024. I then used it again on 15 March 2024. I experienced a serious problem on both days. When I stopped at redlights, I tried to accelerate as I made a turn. I lost all power, and the car came to a near stop, nearly causing an accident by being rea... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
The recurring malfunctions in my vehicle's front screen system have repeatedly endangered me, especially when it suddenly blacks out while navigating unfamiliar roads or during backing maneuvers. Additionally, the faulty front vehicle sensor has caused my vehicle to halt abruptly, even when no obstacles are present. Despite numerous visits to the dealer, the issues persist, and their repeated requ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
Water leaks into tailgate control module causing tailgate not to work. Replaced module, problem came back after 3 weeks. This is a common issue for the current generation Odyssey.
Incident date: Apr 11, 2024
This truck was sold even while it was under recall over 1 year ago. That recall, for fuel tank issues STILL cannot be repaired as there are STILL not enough parts being distributed to dealers to fix it. Since that time, 2 additional recalls have been issued and dealers have no indication when they will be able to fix it. This vehicle should be treated as a lemon and taken off the road at Toyota... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart on the third attempt however the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine, the crankshaft, and the cylinder heads needed to be replaced. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fusion Energi. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V440000 (Electrical System) 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2024
My frame have a big hole
Incident date: Apr 10, 2024
Driver's door when opening would make a clunking sound. After opening it a couple times door would not shut. Finally getting it to shut, the door now will not open all the way. Also since this happening the window on that door will not roll down. Safety issue is that I'm afraid the door won't stay closed or it may fall off. Also the gas cap light is on, always been a problem even when the cap... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side air conditioning tube was leaking fluid, causing the carpet on the front passenger’s side floor to become wet. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed but the results were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The fail... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Mazda CX-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufac... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2024
Service electronic braking system Notification and ding won’t stop going off. Truck has less than 50k and through my research this is a common issue with this truck. I don’t want to drive it anymore fit safety reasons. Bought the truck 2 months ago and have had an issue since I purchased it
Incident date: Feb 10, 2024
Nissan has had quite a few recalls on their hood latch. The most recent one was in 2022. My car was checked in 2022, but now two years later I’m having another issue with the hood latch. While Nissan does not want to open a recall to not lose money, there is definitely another recall issue. At the moment there are 149 hood latches on back order and no one is able to get one. There was more than ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2024
NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: [XXX] for fuel pump but they tell me NOT my VIN number. I had to replace this item last January 2023 for $1500.00 I would like my money back. I have filed with Honda to escalate my issue. [XXX] AC has been working off and on for the past year. Runs warm. They are recommending replacing the compressor assembly with o rings, evac and recharge with dye. $2600.00 Never ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Apr 10, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
My subframe and back of my truck frame rusted so bad gas tank is close to falling off have a strap holding under it but it’s probably not going to help with a rust hole in the frame
Incident date: Oct 26, 2022
the car keeps randomly dying (not during driving "yet") it happens at least once or twice a week of where i go to ride my car and it is completely dead, i have to unlock the door using the key fob manually and push the "Reset 12v battery button" inside the car. i have tried to have Hyundai service repair the issue or at least tell me what's wrong but no hope as they can never replicate the probl... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2024
The recall to replace the rear axle bolt was completed and new boil installed. They left the automatic emergency brake program engager which results in the vehicle lurching forward or backward when shifted into gear and results in collisions with other vehicles as the collision detection system is not working.
Crash
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
Pulled up to a stop sign and attempt to make a right turn as I was in the turn the steering wheel locked up in the turn which almost caused and accident . I had to get the vehicle towed to Wyatt Johnson GMC dealership in Clarksville TN. I purchased this truck in Jan 2024 from Romain Cross Pointe Auto Park in Evansville ,Indiana at 7600 E Division St, Evansville, IN 47715 it had 13k miles. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Genesis. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V107000 (Electrical System) 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 contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
Engine seized at 82000 miles stranding me in the passing lane of Interstate 10. Was nearly hit by a truck.
Fire
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact's wife was asked to complete and record information for daily engine testing. The con... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2024
My car has stalled out coming up to a stop sign. It makes a sound coming from gas tank. I can not turn it off while pumping gas because it will not start after pumping gas. It is the purge value according to my mechanic. I know the recall on this issue is on the focus models but the fusion is basically the same car
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The vehicle had been making a noise and would occasionally lose power. I had made an appointment with Ford and had just left my home to drive the car to drop off when the oil light came on, then the check engine light and a wrench light. The car was making a terrible noise and I had to turn around. The engine was starting to smoke when I got back to my home. The car had previous issues with losing... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
My Transmission failed. My odometer reading is 92901. Dealership said not manufactured coverage. No message on dash. Happened while driving with children. Mechanic said needed to be replaced. This is a expensive repair. I believe manufacture should have told drivers about problems with transmission.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
the interior is malting and give a bad smell ( strong preform ), which effect breathing
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
While leaving the parking spot at Winco the truck turned itself off and displayed the following message. Auto start-stop shift to P restart engine I was able to restart the engine after putting it in park, if that had happened at an intersection it could have been very severe. I am getting the truck serviced. ASAP
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
Vehicle engine consistently stalls while driving resulting in dangerous or deadly situations. 4/8/24 was the 5th engine stalling incident.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to shift into 3rd gear and struggled to shift into 4th gear. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at highway speeds and shifting from 9th to 10th gear, the vehicle gear shift indicator displayed that the transmission was in 10th gear; however, the vehicle failed to resp... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2024
I purchased a 2023 Jeep Compass at the end of last year and have had issues while driving on the highway (with no cars in front or to the side of me) with the forward collision warning system going off and applying hard pressure on the brakes. Most recently, when driving on the highway the incident happened again (no cars in front or on the side of me), and nearly caused the driver behind me to r... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2023
This is 3rd one Ford escape all three ran boiling hot stalled quit running would not crank up coolant leak my car is like brand new I love it but this has to be a recall for it to do three just alike .afraid it will catch on fire and it stalls in traffic I'm [XXX] and it scares me to death of getting hit run over are burning up in car INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AC... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2024
MY STEERIN WHEEL TIGHTENS I HAVE TO HOLD IT FIRMLY WHEN DRIVING
Incident date: Feb 2, 2023
My vehicle is 4 years old. 3 weeks after the expiration of my original warranty, the front suspension now squeaks loudly when driving at low speeds. This issue matches the known manufacturing defect described in Tesla’s 2021 service bulletin, “Reseal Front Upper Control Arm Ball Joints.” We never received this bulletin from Tesla, and we were never given the option of resealing the joints. A... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
My vehicle was parked in my closed garage. My car's sunroof shattered when I came back to the car to drive it out for the evening. The incident happened in my closed garage. I took it to the dealership and the dealership said that they have no idea what happened. They didn't look too much into a diagnosis and just stated it could be environmental reasons even though it was in my closed garage. I c... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed to take the vehicle to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a rea... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
Started experiencing the ABS and Traction Control lights coming on, sometimes momentarily and very intermittently, sometimes (but less frequently) coming on for long periods of time. The frequency of these events has been increasing. A scan of the vehicle indicates I am receiving these this code... C0020-01 - ABS Pump Motor Control - General Electrical Failure This seems to be a very common c... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the electronic power steering failed to function properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the rack and pinion. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the fail... Read more