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: Jan 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2024
I have contacted the BMW dealership in Henderson several times about the recall and they do not have a fix from the BMW. I contacted BMW about the issue and filed a complaint with them to offer a solution of replacing the vehicle or return the vehicle for a buyout. I reported the problem to BMW on May 20, 2024 and the manufacture is not informing me of any update or responding to my request. The B... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2024
On 1/18/23, I was driving my 2022 E-tron on a roadway that had no center lane markings. I had my seatbelt and cruise control on. I was traveling at 34mph straight on the right side of the roadway. Suddenly, and without warning, my car took control, drove off the road to the right, and crashed into a tree. I suffered severe injuries, including but not limited to, loss of consciousness, concuss... Read more
Crash
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
my transmission started slipping like it was in neutral and coming to a stop when it downshifted to low gear it would lunge forward the ford garage said it was tcm but didnt have the part i dont know what to do i need a car
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that when the USB port was in use, the digital screen would shut off and no longer display the safety features. The contact stated that the digital screen was used for safety and the features were no longer accessible. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where a software update was performed. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Rio. 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. 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 n... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2024
The vehicle randomly won’t go when starting out from a complete stop. You can push the gas pedal to the floor and it will barely move. Almost got hit in an intersection trying to make a left turn. Toyota is aware of the problem and has a TSB and did an ECM update but the problem persists. It’s scary when it happens. Can’t trust the vehicle.
Incident date: Oct 19, 2020
On 7/4/2024 at approximately 6pm, I disconnected my 2023 VW ID4 from an electrical charging station. I moved my vehicle 2 blocks away to an apartment building parking lot, which I had parked in previously. While pulling into the parking spot, I was coming to a complete stop, perhaps going 1-2 miles per hour and as I came to a stop, the car accelerated out of nowhere and crashed into a few small ... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Same issue as complaint #11416043. Leak in sunroof has caused several electrical issues with the car. I had noticed occasional drips from the rear view mirror but had no idea that water was pooling under the spare tire in the trunk where several electrical components are located. When I originally brought it to the dealer (when I noticed the occasional drips) they said I needed to replace a maj... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact stated that there was a message to update the software displayed. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the vehicle came to a complete stop. While driving at various speeds, the camera and the infotainment screen were inoperable. The vehicle failed to start as needed. While the vehicle was idling, all the doors were locked, with ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact stated that there was a message to update the software displayed. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the vehicle came to a complete stop. While driving at various speeds, the camera and the infotainment screen were inoperable. The vehicle failed to start as needed. While the vehicle was idling, all the doors were locked, with ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The service engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed but no failures were found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that several days later while driving 25 MPH, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the loc... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2024
Motor mounts leaking, car at only 45K miles Audi dealer indicates fix will be ~$3,200 Many posts online (AudiWorld discussion forums, etc.) - many drivers encountering issue at even fewer mileage Concerning that there was no warning on vehicle
Incident date: Jun 19, 2024
ABS lights flash on and off while driving constantly. Affects concentration and cruise control. Radio will randomly start pressing all over the screen changing settings and distracting the driver.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
The driver's seat headrest went off. The leather front popped off from the backing. Inside you can see where there is plastic broken and we can't push the pieces back together. The pop of it going off was loud and thank goodness I wasn't driving on the highway when it happened. Vehicle was not in motion when it went off. We were cleaning out the van and wiping down the seat when it happened. It wa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 exp... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while the driver’s side seat belt was in use, the seat belt warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
Rotors warp after only a few months. I’ve replaced them multiple times since I got my vehicle 2 1/2yrs ago. Steering wheel will shake really bad while braking and that’s how I know I need new rotors again. Many people with this year/make/model have had the same issue. It’s definitely a safety issue that needs to be addressed.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the contact became aware of a loud knocking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted, and ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? --It was taken by Jeep when they repaired it. They likely have it. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? --I was at a complete stop when the headrest deployed into the back of my head causing sever injury. There was no impact. The headrest slammed the back of my head. Ha... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was an extremely loud sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic converter, observing that the catalytic converter had detached from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was re... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with a wheel bearing failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, no assistance w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
This vehicle was purchased in April 2018. It was noticed that, when an adult passenger weighing between 100 and 105 lbs sits in the passenger seat, the occupant airbag system does not activate all the time. According to the manufacturer this is normal for the design of this protection system and this situation cannot be corrected.the problem has reoccurred several times.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
I purchased my 2013 Kia Forte EX5 used with 35,000 and now have 165,000 with normal wear n tear I've been mostly satisfied except with the head lights, tail and brake lights and the plate lights. Until reading here, I didn't make the connection that Yes, I have spent a lot of time and money on getting these replaced multiple times each year-seems every oil change there's been a bulb out. No melti... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
I purchased my 2013 Kia Forte EX5 used with 35,000 and now have 165,000 with normal wear n tear I've been mostly satisfied except with the head lights, tail and brake lights and the plate lights. Until reading here, I didn't make the connection that Yes, I have spent a lot of time and money on getting these replaced multiple times each year-seems every oil change there's been a bulb out. No melti... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
Engine got bad while driving and it still runs but doesn’t drive.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
I placed my truck in park and got out to close the door to my hangar. I turned around and my truck was rolling forward. It rolled into a small two seat plane and pushed it into another plane causing significant damage. When I saw what was happening I ran to the truck but got to it a little too late. I went to put the truck into park, but it was already in park. This confused me a lot because this ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienc... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The contact's father owns a 2014 Hyundai Accent. The owner received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); 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. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Charger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V198000 (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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was ... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda GL1800 Motorcycle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V113000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2024
While driving, as I turn the steering wheel to the left there is an additional sudden pull in the same direction.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Honda Element. The contact stated there was an extreme amount of rust on the vehicle. The contact stated that the trailing arm was corroded and had several holes. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to assist with the repairs. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assis... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
REDUCED POWER TO ENGINE . Previously had recall for this issue, which was replaced by Chevy service center. About a year later I had the same problem but had to pay out of pocket because there were no active recalls on the issue. As of today, I am receiving the same “REDUCED POWER TO ENGINE” error and check engine light keeps coming on. This happens randomly but frequently almost every single ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2024
Windshield got cracked and need replacement within a year
Incident date: Jul 14, 2024
Recall has no remedy since march 2024
Incident date: Jul 13, 2024
Transmission misses gears, causes truck to rev and then bang into gear. Accelerating onto highways or to pass the vehicle alternately loses power or over revs then the truck jerks around and slams into gear. Accelerating to enter a highway is dangerous because you cant be sure it will continue to accelerate, avoiding other cars is not always possible when the transmission is slipping. We have h... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
My Tesla (dark gray) was t-boned by a 2015 Hyundai (white) while it was passing the intersection on green light. The Hyundai hit my car when it tried to turn right on red light. My car was running at around 25 mph at that moment. About one second before the accident, my car's front collision warning went off, but everything was too late; the Hyundai's left front bumper hit my car. The crash did no... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
This is the third time I have experienced The truck being too hot and overheating the fan not stopping and me losing power when I’m on a highway. I nearly was killed when my car would not move during traffic. This happened three times now and Jeep is giving me a hard time about towing it getting it fixed they replaced the water pump twice and said it was a recall however, the water pump keeps br... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
It seems the seatbelts are not working correctly. They do not lock up during sudden maneuvers or hard braking. They may not protect me during a collision or protect me in the event of an accident. Complaining because it may result in a serious life threating injury if not repaired or replaced.
Incident date: Jan 31, 2024
ABS module constantly going off and removes 4 wheel drive, parking assist, traction control, and and brakes
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
- Truck makes a sizzling sound when parked - Car wouldnt start and needed battery jump, unknown source draining the battery - Truck has engine issues , started shaking and died in the middle of the highway, GM replaced engine - Engine replaced after less than a week, truck would not start, Gm replaced starter - After 2 days and using the vehicle once, truck would not start again. GM is try... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
- Truck makes a sizzling sound when parked - Car wouldnt start and needed battery jump, unknown source draining the battery - Truck has engine issues , started shaking and died in the middle of the highway, GM replaced engine - Engine replaced after less than a week, truck would not start, Gm replaced starter - After 2 days and using the vehicle once, truck would not start again. GM is try... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool conf... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
On [XXX], I parked on a slight incline at an open market. There was nothing wrong with the steering when I parked the car. It was dry and sunny. When I returned to the car an hour later, the power steering was out and all sensor lights were flashing: Hill Assist, lane assist, cruise control, brakes, tire pressure, emergency brake, and others I can't recall at this point. Someone was getting i... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. 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 illuminated, and the vehicle failed to exceed 20 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact purchased a po... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. 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 illuminated, and the vehicle failed to exceed 20 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact purchased a po... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V444000 (Power Train). The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with the wrench symbol illuminated. The contact stated that the speedometer went to 0 MPH. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to respo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist failed intermittently to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact was informed that the steering column n... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
The high pressure fuel pump may leak resulting in fuel odor and increased evaporative emissions. The engine may also fail to start or provide less power when driven due to insufficient fuel pressure. Recall came out on February 2015 Bulletin No.: 14858 Part Number: 12626354 Description Intake Manifold Gasket 12618337 Intermediate Fuel Feed Pipe 8/V8 Engine 12625817 Fuel Pump SERVICE PROCEDURE