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 3, 2024
The warning light comes on and then the traction control goes off and the cruise control will disengage all at once. There is also no trailer brake assist. This has been verified by a dealer in Columbus, GA. It is constantly going off and on. The warning light and the warning bell are a constant distraction to the driver. The truck was bought and within 50K miles it started. No warning.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
The warning light comes on and then the traction control goes off and the cruise control will disengage all at once. There is also no trailer brake assist. This has been verified by a dealer in Columbus, GA. It is constantly going off and on. The warning light and the warning bell are a constant distraction to the driver. The truck was bought and within 50K miles it started. No warning.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
Was driving on the freeway and a ton of warnings suddenly appeared on the dash. Pre-collision assist not available, stop driving now, service engine soon, powertrain malfunction, etc. The truck would not accelerate when the gas pedal was pressed and slowly slowed down. The truck would auto-accelerate (without gas pedal input) to about 20 mph unless the brake was applied (limp-mode). I pulled ove... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
Was driving on the freeway and a ton of warnings suddenly appeared on the dash. Pre-collision assist not available, stop driving now, service engine soon, powertrain malfunction, etc. The truck would not accelerate when the gas pedal was pressed and slowly slowed down. The truck would auto-accelerate (without gas pedal input) to about 20 mph unless the brake was applied (limp-mode). I pulled ove... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2023
I started my vehicle with my foot on the brake. I put the car in reverse, with my foot on the brake. The car went backwards and hit a parked car. It was 1 car length behind me. I didn't take my foot off the brake and I pushed it harder. The car kept going backwards and I couldn't stop it. I didn't press on the gas pedal. BMW lied and said my after market fitted floor mat was the cause. My... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
While driving, my vehicle suddenly lost all power and didn't respond to the accelerator. The "check engine" and "hybrid system failure" lights came on, jeopardizing my safety and that of other road users. The car overheats significantly, to the extent that the air conditioning only blows hot air. This situation forced me to pull over on the highway shoulder, creating an additional risk for everyon... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
While driving, my vehicle suddenly lost all power and didn't respond to the accelerator. The "check engine" and "hybrid system failure" lights came on, jeopardizing my safety and that of other road users. The car overheats significantly, to the extent that the air conditioning only blows hot air. This situation forced me to pull over on the highway shoulder, creating an additional risk for everyon... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
The car started using more fuel, hesitatingly, slipping gears wouldn’t go in gear, died while driving.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. 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 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 when starting the vehicle,... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
After turning my car off and opening the door radio does not shut off. The radio stay on. And backup camera does not work. You have to keep un hooking the battery.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
On numerous occasions a"Wobble" has been observed in the steering of the motorcycle. The wobble occurs at various speed but typically at cruising speed of approximately 40 to 50 mph. The wobble is so bad that if you were to inadvertently remove your hands from the handlebars for even a second the bike would lose control and possibly crash. I have attempted to see if the issue varied with tire pr... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2024
[XXX] I was backing out of a parking spot on the 4th floor of the parking garage at work when my car displayed an SOS on the radio monitor and then my Jeep Grand Cherokee shut off and would not restart. I then had to call parking for my job to redirect traffic because I was preventing other vehicles from exiting the garage because my vehicle was unable to restart and I had to have it towed back to... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
My 2021 Ram 2500 6.7 truck quit on me driving down the road. When I raised the hood I could smell burned wires and see smoke. Luckily, it was raining or I think my truck would have burned up. I noticed melted plastic and burned wires on the drivers side of the truck. This particular truck had an Electrical system recall and shows to have been completed. (Safety Recall 13A/NHTSA 23V-060) If this re... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 BMW IX. The contact stated that there was a software and connectivity failure. The contact stated that the Bluetooth Car Play system, GPS navigation, and electrical systems failed to remain connected. Additionally, occasionally the systems failed to connect. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 BMW IX. The contact stated that there was a software and connectivity failure. The contact stated that the Bluetooth Car Play system, GPS navigation, and electrical systems failed to remain connected. Additionally, occasionally the systems failed to connect. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2023
The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, there was a smoke odor present inside the vehicle. The contact decelerated the vehicle and stalled on the side of the road. The vehicle caught on fire in the engine. The contact and the front passenger sustained minor injuries to their knee while exiting the vehicle but did not seek medical atte... Read more
Fire
2 injured
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
On multiple occasions, the vehicle will randomly stall while in motion. Most recently, this occurred while I was on the on/off ramp of one major highway merging onto another highway; in the process of down shifting from fifth gear to third gear, the car stalled, while in motion, causing a complete loss in power steering and braking. I was able to restart the vehicle without incident, however, had ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E. The contact stated while making a left turn into a parking space, the vehicle collision sensor did not alert the contact that a vehicle was nearby. As a result, the contact crashed into another vehicle while attempting to park. During the impact, the lower passenger light was damaged. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 26, 2023
Upon assessment of substantial amounts of wind noise emanating from driver’s door (while driving at 45mph or higher), I noticed that air is entering the cabin through the door (you can feel it coming out the inside door handle). The dealership has been unable to determine the cause of the Air Noise, but I now have a concern that noxious gases from adjacent vehicles while sitting in heavy traffi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
The vehicle is disposing oil really fast every 3 weeks I put 2 quarts in. A whole lot of dark smoke comes out when the car is 1st cranked up. Oil light flases constantly off and on in like a second. You would miss it if you blink twice. At least it should stay on to warn you of that their is no oil in the vehicle. Check the oil stick, bone dry. No leaks, no cracks, I took it to the shop and th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
I PURCHASED THE CAR [XXX], FEW WEEKS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THEN DISAPPEARED, I WAS ALSO EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE SEAT COOLING FUNCTION, AS THE TOUCH SCREEN CONTROLS WAS SHOWING THAT THEY WERE BOTH ON AND IT WAS STILL WINTER/RAINY SEASON OUTSIDE. I TOOK THE CAR INNTO FORD DEALER AT SAN BERNARDINO CA, THEY TOLD ME THAT MOST LIKELY IT WAS JUST A DASHBOARD LIGHT MALFUNCTION BECAUS... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2024
Rear sliding window leaks . Water fill up over the track inside and drain can't keep up with volume of water and make my truck wet inside . Notes bulid mold and rust .
Incident date: Mar 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with the stability control warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced and the engine needed to be deep cleaned. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. On another occasion, while driving 65 MPH, ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2024
I have noticed that my vehicle tends to jolt forward as I’m applying the brakes to come to a complete stop.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and then jerked into the higher gear. The contact stated that the vehicle was also making an abnormally loud banging sound while shifting into gear. The contact stated that when the failure occurred, the "wrench" symbol and the check engine warning light were illu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
- Brake and fuel leak smell - yes - yes - no - no
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
Our 2016 Chevy Malibu Hybrid intermittently began alerting of "Reduced Engine Power" and the accelerator would not allow the vehicle to accelerate. This happened twice, once on a busy highway that caused rapid deceleration of the vehicle. We brought the vehicle to the mechanic and there were a bunch of codes related to the accelerator position sensor. With parts and labor $415 to fix. Upon researc... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to slow as intended. The brake pedal was making a squeaking sound. The contact stated that it was snowing at the time when the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed brake booster and that th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
The contact rented a 2023 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the electronic systems became inoperable. The backup camera was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called for Roadside Assistance. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was appro... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
I am deeply concerned about the sudden breakdown of my vehicle due to the spool valve leaking onto the alternator and caused the loss of power and stalling of the vehicle while driving out of town and on an Interstate. This was an extremely scary time for me and my family being stranded on an expressway for over an hour and trying to figure out how to get my kids and family to safety. I have heard... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
There is a fuel leak most likely coming from the fuel pump or gasket from within the 2 gas tanks. Gas fumes are building up in my garage causing a horrible smell. Very dangerous please do something about this. Chevrolet has no recalls for this common problems.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
The truck had 8 glow plugs replaced.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2024
Tires had 17,000 miles on them and had to be “warrantied out” by the manufacturer. These tires had no grip and weren’t made for a car with sound dampening materials. I was told by the manufacturer that the reason the road noise got worse was the technologies were fighting against each other. More importantly, I experienced rapid wear. These are an 80,000 mile tire and with 17,000 miles on th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
Power Steering Motor snapped from the casing while driving. Seems like a defective casting.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2024
ABS module problems. Flashes to check service ABS and traction control. Then goes away and comes back. Been having issue for over a year with no results in fixing
Incident date: May 2, 2023
ABS module problems. Flashes to check service ABS and traction control. Then goes away and comes back. Been having issue for over a year with no results in fixing
Incident date: May 2, 2023
I was driving home march 15th at 8:23 pm and turned off the rear defroster and then the back glass exploded, sounded like a m80 going off in the car, took car to my honda dealer and was told no glass is covered by the warranty, the service manager inspected the glass on monday and called me and said that honda will do a one time goodwill claim, they ordered the glass, the next day they called me a... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2023
Had issue with intermittant engine light and all warning lights going on with certain maneuvers. When lights on, car would turn off, while driving, if washers turned on. Dealer replaced alternator and thermostat, supposedly fixing, however, 3 days later same problem recurred and car turned off while traveling 70+ mph on major highway. Luckily, despite harrowing "near death" experience, we were... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2024
Message on dash was "service 4WD". Took to Jeep dealership in Colorado Springs. They diagnosed PTU failure. It will be months before parts are available. They said they moved me up in priority to 150-200 out of approximately 500. I assume I have no trade-in value at this point. Dealership says I should not drive the vehicle.
Incident date: Mar 16, 2024
Vehicle suddenly stops and shows the message "Stop Safely Vehicle will shut off soon". Then the vehicle will lose all power and vehicle can crash with little prior warning when on the highway. This is very unsafe and a recall was performed on 1/17/2023 but the problem still persists over and over and is very unsafe. Once the warning happens about 2-5 seconds later the vehicle will shut-off and... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
I had three different occasions where my tires blow out ! The first time 1. Going up [XXX] head to Rollins lake in colfax 2. Going to lake collins going up [XXX] in Marysville 3. Going up to lake Amador [XXX] in Ione. Going over a speed bump before getting to the check in area ! Going under 5 mph INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Oct 30, 2023
Truck started shifting funny recently. Kept not paying it any attention but had a harsh sudden downshift at 50 miles and hour to first gear. Thought it blew the engine the RPMs were so high. I hit the brakes and the rear wheels locked up around 43 mph. No issue since but I know there was an issue with previous years
Incident date: Oct 30, 2023
Leadfrane was not replaced even though it poses a safety hazard on Highway. When taken before the ten year make no mention was made to correct problem. Only a reprogramming was done and dealer states that it may or may not work as many trucks have failed on highway speeds with the programming. This is scary situation.
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
I was driving my 2015 Honda Civic when it stopped working. Looking at other people comments and by Hondas own admission, there were problems known with the transmission on these vehicles. Mechanics dont even want to work on the transmissions in these cars. Last Honda I buy
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
I have a 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid. The Audio System or Radio has now become dangerous. I filed a complaint with American Honda and they said I had to take it to the dealer for diagnostic and that no Recall or Technical Service Bulletin on my car Audio exists. I created a YouTube video to show the problem. I contacted my local Honda Dealer but they want me to pay a Diagnostic fee. It is over $190 t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
I have a 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid. The Audio System or Radio has now become dangerous. I filed a complaint with American Honda and they said I had to take it to the dealer for diagnostic and that no Recall or Technical Service Bulletin on my car Audio exists. I created a YouTube video to show the problem. I contacted my local Honda Dealer but they want me to pay a Diagnostic fee. It is over $190 t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
One week after having recall [XXX] completed on [XXX] driving on [XXX] at about 70 miles per hour my truck slowed down to 10 miles an hour with my dashboard lighting up with a slew of warning lights blinking like crazy. I was able to get to the side of the road before it conked out all the way. Luckily my wife and did not get rammed into. Service engine now, powertrain failure, will not go into g... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2024
Have replace both batteries every year since purchased, the engine start stop acts up alot of the time when you pull up to a red light the engine will turn off and then turn on automatically (shuts the electrical system completely down then it will come back on) the batteries like over heat and swell up will this cause a fire
Incident date: Sep 3, 2022
My car was in park and went into reverse with my two kiddos in the car in my driveway. I tried to jump in but the car door knocked me over as the car rolled faster as I was holding my sweet one year old and ended up rolling over my ankle and chest. [XXX] fortunately ended up with a scratch but I ended up with a broken leg and 6 broken ribs, a punctured lung and torn acl. I am lucky to be alive ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
On [XXX] the engine in my 2015 Hyundai Accent suddenly failed while traveling on [XXX] near Milesburg, PA. While attempting to accelerate, the vehicle completely stopped. It was able to be coasted to the side of the roadway, but was unable to be driven after that. It was towed back to South Williamsport to Steve Shannon's garage (where it still sits). After inspection by the mechanics it was noted... Read more