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: Feb 6, 2024
Without warning or indication, my windshield wipers stopped working in a heavy night rainstorm causing me to not be able to see anything. The dealership told me to bring my car in the next morning, while it was still raining, and they said they don’t know what caused it but stated that I need a replacement windshield wiper motor. They ‘escalated’ the issue due to the safety concern involved ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2024
Multiple times now upon entering traffic. My truck will start to take off normally then all of a sudden down shift into 1st gear and not shift out of first until I pull over shut the truck off and restart the truck. Then it seems to drive fine after that.
Incident date: Jun 22, 2023
2022 Maverick shuts down without warning. Driving at highway speeds, 65mph, the car simply loses all power. This started happening after factory recall work was completed on 3-11-24. I have stranded 7 times on the shoulder.
Incident date: Jun 22, 2023
2022 Maverick shuts down without warning. Driving at highway speeds, 65mph, the car simply loses all power. This started happening after factory recall work was completed on 3-11-24. I have stranded 7 times on the shoulder.
Incident date: May 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle had experienced engine misfiring and rough operation. Also, the check engine warning light had been illuminated and white smoke was present coming from the exhaust system. While inspecting under the hood it was discovered that the engine coolant level in the coolant reservoir was extremely low.... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2023
SRS failure Passenger airbag default to off
Incident date: Mar 13, 2019
The rear lug nuts sheared off two different times hauling a camper, also was involved in a wreck where the truck hydro planed now the traction control lights are on also the low coolent light is on and there is plenty of fluid in the tanks
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
The rear lug nuts sheared off two different times hauling a camper, also was involved in a wreck where the truck hydro planed now the traction control lights are on also the low coolent light is on and there is plenty of fluid in the tanks
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would suddenly drop to first gear without warning. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle had been taken in for a recall with the NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train) for which the remedy had been completed, however, they were still experiencing a failure. The vehicle was ta... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
I BELIEVE THE COMPUTER CAUSED THE PROBLEM. THE CAR IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AS PERSONNEL AT GETTEL TOYOTA IN PUNTA GORDA CLAIMED THEY COULDN'T TOUCH THE COMPUTER AND HAVE DONE NOTHING. Purchased Sienna in August 2021. In October at about 5:30 a.m. we were in the far left lane on a PA interstate, traffic came to a stop for construction. A delivery truck in front of us rolled backward a bit. ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the horn was pressed however it was not functioning properly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the clock spring was missing. The vehicle was not repaired due to a parts shortage. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, confirmed the ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2023
The rear backlite leaks causing water to drip into the rear of the vehicle from the back of the cab or the headliner. The water leak caused the RF module to short out. This caused the vehicle to unexpectedly turn off while driving in the middle of the road. Luckily this happened in the evening hours on a suburban road, but it is a MAJOR safety risk should this occur on a highway. The Dealer h... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at 75 MPH, an abnormal, squeaking noise began to emit from the vehicle. As the contact continued to drive, the squeaking noise turned into a rattling noise as several warning messages then appeared on the instrument panel. The contact initially pulled over to call for assistance but managed to reach their destination despite the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2024
The steering wheel keeps jerking and it feels like the car swerves whenever it wants to. With and without the lane assist. I have stopped using lane assist and it still has the same issue.
Incident date: Jun 2, 2023
Front passenger seat occupancy sensor has failed resulting in an illuminated seat belt warning even when the front passenger seat is unoccupied. Workaround is either to clip the seatbelt in all the time or put a black piece of tape over the warning light. Either workaround degrades safety as the intended operation of the warning light is bypassed.
Incident date: Feb 17, 2024
My car has been dying while on the road when I'm slowing down. I have spent $2,700 to get this issue fixed, and after replacing everything the computer said was wrong, the auto shop has determined that the issue is, in fact, the computer itself. There is nothing left to fix, but the car still will completely shut down while driving. Not safe at all, especially since I live in a high traffic area. ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2024
I bought a vehicle from a dealership in 2021. The dealership sold me a 2018 Kia Sportage. To their knowledge, they state they were unaware of any safety recalls. However, fast-forward to [XXX]. As I was entering a busy street (with my two young children in the car (both under the age of 5) and going up a hill, the oil light flashed once and then stayed on, I noticed the vehicle decelerating, as I ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Fit. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the "Lane Departure" warning light illuminated, and the vehicle independently steered to the left. The contact used force to jerk the steering wheel to the right. The contact stated that the Lane Departure warning light turned off once the vehicle was in a lane. Additionally, the contact stated that the ve... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2024
The radio/ my link is way to bright and there is no option to dim it. This makes an eye distraction and hard to see the road at night. there are many post about this concern online.
Incident date: Mar 23, 2024
The radio/ my link is way to bright and there is no option to dim it. This makes an eye distraction and hard to see the road at night. there are many post about this concern online.
Incident date: Mar 24, 2024
I purchased a new 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid from Bill Dodge Kia in Westbrook, Maine in December 2022. Beginning in January 2024, there have been numerous times when the gasoline engine does not come on, even at highway speeds. I have brought it to the Nashua and Manchester Kia dealerships, and Kia corporate has even sent out an "expert' to look into the matter. Though the dealership was able to du... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2024
Initial report on March 7, 2022 (approx. 94K miles), second report on Dec. 12, 2023 (approx. 111,700 miles). Third report March 27, 2024: Recent event occurred on March 23, 2024 (approx. 112K miles) when my vehicle suddenly stopped moving while driving 55mph on a freeway with child passenger in the vehicle, putting both of us at risk for collision. Vehicle did not have any warning lights turn on p... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Acura RDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (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 contact stated that several attempts were needed to start the vehicle. In addition, the console f... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off, he observed condensation under the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that radiator fluid was added but was leaking under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a six-inch crack in the radiator. The contact was informed that the O-rings, turbo, and radia... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2023
Car stalls while driving. While car is in drive it will stall and steering becomes limited. Works again once car is restarted.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
The engine overheated and the vehicle became with three children inside on a major New Jersey highway. This vehicle was advertised for families with kids, and appears to have a safety defect. The first sign something was wrong was when the check engine light came on; shortly after the vehicle became inoperable on the highway. We took the vehicle to several different mechanic shops, including the ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started to sound as if the engine was revving while the accelerator pedal was being depressed. The vehicle failed to respond as needed while the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle slowly decelerated. The contact stopped the vehicle and waited for the failure to cease bef... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2024
When taking off initially with the truck sometimes within the first 30 seconds of moving there is two yellow lights that come on the dash, while the center text window displays service brake system. The stored MIL code is C0020-01. Also when going over bumps in the road the message will also return. Sometimes it stays on, and I do not have the ability to use cruise control. One time I was driving ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2024
"front right" "side marker light defective. Headlights work fine, just the error message that come up at night.
Incident date: Mar 23, 2024
Mercedes Benz C300 P052E positive crankcase ventilation regulatory valve. Check engine light is on and the replacement is expensive. This is known issue, discussed in most MB forums. Please have it as manufacturers recall. By the time you come across this I may have already paid it some place to get it fixed... but want to help others. Thank you. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2024
Safety Recall, LD LX Sabic Inflator
Incident date: Mar 26, 2024
While driving the following warnings all came on: Gear Selected Will Engage at Low Speed Powertrain malfunction/reduced power Pre-collision assist not available Service engine soon warning Service AdvanceTrac Hill assist not available Vehicle came to a stop and parking brake automatically engaged. Driver could not control acceleration, gas pedal had no control, and vehicle moved on it's own unde... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
While driving my check engine light comes on and then I have a warning come on my screen on the dashboard that my car is shutting down power. So while I’m driving, at any point in time my car shuts down the power and I have to quickly pull over wherever I am so that I do t get into an accident Then shut my car off and wait a little bit and then turn it back on and keep driving. I looked into ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2023
Unknown Sensors possibly is the issue
Incident date: Mar 21, 2024
At early morning 6am, the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems malfunction cant detect the lane on the highway. while traveling the car suddenly steering randomly and almost cause a accident twice, before i have time to turn off the system.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
I received a message on the screen saying there was a problem with the OCS and that it needed to be serviced immediately. I take it to Tesla service and they tell me they will need to do the following: 1. Replace MODULE - OCS FILTER 2. Retrofit SBR in OCS Equipped Front Passenger Seat - Remove and Replace 3. Replace FIRST ROW SEAT HARNESS 4. Replace FIRST ROW - SEAT BELT REMINDER SENSOR B... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (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 while driving approximately ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2020
The steering wheel does not return to center. When turning and then releasing the steering wheel to come out of the turn, the wheel stays where it is, causing the car to continue to turn. You must manually steer the wheel back to center position. This always happens when steering. It is not a one-time or intermittent. This is not safe as it makes the car go off the road. There is no warning light ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
The engine is stalling while driving and the battery warning will flash across the screen. The battery is not the issue. It was purchased in the last year and has plenty of life left.
Incident date: Jan 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The console had overheated. The engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that cylinder numbers 1, 2, and 3 was misfiring. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Accent. The contact 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 and 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 manufa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a strong fuel odor inside and outside the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted while the vehicle was parked and turned off. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the strong fuel odor had caused her to have headaches while driving. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a strong fuel odor inside and outside the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted while the vehicle was parked and turned off. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the strong fuel odor had caused her to have headaches while driving. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2024
While driving on a road with a slight curve, the vehicle will detect an oncoming vehicle in the opposing lane and activate the automatic emergency braking system.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2021
Ford Ecoboost 2.0 engine in my 2018 Ford Edge failed at 71,945 miles due to cooling leaking into cylinder #2. Engine started rough for about two weeks but leveled out after about 5 seconds. When the check engine light came on while my wife was leaving home, we stopped driving the car until I could get an appt with Conway Heaton Ford in Bardstown KY. There the engine was found to have coolant leak... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2021
Ford Ecoboost 2.0 engine in my 2018 Ford Edge failed at 71,945 miles due to cooling leaking into cylinder #2. Engine started rough for about two weeks but leveled out after about 5 seconds. When the check engine light came on while my wife was leaving home, we stopped driving the car until I could get an appt with Conway Heaton Ford in Bardstown KY. There the engine was found to have coolant leak... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2024
Check engine light came on about a month ago and shows bad catalytic converter it is available for an inspection...will not pass inspection so it sits in my driveway
Incident date: Mar 6, 2024
Turn signal buttons do not work for short periods of time while driving. It is available for inspection upon request. I am unable to signal for merging and turning which is unsafe. The problem was not reproduced, but was confirmed. Yes the vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer and corrective action was taken. However the issue has not been fixed. No other warning lights, symptoms, or... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2024
After a 2 1/2 drive (interstate, 75 mph on cruise contral, eco button not on), I took the exit to go home. Immediately after going from cruise to normal driving, the check engine light flashed and as I pushed down on the accelerator there was no power. The engine would rev up to 4000 rpm but would not go over 30 mph and would not shift. Once I got on the more level area of the road I did nurse ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2024
There is some sort of electrical issue. Things keep going in and out: internal lights, cruise control, turn signals in front and back go out 6-9 times a year, ABS light stays on even after it was serviced, the radio goes in and out. I lose power while driving snd allow the car to sit for a day or two and it cuts back on like nothing ever happened.