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 4, 2026
When I started the car at 10pm , a loud pop was heard and warning lights on the dashboard indicated an electrical problem. I turned off the radio and anything extra that could use up power; during the next 45 minutes I took surface streets instead of the freeway to drive 22 miles back home and speed was limited to 40 mph. The next day the same warning lights were on the dashboard and speed was l... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2022 Hyundai Tucson equipped with the 2.5L engine. The vehicle has experienced multiple incidents of severe engine misfiring while driving. During these events, the engine begins to shake violently, the entire vehicle vibrates, and engine power is significantly reduced. The vehicle becomes unable to accelerate normally, creating a serious safety hazard,... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2022 Hyundai Tucson equipped with the 2.5L engine. The vehicle has experienced multiple incidents of severe engine misfiring while driving. During these events, the engine begins to shake violently, the entire vehicle vibrates, and engine power is significantly reduced. The vehicle becomes unable to accelerate normally, creating a serious safety hazard,... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The Blind spot warning lights on both sides of the mirros are not lit consistently. It brings in some dangerous situation if we assume the warning light is always lit when there is a car in the blind spot. So I observed it on the highway several times, especally at night, where the warning light is mostly needed. The result is consistent. I was driving on the three-lane I95 and adaptive cruising... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
I was driving and my power steering suddenly went out by its self. It was a very dangerous and traumatic experience. I had to get a good grip on the steering wheel to keep from hitting a Parked Car or something! I read that it was once a recall for this part but when I took it to the dealer they said it wasn’t. I need some type of help. My car isn’t safe for me or my son
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
The engine consumes oil which is a known problem at Hyundai with the Tucson for the year 2020. The car has ~51,000 miles on it. When we took the car to the dealer at which we bought the car they diagnosed that the engine was burning oil. We were told that the engine is covered by standard warranty (10 yr. 100,000 miles). there is a process Hyundai has established for engines suspected of havin... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
The silver roof rack cover on both sides of vehicle completely came off of vehicle while driving. The clips broke off just like the problems listed in another recall for the same year Explorer. There is a recall for all models of the same year and make, however the Limited is excluded from the recall. If someone was behind me it could've resulted in a crash. This recall for this part needs to be f... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Ford Fusion energi battery failure. Dealership wouldn't inspect the battery and kept replacing the battery control module. The replacement part kept failing under warranty and then the dealership quoted me $20,000 for the hybrid battery. They have replaced the BCM twice and error code P0dc9 keeps appearing. The EV range drops to zero randomly or gains range while parked and not plugged in. Dealers... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2026
Travel assist unavailable warning comes on several time a minute with a visual indicator and loud chime. Very distracting while driving. Known issue to VW
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
Travel assist unavailable warning comes on several time a minute with a visual indicator and loud chime. Very distracting while driving. Known issue to VW
Incident date: Dec 14, 2023
I am reporting the failure of Ford Motor Company to perform a mandatory safety recall (Recall 22S43 / NHTSA ID 22V413) on my 2019 Ford Escape. This failure is compounded by evidence of falsified internal service records (OASIS reports) that misrepresent the vehicle's recall status as 'completed.' Furthermore, the failure to perform this specific recall directly prevented a necessary diagnostic ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2026
I bought this vehicle and it has about 5,000 miles on it, I added about 60,000 more miles on it and I have to replaced the automatic transmission paid from my pocket since the manufacturer warranty does not cover all that much miles.
Incident date: Jun 6, 2026
Vehicle has auto start/stop and when shutting down at a stop will fail to start back up. Have to shut vehicle down completely and then try to start back up.
Incident date: Jun 6, 2026
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport experienced repeated intermittent electrical and electronic malfunctions while driving. The infotainment screen repeatedly froze, became unresponsive, or turned black/blue while operating the vehicle. Apple CarPlay malfunctioned repeatedly, and multiple USB ports appeared to damage connected electronic devices. Warning messages including “12V battery is not char... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2026
Driving on highway, suddenly starts chugging and stalling, blowing white smoke and engine light comes on. On side of road won't restart. Ford dealer confirmed it was coolant intrusion from a known engine faulty design, dealer said Ford did not cover all VINS that this effected, (which mine was one) even though it met the other criteria. Has only been inspected and confirmed at Ford repair ce... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2026
My car began shaking at low speeds when turning. Brought it to a mechanic to investigate and they performed a recommended manufacturer alteration on the car related to rear differential vent. That did not fix the issue and mechanic said a full rear differential replacement was required and it was a safety issue. If the rear differential failed while driving it could cause a serious accident. He su... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
While driving at highway speed, I experienced a sudden loss of engine power with no warning. This created an immediate safety hazard for myself and other drivers. The vehicle was diagnosed by Mercedes-Benz of Georgetown as requiring a full engine replacement (~$19,000). This failure is consistent with a known defect in the 2.0L M260 engine used in the 2020 A220, involving premature wear of exhaus... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
On 6/4, I completed a long road trip of over 650 miles. When I got back into my vehicle to move it to where it would be parked for the night, it displayed messages for a Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power and a High Voltage Battery Warning. I powered the car off and back on within about 5 minutes, and the messages were still being displayed. I connected a code scanner to the car and the car ha... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
While you driving an annoying beep comes on with the message ‘Lane assist is not available’ The beep comes on then off for several times during the ride..it’s very disturbing and annoying for me and for my passengers..My vehicle which has 30000 miles is being used for Hire I consider this issue as a safety one and that the manufacturer has to take some action to solve the problem Thank you ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
[XXX] [XXX] [XXX]; [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Date: XXX To: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) Subject: Formal Safety Defect Complaint – 2017 Hyundai Sonata Theta II Engine Failure, Excessive Oil Consumption, Intake/Engine Component Failure and Safety Hazard Dear Sir or Madam: I am submitting this formal complaint and request for immediate investigat... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
Intermittent hesitation when accelerating
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
The contact owned a 2024 Toyota Prius Prime PHEV. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle was involved in a head-on collision with another vehicle that was traveling towards the contact's vehicle at approximately 50 MPH. The contact stated that during the impact, the steering wheel detached and hit the driver's body. The air bags failed to deploy. There was no warning light ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 1, 2021
The rear camera only works sporadically. It will work once in awhile or will work and then not work at all for awhile. So far Ford has not addressed this make and model as having a problem. One of our teenagers is the primary driver and this is unsafe.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
2022 Wagoneer Series III has major alignment issues and ruining tires with the outside tire edges cupping/wearing bald due to the alignment kicking out within an hour of being aligned and driven at highway speeds. Vehicle also has a death wobble when going over 65 mph and pulls hard to the right almost causing the vehicle to go off the road or into another lane if you are not bare knuckling the st... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
2022 Wagoneer Series III has major alignment issues and ruining tires with the outside tire edges cupping/wearing bald due to the alignment kicking out within an hour of being aligned and driven at highway speeds. Vehicle also has a death wobble when going over 65 mph and pulls hard to the right almost causing the vehicle to go off the road or into another lane if you are not bare knuckling the st... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV brake-by-wire failure during a downhill U-turn at 100% battery state of charge. Pedal went completely soft to the floor, unable to stop, causing a crash.
Crash
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
2k miles on a new 2026 ford transit. While in traffic there was sudden braking I had plenty of space in front of me (also reported by the driver in front of me) I was not able to stop in time which resulted in rear ending another driver. My abs acted extremely loose, as if I was on ice on a clear day 80 degrees. The driver behind me confirmed seeing my brake lights for a minute before impact. I'm ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
Instrument cluster digital screen went blank. Came on next time vehicle was started and then went blank again and didn’t come back on, no longer displaying warnings, fuel level, etc.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2019
Since 2024/2025 car has been malfunctioning, I’ve had it checked out but it just got worse and nothing was fixed l, it is I driveable and very unsafe. When driving it abruptly stops like it’s crashing Messages that pop up (Multiple ones at one time flashing as well) - service “ESC” -“service power steering drive with care” -“shift to park” -“low fuel” (but car has gas in ... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2026
There is a class action lawsuit concerning the airbag control unit not functioning properly leading to safety issues during a crash. The case is called ZF-TRW Airbag Control Unit Product Liabilty Litigation. Case number XXX My Kia Forte was on the list of recalled vehicles. I have been having electrical problems with my car and this may be the answer I have been looking for !! INFORMATION R... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a black screen. The dealer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was informed that parts needed to be ordered to repair the vehicle. The contact stated the dealer had been contacted several times, and the contact was informed that the parts were unavailable. The vehicle was not di... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there were abnormal sounds coming from the exhaust, the exhaust was leaking, and the contact discovered that there were cracks on the exhaust manifolds. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the exhaust manifolds and gasket needed to be replaced. T... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
The Fuel Pump Control Module (FPCM) connector corroded and disabled the fuel pump system. My car's fuel system failed while driving, and I had to pull over. After further research, I found that this particular FPCM and connector are located by the rear passenger axle and are exposed to the weather elements. This makes corrosion highly likely and poses a significant security threat for drivers, as ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
Transmission blew on a 7 year old vehicle. Was replaced entirely and is NOW having the EXACT SAME PROBLEM AGAIN!
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
Transmission blew on a 7 year old vehicle. Was replaced entirely and is NOW having the EXACT SAME PROBLEM AGAIN!
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
Transmission blew on a 7 year old vehicle. Was replaced entirely and is NOW having the EXACT SAME PROBLEM AGAIN!
Incident date: Jun 3, 2026
On 05.28.2026 my car veered sporadically to the right causing my tire to hit the curb as I was going under a viaduct with a high curb I lost my hub cap and damaged my rim slightly. Now my wheel is at a constant angle to the left, and veers sporadically left and right. After being in a reddit forum and seeing other people had this problem and it should be covered under warranty. However, I was ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
The truck side toy down shift and the accelerator was very high…. When I was going to park the reverse was not shifting…
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
My eps is going out. When driving and turning my wheel the wheel catches and is hard to turn. It is significantly harder to turn when driving compared to being parked. Also it seems to not do this during the evening and early morning when it’s cool out.
Incident date: May 9, 2026
No warning. It was cold out. I ran into a store. Came back to my car and started it. The rear window defrost automatically turned on. I sat for a few minutes to let my car warm up and the back window exploded. I heard the loud explosion like a gun shot. Look back and the window exploded all into the vehicle. If I had a child in the 3rd row seat they would have had glass all over them. Possibly cau... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
Idle Stop issue- We were at a stop light and the engine idle stopped. When the light turned green and the foot was taken off the brake, the engine did not turn back on. We had to turn hazards on and turn van completely off. We tried several times to restart the vehicle and the engine did not respond. We finally got it to turn on a couple minutes later but the engine sounded as if it was struggling... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned? Engine and Transission System Fuel Management system, How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While driving the vehicle it would just shut off, when you tried to restart vehicle it would not start all you could smell was gas. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? This happened on ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
I just bought my Subaru outback brand new in October 2025. I’ve maintained my oil changes at the dealership. I bought it from in the last one was last may 26. I filled up my tank with a full tank of gas June 1. On June 2 when I was driving home from work on the I 94 Highway in Detroit Michigan I was going about 50 mph when my check engine light went on and within seconds the engine failed. The c... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The contact owns a . The check engine light illuminated, while driving, the vehicle shifted to a lower gear unexpectedly and the turbo began to make a noise., the RPM's rapidly increased. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
My 2019 Sorento 3.3L suffered high oil consumption followed by a severe oil leak at the back of the head/engine block threads. There is an odor of coolant which smells sweet with no visible coolant leak meaning there is likely coolant seeping into the engine mixing with the oil. I believe this an ongoing engine failure caused from Kia not correcting the issues over many years.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The Throttle response is very slow when slowing down and then trying to take back off you are half throttle or more before anything happens, i have had to pull off the road to keep other vehicles from hitting me because the vehicle would not go. There has been a few times on the interstate that the throttle would not accept throttle at all and i would have to keep mashing it to finally get it to r... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The Throttle response is very slow when slowing down and then trying to take back off you are half throttle or more before anything happens, i have had to pull off the road to keep other vehicles from hitting me because the vehicle would not go. There has been a few times on the interstate that the throttle would not accept throttle at all and i would have to keep mashing it to finally get it to r... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2026
Vehicle intermittently lunges forward during the 2nd-to-1st downshift, even while the brakes are being applied. When this occurs, the vehicle unexpectedly accelerates or surges forward slightly, travels farther than anticipated, and feels similar to being bumped from behind. Because the condition occurs at low speeds, often in tight areas such as parking spaces, stop-and-go traffic, or before a cr... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2026
Vehicle intermittently lunges forward during the 2nd-to-1st downshift, even while the brakes are being applied. When this occurs, the vehicle unexpectedly accelerates or surges forward slightly, travels farther than anticipated, and feels similar to being bumped from behind. Because the condition occurs at low speeds, often in tight areas such as parking spaces, stop-and-go traffic, or before a cr... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2026
Vehicle intermittently lunges forward during the 2nd-to-1st downshift, even while the brakes are being applied. When this occurs, the vehicle unexpectedly accelerates or surges forward slightly, travels farther than anticipated, and feels similar to being bumped from behind. Because the condition occurs at low speeds, often in tight areas such as parking spaces, stop-and-go traffic, or before a cr... Read more