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: May 30, 2026
while traveling at highway speed on the interstate in Alabama, the panoramic roof glass on my 2025 Ram 1500 spontaneously shattered and expelled outward from the vehicle. There was no prior impact, road debris strike, or warning of any kind. No injuries occurred, but the sudden loud explosion of glass was an extreme distraction and created a serious safety hazard for myself, child in the back seat... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 RAM 2500. The contact received notice of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that on several occasions while driving on several occasions at various speeds, a warning notification chiming noise went off. The contact stated that on some occasion while driving in inclement weather, the ABS system did not work as intended and the fr... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2026
My 2021 RAM 1500 ecodiesel was subject to an NHTSA recall (23V-263). The recall included a replacement High pressure fuel pump (HPFP) due to a mechanical defect in the Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) that causes the pump to fail prematurely and destroy itself internally. The HPFP was replaced under the recall over two years ago, only for the new fuel pump to fail catastrophically and se... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
Norcold N641.3FL refrigerator (serial #XXX) installed in an Arctic Fox truck camper caught fire on June 2, 2026 due to cooling unit failure. This model is subject to a known Norcold fire risk recall. The unit had not been repaired under the recall. I extinguished the fire myself. I have photographic evidence and have reported the incident to Thetford/Norcold at [XXX] . Norcold LLC filed for Chapte... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
Norcold N641.3FL refrigerator (serial #XXX) installed in an Arctic Fox truck camper caught fire on June 2, 2026 due to cooling unit failure. This model is subject to a known Norcold fire risk recall. The unit had not been repaired under the recall. I extinguished the fire myself. I have photographic evidence and have reported the incident to Thetford/Norcold at [XXX] . Norcold LLC filed for Chapte... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off and in park(P), the gear shifter could be moved out of the park(P) position without depressing the brake pedal. Due to the failure, the vehicle would roll forward which caused a potential safety hazard. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA ID Number: 18V100000(Power Train); however, the contact's... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
Vehicle failed state inspection w less than 24,000 miles due to excessive rear brake wear. Brake pad wear was significantly greater and failed inspection on the piston side of the brake pads potentially indicating failure or improperly functioning of electronic emergency brake.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received the recall notification letter related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). While driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal beeping sound detected. While traveling over a bump, the cruise control disengaged. The ABS light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, who confirmed the remedy parts we... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2026
The DEF system failed on this truck at the end of 2025. The truck has entered limp mode, and if we continue to drive it, it will shut down completely. The vehicle has been at Darling's RAM in Ellsworth, ME since March 2026, and they say that they are still waiting for the parts. Why aren't parts available?? They have no idea when parts will be shipped from the manufacturer. Why is this at all ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
The Navigation screen bounces back and forth. It's been reset twice and it just goes back to bouncing around. This is a real issue that needs to be recalled and fixed immediately.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
The Navigation screen bounces back and forth. It's been reset twice and it just goes back to bouncing around. This is a real issue that needs to be recalled and fixed immediately.
Incident date: May 31, 2026
SEVERE SAFETY HAZARD: CASCADING ELECTRICAL FIRE RISK. My 2019 Ram 1500 suffered a catastrophic electrical failure while driving. The alternator's voltage regulator melted, overcharging the system and causing the battery to boil and vent toxic sulfuric acid fumes into the cabin, creating an immediate respiratory and fire hazard. This is the direct result of Manufacturer Defect XL1/XG1 (Rear Windo... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2026
SEVERE SAFETY HAZARD: CASCADING ELECTRICAL FIRE RISK. My 2019 Ram 1500 suffered a catastrophic electrical failure while driving. The alternator's voltage regulator melted, overcharging the system and causing the battery to boil and vent toxic sulfuric acid fumes into the cabin, creating an immediate respiratory and fire hazard. This is the direct result of Manufacturer Defect XL1/XG1 (Rear Windo... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The turn signal switch activates the wipers sometimes. And sometimes the wipers ghost and run by themselves for no reason at all. This is very distracting and it has started to scratch the windshield. VERY DANGEROUS when travelling down the interstate at 70MPH and the wipers screech across the windshield all by themselves............PLEASE HELP.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500 . The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V720000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 25V552000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that the remedy parts were not yet available and were on backordered. The... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500 . The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V720000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 25V552000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that the remedy parts were not yet available and were on backordered. The... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2026
2021 Ram 1500, rear window leaked after it rained. (Common problem with these trucks, even a class action law suit because of this issue). Leak was bad enough to cause severe electrical damage, truck will not start. There is an extended warranty related to this issue BUT according to Ram my truck does not qualify…..
Incident date: May 25, 2026
2021 Ram 1500, rear window leaked after it rained. (Common problem with these trucks, even a class action law suit because of this issue). Leak was bad enough to cause severe electrical damage, truck will not start. There is an extended warranty related to this issue BUT according to Ram my truck does not qualify…..
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
1.defective Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU), NHTSA safety recall (Recall C4B / 24V896000) for 2017–2018 heavy-duty Ram trucks. 2.Failure to stop properly. 3.Yes I took to a certified dealer in Madera, Ca Gill auto group and they would not do anything about the issue. 4. No the certified dealer in Madera, Ca Gill auto group has not fixed the unsafe recall issue. 5. The warnings displayed are (ser... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
1.defective Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU), NHTSA safety recall (Recall C4B / 24V896000) for 2017–2018 heavy-duty Ram trucks. 2.Failure to stop properly. 3.Yes I took to a certified dealer in Madera, Ca Gill auto group and they would not do anything about the issue. 4. No the certified dealer in Madera, Ca Gill auto group has not fixed the unsafe recall issue. 5. The warnings displayed are (ser... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
1.defective Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU), NHTSA safety recall (Recall C4B / 24V896000) for 2017–2018 heavy-duty Ram trucks. 2.Failure to stop properly. 3.Yes I took to a certified dealer in Madera, Ca Gill auto group and they would not do anything about the issue. 4. No the certified dealer in Madera, Ca Gill auto group has not fixed the unsafe recall issue. 5. The warnings displayed are (ser... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2026
I was driving on the highway when my steering wheel pulled to the right and almos made me crash into the concrete retainer, i had to fully stop my van in the middle of the highway The steering wheel locks and pulls to the opposite side where you wanna turn i cant use my vehicle like this i seen that a lot of people are dealing with this problem and is not safe!
RAM
2500
(2017) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
May 30, 2026
Incident date: May 30, 2026
Safety recall has been outstanding for a very long time, the status on this site and on the Ram truck site has stated it is not available without any resolution in sight.
Incident date: May 29, 2026
The recall for the HBC unit listed under NHTSA recall #24V-896 is a serious safety concern and causes daily issues driving the vehicle. Without a load in the bed the rear-end is very light so the tires spin easily with the loss of traction control associated with this recall. Also during the rain the truck is almost undriveable due to the frequent tire spins while barely using the throttle.
Incident date: May 29, 2026
The recall for the HBC unit listed under NHTSA recall #24V-896 is a serious safety concern and causes daily issues driving the vehicle. Without a load in the bed the rear-end is very light so the tires spin easily with the loss of traction control associated with this recall. Also during the rain the truck is almost undriveable due to the frequent tire spins while barely using the throttle.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact received the recall notification letter for NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that the ABS cycled off while driving. The ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the parts being backordered. The manufacturer w... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
2018 Ram 2500 — Hydraulic Control Unit recall number C4B that was issued on November 27, 2024. Multiple dealers have repeatedly stated “no parts available” for over 1 year and 6 months. Recall affects braking safety. I am active duty military and rely on this vehicle for transportation. Manufacturer has not provided a repair timeline. Requesting NHTSA intervention for parts availability.
Incident date: May 14, 2026
Electronic power steering failed in a turn, and required a lot of force to make the turn, the eps had water in it after a flood, the part is backordered
Incident date: Aug 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 24V896000 (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 made aware of the issue. The approximate fa... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2026
I experienced sudden and intermittent loss of power steering. I nearly crashed going around a corner as the steering suddenly required a hard active return to center. I brought the vehicle to my local independent service center where they test drove it and confirmed/experienced similar sudden loss of power steering. No one else has inspected the vehicle. There were no warning lights. The onboard ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Apr 24, 2026
Total brake failure and all electrical systems shut down and went offline while driving at 65 mph on highway.had to swerve back and forth across road for a mile before coming to a hill and slowing enough to stop on side of road.
Incident date: Apr 24, 2026
Total brake failure and all electrical systems shut down and went offline while driving at 65 mph on highway.had to swerve back and forth across road for a mile before coming to a hill and slowing enough to stop on side of road.
Incident date: Apr 24, 2026
Total brake failure and all electrical systems shut down and went offline while driving at 65 mph on highway.had to swerve back and forth across road for a mile before coming to a hill and slowing enough to stop on side of road.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2025
Tailgate gets stuck and will not open.
Incident date: May 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 RAM 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that when the ABS warning light illuminated, the cruise control feature was deactivated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received a recall ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 RAM 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V552000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact mention he has had several issues with the vehicle on the freeway and bridge where the vehicle stalled while driving at any unknown speed. The contact stated that several dealers were contacted and informed h... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2026
Electronic power steering failure. Not complete shut down, but intermittent. Heavy steering feel when cornering at very low or highway speeds. No return to center. Notchy/sticky steering feel. No eps warning light. No electronic failure ie fuse, relay, control. Works fine today, cuts out tomorrow.
Incident date: May 26, 2026
On the morning of May 26, 2026, I was driving at 30 MPH on a neighborhood road. After a few miles, and while approaching a green to caution traffic light. I applied the brake and felt a definite tug in the steering wheel and immediately, completely lost power steering. While at the red traffic light and a full stop, I placed the truck in park stopped and restarted the engine, and the power steerin... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. 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; however, the... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the Traction Control, ABS, Electric Trailer Brake, and Brake warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was purchased, and it was scanned with an OBD2 scanner; however, it was cleared for error codes and diagnosed safe to drive. The vehicle was repaired; however, the... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2026
First incident, vehicle completely lost power and turned off while driving down highway, fortunately I was able to coast in to shoulder and request a tow. Second event the vehicle flashed all warning lights while traveling down interstate and had a quick shudder. This was similar to first incident. However, lights eventually cleared themselves and power wasn’t lost. Third incident vehicle warnin... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2026
First incident, vehicle completely lost power and turned off while driving down highway, fortunately I was able to coast in to shoulder and request a tow. Second event the vehicle flashed all warning lights while traveling down interstate and had a quick shudder. This was similar to first incident. However, lights eventually cleared themselves and power wasn’t lost. Third incident vehicle warnin... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2026
First incident, vehicle completely lost power and turned off while driving down highway, fortunately I was able to coast in to shoulder and request a tow. Second event the vehicle flashed all warning lights while traveling down interstate and had a quick shudder. This was similar to first incident. However, lights eventually cleared themselves and power wasn’t lost. Third incident vehicle warnin... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Loss of power steering while driving. RAM says there are no replacement parts and there is no recall on this part, steering rack and pinion.
Incident date: May 8, 2026
Intermittent failure of the electronic power steering
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle, began to make a loud noise, and misfired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with repaired; however the issue persisted. The vehicle was not taken for repairs again. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate mileage 120,000.
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Electric Steering failed making it unsafe to turn.
Incident date: May 16, 2026
I had NHTSA recall for this generator done (23E-030) which was to solve the same problem I just had. Apparently, they just moved to a smaller diameter fuel line to fit the fuel pump better. However, this hose also came off my Cummins generator fuel pump and was spewing gas all over the generator and the ground when we ran it. This is a very unsafe condition and I'm surprised, after the recall... Read more