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: Apr 8, 2026
All of my braking/abs lights intermittently go on and off. My 2019 Honda HRV runs fine but when dealer looked at it they said it was the VSA and to replace would be over $4k. Dealer said eventually my vehicle may shut down if not taken care of. I am wondering if this is a common problem and if will be a recall?
Incident date: May 6, 2026
The contact’s son owned a 2002 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that the contact was unaware of how the failure occurred; however, the contact’s son was involved in a crash in which the vehicle collided with a wall. The contact stated that none of the air bags deployed during the crash. The contact stated that the contact’s son sustained multiple injuries, and medical attention was provi... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 ( ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "turn off engine and do not open hood" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road and checked the water reservoir and noti... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at lower speeds, pulling into an uphill driveway, the vehicle had independently accelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. In addition, the contact stated that she was not able to depressed in time and had crashed into the left side of the house, causing damage to the front driver-side bumper and quarter p... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The vehicle shudders and it very slow to shift from park to drive.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The vehicle shudders and it very slow to shift from park to drive.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
On a side street approximately 1/4 mile before we were going to enter a highway the car suddenly resisted motion substantially and I had to immediately pull to the side. I tried reverse and the resistance was higher, I put it back in forward and it released. However, I immediately but slowly headed for my service station 2 miles away. A warning message appeared just as I brought the car to a stop ... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
Have been getting “engine malfunction power reduced” already had it repaired once. Not sure what is causing this since it was just “repaired “. New battery in place. Also has accident icons on dashboard
Incident date: May 6, 2026
Have been getting “engine malfunction power reduced” already had it repaired once. Not sure what is causing this since it was just “repaired “. New battery in place. Also has accident icons on dashboard
Incident date: May 2, 2026
I was driving on in the left most lane on a highway at 70 miles speed with multiple trucks speeding from behind. My car suddenly lost acceleration and saw multiple warning messages on my car display. I barely managed to save my car from being hit by the trucks speeding from behind, applying emergency lights and steering my vehicle from the left lane to the right side of the highway. After towing ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
The steering wheel gets stuck in lock position making the steering wheel feel sticky. Issue happens at highway speeds of around 40-60mph causing to overcorrect while driving.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
While driving the car on April 19, 2026, the car started losing engine power, was unable to maintain current speed of roadway, had to drive less than 15 miles an hour to a safe location. Had the car towed to the dealership they said there was a faulty code throwing for cylinder three had the fuel injectors replaced. Pick the car up drove not even 2 miles and car was still having the same issue tur... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
Life-threatening, unoccupied rollaway vehicle with personal injury. Possible and/or suspected issues: "Not-P" switch circuit malfunction; "false park"; lack of cross-module redundancy; lack of BCM and PCM redundancy; Diagnostic Blind Spot; lack of Occupancy-Brake interlock; systematic safety failure culminating in unintended, driverless, runaway Zombie vehicle with personal injury. Background ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 2, 2026
Driving my 2017Golf the check engine light came on. The light was steady. I called my dealer and got it in for service. They report to me that the Thermostat housing needs to be replaced and oxygen sensors need replacing also. I just had the manifold replaced 6 weeks ago. I found on line that this is a common problem . Why isn’t this a Recall Repair?
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 55 MPH, she could a loud notice and the vehicle shaking and vibrating independently. Several warning lights illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and dealer where it was diagnosed that the connecting rod bear needed to be replaced. The VIN was not included in ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
We were on our way home from charlotte nc where the suv sat for a week while we were on vacation. Less than an hour of traveling home we smelled something burning so my husband pulled over, turns the suv off, and we looked on the outside at the tires. We didn’t see anything no smoke, no flat tires, so we look back in the suv and there was smoke all inside. We opened my passenger door and the smo... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
This vehicle is a 2019 Honda CR-V with less than 70,000 miles on it. Which is less than 10,000 miles a year. The steering wheel consistently sticks, gets jammed, or even locks while driving. The experience is mostly felt while making turns while driving. After taking into Honda of Kirkland in Kirkland, WA the service team confirmed that the rack and pinion need to be replaced. My safety, my fami... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
This vehicle was rented to me on 04/23/2026. While driving, the gear shifter detached from its housing, causing the vehicle to become stuck in Drive. Due to this mechanical failure, I was unable to shift the vehicle into Park, Reverse, or Neutral. As a result, I was required to continuously apply pressure to the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from moving until law enforcement arrived and assi... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2026
Purchased this vehicle used from dealership after reviewing the carfax and receiving reassurance from dealer that airbags were never deployed. 4 days after purchase passenger window needed to be reset into the track and upon removing plastic around front pillars, discovered vehicle had airbags cut out of it. Also found other SRS components of vehicle tampered with or non functional.
Incident date: May 3, 2026
Purchased this vehicle used from dealership after reviewing the carfax and receiving reassurance from dealer that airbags were never deployed. 4 days after purchase passenger window needed to be reset into the track and upon removing plastic around front pillars, discovered vehicle had airbags cut out of it. Also found other SRS components of vehicle tampered with or non functional.
Incident date: May 3, 2026
Purchased this vehicle used from dealership after reviewing the carfax and receiving reassurance from dealer that airbags were never deployed. 4 days after purchase passenger window needed to be reset into the track and upon removing plastic around front pillars, discovered vehicle had airbags cut out of it. Also found other SRS components of vehicle tampered with or non functional.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
I was driving on the highway and my car started making a lot of noise. I got a notice “The Engine system has detected a fault.” Then another notification saying 4 wheel drive was disabled and then my car stopped running, leaving me stranded in the middle of the highway. My car would start, but it would not go into any gear. When I tried putting it in gear, I got a notification that said “Pow... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a loud rattling noise was heard coming from the vehicle, with no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 23V896000 (Power Train); however, the parts required to perform the recall repair were not yet available. The vehicle was taken to multiple dealers, ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 MACK GRANITE (GR). The contact stated while a driver was operating the vehicle they stated they felt a vibration in the steering wheel and had issues with a alignment while holding the steering wheel and going down the road the steering was automatically going right, but if they'd let go the steering go towards the left. A vehicle alignment was done. The contact stated she ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the brake was applied unexpectedly without the contact depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that she was unsure if the forward collision system was turned on at that time. The driver's seat belt tightened, and she sustained a bruise on her left arm and soreness on her chest. Medi... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
There is suspension noise coming from driver side when driving in low speed (10-30mph). You can feel it when turning and accelerating slowly. It started around 9000 miles after first service of the car. There was no noticeable noise before. Reported to dealer but they cannot fix it and told me everything looks normal.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
am writing to formally request an investigation and potential recall regarding a serious and increasingly reported issue affecting certain Chevrolet trucks. Numerous owners have experienced a malfunction in which the vehicle fails to properly recognize that it has been placed in park. As a result, the truck may remain running and not fully shut off, even after the driver has exited the vehicle. Th... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
Active Technical Service Bulletin that was not disclosed by Toyota or my dealer. The brakes make a piercing metal on metal noise when placed in reverse. I've been told this is not a safety issue, there will be no longer term impacts, and it is safe to drive. The issue however is that Toyota is limiting distribution of available repair parts, so I am on a 5-6 month wait list with my dealer. Bul... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
My vehicle is a 2012 rav 4 sport, color Barcelona Red. Said color and model has been know to have clear coat and paint issues. My vehicles clear coat and paint in the top has been peeling at an alarming rate, a year or so ago it started, but the last 6 months have been excrutiating. This problem poses a risk to me as if the issue continues on, oxidation might occur and possibly lead to holes in th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
My husband was sitting at a stop light when he noticed what appeared to be steam/smoke coming out from under the hood of the Bronco. Then smoke came into the vehicle through the air vents. When he looked up, flames were coming out from under the hood. He got out and the whole front of the car burst into flames and torched the car.
Fire
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
Our Atlas’ engine will turn off unexpectedly from time to time. This usually happens when the vehicle is stopped whether it be at a stop light, stop sign, carpool, etc. We brought it to the dealership and the replaced a part and indicated it should fix it; however the problem has persisted.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Abs module failure. Same as other later model years with same issue.
Incident date: Feb 2, 2023
When slowing down in traffic or approaching a stop sign vehicle will stall then turn off. This will than cause the vehicle to abruptly stop. Emergency brake is then engaged. It takes 1-3 times to engage vehicle to restart using the push start button. This happens with in 2-4 blocks of a cold start or even after 15 minutes or more of driving. This vehicle has been in the Dodge dealer several time... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2023
When slowing down in traffic or approaching a stop sign vehicle will stall then turn off. This will than cause the vehicle to abruptly stop. Emergency brake is then engaged. It takes 1-3 times to engage vehicle to restart using the push start button. This happens with in 2-4 blocks of a cold start or even after 15 minutes or more of driving. This vehicle has been in the Dodge dealer several time... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2023
When slowing down in traffic or approaching a stop sign vehicle will stall then turn off. This will than cause the vehicle to abruptly stop. Emergency brake is then engaged. It takes 1-3 times to engage vehicle to restart using the push start button. This happens with in 2-4 blocks of a cold start or even after 15 minutes or more of driving. This vehicle has been in the Dodge dealer several time... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2026
I was in my yard backing my truck up and the camera froze in the location that I was in and the sensors did not beep. The distance that I was backing up was not very far. It wasn't until I backed into a post in the front of my house, that I realized the camera and sensors had temporarily failed.
Crash
Incident date: Apr 19, 2026
I was in my yard backing my truck up and the camera froze in the location that I was in and the sensors did not beep. The distance that I was backing up was not very far. It wasn't until I backed into a post in the front of my house, that I realized the camera and sensors had temporarily failed.
Crash
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Driving to work yesterday with the heated steering wheel turned and thought I got shocked so I turned the steering wheel heater off immediately. This morning I turned the steering wheel heater on while driving and burnt one of my finger tips on the steering wheel at approx the 9 O'clock position. Before I could hit the button to turn the steering wheel heater back off a small puff of smoke came fr... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
Electronic brake controller faulty
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
Electronic brake controller faulty
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
turbo component defective fixed at my own cost last 2 yrs 9 m. afraid of fuel starvation
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
turbo component defective fixed at my own cost last 2 yrs 9 m. afraid of fuel starvation
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
My van was at the dealership for about 5 months getting a new engine while there I was told the recall would be fixed. My van is used for work & I can’t use it until the recall is fixed!
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
My van was at the dealership for about 5 months getting a new engine while there I was told the recall would be fixed. My van is used for work & I can’t use it until the recall is fixed!
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
The electronic power steering failed. And its $1300-3600 for the new rack and pinion cause the whole rack needs to be replaced when it fails. First my alternator went out then all of sudden my electronic assisted power steering went out
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
My 2024 Ram 1500 TRX has recurring safety-related failures of the infotainment system affecting both Uconnect 5 (12” screen) and earlier Uconnect 4 units. These issues are widespread in 2021–2024 Ram TRX and Ram 1500 models and began or worsened after forced over-the-air updates. The primary defect is black-screen failures while driving. When the screen goes black or freezes, the truck loses ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
My 2024 Ram 1500 TRX has recurring safety-related failures of the infotainment system affecting both Uconnect 5 (12” screen) and earlier Uconnect 4 units. These issues are widespread in 2021–2024 Ram TRX and Ram 1500 models and began or worsened after forced over-the-air updates. The primary defect is black-screen failures while driving. When the screen goes black or freezes, the truck loses ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
My 2024 Ram 1500 TRX has recurring safety-related failures of the infotainment system affecting both Uconnect 5 (12” screen) and earlier Uconnect 4 units. These issues are widespread in 2021–2024 Ram TRX and Ram 1500 models and began or worsened after forced over-the-air updates. The primary defect is black-screen failures while driving. When the screen goes black or freezes, the truck loses ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the instrument panel became inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated that upon shifting from reverse(R) to drive(D), the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was restarted and shifted to drive(D), and the vehicle responded as intended. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The manufa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the instrument panel became inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated that upon shifting from reverse(R) to drive(D), the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was restarted and shifted to drive(D), and the vehicle responded as intended. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The manufa... Read more