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: Mar 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the infotainment system failed to operate as intended, and unknown sensors were illuminated. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was not notified of the failu... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the infotainment system failed to operate as intended, and unknown sensors were illuminated. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was not notified of the failu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
During service I told the dealership that the seats were cracking. The said that they would investigate, but they never got back to me.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
Our Traverse has the transmission shudder really bad. This started at about 20k miles. Dealership made some adjustments which helped. Now that it out of warranty, this has gotten soo much worse. This needs to recalled.
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
The vehicle experienced engine failure due to coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders. The issue presented with engine misfire, including diagnostic trouble code P0302, rough running, and coolant entering the combustion chamber. The condition was confirmed by a dealership, which determined that the engine has internal damage and requires full engine replacement. There were no external coolant... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Forward Collision Avoidance”, “Brakes", and several other unknown safety features were displayed. The failure caused the cruise control to become inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
Following up on RECALL NOTICE. Some 2013-2016MY Dodge Dart vehicles may experience a transmission shift cable failure. A failure of the shift cable to maintain connection to the transmission can cause an unexpected and unrecoverable Loss of PARK (LoP) function and/or a vehicle movement in an unintended direction. Safety Risk A LoP function and/or vehicle movement in an unintended direction can ca... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding an unresolved airbag system failure in my Acura vehicle, and the lack of a timely or safe remedy despite the issue being acknowledged and covered under a manufacturer warranty extension. The airbag system in my vehicle was first diagnosed as failed in September 2025 by my local mechanic and s... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
My 2019 Toyota 4Runner has experienced an ongoing steering and suspension issue since early in its life. The vehicle required an alignment at approximately 6,800 miles and has required repeated alignments since. At approximately 48,000 miles, a separate repair facility identified lower control arm bushing concerns. The issue was not properly corrected, and the vehicle continued to require repeate... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
My 2019 Toyota 4Runner has experienced an ongoing steering and suspension issue since early in its life. The vehicle required an alignment at approximately 6,800 miles and has required repeated alignments since. At approximately 48,000 miles, a separate repair facility identified lower control arm bushing concerns. The issue was not properly corrected, and the vehicle continued to require repeate... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
Infotainment electrical issues, purge valve failure regardless of replacement, transmission failure regardless of replacement, exhaust bracket break regardless of replacement.
Incident date: Apr 11, 2025
The drivers side wiper does not go far enough to the edge while wiping creating uncleared area which impact visibility
Incident date: Jun 15, 2021
My 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe (VIN starting with 5NM) began experiencing a significant failure of the air conditioning system during its third year of ownership. The vehicle developed a persistent refrigerant leak that now requires annual recharges to remain functional. Multiple inspections suggest the failure is due to a porous evaporator core, a component defect that is increasingly reported by owner... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
While towing at night with horses, trailer lights started blinking on and off, eventually for longer periods, then stopped working all together. Research shows this is a common problem in GM vehicles related to the wiring and trailer light module. This is especially dangerous when pulling horses at night and all of the sudden lights go out. GM issued a technical service bulletin. This should be a ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 133,000. The contact discovered that the mileage was 209,000 from an independent mechanic. The contact reported the issue to the local authorities.
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
SUBJ: Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2023 Cadillac Escalade Sudden Loss of Power I am reporting a safety issue involving a 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV (VIN: [XXX] ). On April 19, 2026 (late evening into early April 20), while traveling approximately 70 mph on [XXX] , the vehicle suddenly and completely lost engine power without warning. This created an immediate safety hazard, nearly resulting in ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2026
The vehicle’s forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control radar sensor is mounted directly behind a plastic front emblem that can be removed in seconds without tools. This design allows easy theft of the radar unit, which immediately disables Honda Sensing safety systems including collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane keeping assis... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2026
The vehicle’s forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control radar sensor is mounted directly behind a plastic front emblem that can be removed in seconds without tools. This design allows easy theft of the radar unit, which immediately disables Honda Sensing safety systems including collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane keeping assis... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. No warning light was illuminated. Additionally, while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle jerked, and the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear. The failure had occurred twice. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an indepe... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
My 2021 ID.4 has experienced two separate incidents of sudden, unintended forward acceleration while parking. In both cases, I was maneuvering at very low speeds (less than 5 mph) and transitioning from a stopped position, or from reverse into drive, with the intention to move forward only a few inches. But instead of creeping forward as normal, the vehicle suddenly jerked forward approximately on... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
Intermittent failure of multiple safety‑critical Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) while driving. Forward collision avoidance, lane safety, and other driver‑assist features disable simultaneously without warning.
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
Mileage is at 86980. I have been having issues for a good 10k miles that are slowly getting worse. Transmission is slamming into reverse from park. Shifting is slow from 1st to 2nd gear. Has begun revving engine but not engaging. I have had the transmission fluid changed 3x and flushed and changed the last time. No leakage or overheating. I do not drive her hard, off road or tow. She always gets... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was slipping. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped, it unexpectedly lunged forward. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, there was an abnormal sound coming from the muffler. The vehicle was taken to the deal... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
Driving in a snow storm and slid in to a rail ,no damage but the back light,airbag deployed,. My regular headlights on the driver side went out three years ago , neighbor got it to work ,now both headlights are not working.
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
Vehicle jerking back and forth aggressively while at a complete stop with foot firmly on brake pedal. Vehicle seems to want to lurch forward.
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
Vehicle jerking back and forth aggressively while at a complete stop with foot firmly on brake pedal. Vehicle seems to want to lurch forward.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
driver’s side of the vehicle that the headlight does not cover the entire road but has an angle and is a safety issue.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2025
I was pulling out of driveway, it is a steep driveway, I have kept vehicle in 4WD, I then backed up to turn around, the truck “lurched” and “jerked” forward abruptly. I thought I had hit the home in front of me or ran over something. It was not the AEB. The vehicle had changed from 4WD auto to 2WD on its own, creating a large “jump” in the gears. I took the vehicle to service and they ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2025
I was pulling out of driveway, it is a steep driveway, I have kept vehicle in 4WD, I then backed up to turn around, the truck “lurched” and “jerked” forward abruptly. I thought I had hit the home in front of me or ran over something. It was not the AEB. The vehicle had changed from 4WD auto to 2WD on its own, creating a large “jump” in the gears. I took the vehicle to service and they ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
The front driver seat cushion/seat cover is deteriorating and ripping at the front portion of the seat. While driving, I can feel road vibration and impacts through the driver seat much more than normal, and the seat no longer feels properly cushioned or supported. I am concerned this affects the driver seating position, comfort, and ability to maintain proper control, and it creates a distraction... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
No specific incident occurred. This recall has been active for almost 7 months. I am uncomfortable putting my newborn in the middle rows of seats that are affected and my wife has a medical condition where putting our newborn in the back row is difficult. We are only using our other vehicle at this time until the recall is fixed. 7 months without remedy is unacceptable.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
1>Air bag Recal F39 2>. Knee contract my turn off ignition switch Recal P41 3> Possibly vehicle rollover Recall N23 4> Components electrical system Recal AQ10001 5> After Market Performance Suspension system Recal 09E039000 6> ABS Electronic Control Module Recal 4GO
Incident date: Apr 11, 2026
I am filing a complaint regarding an unresolved safety recall repair on my 2019 Ram 1500 (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle was brought to an authorized dealership for a safety recall related to the ABS system. At the time of the initial visit, there were no warning lights or system faults present. After the recall repair was performed, multiple warning lights and system errors appeared that were not pr... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2026
My vehicle is subject to open safety Recall 67C involving the cooling fan module and related fuse protection in the engine compartment. The recall has been open since October 2025. The manufacturer and dealer have confirmed that the remedy/parts are still not available and that there is no ETA for repair. At this time, I have not experienced an obvious operating failure with the vehicle itself. ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
While driving truck loses power. We stop put in park & then have to restart the truck to start driving. It has happened 3 times & we know this is a problem for other trucks.
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
My 2016 Kia Sorento was stolen because it wasn’t updated and also the engine caught fire because it wasn’t updated
Fire
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
My 2016 Kia Sorento was stolen because it wasn’t updated and also the engine caught fire because it wasn’t updated
Fire
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
I purchased my 2023 BMW 430i, coupe, X-Drive brand new on 04/14/2023 from BMW, Wesley Chapel Florida. On 05/14/2025, I observed my driver's side front seat belt to be extremely frayed and in an unsafe condition (see photo 05142025) and reported it to BMW Wesley Chapel immediately. The service manager advised me this was very unusual and he has never seen this condition before, but explained BMW... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
While driving on the highway, the vehicle experienced sudden engine failure at highway speeds, putting the safety of our son and others drivers at risk. The engine completely lost power. The diagnosing dealership confirmed failure of a connecting rod and bearings and internal engine damage with metal present throughout the engine, requiring full engine replacement at an estimated cost of over $17,... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Mid shift between 5th and 6th gear it sounded like marbles in my engine(grinding) so I let off the gas. It then switched down to 1st gear shuttered and slowed down and then shifted back to 6th. Was lucky no one was behind me or I would have been rear ended. Then going up my driveway same day. It disengaged(stopped) part way up my driveway. Wouldn’t go into gear and wouldn’t move. I had to shut... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
I am reporting a dangerous engine failure involving sudden loss of power and complete engine shutdown. While traveling uphill on I-90 in Massachusetts, my 2017 Kia Sportage suddenly lost engine power and rapidly became unable to maintain speed. I first moved into the right lane due to the power loss, but then had to cross traffic at approximately 20 mph to reach a small emergency shoulder area on ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
our truck has the GM 6.2L V8 engine in it. We had the “recall” done where they recommended thicker oil. Despite that recall work we still had catastrophic engine failure and GM’s solution is terrible. A new engine that can have the same issue?
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Became aware of open recalls circa 09.2025, and requested the parts be ordered at Ford Auto Nation (FAN) Panama City, FL. Was told by John, dealership would call when parts became available. Parts have not either been available and/or there have been no calls. Calling the dealer is ludicrous as all calls are answered by an incompetent call center. Dropped by the dealership today 04/25/2026, an... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Became aware of open recalls circa 09.2025, and requested the parts be ordered at Ford Auto Nation (FAN) Panama City, FL. Was told by John, dealership would call when parts became available. Parts have not either been available and/or there have been no calls. Calling the dealer is ludicrous as all calls are answered by an incompetent call center. Dropped by the dealership today 04/25/2026, an... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
First Incident- volume kept rising on its own. Would turn it down, it would go right back up. Would turn the radio off, it would turn on by itself and would keep rising until full blast. Vehicle was parked, came back from work, turned vehicle on and the volume was fine on it. Second Incident- (this has happened twice) about a month after the volume incident. This time the vehicle would accelerate... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
First Incident- volume kept rising on its own. Would turn it down, it would go right back up. Would turn the radio off, it would turn on by itself and would keep rising until full blast. Vehicle was parked, came back from work, turned vehicle on and the volume was fine on it. Second Incident- (this has happened twice) about a month after the volume incident. This time the vehicle would accelerate... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
First Incident- volume kept rising on its own. Would turn it down, it would go right back up. Would turn the radio off, it would turn on by itself and would keep rising until full blast. Vehicle was parked, came back from work, turned vehicle on and the volume was fine on it. Second Incident- (this has happened twice) about a month after the volume incident. This time the vehicle would accelerate... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2026
Using FSD. Stopped at a stop sign making a UPL into a 4-lane 35 MPH posted street. TWICE now there was a small opening which would require an aggressive accelerator - it started the turn stopping a full car length into the first lane and decides it's going to wait for closing traffic from the right. Obviously stopping in the middle of new oncoming traffic from the left is not very wise. This has ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
Opening car door and whole handle fell off.