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 11, 2026
Once I turn the vehicle off, there is a loud sound coming from the engine area that sounds like a fan. Then the first incident of the fan ongoing after the vehicle was powered off, a battery light was on the internal driver dashboard and stayed on. The battery was recently replaced during 2026 so the battery should not be anywhere near dead, dying, or needing to be checked
Incident date: Apr 11, 2026
When Tpms light comes on, all safety features including cruise control become disabled. Lane assist and collision safety features become disabled. On top of that, I have had Honda look at my rear end after they replaced a rear upper control arm after being in a ditch and at 246,000 current miles, I have replaced my tires 16 times due to the rear tires ripping the tread off between 10-15k. If ther... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2026
When Tpms light comes on, all safety features including cruise control become disabled. Lane assist and collision safety features become disabled. On top of that, I have had Honda look at my rear end after they replaced a rear upper control arm after being in a ditch and at 246,000 current miles, I have replaced my tires 16 times due to the rear tires ripping the tread off between 10-15k. If ther... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2025
the auto high beam system is overly sensitive. lights flicker when a street sign is detected. dealer checked this issue and said the door switch was bad and replaced it. problem still exists. this makes night driving distracting and dangerous. no warning lamps or messages are shown on instrument panel.
Incident date: Aug 26, 2025
The component at issue is the engine, which suffered a sudden and catastrophic failure due to unknown causes. At no time prior to this incident were there any warnings, symptoms, or indications of an underlying mechanical defect that would have allowed for preventative action. While operating the vehicle on the highway with my family present, multiple warning indicators activated simultaneously, ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
The component at issue is the engine, which suffered a sudden and catastrophic failure due to unknown causes. At no time prior to this incident were there any warnings, symptoms, or indications of an underlying mechanical defect that would have allowed for preventative action. While operating the vehicle on the highway with my family present, multiple warning indicators activated simultaneously, ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
The component at issue is the engine, which suffered a sudden and catastrophic failure due to unknown causes. At no time prior to this incident were there any warnings, symptoms, or indications of an underlying mechanical defect that would have allowed for preventative action. While operating the vehicle on the highway with my family present, multiple warning indicators activated simultaneously, ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
Throttle response is unpredictable. From a stop sign, acceleration is difficult to predict. Sometimes a one second delay occures before acceleration power is effected. With the time delay the throttle has been pressed further than normal. In heavy traffic, a collision could be possible. The problem got worse after a firmware update, during a safety recall to replace rearview touch screen. Pe... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2026
- While driving, everything electrical turned off (engine stayed on) for approximately 3 seconds including headlights, navigation, dashboard containing speed, music, etc. - This occurrence happened during the daytime, so there was no danger; however this has also happened to me at night a year ago, causing me to lose all vision at 40 MPH which was a major safety risk. - This problem has occurred w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
Excessive oil consumption caused by the PCV Valve failing. The PCV Valve failed causing pressure build up in the engine which luckily for me only caused the valve stem seals to pop out of position on the exhaust valves. This caused oil to leak into the combustion chambers and burn through the exhaust. In other known cases this failure has caused the oil pan and timing covers to Crack and vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
I purchased a Mercedes EQB 250+ (2023) in December 2025 from W.I. Simonson Mercedes-Benz in Santa Monica, CA(certified dealership). In April 2026, I discovered a recall affecting certain EQB vehicles through a Facebook forum. After entering our VIN into the official recall database, we confirmed that our vehicle is subject to a recall issued in February 2026. We did not receive any notification (m... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
We were stopped at a stoplight. As soon as we stepped on the gas pedal, there was a loud clunk sound and plastic parts started flying out from under the car. We immediately pulled over. Oil was spilling out everywhere. The transmission oil pump was laying on the inside of the engine compartment. We had towed to Toyota. They diagnosed a bent piston went through engine which also caused a hole in th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2026
Back up Camera has stopped working. When placing car into reverse we get a black screen with a warning signal and picture of camera with line through. this creates a safety issue when backing up with out camera guidance.
Incident date: Apr 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the instrument panel and the engine unexpectedly shut off. Occasionally, the vehicle immediately restarted upon wiggling the ignition key; however, the vehicle needed to be manually started by turning the ignition key on other occasions. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2026
Propane line from tank has multiple stress cracks from improper installation, whereas, the line was installed with the hose bent too tightly and without sufficient flexing to prevent cracks and leaks. The multiple cracks caused a severe propane leak with all related propane equipment becoming inoperable due to the severe danger.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
Vehicle went into Brake Assist Failure and would roll in neutral but no drivetrain power or brakes. Dealer took 3 months to find part. Acceleration jerky at stop or while driving. Pedal too sensitive. Constant traction loss from stop at lights and stop signs if not careful on dry pavement. Mode selection to Rain/Snow helps by restricting power, if it is remembered to be turned on. With rain and sn... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
Vehicle went into Brake Assist Failure and would roll in neutral but no drivetrain power or brakes. Dealer took 3 months to find part. Acceleration jerky at stop or while driving. Pedal too sensitive. Constant traction loss from stop at lights and stop signs if not careful on dry pavement. Mode selection to Rain/Snow helps by restricting power, if it is remembered to be turned on. With rain and sn... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
Vehicle went into Brake Assist Failure and would roll in neutral but no drivetrain power or brakes. Dealer took 3 months to find part. Acceleration jerky at stop or while driving. Pedal too sensitive. Constant traction loss from stop at lights and stop signs if not careful on dry pavement. Mode selection to Rain/Snow helps by restricting power, if it is remembered to be turned on. With rain and sn... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
[XXX] I was local driving and my Ram truck got silent and engine died. I still had power steering. When I rolled to a stop the message said "press brake and put in park". The truck put itself in park before I pressed the brake pedal. It took 3 attempts to get my truck started. I drove to Walker dealer in Alexandria, La., and reported problem. Service advisor put a computer on the truck and it had... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recalls repairs were not yet available. An unknown dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available for the recall repairs. Additionally, the contact stated that the part... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced loss of motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact also stated that the vehicle had failed to start occasionally. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had unexpectedly shifted into neutral(N) while driving... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
Over the past four days, my vehicle has repeatedly applied braking unexpectedly without a valid obstacle or need to brake. This has occurred multiple times under normal driving conditions, including: Twice on the freeway in stop-and-go traffic with vehicles at a safe distance ahead Multiple times on regular city streets with vehicles ahead at approximately 15–20 feet Once while turning into my... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
The steering wheel gets stuck, is difficult to turn, and doesn't return to center. Issues with this make the car much more difficult to drive and makes it impossible to sense the state of the road with the steering wheel. This can lead to loss of control. No warning lamps or messages informed me of this issue.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
The paint is continuing to peel off and its getting worse. When I called Kia they said it is not covered. Apparently this is a manufacturing defect. I would really like this to be corrected if possible. T;hank you, Gail LeBrun
Incident date: Oct 8, 2024
My car was stuck in drive. It would not shift into park. My father had to use the emergency switch under the hood to put it in park. A local dealership was contacted and parts have been ordered to fix the problem. The car has not been inspected. There were no warnings. I did not receive a recall notice in the mail.
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB 300 4Matic. The contact received a recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V073000 (Electrical System); however, the parts were unavailable. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that parts would not be available until December 2026. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was a fire risk. The manufacturer was contacted, but... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
The starter on my BMW failed, and it overheated and damaged my alternator to the point that I needed to replace it. The dealer and independent service center confirmed that this was the cause, but BMW is refusing to reimburse the cost of the alternator replacement. I was at the exit of a highway and could not even put the car in neutral, so my safety was significantly at risk.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
My engine light came on and stayed on. The vehicle also stalled twice when trying to drive home. I was already scheduled for my yearly inspection at the Ford dealership in Washington PA who said they would also check into this issue. The Ford dealership advised me that this was an emissions issue where the valve was sticking and it wouldn't pass inspection unless I paid to have a new valve put in ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
I had the recall for the Momentary Rear Wheel Lock-up completed on 2025-05-04. While I was driving March 2026 my Tahoe went into limp mode and I had to have it towed because it wouldn’t reverse it was towed a day after this happened to Lynch Chevrolet. It has sat there ever since with no fix in site. I had to get a rental vehicle that GM is paying for but they have stipulations to what they pay ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
All of a sudden my check engine light came on with the sudden loss of power steering. Almost impossible to steer at low speeds. After turning it off I waited about 15 minutes then restarted the engine and there was no problem steering. Concern about it happening again in the middle of traffic.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKT. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled and shut off and failed to restart. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not serviceable. There was no explanation provided. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. After researching the failure, the contact discover... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
cracked cylinder head at 109521miles, no warning, no temp gage no light indicators came on. I have pictures of vehicle dashboard showing no warning as it is smoking going to Mazda dealership. Dealership advised me of this being an issue in my make and model> I also have video from dealership. I have reached out to Mazda several times, its going on 5 weeks and I am getting the run around. Please ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated after the ignition switch was replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V438000 (Electrical System), the vehicle started making an abnormally loud sound at startup. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone; however, no diagnostic trouble code was retrieved. The vehicle not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified o... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500 equipped with Goodyear Tires, Tire Line: Fortitude H/T Tires, Tire Size: 275/65/R18, DOT Number: 14BYJJK1R. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that all four tires were cracked on the sidewalls, and the treads were crumbling and separated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact wa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
2020 Blazer, 65,000 miles. Temp stuck on cold, A/C blows warm aor and driving assistance off. The radiator fan runs continuously. Check engine light on.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Crash
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
1 WATERPUMP FAILED AND LEAKED WATER INTO MY OIL AND BLEW MY ENGINE. THERE WAS NO WARNING. MY CAR HAD NO POWER AND I COULD NOT DRIVE. I WAS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE WATERPUMP IS NOT A RECALL BUT THERE ARE ALOT OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE ON THE SAME MODEL . THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE. 2. PILLAR/TRIM RECALL IS NOT FIXED AND WATER IS GETTING INTO THE INSIDE OF MY CAR AND SHORTING OU... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
The power steering system failed and numerous other electrical systems showed as broken as a result. The dealer service dept said: "We found corrosion on connector C1467A meaning that water is getting inside the connector somehow which caused the module to short out. The steering rack is not the failure, it is the module. However, the module is built into the steering rack. Can't replace it separ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
The contact owned a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V123000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION), 26V117000 (VISIBILITY) and ( 25V829000 (STRUCTURE); and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
Motor seized while going 50mph down the road. Motor died and had to get to the side of the road. All electrical stuck on
Incident date: Apr 5, 2026
While driving approximately 40- 50mph the transmission randomly downshifts from 8th gear to 1st gear.
Incident date: Apr 5, 2026
I am reporting a safety issue with my 2026 Tesla Model Y. The rear seatbelt system has experienced three separate mechanical failures, each requiring service and replacement. The vehicle was purchased new from Tesla, Inc.. Due to these repeated failures, I have had to adjust seating arrangements for my two children in booster seats, including temporarily relocating one child to the middle seat whe... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2025
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The high-pressure fuel pump and related fuel system sensor failed, resulting in a sudden loss of engine power. The failure was confirmed by diagnostic trouble codes retrieved by an independent mechanic. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
This is a follow-up to complaint #11714226 regarding an ongoing safety defect. The defect has now resulted in a crash. The vehicle experiences repeated unintended braking at highway speeds (50–79 mph) without driver input and with no obstacles present. During multiple events, the steering becomes temporarily unresponsive or “locked,” preventing driver control. The vehicle has also exhibited... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
This is a follow-up to complaint #11714226 regarding an ongoing safety defect. The defect has now resulted in a crash. The vehicle experiences repeated unintended braking at highway speeds (50–79 mph) without driver input and with no obstacles present. During multiple events, the steering becomes temporarily unresponsive or “locked,” preventing driver control. The vehicle has also exhibited... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
I am submitting a safety complaint regarding a serious incident involving my 2025 Kia EV9. The vehicle was serviced on March 1 at World Kia in Joliet, Illinois. On April 4, only four days after that service, the vehicle experienced a sudden and unexpected ICCU failure while I was driving. During my normal travel, in active traffic and at speed, the vehicle abruptly entered limp mode and displayed... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
Running Full Service Driving (FSD) v14.2.2.5 on HW4. At Skillman St & I-635 Dallas TX, FSD attempted a wrong way turn into oncoming traffic instead of taking the correct leftmost lane. In the image attached instead of following the blue path Tesla took the wrong lane highlighted in red.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention camera screen malfunctioned, and displayed either a dark image or no image. The contact stated that the failure created a visibility hazard for the driver. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The manufacturer and local dealer were contacted ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
The contact owns an Evenflo Car Seat, Model Name: Shyft Dualride, Model Number [XXX], Manufactured Date: [XXX]. The contact stated that while a one-year-old infant was seated in the car seat, the chest buckle failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the one-year-old was able to unlatch the chest buckle. The failure had occurred inside and outside the vehicle. The manufacturer was no... Read more