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: Feb 1, 2026
Complaint: Catastrophic Engine Failure (Gen4 EA888 engine) - Volkswagen Golf GTI - Crank Walk Engine shut down while driving; car inoperable (couldn’t restart). No prior warning or engine noise that could have alerted driver to imminent issue. Car moved to roadside; could have been catastrophic if occurred on highway. Error messages displayed. Odometer read 51,068 miles (1,068 mi over 50,000... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Several local dealers were made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while attempting to enter the vehicle, it was discovered that the doors failed to open electronically while using the key fob. While attempting to use the key to manually unlock the doors, the contact was unable to unlock the doors. The contact indicated that the hatch back door also failed to open. The cause of the failure was not yet... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
2018 Pacifica with 3.6L engine. Blown head gasket at 69k miles with coolant leaking into cylinder 5. The engine is very hesitant upon acceleration and can be dangerous when pulling out into traffic. This is an all too common issue and needs to be addressed by Chrysler. Engines should not be failing this at 69k. I change oil every 4k miles which is way ahead of the recommended schedule by Chrysler.... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
Symptoms appeared in January 2026. Check engine light is on-HAD P0301 & P0316. Ran misfire monitor & Relative compression and cylinder 1 is the issue with 70 PSI. Performed cylinder head leak down test- exhaust valve leaking replace cylinder head assembly. Problem confirmed and diagnosed by Ford dealership. The safety issue associated with the car are: sudden jerking or hesitation, loss of accele... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
On Friday evening, [XXX], while closing the rear driver-side window, I heard a loud mechanical snap, after which the window failed to operate. The window regulator has binding issues (as documented in Subaru TSB 07-189-21R). This mechanical binding disables the anti-entrapment (anti-pinch) safety feature. The sensor is bypassed by the binding/mechanical failure, the window will not reverse when ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts for the recall repair were on backorder. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
There are three concerns in this write up: at 117000 miles the blind spot monitoring system has fails and will cost $300 to repair. More concerning is that it was recommended I replace the Power Steering Lines at a cost of $927 and the Transmission Lines at a cost of $797 due to severe rusting and corrosion. Its recommended before they rust through and break/leak.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and occasionally the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The message "FORM" was displayed on the screen. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and occasionally the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The message "FORM" was displayed on the screen. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failu... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2025
My 2010 Toyota Corolla is experiencing progressive paint failure due to a known manufacturer defect involving factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint. The affected component is the factory paint system, specifically the adhesion between the topcoat and primer, which is failing and causing the paint to peel off in sheets from exterior body panels. The defective paint is available for in... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2026
My 2011 nissan juke has approximately 118,000 miles and I've ran out of gas several times even when it said there was 88 miles left in the tank and the traction control light won't go off it stays on constantly along with the check engine light and tire pressure warning light and its making a squealing noise and its losing power I've only had it a year I know they have been recalled for certain re... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the front driver's side B-pillar trim was fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall rep... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Rav4 Prime. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V595000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the part needed to perform the recall repair was not yet developed. The contact stated that the vehicle remained with the dealer for four months. The contact was provided with several loane... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle shut off. The driver pulled over to the side of the road and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (ENGINE); however, the vehicle was towed to... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact's daughter owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for an oil change, the contact was informed that there was a mixture of oil and fuel in the oil pan. The contact stated that while checking the engine compartment later, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the engine compartment. Several unknown warning lights ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
On 12/06/2025, I purchased a 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe from a Chrysler Jeep dealership in Myrtle Beach, SC. Recall 68C (NHTSA 25V741000) had been published on 11/05/2025 — one month prior to my purchase. The recall involves high voltage battery cells with separator damage that may cause a vehicle fire while parked or driving. A Stop Sale order was active on this VIN at the time of sale. I raised th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle started. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle drove abnormally rough. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The cont... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
After a 2K miles, clicking sounds began with CV joints. Clicking progressively getting louder and can be felt. This is a safety issue because these joints will ultimately fail. Honda states there is NO FIX to the issue. There are many many many owners who are experiencing this same issue.
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. Additionally, the engine was leaking oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine); however, the failure recurred. The contact's friend diagnose... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
System is starting to fail by alerting me to clean windshield. Windshield and camera have been cleaned, still getting multiple warnings that system is shutting off safety features during my commutes.
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
System is starting to fail by alerting me to clean windshield. Windshield and camera have been cleaned, still getting multiple warnings that system is shutting off safety features during my commutes.
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
a warning "Stop immediately! Check Power Source" with loud beeping occurred and we were able to pull over and park safely. However, we were a 30 minute drive from home and in a downtown urban area. Took the next day off of work (essential healthcare worker at a hospital) to have car towed to dealership. ICCU failure. Told it could take months for replacement part to be shipped. Given a loaner ca... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2024
The contact owned a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed flames coming from the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was parked, and the contact and the passenger exited the vehicle. The contact stated that the contact's mother was an additional occupant in the vehicle and was seated in the rear seat. The contact and the contact's mother ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated, and the message " Check Trailer Brakes” was displayed. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the braking system randomly activated, causing the vehicle to abruptly decelerate. On several occasions while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated, and the message " Check Trailer Brakes” was displayed. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the braking system randomly activated, causing the vehicle to abruptly decelerate. On several occasions while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
The contact owned a 2015 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the interior of the vehicle was filled with smoke. No warning lights were illuminated before the failure. The vehicle was driven to the rear of a local gas station. The contact noticed the fire coming from the rear passenger side area of the vehicle. The contact and staff at the station began to ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle sounded like it was going to stall, and the accelerator pedal was depressed to keep the vehicle from stalling. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with lifter failure. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
The rearview backup camera system malfunctioned. The camera was replaced under a safety recall on my 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. Within four days of the recall repair, the camera continued to fail intermittently, displaying a blank/black screen and not providing a rearview image when the vehicle was placed in reverse. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I also have video documentation... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
My wife was leaving work. She pulled out onto the highway and while accelerating she heard a loud thumping noise under the car. When she stopped and looked under the car, the driveshaft was broke in half. The repair shop we took it to said that they couldn't find anything that would have caused that to happen except that the driveshaft was rusted about halfway through and probably got week and br... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
Seems to be electrical / speaker related (forums state its the noise canceling system) This is a safety issue as around 20% of the time at cold start the car emits an extremely loud booming base sound that lasts 20-30 seconds. Despite only happening at startup anything that can impair a drivers senses is extremely dangerous as it impacts the driver and anything with noise happening around them. ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
My Onstar module is draining my battery. I have to constantly get my car jumped to get to and from. It's a danger to my job as a rideshare driver. I went to the chevy dealership today and they told me that the part I needed to order is on back order. How can a piece like that be on back order. This could potentially mess people's alternators and starters up in their cars.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 3 MPH and turning left into a driveway, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn. The contact stopped, turned off and restarted the vehicle, and drove back to the residence. The contact had researched online and associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). An appointmen... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
Vehicle experienced sudden loss of power while driving. Transmission warning and ABS warning lights appeared at the same time. The vehicle would not shift properly and began skipping and dropping gears. Smoke was visibly coming from the center underside of the vehicle near the transmission area. There was a strong burning oil or rubber smell inside and outside the vehicle. This created a serious ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
1. My car began to produce white smoke after a burning smell. Then caught fire under the hood in engine area. The car is buried in snow/ice, not available to access. 2. The car caught fire. 3. The problem has not been reproduced nor confirmed by anyone (dealer/independent service center) 4. No, due to weather conditions. (Blizzard) 5. Only the burning smell and white smoke.
Fire
Incident date: Feb 22, 2026
Other than the Emergency brake system coming on suddenly a couple times (seat belt has hurt me, but not medically documented), there have been no other issues with this car. In the November of 2025, it overheated in gridlock traffic in Boston, MA, which had me freaking out. The engine coolant was low, so I had to find a spot to pull over and let the steam out. I drove it safely home and refilled ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2026
(FIX INFO BELOW) The Issue: The ignition intermittently fails to rotate to the "OFF" position, locking the key fob in the column despite the vehicle being in "Park." This is a known flaw in the Dart’s sensitive electrical/shifter interface that can lead to total battery drain and theft risk. <>Quick Fixes to Release the Fob<> I. The "Re-Park" Movement: Simply shifting gears is of... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2026
Car kept misfiring and it sounded like water was running when the car was on. After multiple attempts to find a solution I took it to a Ford dealership to remedy the issue and it ended up needing a full engine replacement due to coolant leaking into the engine. The engine failed, they told me there was no way to prevent it because the seals were not fully sealing. Thankfully it did not cause fo... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2026
I have not had any issues with my 2017 Jeep Trailhawk that I have owned for 6 years. A couple of days ago I was exiting off the highway and felt a loud thump and lost all power, luckily I wasn't hit and was able to maneuver over around traffic to the shoulder. No warning lights have came on. Jeep will not drive, and cannot put in park. I had to have it towed home. I cannot find a dealership to hel... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
This new 2026 Vehicle faced multiple issues within a few weeks of purchase as stated below. 1. The instrument display panel or the main display screen of the car stopped working. The screen was completely blank and would not turn on. (confirmed and reproduced by Kia dealer, service order attached) 2. An electric short caused the radio to fail (confirmed and reproduced by Kia dealer, service order ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
i bought this van brand new for over $53000 and it has been hesitating to start for months. i had the battery tested and came back good. The van hesitates to start and sometimes i have to redo the push button because it fails to start the first time. Yesterday, 02/23/2026 the van left myself and the kids stranded at walmart. it would not start for anything yet the lights and radio work and acted l... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Genesis GV70 equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: Primacy Tour, Tire Size: 255/40/R21, DOT Number: (N/A). While driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle started violently swerving from right to left, nearly causing a crash into a concrete median. The driver was able to regain control of the vehicle and safely drove to the residence. A tow truck driver was called to the... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V512000 (POWER TRAIN); 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 contact had not experience... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 - 20 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond with an abnormal clucking sound coming from the transmission. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be rebuilt. The transmission was reb... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
On Sunday January 18th 2026, my daughter and I were involved in a multi-car accident in St Paul, MN on WB I-94. The weather was very cold and windy and it was snowing lightly. Traffic was moving slowly at about 40-45 miles per hour due the possible icy road conditions. A 2020 GMC Terrain, driven by a [XXX] male, was driving at excessive speeds and weaving in an out of traffic when he struck th... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
The rear door handle has failed and now the door pops open when parked.
Incident date: Nov 24, 2024
I recently purchased a car with a salvage title that has been rebuilt and deemed road worthy. I then contacted the manufacturer to enquire about any recall issues and they indicated that there were two recalls to inspect the a part of the drive train and brakes. However, they indicated that they will not inspect the recall until I pay them $15,000 to recertify the car. It is my understanding th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
No changes to the car happened before the airbag system went out.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
Vehicle starting 'eating' excessive amounts of oil about 95,000 miles. We are now about 115,000 miles and I am adding nearly 5 quarts of oil every 3,000 miles
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Taurus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera was intermittently inoperable. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reas... Read more