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 5, 2024
1. On hot/warm days when I start my vehicle it will run then die and give me the code for Mass air sensor which I replaced but it keeps doing it; the check engine will stay on for a while then turn off until it does it again. 2. When driving and I go over a speed bump the suspension grinds or does a hard squeaking noise. 3. The USB in the center console stops working at times or when move the char... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
Safty issue with standard equipment, backup camera stopped working. Safty feature now unavailable. Told by dealer that it's a common issue. Will fail Massachusetts inspection because the camera is standard safety equipment. Told I need a new 5f module and they are back ordered at audi which tells me it's a major problem since they can't supply them now, should be a recall on this unit....
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the vehicle decelerated and lost drive power. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road, where the vehicle completely shut off and lost power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with battery failure. The battery was ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2021
Good morning, While driving and starting my Chevy Silverado 1500 with 3.0 durmax it will suddenly go into a “limp mode” reducing speed and power. Recently while driving on a highway it reduced engine power causing the vehicle to slow down suddenly with many cars speeding by. This caused me to try and pull over the vehicle and avoid hitting other vehicles. When pulling codes off the vehicle t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2021
Good morning, While driving and starting my Chevy Silverado 1500 with 3.0 durmax it will suddenly go into a “limp mode” reducing speed and power. Recently while driving on a highway it reduced engine power causing the vehicle to slow down suddenly with many cars speeding by. This caused me to try and pull over the vehicle and avoid hitting other vehicles. When pulling codes off the vehicle t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
1. Airbags and seatbelt lights: The vehicle airbags light and seatbelt lights keeps flashing and after taking it to the dealer, they keep suggesting buying a new passenger seat assembly coasting thousands of dollars. Many similar complaints online with no resolutions or temporary solutions by the dealers. 2. CVT transmission problem: Vehicle jerking, and hesitating when driving. Vehicle also strug... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2019
The engine has been burning oil since purchased but really highlighted when at 47k miles I got a dashboard message saying “reducing power to engine” I checked the oil and it didn’t register in dipstick. I added 3quarts of oil to show up on dipstick. When I changed the oil which I did at my own garage only 2.5qrt came out including what was in filter. It’s since take an average of 2.5qrt b... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2019
The engine has been burning oil since purchased but really highlighted when at 47k miles I got a dashboard message saying “reducing power to engine” I checked the oil and it didn’t register in dipstick. I added 3quarts of oil to show up on dipstick. When I changed the oil which I did at my own garage only 2.5qrt came out including what was in filter. It’s since take an average of 2.5qrt b... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V766000 (Engine); however, the contact was informed by dealer and the manufacturer that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the transmission valve body had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
My daughter was driving her car in the middle of a busy intersection when the parking brake locked up causing her to come to an abrupt stop and almost cause an accident. A quick google search appears to indicate that this issue has already been under investigation by NHTSA for a period of time.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
My 2020 BMW X5 (VIN available upon request) is subject to safety recall 25V-644 due to a fire risk. The recall has been open since November 2025. BMW has confirmed there was no available remedy for an extended period, and a BMW-coordinated service visit on January 15, 2026 could not be completed due to dealership issues. Despite repeated follow-ups with BMW North America, there has been no confirm... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2025
I have a 2024 Passport Black Edition that has had front brake rotor issues since about 4k miles. It has has struts, wheel hubs, bearings, brake pads rotors either replaced or resurfaces 4 times and i am afraid to drive the vehicle at this point. Its been parked since Oct 2025 after the last repair while i fight with Honda to take the vehicle back .
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
The integrated charging control unit (ICCU) failed on [XXX] rendering the vehicle inoperable and powerless. Warning lights did illuminate on the dash shortly after a popping sound, along with warning sounds. This occurred just minutes before I was going to enter a freeway. The vehicle was towed to the nearest Hyundai dealer (Hanlees Hilltop Hyundai, Richmond, CA) on Jan. 7. The ICCU failure was di... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
Dealers: Lakeland Crysler Dodge RAM, FL; Second authorized Jeep dealer, Bartow FL Complaint: My 2024 Jeep Wrangler Sahara has multiple unresolved safety defects despite repeated warranty repairs, and I have no confidence in this Jeep at just 12,000 miles. Forward Collision Warning (FCW) not working — Lakeland Jeep failed to repair or document inspections. Fuel leak / gasoline fumes in the cabin... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2025
While driving cross country, my dash warning light came on and said " In 50 miles your vehicle will lose power and you won't be able to drive more than 5 mph. DEF problem". I spent $70,000 on this vehicle used with 50K miles on it. Recall from 2024, this is unacceptable. Now another recall for steering. The steering column disengagement. I am afraid to drive it. The dealer keeps telling me no fix ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
NOTE-We are visiting DE, but reside in Virginia. I recently experienced problems with my "Wheel Speed Sensor System" on my 2014 Chevy Silverado, LT, 5.3L V8 4WD, Crew Cab. My local garage in DE (our Condo is in DE- our home-residence is Virginia) looked at the vehicle and said I was having a problem with the wheel speed sensors partially locking up my brakes and causing a drag when driving. The ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
My son and I were in a major crash on a freeway, we were hit by a semi-truck, sent into a spin, hit by another vehicle and stopped by slamming into freeway guardrail. The car was totaled. My son was driving and airbags on the drivers side all deployed but nothing deployed on the passenger side at all.
Crash
Incident date: Jan 11, 2026
The vehicle experienced a catalytic converter efficiency failure that was confirmed by an authorized dealership in January 2025. The dealer indicated the catalytic converter required replacement; however, the replacement was not performed, and the vehicle was returned to service with an unresolved emissions defect. Less than one year later, the vehicle developed recurring emissions system failure... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
CATASTROPHIC ELECTRICAL FAILURE - SMOKE IN CABIN While driving with passengers, dashboard displayed "ELECTRICAL FAILURE - PULL OVER WHEN SAFE" followed by loud explosive POP and cabin filled with SMOKE. ROOT CAUSE: Prior undisclosed collision damage. Dealer (Morrie's Golden Valley Cadillac) removed front bumper in June 2025 (Repair Order #78683), then sold vehicle as "no accidents" in August 202... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
My pickup is a 2015 F-150 4WD Supercrew (5.0/6 speed auto). I was driving on an Interstate and pulling a loaded flatbed trailer. The transmission was in the “towing” mode. While leaving a rest area my truck would not shift up from first gear. I turned the truck off and re-started it and it seemed to work for a short time, but as soon as I got back to speed on the Interstate the pickup SUDDENLY... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
2026 Nissan Kicks, less than 1,500 mi. Computer system several warning lights appeared without notice; caused car to shut off and sputter before starting several times. The first time the warning lights that came on were: Warning (exclamation point inside triangle); Malfunction See Owner's Manual (In Orange box on panel) with all collision symbols showing [pictures avail on request] Second warni... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
for 2 years we have had intermittent issues with sliding doors not opening. The doors will not respond to the handles in or out, or remote control or door button. at 2 years old the doors jammed so bad my child was trapped in the middle. Finally we tried pulling on the door that was open about 6" and the rear window exploded. seems to be some sort of electrical override. really surprised the do... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2025
Instrument cluster panel and all warning lights, fuel gage, speedometer, tire pressure, temperature sensor, etc. as well as all info on app unable to access. no warning lights which could cause crash without prior warning. controls and displays failed to illuminate and were not visible. unable to see in daylight or at night. Dealer verified internal failure in IPC, would not repair under recall, s... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2025
My 2018 Ford F-150 experiences harsh, erratic, and unpredictable transmission shifting. The truck frequently hesitates during acceleration, followed by sudden and violent gear engagement. It also makes abrupt downshifts while driving, causing unexpected deceleration that can be dangerous in traffic. The truck will shift from 8th, 9th, or 10th gear down to 1st at highway speeds. This causes abrupt ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
Upon pressing the accelerator from a complete stop, the vehicle does not respond right away. The main incident was when traveling around 50 miles per hour on a highway, the van shifted into neutral on its own and the accelerator would not respond. An error message of transmission failure showed on the dash briefly. The van had to coast through traffic an eventually push off the road.
Incident date: Oct 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4XE. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The accelerator pedal was continuously depressed, and the vehicle surged forward after the initial hesitation. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle entered LIMP Mode.... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While the vehicle was being registered with the Department of Motor Vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was approximately 141,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was approximately 230,925.
Incident date: Jun 9, 2024
On January 1st 2026 around 11am we were traveling in rural Wisconsin when we heard a loud pop from under the back seat . This we now know from Dahl Hyundai in LaCrosse was the ICCU failing . When this happened we were in blizzard conditions and the car forced us into limp mode and reduced us from 55 mph down to 25mph in bumper to bumper traffic on a rural hwy (this was not a smooth speed transit... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2025
I went to Kia dealership in Groton CT 06340 for an oil change. They also fixed a recent recall, and after I picked up my car, both of my key fobs weren’t working. I can’t open my car. I can’t lock my car and they are refusing to fix it. I contacted kia corporate. they were not helpful. What can I do here to have this situation resolved? I’m worried that the anti theft system doesn’t work... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
I was driving on a normal sunny day when every light on my dashboard came on. I initially panicked thinking my car was going to shutoff while I was driving it. This is in conjunction with the car stalling out when the auto shutoff feature malfunctions. After researching the issue, I realized the safety camera was no longer working and a major concern. A malfunctioning front camera can prevent the ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
The shift-to-park sensor in my 2019 Chevy Blazer RS is malfunctioning. After shifting into park, the vehicle does not detect that it is in park and displays a “Shift to Park” message. The issue is/has been ongoing and now it is almost impossible to bypass with wiggling the shifter. Safety Risk: The vehicle cannot be fully shut off or locked, increasing the risk of battery drain or unintended m... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
The shift-to-park sensor in my 2019 Chevy Blazer RS is malfunctioning. After shifting into park, the vehicle does not detect that it is in park and displays a “Shift to Park” message. The issue is/has been ongoing and now it is almost impossible to bypass with wiggling the shifter. Safety Risk: The vehicle cannot be fully shut off or locked, increasing the risk of battery drain or unintended m... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
The rear view backup camera will get scrambled or become blurry from time to time . It is happening more frequently causing the inability to know what is behind you when backing up.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
The rear view backup camera will get scrambled or become blurry from time to time . It is happening more frequently causing the inability to know what is behind you when backing up.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
with only 70000 miles on vehicle, complete failure of the 10speed automatic transmission. Transmission shifts extremely rough and between 2 and 3 gear it loses engagement while driving for several seconds and then reengages. Vehicle has also downshifted from 4th gear to 1st gear unexpectedly.
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
Hood liner repeatedly drops down out of its mounting points on the edge near the engine firewall. This is a manufacturing engineering deficiency that relies on shaped material to hold the liner in place. The dealer has replaced it three times, and the same thing continues to happen. Chrysler refuses to address the issue. My concern is what happens if the liner completely drops down on the engine... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
Steering wheel is sticking between the 11:00 and 1:00 position starting around 40 MPH.
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
While driving home from work during rush hour, a warning light illuminated on my dashboard and my vehicle suddenly lost braking ability. When I pressed the brake pedal, the vehicle did not slow or stop. I was forced to pull onto the shoulder of the road and pump the brake pedal extremely hard multiple times before the vehicle finally came to a stop. This occurred in heavy traffic and created an im... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
Dashboard lights not operating. Gear shifter locked Nav unit works, blinkers work, brake lights work, seat warmers work, car starts. It has been suggested to us that the brake light switch might be bad. We’re told this is a common problem with 2019 CRVs.
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
On Friday Jan 30 around 3pm, this Rav 4 entered the short drive way in front of the garage. The car stopped, the automatic garage door was engaged. Suddenly, the car advanced, passing through the opening garage door and into and through the back wall of the garage. This is a sustaining way for the second storey. The front of the car displaced the counters inside, demolished the kitchen, almost top... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
ICCU failed. Car had gone into turtle mode on the highway and was brought to the dealership who could find no problem. Fortunately the ICCU went fully bad at home so safety was not a concern as it could have been. Also I have reported that the lack of a preconditioning button on the touchscreen creates distracted driving. One time I had to wade through navigation menus to disable since I would n... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
Side mirrors cracking in below freezing temperatures! This is a common issue with other users reporting on online forms. Mine cracked overnight such as others in this season
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
The contact's wife owns a 2024 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 60 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to respond. The driver engaged the parking brake; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The driver swerved to avoid the vehicle in front, drove over an incline, jerked the steering wheel, and the vehicle eve... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2026
The current recall is unable to happen as it has to be over 50 degrees. This is the second major recall in under one year. I have had issues with the radio, apple car play, the engine dying while in park and idling. Additionally, the vehicle suddenly lost power while driving it at 65 mph on a major highway when trying to pass. The only answers I get is the lemon law. This vehicle is not safe, th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2026
The current recall is unable to happen as it has to be over 50 degrees. This is the second major recall in under one year. I have had issues with the radio, apple car play, the engine dying while in park and idling. Additionally, the vehicle suddenly lost power while driving it at 65 mph on a major highway when trying to pass. The only answers I get is the lemon law. This vehicle is not safe, th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
MY TRUCK RANDOMLY DOWNSHIFTS AND ABRUPTLY SLOWS VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
Drivers door became hard to open and close. Found driver front door stop damaged / welds broken and separated from door interior.
Incident date: Dec 27, 2023
Blind spot indicator malfunction. Seat sensors alert for no reason. Cruise control stops working. Vehicle automatically brakes for no reason. Information screen malfunction and goes black at random.