Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 29,025 complaints for RAM
Incident date: Feb 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 ex... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2025
The contact owned a 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The contact stated that while fueling the vehicle, the fuel gauge became inoperable. The contact stated that the fuel gauge displayed a full tank while driving, regardless of the actual fuel level. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel gauge sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; howeve... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
Intermittent short discovered in the electric power steering (EPS) system. I took the vehicle to the dealership to perform diagnostic testing and the dealership confirmed the issue is a short-circuit within the EPS system. This issue has already been covered in a separate NHTSA recall (19E-077) however my VIN was not included. Amplifying information for this being a prevalent issue includes backor... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
I have received 2 recalls regarding my steering rack. I did have the gear box worm wheel spring replaced but that did not solve the problem my steering was sticking, hard to turn , clunking it would veer off to the right. I took it back to Honda dealer and was told it was dangerous to drive my whole power steering rack needed to be be replaced but Honda said it was not part of the recall I had to ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Traction control and ABS work intermittently. Ram sent out this notification for recall concerning stated problems but state there is no fix at this time. They continue to state there is no fix. This is a safety issue and you are not forcing them to repair. They are dragging their feet hoping it goes away. DO SOMETHING!!!!
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Traction control and ABS work intermittently. Ram sent out this notification for recall concerning stated problems but state there is no fix at this time. They continue to state there is no fix. This is a safety issue and you are not forcing them to repair. They are dragging their feet hoping it goes away. DO SOMETHING!!!!
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
My radio turns up and changes by itself . It’s leaking oil an I’ve replaced everything a can’t figure it out , if anything it’s the engine it just won’t make sense . I dumped so much money into it already
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
While driving about 60–65 mph westbound on NY Route 17 near Exit 125, a warning message appeared on the dashboard reading “Restart Engine.” Within seconds the vehicle lost all propulsion, steering assist, and braking power. Pressing the accelerator did nothing and the car began rapidly decelerating in live highway traffic at night. I struggled to steer into the shoulder with great effort be... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle’s collision avoidance automatic braking system is malfunctioning. It engages unexpectedly while the vehicle is moving with normal traffic flow. The system is still installed and fully available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The au... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2025
This truck handles terribly when towing our camper, specifically when other vehicles are passing us or there is wind. It sways something awful!
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
I took my 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiese to a Chrysler-Dodge-Ram dealership on 9/23/25 for the High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) safety recall. I was told a part had to be ordered to complete the recall and gave me a rental vehicle. After a few days I contacted the dealership about my repair. They said the wrong part was ordered and the new one was in route. After about a week, I called the dealership again ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
I took my 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiese to a Chrysler-Dodge-Ram dealership on 9/23/25 for the High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) safety recall. I was told a part had to be ordered to complete the recall and gave me a rental vehicle. After a few days I contacted the dealership about my repair. They said the wrong part was ordered and the new one was in route. After about a week, I called the dealership again ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed with the power steering and stabili-trak messages displayed on the instrument panel. The contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not i... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH in a parking lot the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated the failure was intermittent but a recurring failure. The contact stated that the failure occurred at various speeds. The contact stated that the 12-Volt battery had been replaced approximately 2 years ago due... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that an Over-the-Air update was been performed on the vehicle overnight and the following day the battery was drained and needed to be replaced. The contact drove another vehicle to an independent mechanic and purchased a new battery. After replacing the battery, an error code for a firmware failure was displayed on the instrument panel. As a re... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 experienced a failure.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
Early May 2025 the check engine light came on. Had towed to my mechanic 95 miles away (I live remotely), they changed the spark plugs. Within one week the check engine light came on a, took to a local garage (inside the national park where my residence is) and they chaned the spark plugs again. The nect week I heard my coolant system making noises (it never made this before), checked and refilled ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2025
eTorque MGU hybrid motor going out with unexpected loss of power and stopping. Upon failure vehicle lost power and became inoperable. Both independent service center and dealer service center confirmed the eTorque MGU hybrid motor is failing. Upon further research thousands of these MGU hybrid motors are failing unexpectedly. No remedy in sight and manufacturer indicates no eta on availability... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly and failed to restart. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was caused by the starter. The mechanic informed the contact about an engine recall. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the cont... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part for the recall repair was not available. The contact contacted several dealers; however, the contact was informed that the manufacturer had not made parts available for the recall repair. The contact stated that parts had not been available for more than three... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2025
My headlights went out completely and without warning on a dark highway. No brights or even the orange running lights. Not even the front hazard lights would go on. There was no warning until after they went out. I pulled over as best I could but there was very little shoulder and semi trucks speeding past me at 70 mph about a foot away from my car. There was a ditch about a foot to the right. I s... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
When pulling my trailer with my 2024 chevy 3500, I get the following alert displayed on my screen periodically: Trailer Brakes Disabled Service Required. The trailer brakes stop working on my 16000lb trailer and I need to pull off the road and shut off the truck, and then restart it to get my brakes working again. The dealer replaced the brake controller in the truck, but I still get the message. ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
I took my 2020ford eco sport to fix the recall at Grapevine Texas Ford dealership. They took about 10 days to work on my car and said that the recall fix is complete. I was able to pick up the car from dealership and drive home, however when I started the car again, it had the Check engine light on. I called the dealership right away and they asked me to bring back the car right away. While I was ... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2024
I am writing to formally file a complaint for gross negligence, excessive delays, and repeated mechanical failures regarding my RAM 2020 ProMaster1500 HR; VIN: [XXX] at the authorized dealership Bomnin-Doral in Miami, FL. The vehicle remained at the dealership for 1 year, 4 months, and 18 days due to transmission damage and other mechanical issues. Five days after final delivery, the transmissio... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2024
I am writing to formally file a complaint for gross negligence, excessive delays, and repeated mechanical failures regarding my RAM 2020 ProMaster1500 HR; VIN: [XXX] at the authorized dealership Bomnin-Doral in Miami, FL. The vehicle remained at the dealership for 1 year, 4 months, and 18 days due to transmission damage and other mechanical issues. Five days after final delivery, the transmissio... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2024
center infoscreen blacked out while driving on 2 occasions weeks apart. screen rebooted after restarting car each time.
Incident date: Oct 12, 2025
On [XXX], while driving my 2025 Ram 1500 Laramie at approximately 60 mph on a dark rural road, the truck suddenly stalled without warning. The engine shut off, but all lights and electrical systems initially remained powered. I shifted into Neutral and attempted to restart while coasting, at which point the truck completely lost electrical power — headlights, dash, ignition button, and interior ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2025
Backup camera is not usable at night, you cannot see anything on the camera unless it is a brightly it area. This causes safety concern for people and property. Dealer confirmed no issues with the camera and that is how it is. Had to add external light to ensure I could see at night.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
Loss of power steering in cold temperatures with electronic power steering.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
Vehicle started making a ticking noise under the hood. I immediately had it towed to a mechanics shop in town. They performed an inspection and said the ticking noise is from a Rod Bearing # 3 has come loose and the whole engine must be replaced. The car has only 108,000 miles. There were no check engine lights that came on either. I called Kia to see about getting a replacement engine from them a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2025
The steering wheel malfunctions creating clicking and creaking noises when turning due to defective steering rack, clock spring, and more. I've taken the vehicle to 2 different Honda dealerships. They cannot fix the problem. One Honda dealership has refused to continue to try to fix the problem after multiple attempts. The dealership contacted Honda corporate field representative who told them... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
THE CAR FRONT END SHAKES AT VARIOUS TIMES. IT IS INTERMITTENT, BUT IT SHAKES FROM SLIGHT TO SEVERE ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE CAR HAS BEEN TO TWO DEALERSHIPS AND THEY DRIVE CAR AND CANNOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM.. I READ ONLINE IT IS COMMON AND IS KNOWN AS "THE DEADT WOBBLE" JEEP ACKNOWLEDGES THIS BUT WILL NOT ATTEMPT TO FIX WITHOUT DUPLICATING THE PROBLEM.. THE CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY WITH 180... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2017
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, the contact heard an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine that lasted for approximately 3 seconds when first started. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the failure was a common issue, and t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
The passenger side DRL/turn signal is dim causing the vehicle visability to be reduced and other drivers unable to see turn indications, increasing the risk of crash. The design of the unit places undue heat near the circuit board causing the unit to fail. The driver's side does not have this issue. This is a known issue with many post on forums on it.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Car accident. My car was T-boned on the passenger side, the side airbag did deploy. The impact from the accident pushed my car into on coming traffic and I hit 2 other cars. One in the front grill and the other in the left rear quarter panel. The front airbag did not deploy and my chest hit the steering wheel. My car was totaled and I was taken to the hospital and had 5 CT scans. The one for my c... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
This is getting ridiculous. Every time my vehicle is washed at the dealership with the high power jets, water gets into the vehicle from the third brake light and blows the bulb. As a disabled vet, it is getting impossible to climb into the bed and replace. This time, I took it to the dealership, which they replaced. They solution? The third brake light unit needs to be sealed, including on all th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
A few months ago, the battery went dead. I purchased a new battery and it went dead also. I had the mechanic check it and he said that some Honda Odyssey's had that problem (usually 2011). Even if everything is turned off, the battery will die in less than two days if the van is not driven. This has led to the van being inoperable in various locations requiring a locksmith to come open the car... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate after a stop, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted before slamming into gear. The contact stated that when the vehicle slammed into gear, the contact was violently ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
I was driving down I-45 mid day on October 14th, 2025 going about 65-70MPH and out of no where I hear a loud gunshot like noise and about a minute or two later I heard my sunroof crack and glass fall in. I believe it is from nickel sulfide inclusions
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
Check engine light came on and then turning a corner my power steering turned off. Cause me to run off the road and almost crashed. It yanked me straight off the road. Put a code reader on it and C2200-49 was popping up.
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
My 2017 ford escape has a manufacturer defect. The casting was bad on this particular motor causing coolant intrusion which has been confirmed by an authorized ford mechanic. This is making my vehicle non drivable.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
Car would not start. Jump start immediate remedy, also same as before. Symptoms identical to those that occurred prior to the service work performed by Elmhurst Honda for the Honda Idle Stop Recall (Service Bulletin 23-009)
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The contact was unable to pull over to the side of the road. While the vehicle was still on ... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The contact was unable to pull over to the side of the road. While the vehicle was still on ... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
Chevy had done an update for the Propulsion Power being reduced. In 2024, I had to do another update when the check engine light came on. After that the electric battery power decreased, I am only getting 17 miles per charge. August 2025, the check engine light came on again. I had it check and no codes came up. While driving home on the freeway, the Propulsion Power being reduced warning came up.... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake, but I felt the brake pedal just sank, and the car lurched ahead, jumped over the chunk, and stopped at the curb which startled me. After I ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Two local dealers were 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 experienced ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
Evap leak detection pump failed at 78,871 miles. 2022 models and beyond are covered for this defect.