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: Jan 2, 2026
The heating steering wheel had an electrical short in the heating element where it began to melt the rubber of the steering wheel and start smoking. This became very hot where it could burn my hand. I was forced to pull over immediately to diagnose the problem before anything else could burn. The smoking stopped when I tuned off the heated steering wheel.
Incident date: Dec 29, 2025
Genesis Connected Services is not functional on vehicle since December 23 2025. This module controls Emergency Services and communications, Navigation and vehicle safety features. Genesis has been contacted more than 5 times already and no solution or fixes have been done as of todays date.
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
Safety system that automatically puts the car in park if a door is opened while in gear failed to apply
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 30, 2025
On Friday 01/02/2026 in my driveway, when closing my driver side front door of my 2026 Nissan Rogue purchased in mid-December, I suddenly heard a loud pop followed by crashing like breaking glass sound. I look around and the back rear windshield had a huge hole in the center with glass falling into the car trunk. I contacted my dealership and there were no active recalls, but searching online did ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
Kia Engine Settlement-Kia America and Grand Forks KIA dealership is refusing a mandatory diagnostic test for excessive oil consumption under the Kia Theta II Engine Class Settlement, despite the vehicle having the required KSDS software update installed. The vehicle is consuming 1 quart of oil every 1000 miles, requiring constant topping off to prevent engine seizure. Vehicle was brought to Kia Gr... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2022
Knocking noise from engine-no check engine light initially. Next time it was started knocking was still present and the check engine light was on. Contacted Champion Chevrolet in LaGrange KY. Dealership diagnosed problem (Code P0308 - Cylinder 8 misfire). Compression test on Cylinder 8 failed. Removed valve cover and confirmed loud tick in the rocker shaft and worn camshaft lobes. Was told I... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2022
Issue Type: Intermittent Electronic System Failure / Critical Safety Hazard Description of Incident: A severe safety-related incident occurred while driving at night on 12/29/2025, at approximately 5:48 pm. Under fully dark winter conditions in MA, while the vehicle was in motion with the headlights set to AUTO, the following events occurred: Total System Blackout: All interior and exterior lighti... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
BMW knows there is a problem with the 2013 x3 timing chain. I have continuously had my BMW serviced at there shops. Never once when my car was in for service did they mention the issue or proactively check. My vehicle now has the issue per the dealership snd indicated it is approximately a 20k repair which they included a new engine. I also followed BMWs recommendation to have the oil changed ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
BMW knows there is a problem with the 2013 x3 timing chain. I have continuously had my BMW serviced at there shops. Never once when my car was in for service did they mention the issue or proactively check. My vehicle now has the issue per the dealership snd indicated it is approximately a 20k repair which they included a new engine. I also followed BMWs recommendation to have the oil changed ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
While driving the car detached after being installed by the police department. The straps are not at standard compliance. A proper strap is firm and when u tighten it you aren’t meant to be able to pitch it. These are so flimsy you cannot get it to that point. I reported the incident to Walmart and they so far do not seam to care
Incident date: Feb 2, 2025
I purchased this vehicle in May 28 2025. I certified car. I took in for oil change Nov 17-2025. Found out they had lot of issues., left front bushing arm leaking. Rt engine mount leaking. Bad brakes battery low. Bad tire rt back passage side.front wheel axle and rear wheel axle is bad and screw on the engine mount is missing. Screw and leaking..?and the vehicle needed a alignment.
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
About 3 years ago i noticed a small bubble in the upper right corner of my touchscreen. Didnt pay much attention for a while but it started spreading to the left. I took a photo and sent a picture to the man that helped me buy my car and asked if there was a known Recall for this. Said he would check, he confirmed there was none. I let it go because i hadnt purchased any extended warranty. Bubblin... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2022
Car suddenly slowed down while driving on Christmas Day. This was a very unsafe situation because I was on the highway in traffic traveling at 70 miles per hour and the car suddenly slowed down which could have resulted in an accident leading to harm. A warning light then came on to service transmission right as the car slowed down. I Tried to step on the gas pedal and it would not accelerate. The... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was gray and then blank. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted even after the rearview camera system had been replaced. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle wa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
I bought this truck 11/13/2025 and it has been in the shop since I bought it. It’s been “fixed” 4 times, including replacing the fuel pump. The vehicle is still stalling out and the same check engine code po62A keeps popping up. The engine light has popped up right after I’ve picked it up from the mechanic every time. It’s been to 3 different mechanics and no one can seem to fix the issu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2025
The knock sensor recall was done. Currently engine started knocking and became undrivable. This vehicle qualifies for the Hyundai engine replacement recall, but they denied my claim
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
Excessive blinding headlights. Dangerous to encounter oncoming traffic at night. Too bright and alignment/aim is too high.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
2020 Honda pilot will sporadically turn off at highway speeds and at stop lights and will not turn back on until placed in park with foot on the brake. This is not to be confused with the start/stop feature used to save fuel. Additionally the 2020 pilot will lurch forward (like stuck in drive) while still in park.
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
The motor mounts and control arms are defective. The defective motor mounts that secure the engine causes the engine to shake resulting in collapse while driving. Both front control arms over the wheels are defective make clicking noises when turning resulting in the collapse of the car while driving. These problems were discovered by the dealer during a routine maintenance inspection. The war... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
Went to drive 18 minutes away from where I originally parked to get something to eat. When I came back to my original parking spot, I went into work. Thirty minutes later, my car was on fire and completely gone.
Fire
Incident date: Nov 6, 2025
Car is cutting off while driving , I’m driving on a busy road , engine jerks and stall out leaving me with no power to accelerate. Brakes work but gas pedal not so much . I have to cut off the car hoping it turns on , cause it don’t want to turn over once I decide to turn it off
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
I was driving on the freeway in the left lane when suddenly a bunch of error lights popped up on the dash and the car threw itself into neutral. When I tried to give the car acceleration it wouldn’t go which is when I realized the car was in neutral. When I tried to go into drive it did not go so I turned the hazard lights on. Turned off the car, turned it back on and then again all the error li... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2024
I purchased a replacement battery in 2023. In August of 2025, the battery died, requiring a jump start. A local auto parts store checked the battery and it tested within acceptable limits, showing around 513 amps. A private shop confirmed this, and cleaned the battery terminals and cables. The battery functioned well until around November 2025, when it again died requiring a jump start. The batter... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2025
Unsafe to operate Commercial use Financial harm Manufacturer unresponsive Safety issue Recall with no remedy Loss of use
Incident date: Oct 20, 2025
I have had experience with the "SHIFT TO PARK" error and I have had the "reduced engine power" error message resulting in an UNEEDED $2200 dollar repair only for it to break down 2 months later, same message this time with fuel spraying under the hood. I NEARLY BLEW MYSELF UP TRYING TO START MY CAR! How is it that I cant find this DANGEROUS defect on the recall list when I easily found the RECURRE... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
Driver door says Ajar even when shut, inside lights stay on. Fuel indicator says Ajar stays on. Backup camera shows upside down
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
Driver door says Ajar even when shut, inside lights stay on. Fuel indicator says Ajar stays on. Backup camera shows upside down
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Battery system still malfunctions after both 73C and 68C were performed by dealer. After these "updates to software" my battery discharges to unusable levels. This occurs after a full charge and the vehicle sets for three to four days locked and parked. I have not had the use of my hybrid system now for over three months. I'm having to drive using engine only and getting only 22 miles to the ga... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Battery system still malfunctions after both 73C and 68C were performed by dealer. After these "updates to software" my battery discharges to unusable levels. This occurs after a full charge and the vehicle sets for three to four days locked and parked. I have not had the use of my hybrid system now for over three months. I'm having to drive using engine only and getting only 22 miles to the ga... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Autopilot was engaged and active at the time of the incident. The vehicle failed to detect a stationary piece of road debris (appearing to be a dropped vehicle part) located in the driving lane. The system did not provide any warning, slow the vehicle, or attempt an avoidance maneuver. The vehicle drove directly over the debris, resulting in damage to the lower exterior/body panel. Road and traffi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
Water leaking from the windshield seal (possibly the moonroof) gets into electronics under the dash and causes the transmission to stop working properly and also causes the engine to just stop completely. It happened 4 years ago and Volvo replaced a module but it happened again a week ago.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
While driving to work this morning, 12/31/25, at approximately 0730 my front sunroof exploded. There was no collision, no debris, nothing hit the glass. This put me and my child at risk due to exploding glass. I have attempted to contact dealer to inquire but am waiting on a returned phone call. I have filed a claim with my insurance as well. There was no warning that this was going to occur.
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
I turned on the highway and power steering gave out and went back ima couple days went out again and have t driven it since
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
After starting my vehicle and placing it into drive, a warning message appeared on the dashboard stating, “Vehicle warning Do not continue to drive,” indicating that the vehicle would be unable to move forward or in reverse. Immediately following the warning, the vehicle lost all ability to move in either direction while other vehicles were approaching, creating a hazardous situation placing... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2021
Recall/Campaign: Ram/Stellantis C4B Problem: “Dealer says remedy/parts are not available / cannot schedule recall repair.” This has been a problem since 2023. Have not had ABS for years or 4x4 and i live in a snow environment. My breaks and rotors are trash from not having ABS.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
I had my brakes flushed by my local dealer in June 2025 at about 31,000 miles for routine maintenance. I was traveling to York, Pa from Gravette, AR in September of 2025. All systems on my Cherokee had worked flawlessly on the trip, as they had since its purchase new in the Fall of 2023. On a very curvy, hilly road in the Cactocin mountain area, I was braking often. The ABS system warning light... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
I had my brakes flushed by my local dealer in June 2025 at about 31,000 miles for routine maintenance. I was traveling to York, Pa from Gravette, AR in September of 2025. All systems on my Cherokee had worked flawlessly on the trip, as they had since its purchase new in the Fall of 2023. On a very curvy, hilly road in the Cactocin mountain area, I was braking often. The ABS system warning light... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
I had my brakes flushed by my local dealer in June 2025 at about 31,000 miles for routine maintenance. I was traveling to York, Pa from Gravette, AR in September of 2025. All systems on my Cherokee had worked flawlessly on the trip, as they had since its purchase new in the Fall of 2023. On a very curvy, hilly road in the Cactocin mountain area, I was braking often. The ABS system warning light... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. During the failure, the warning message "Reduced Power" was displayed. The contact stated that after restarting the engine, the vehicle operated as intended; however, the failure reoccurred later. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who replaced the fuel injector, but the fai... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
During a routine left hand turn at low speed (~10-15MPH), the vehicle engaged emergency braking. The dashboard indicated emergency braking was enabled. There were no objects in the vehicle's path. Acceleration was not possible during the event. Because the braking was unexpected and unintentional, the vehicle behind nearly collided with me.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
All warning notices started going off & continuously cycling through all warnings possible for everything. Vehicle suddenly lost propulsion. I was on local roadways without heavy traffic or high speeds but had this occurred on a freeway it could have caused a serious threat of injury or death to myself & other vehicles behind me (could cause multi vehicle crash). This has happened 4 times. This la... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Edge. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the recalls remedy parts were not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the recalls remedy parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2025
complete loss of brakes. there was zero response from the brake pedal for several complete pumps to the floor. after about 4 complete "stomps", the brakes locked, resulting in a violent and sudden stop. at the time, the dash began flashing multiple warning messages about display failure and also ABS failure and making many alarm sounds, further distracting me from dealing with a very dangerous ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 BMW I4 EDRIVE40. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced pulling and skidding to the right. The contact stated that the vehicle became unsafe to drive and was a severe safety hazard to the driver and other motorists. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the failure was replicated. The dealer replaced the tires and perfor... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Ford F-150. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. The contact stated that it was discovered that the mileage on the title was 205,690. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 104,000, and the Carfax report listed the mileage at 189,000.
Incident date: Dec 27, 2025
I first noticed an issue with my car on October 16th. ALL the dashboard lights came on as if the car had a new battery while I was driving. My Honda dealership said: Explanation: fuel system too rich due to faulty fuel injectors. Repairs to be completed: replace fuel injectors, gaskets, spark plugs All suggested repairs were done because I need a car The cost, $2,557.28 I filed a case with Ho... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2025
I first noticed an issue with my car on October 16th. ALL the dashboard lights came on as if the car had a new battery while I was driving. My Honda dealership said: Explanation: fuel system too rich due to faulty fuel injectors. Repairs to be completed: replace fuel injectors, gaskets, spark plugs All suggested repairs were done because I need a car The cost, $2,557.28 I filed a case with Ho... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the contact heard an abnormal whining sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that it was a known failure. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and ... Read more