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: Aug 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While the contact's wife was attempting to park the vehicle, the shift to park warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact was informed of an undisclosed recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was m... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2025
When turn signal auto-cancels (completion of turn), the opposite side turn signal will SOMETIMES erroneously enable. This can be consistently reproduced when completing a turn (returning wheel to center) quickly. Slow turns do not cause the problem. Took to dealer and showed them how to reproduce... In park, just turn on signal then simulate turning then returning to center quickly. Dealer tested... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2025
The screen on my honda accord and hundreds if not thousands of other people that I have seen online, randomly begins constantly activating buttons on screen which has almost resulted in a car accident for me. Very danger and unacceptable, honda is aware of the issue and refused to fix it. This is going to get people killed if not fixed.
Incident date: Aug 27, 2025
The screen on my honda accord and hundreds if not thousands of other people that I have seen online, randomly begins constantly activating buttons on screen which has almost resulted in a car accident for me. Very danger and unacceptable, honda is aware of the issue and refused to fix it. This is going to get people killed if not fixed.
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started running rough, and the engine was sputtering. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the transmission failed to shift as intended. The contact stated that the transmission hesitated before upshifting or downshifting while depressing the accelerator pedal or the brake... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
On June 26, 2025 there was heavy thunderstorms throughout our area. I was driving to my office to pick up an item and all of a sudden my dashboard lit up with numerous error messages. I turned the truck off and could not get it to start again. I had to have it towed to the dealership and they cleaned some electrical connectors and returned it to me. My wife picked it up and on the drive home t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
While attempting to raise the passenger side window slightly, the automatic window mechanism malfunctioned. Instead of stopping when lightly engaged, the window rolled all the way up and trapped my right wrist between the glass and the frame. When I pressed the window down button, the window continued to roll upward, increasing the pressure on my wrist. I was unable to release my hand on my own an... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
I own a 2018 Ford Escape. Current mileage is 58,847 and was serviced regularly. In July of this year, the transmission failed completely while driving. No warnings or symptoms prior to complete failure. I was very lucky that the highway I was traveling on was not busy and I was able to coast into a parking lot. I had to pay a towing fee to have it taken to my local Ford dealer where they informed ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2025
1. Soft / Spongy Brakes. Brake pedal depresses 1/3 - 1/2 way to the floor before the brakes grab. I had one close call hard stop incident, and now I allow extra car lengths for safety. 2. In park, the truck rolls noticeably before the transmission lock engages. I'd estimate 3 degrees. Your foot drags noticeably if on ground. Purchased new the end of May 29, 2025 and noticed these issues imme... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2025
I was driving and all of the sudden I hear a pop and total engine failure. I was lucky to be traveling at 45 mph and could coast off the road safely. After the damage occurred the motor would not turn over again. I had it towed to Acura and they told me my motor was locked up and specifically that my camshaft bearing had failed. I asked about the recall and they said my vin was not selected for th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the sound increased while accelerating to 25 MPH. The contact decelerated to 15 MPH and drove to the residence, where the contact inspected underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that he was an independent m... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Kia K4. The contact stated that after driving for approximately 40 minutes at speeds between 55-75 MPH, the TPMS warning light started flashing, with the message "Check Tire Pressure" displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer three times. On the first visit, the dealer was unable to duplicate the issue. On the second visit, the dealer diagnosed the vehicle with an elec... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
The engine experienced catastrophic failure. A piston punctured the engine block, likely due to failure of the connecting rods, an issue known to be associated with the recalled Theta II engine. The engine is still in the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. We were scared and felt seriously endangered during the incident. The engine failed suddenly while we were driving on a busy h... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2025
On July 25, 2025 I was installing a toddlers car seat in the vehicles rear passenger seat. Upon clipping the secure straps onto the rear seat, I noticed the seat slid all the way to the front position - the seat was loose - sliding back and forth. Nothing appeared to be visually broken. I made an appointment with Tesla and they report that they “replaced an actuator” that had failed. The fail... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2025
After coming to a stop, my vehicle does not accelerate. It automatically engages the park brake and the battery light starts flashing. I have to restart my truck multiple times for it to restart. I have taken it to a dealership 2 and each time they are unable to diagnose it, and release it to me with no info.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2025
Summary of Complaint: The brake lines on my vehicle failed at highway speed (75 mph on I-65) while my wife and eight children were inside. This sudden failure created an extremely dangerous, life-threatening situation. Fortunately, we were able to avoid a crash, but this could easily have caused multiple fatalities. Details: We purchased this vehicle used at approximately 60,000 miles. I was ne... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2025
Summary of Complaint: The brake lines on my vehicle failed at highway speed (75 mph on I-65) while my wife and eight children were inside. This sudden failure created an extremely dangerous, life-threatening situation. Fortunately, we were able to avoid a crash, but this could easily have caused multiple fatalities. Details: We purchased this vehicle used at approximately 60,000 miles. I was ne... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2025
I keep getting this message that pops up, "Steering Assist reduced Drive with Care". At the same time this happens the temp gauge stays on cold, the ac quits working, the engine fan is on high, and most of the time I get code PO128. We have had it in to the dealer and they said the its the thermostat or the temp sensor. From what I am reading it could be a factory issue with the EMI issue from sen... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2024
I was taking my daughter to school; we were about 5 minutes from our home. I came up to a red light and stopped no problem, it turned green and as I proceeded through the intersection to the next red light to make my left-hand turn to get on the freeway, my rearview mirror camara flickered and that was my first indication that something was wrong. After that the ac started turning on and off and m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2025
Sunroof cover hanging and restricting rear view mirror
Incident date: Jul 21, 2025
While driving with the ac on you can smell exhaust fumes in the cabin and it's worse towards the rear carbin of the vehicle. I've gotten nauseated and sleepy from the fumes and have had several headaches in addition to the other symptoms. Ford needs to recall this issue. Also I have an active recall for the window pillars and the dealership says they still dont have the parts to fix it, and it's b... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
OBD trouble code P0302 — cylinder 2 misfire caused by coolant seeping in from a deformation in the block.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
The high pressure fuel line began leaking gasoline after warrantee replacement of engine.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
tail light assembly falls out of the truck body due to faulty bolt connections that fail ( crumble and break off) due to heat from parking in the sun
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring an increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the Electric Power Steering Gear Assembly. The vehicle was not repaired. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
Subject: Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) – Airbag Safety Concern Description of the Problem: The Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) in my 2019 Audi Q5 is malfunctioning. The system intermittently fails to recognize when a passenger is present, or it falsely indicates that a passenger is present when the seat is empty. This creates uncertainty about whether the passenger airb... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
NISSAN RECALL CAMPAIGN KR15 engine bearing NHTSA Campaign # 25v-437
Incident date: Aug 15, 2021
Vehicle brakes stopped working while driving. Dash board lit up and stated system brake failure. Also stated “do not exceed 43mph”
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
Me and my kids were on the way to the store and the front part of my panoramic sunroof exploded from the inside out. I took it to my dealership and the company is denying that it is a manufacturer issue. I have seen articles where this is a known issue for these types of sunroof. I didn't hit anything, nothing flew from a vehicle and hit my car, and nothing fell on my car. There was no warning... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
Me and my kids were on the way to the store and the front part of my panoramic sunroof exploded from the inside out. I took it to my dealership and the company is denying that it is a manufacturer issue. I have seen articles where this is a known issue for these types of sunroof. I didn't hit anything, nothing flew from a vehicle and hit my car, and nothing fell on my car. There was no warning... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
The contact owned a 2020 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, he heard an abnormal popping and hissing noise. The contact stated that he started to smell a burning odor. The contact was losing forward momentum. No warning lights illuminated. When he applied the accelerator pedal, the vehicle continued to slow down. The contact pulled off the highway, sto... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
The contact owned a 2020 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, he heard an abnormal popping and hissing noise. The contact stated that he started to smell a burning odor. The contact was losing forward momentum. No warning lights illuminated. When he applied the accelerator pedal, the vehicle continued to slow down. The contact pulled off the highway, sto... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
Car broke down first time about 2.5 months ago. It was towed to Fred Beans Hyundai of Doylestown PA and they did oil testing on it and I was told that the car was burning oil too fast. They told me under warranty they needed to do a carbon combustion cleaning. So that was down, and less than 24 hours of having the car back, the check engine light came back on, the car wouldn’t drive above 50 mil... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
While driving down the road my steering wheel locks or sticks then quickly releases causing me to overcorrect the steering wheel. This happens on a continuous basis while driving. There are no warning lights or messages that come on. I took it to dealership for a diagnostics and they determined it to be the steering gear box but not considered a a recalled item.
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
•Side curtain airbag malfunction front driver's side. The truck has a warning light for the airbag and the computer diagnostics says it is a side airbag malfunction. The vehicle is well kept and has not been damaged. Mopar does not lost this malfunction and recall as included in my VIN •Cruise control malfunction The cruise control sporadically does not turn on when the button is pressed. Th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
While driving the shifting became sluggish and the vehicle would surge/catch when shifting then while driving home the Escape just quickly slowed and stopped on a busy road. We could not get it to go forward, so we shifted to reverse in traffic to get the car off to the side of the road. The car was towed to a local shop who let us know the transmission had failed. The fluid was burnt/black eve... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
While driving on a highway the vehicle with no warning seemed to lose all power and multiple warning dashboard lights came on. We were able to pull to the side of the highway which did not have a full size break down lane. The vehicle was towed to a nearby dealer who reported that the transmission had failed completely. There were no noticeable signs or warnings of transmission failure or any o... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
Ton of warning lights can on like abs, traction control and some other sensors. When put in Drive the D flashed and try k would not move. Put back in park would not recognize it was in park and would not shut off. The only way to shut off the truck with disconnect both batteries and pull the fuse for the fuel pump.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
Transition its not stable.Had to overhaul it with less then 60k mils
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
Vehicle has a vibrating shake when you go about 26 to 40 miles per hour like it does not know on what gear to be me I took the car multiple times to the dealership, and after charging me hundreds of dollars they had the face to say it is what it is. That the design of the car. I even called the corporate and no one really cared. I am always scarred that engine or transmission will fail and cause a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
While driving the truck dashboard threw every light on, headlights went out, the truck shifted to first gear and would not shift back to higher gear, power steering went out as well. Received several trigger messages on the dashboard and was thankfully able to pull over safely. Placed the truck into park and the. Wasn’t able to place back in gear. This is the second time it has happened to me ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
Heard a loud pop noise from the rear of the car while backing up, steering was unstable while driving. Looked under the car and discover the right rear control arm is broken.
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
Heard a loud pop noise from the rear of the car while backing up, steering was unstable while driving. Looked under the car and discover the right rear control arm is broken.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
Truck has total loss of power after stopping the truck and turning it off. Leaves you stranded. Some times jumping the truck it will run. Truck has only 14k miles.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
Engine Is knocking that happened when I took my car 3 times to emission test and my car didn't pass after that I took it to my mechanic for the diagnostic and he told me you have to take it to kia dealer but I was shocked the way how they treated me and they completely refuse to replace my engine they came up with too many excuses and I have recall repair active I have right to fix my car but they... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2025
Back up camera goes black or really fuzzy so everything is unrecognizable. This happens very sporadically. It could stay like this for days or sometimes just once in a few weeks. Never know when it will happen.
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
On March 13, 2025, while driving, my 2020 Ford EcoSport suddenly lost power and shut down. The vehicle is under Recall 23S64 (oil pump failure). I had to tow it to a shop, which confirmed low oil pressure, then to Ford, who confirmed complete engine failure and replaced the engine parts. I was without a vehicle for 34 days and Ford refused to provide a rental unless it was a Ford-brand, which was ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
VW Tiguan lost significant acceleration while driving on the highway. Vehicle check engine light came on. Felt like vehicle was going to stall and decelerated to a below highway required speed. Vehicle was inspected by a VW authorized service center and . Verified GFF found DTC's P0431, P04F0, P24D6, and P2101 were in fault mode. Significant oil leak also occurred. Failed component was crankca... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2025
Was in a bad wreck, other drivers car deployed airbags, mine did not but engine shut off and hazards stayed on. Crash was about 30 miles an hour or so at impact.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 13, 2025
While attempting to cross a busy street, I picked an opening in the coming traffic to cross, released the brake to allow the car to start rolling slowing, but when I pressed the accelerator , I got no response from the car and no acceleration at all for about 3 seconds. Leaving me and my family stuck in the middle of the street with oncoming traffic just seconds away from hitting us. In the 3 se... Read more