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 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the part to do the recall repair was available. The local dealer was contacted; however, the dealer refused to perform the recall repair because the vehicle had not experienced the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle would ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
The clear coat on the exterior paint of the truck has failed. This has left the base coat paint exposed which means the metal frame is susceptible to rusting now.
Incident date: Mar 11, 2023
Unknown. We have owned this vehicle for almost 3 years now and we have had to replace 2 sensors, the cruise control will intermittently no disengage when buttons are pushed or brake pushed, replaced the full pump, sometimes it will lose all power going down the road, HD to replace the fuse box because it was getting and started to melt, it will try to start and will just keep cranking until you sl... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2023
The engine needs to be replaced due to coolant intrusion. This issue had no initial warning, and the car suddenly had issues accelerating and when I looked under the hood at home was low on coolant. I refilled it. Next morning an engine light came on for misfire in cylinder #3. I had an engine coil and the spark plugs replaced and it seemed fine for about a week before everything resumed happeni... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2023
CAR STALLS TURNS OFF AT A COMPLETE STOP. IN ORDER TO MAKE IT TURN BACK ON YOU WILL HAVE TO TURN OFF AND TURN BACK ON. AT THE TIME OF IT HAPPENING YOU HAVE NO LIGHTS SO IT MAKES IT EASY FOR SOMEONE TO REAR END YOU. IF THIS HAPPENS IN THE HIGHWAY IN TRAFFIC IT MIGHT KILL SOMEONE.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2025
On August 20, 2025, my 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie was taken to the dealership for diagnosis after showing the warning “Electronic Stability Control system needs service,” along with a flashing check engine light. The dealer pulled diagnostic codes and documented U0403-00 (“Invalid Data Received from Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Control Module A”) as well as other communication errors. This is ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2025
Cruising on the highway then transmission down shift to 4th gear happened twice
Incident date: Aug 16, 2025
The touch screen is malfunctioning. Its "ghost touching" as in the screen is pressing random buttons on the screen at random times while driving. It can change and has changed settings while driving (distance for breaking before a collision, etc). While its touching random things on the screen im unable to touch anything on the screen. As if its locking me from pressing anything.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
Transmission won't shift out of second gear,and a code showed up U0402 in order for it to shift gear you have to disconnected the battery cable wait a few minutes then connect the battery back this will reset the computer then it will shift gear, while driving at 45 the truck suddenly stop making it feel like the transmission was about to fall out Now the EPS system while driving the steering wh... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
Touchscreen stereo will stop work/glitching while driving. It will freeze as I am backing up. Constantly rebooting itself. Cigarette outlet will randomly glitch when something is plugged in and will stop working. Starting to feel unsafe while driving especially when it starts glitching and freezing especially while I am I. Reverse
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
This vehicle is subject to NHTSA Recall #25V236 (Ford Recall #25S37) for a defective brake master cylinder that can leak into the brake booster, reducing braking effectiveness and creating a serious crash risk. The recall was issued on April 11, 2025. As of today, Ford has not provided any remedy. My local dealership confirmed that no fix is available, and Ford Corporate has refused to provide a l... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The bolts fell out and the bracket that holds the drive shaft in place fractured while driving.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
While merging onto the highway at about 45 mph the vehicle started to shake, stall, fail to respond and make a horrific noise. This caused a traffic situation as the car would not correctly get up to speed thereby affecting my merge and those behind me. I took the vehicle to my local dealer and upon completing an engine teardown I was advised that the connecting rod bearing had failed. When I aske... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 428I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed that recall parts were not yet available and advised the contact to wait for another notification to arrive when parts become available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2021
I have experienced persistent and frustrating issues with the infotainment system of my 2021 Honda Accord Touring. These problems affect both the usability and reliability of critical in-car technology, impacting daily driving and reduces overall satisfaction. Specifically: 1. Touchscreen Malfunctions Symptoms: Unresponsive screens, freezing, and “ghost touches” (inputs registered without phy... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the overhead console dislodged from the ceiling and fell downward, striking the driver on the head. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who determined that the clips attaching the console to the interior ceiling of the vehicle had failed, causing the console to det... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the power-reduced error message was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was driving abnormally sluggish and failed to exceed 18 MPH. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
I own a 2018 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost. It started having idling issues that eventually required the cam phasers to be replaced. While that was frustrating and costly enough, the bigger issue came with the 10R80 transmission. Despite performing all services on schedule and maintaining the truck properly, the transmission failed. After doing research, I found that this isn’t an isolated ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal trembling sensation experienced, accompanied by a clunking sound coming from underneath the front driver’s side of the vehicle, with the TPMS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the front pass... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
I drove over a rough patch/bump in the road. A ton of warning messages and failure lights activated on the dash. In addition to the check engine light, there were warnings for electronic stability protection, sway bar disconnect, ABS failure, power steering failure, shift lever malfunction. In addition to these malfunctions a failures, the windshield wipers turned on un-commanded and the radiator ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for engine service, the mechanic discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy with the vehicle. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 135,316, however, the independent mechanic discovered that the actual mileage was 289,471.
Incident date: May 15, 2025
We have. 2025 Chevy Traverse that we bought 10 days ago and it has 597 miles. I stopped at a location turned off the car. When I got back in to leave and turned it on, The brake light came on, and brake light, collision light, service ESC and service brakes light. Apparently there are 4 or more GM cars in the dealership service department for over a month waiting for the part to fix this issue.... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The local dealer was contacted and refused to repair the vehicle. The contact was informed that, unless a failure occurred with the engine, the recall repair would not be performed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated. Additionally, while driving at slower speeds, the braking system independently engaged, and the vehicle came to a complete stop. The “Service Hybrid System” warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated. Additionally, while driving at slower speeds, the braking system independently engaged, and the vehicle came to a complete stop. The “Service Hybrid System” warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2025
While operating my 2018 Ram 2500, the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) failed suddenly and completely, causing the loss of: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Traction Control This failure occurred without warning, creating an immediate risk of accident. The dashboard illuminated warning lights indicating system failure. The most recent diagnostic, performed on 8/19/2... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2025
While operating my 2018 Ram 2500, the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) failed suddenly and completely, causing the loss of: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Traction Control This failure occurred without warning, creating an immediate risk of accident. The dashboard illuminated warning lights indicating system failure. The most recent diagnostic, performed on 8/19/2... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2025
Juicebox EV charger failed causing a fire in the electrical outlet
Fire
Incident date: Aug 6, 2025
Juicebox EV charger failed causing a fire in the electrical outlet
Fire
Incident date: Aug 19, 2025
Component Affected: Engine / Auto Idle Stop (AIS) system Crash: No Fire: No Injuries: No Deaths: No Incident 1 •Date: January 30, 2025 •Time: ~9:45 AM •Location: Dysart Rd & E Van Buren St, Avondale, AZ •Witness: Taylor (passenger) •Speed: 0 mph (stopped at red light) •Weather: 49°F ambient temperature Description: While stopped at a red light, the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) system engage... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed and the Push to START button was pressed; however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the brake pedal felt firm and added force was needed to depress the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with ETC (Elect... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
I was the victim of an accident on [XXX]. The person of the other vehicle that collided with my vehicle after crossing at high speed and without stopping in the red light. The sensors of the anti-collision vehicle of my vehicle did not work and the air bag also did not work. Due to speed the airbag of the other vehicle triggered. I have shoulder pain due to impact. At the moment the insurer of the... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jan 1, 2013
SAFETY DEFECT: Database Classification Failure - 2013 Ram Vehicles Vehicle: 2013 Ram 1500, VIN: [ENTER VIN ABOVE] Owner: [ENTER NAME ABOVE] Email: [ENTER EMAIL ABOVE] Phone: [ENTER PHONE ABOVE] Defect Description: The 2013 model year Ram vehicles suffer from a systematic database classification failure that prevents normal ownership operations and creates safety hazards. Due to the Dodge-to-Ra... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2013
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power, decelerated, and shut off unintendedly. The vehicle was later restarted and driven to the residence before stalling a second time. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the local dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2013
The contact owns a 2024 Audi Q3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V082000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that the camera was inoperable. The camera viewing distance was incorrect, and the camera image was flickering. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
Ever since we purchased the vehicle in 2021, it it has made a loud screeching noise when backing up in humid weather or after rain. Whenever we brought it to the dealer's attention, we were told Honda National is aware of the issue and working on a solution. After 3 years of hearing the same thing, we wrote a letter to Honda National and filed a complaint with the NYS Attorney Generals Office. The... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the engine was previously replaced under warranty. The contact stated that the vehicle had been experiencing excessive oil consumption and required three quarts of oil every 30 days. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
Hybrid system malfunctioned and engine completely seized up. Dealer/Toyota is replacing the short block and both turbos on my Sequoia. This seems to be the same issue as the Tundra engines.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Harley-Davidson FLHX. The contact stated that while his daughter was riding 3at 0 MPH, the saddle pins on the motorcycle became inoperable, which caused the right side of the saddle bags to detach from the motorcycle. The dealer was contacted. The motorcycle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 7,... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V433000 (Parking Brake); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing at 5 MPH, the rear parking brake independently engaged. No warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle had... Read more
2 injured
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
While driving my Rivian R1S, 2025 at highway speeds, the infotainment screen went completely black, disabling the speedometer, blind spot monitoring, lane warnings, airbag/seatbelt alerts, and navigation. I had no access to critical safety information while transporting my children, creating a dangerous situation. Rivian service confirmed this is a “known bug” affecting many vehicles, but own... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
Vehicle would not steer lost power steering and loud noise. Had the vehicle towed to a mechanic. The mechanic informed me that the bolts for the electronic power steering had corroded causing the electronic steering motor to fall. He told me that it is a problem with these cars and gave me a reference number (N202301950) I called GM and they said it was not a recall it was a service bulletin which... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
Component/System involved: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems — FSD (Supervised)/Autosteer (Lane Keeping Assistance) and Adaptive Cruise Control. Possible failure to warn/stop (FCW/AEB). Vehicle and data are available for inspection upon request. I preserved dashcam files and requested Tesla to preserve engineering logs and EDR. What happened & safety risk: On [XXX] at ~[XXX] PDT on [XXX] near ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 14, 2025
On Monday [XXX] I was driving to work when my vehicle abruptly stopped in the middle of traffic. I had several cars behind me slam on their brakes due to my vehicle stopping. It was super scary and dangerous and at a four way stop. There was loud knocking from the engine seconds before it stopped on me. I called roadside assistance and had it towed to the dealership I work at. I looked up my VIN a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2025
Unkown, but while driving, I got these alarms all of sudden at the same time.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2002 Toyota Camry. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 127,000. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 283,000.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2025
My car vibrates every time I brake or accelerate. I want to know if I need to reprogram the transmission.
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
When going on uneven terrain then trying to brake the ABS kicks in and makes the brakes unusable. I’ve almost hit the car ahead of me several times now. I have taken the car to the dealership and they cannot duplicate the problem.
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
The “consider taking a break” warning comes on far too much and has almost made me wreck twice due to being startled.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2025
1. Vehicle Information Year / Make / Model: 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring Mileage at Time of Incident: Approximately 123,952 miles Purchased New or Used: Used 2. Incident Summary On June 13, 2025 upon starting the vehicle for the first time that day (vehicle is garage kept, year round, at home when not in use), problem codes for the Auto High Beam, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assi... Read more