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: Jun 5, 2025
The transfer case is leaking, caused by galvanic corrosion. Ford used steel bolts on the aluminum transfer case housing which created the corrosion.
Incident date: Aug 8, 2025
You will be driving down the road and it would downshift gears you guys have a recall on this already but my truck doesn't qualify for it apparently the downshifting is periodically it's not consistent
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V951000 (Back Over Prevention); however, 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 stated that while in reverse, the back over prevention camera briefly displayed an image ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2025
While operating my 2025 Lexus RZ 300e at normal road speeds, the vehicle experienced a sudden and dangerous propulsion loss when the traction battery reached 0% state of charge. The only advance notice was a single soft audible alert. There were no escalating warnings (visual or audible) and no meaningful low-battery reserve to allow the driver to safely exit traffic or reach a charging location. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
Transmission, available upon request for inspection. Clunk’s into reverse, or doesn’t engage at all. Code p1da8, p0733. Has been confirmed by dealer. Will throw check engine light occasionally. Also shifts hard between gears 3 and 4.
Incident date: Aug 8, 2025
Vehicle died in a busy intersection coming off the freeway. Light flashed that indicated it was an issue with the electronic throttle control. The safety of myself and others was put at risk due to the posted speed of the road and multiple lanes from 4 directions. I had to remain in my vehicle to make sure I was not hit by another vehicle and due to the vehicle issue, I was impeding traffic. Lithi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2025
Car in shop for the 4th engine. First was coolant going into the oil-cracked block. 2nd was cracked cylinder wall- coolant leaking in to cylinder 4 now coolant leaking into the cylinder again. They can't find the leak but can see the inside there is coolant. All have been covered under warranty for now. And taken to Ford dealerships. But there has to be an issue, why it keeps happening. The se... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2025
Water intrusion, verified by observation/application of water. The leak resulted in water dripping on the Tailgate/Liftgate Control Module and the general rear cargo area, causing corrosion inside the control module rendering the control module inoperable, which made the power liftgate inoperable as well. Additionally, the rear cargo area had standing water that had accumulated over an unknown per... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on both sides of the windshield started to detach. The contact also stated that the B-pillar trim on the driver's side started to detach. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure). The vehicle was taken to the dea... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
Both of my headlights had moisture. I replaced the driverside first because you could literally see water sitting in the headlamp. Then I replaced the passengerside a year later because it was doing the same thing that the driver side started doing. I have not had any accidents nor has there been any damage to the front of the car. It appears that this is a known problem. My adaptive part is still... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2018
March 28, 2025: A recall (NHTSA Recall No. : 25V-060) service for the front upper grille deflector was performed. August 7, 2025: The front upper grille deflector flew off my truck while I was driving on the interstate, despite the recent recall service. The failure of a recall repair is particularly alarming and a serious safety hazard.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
The air bag in the drivers head rest exploded while my daughter was driving away at college, thankfully she was stopped at a red light she only had a mild concussion, this head rest exploded all on its on without warning or being in a wreck,
Incident date: Jul 28, 2025
Purchased a 2018 Ford escape in Oct 2024. By January 2025 the white paint around the windshield is chipping and cracking and peeling. The Ford dealership said that this was happening to all WHITE escapes and other Ford models in the white color. I was told that they are aware of the problem with the white paint but refuse to do anything about it. I was told the the surface was not cleaned pr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
I have a coolant leak with my EGR cooler. The part is on back order for 90 days. Clearly the EGR cooler is being replaced on these cars on a regular so there must be a defect if I can’t get my vehicle fixed for 90 days or more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
I have a coolant leak with my EGR cooler. The part is on back order for 90 days. Clearly the EGR cooler is being replaced on these cars on a regular so there must be a defect if I can’t get my vehicle fixed for 90 days or more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 20 MPH, the front driver's side seat belt exploded, making a loud popping sound, and the seat belt tightened and pulled the driver back into the seat. Additionally, the automatic emergency braking system engaged, causing the vehicle to stop. No warning light was illuminated. The contact's husband stat... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 29, 2025
Why is it taking Ford years to fix body molding for a recall. It would appear they are not going to comply with the recall and hope they wait long enough they can age out the vehicles and there won’t be any left. I don’t understand why N.H.T.S.A is night having FORD comply with the recall.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2025
Car suddenly and dangerously braked on highway with no other vehicles around. Afterwards the tool and check engine lights came on. All advance trac systems failed. Dealership replaced the broken bolts and rear axle. In review it appears recall 21s04 should apply. Site shows 2021 broncos from Hermosillo plant apply. Rep stated building date range 7/22-11/24. How can this apply to a 2021 ford recall... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
Purchased above vehicle on 7/12/25. Was advised no towing for 1st 500 miles. At 712 miles, I hooked my fishing boat up to the truck to go fishing. Initially, truck did not recognize my boat trailer lights (marker and tail lights). My previous truck was a 2023 Ram 2500 rebel that never had an issue with connecting my boat trailer electrical system. All lights worked as should. I still have the... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
dash lit up with ABS, traction control, and ESC warnings. Technician stated the entire brake system needed to be rebuilt. There is currently no ETA on when the parts to be able to accomplish this will be available.
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
dash lit up with ABS, traction control, and ESC warnings. Technician stated the entire brake system needed to be rebuilt. There is currently no ETA on when the parts to be able to accomplish this will be available.
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
The contact’s daughter owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact was informed by his daughter that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. During the failure, the vehicle had to be turned off and restarted to regain power steering functionality. On another occasion, the vehicle lost power steering functionality; however, after a restart, the vehicle failed to... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated and the engine overheated. There was an abnormal sound coming from the transmission. Additionally, the vehicle was consuming abnormal amounts of coolant without signs of a coolant leak. The contact stated that the engine seized. The coolant reservoir was inspected a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
KEEPS FLASHING ABS. IT SOUNDS A BING NOISE THE WHOLE TIME I DRIVE IT. SINCE I DRIVE OVER 2 HOURS A DAY IT IS REALLY FRUSTRATING AND 5 HOURS ON THE WEEKEND. ALSO, THE RADIO CUTS OUT ALL THE TIME WHEN THE ABS IN FLASHING THE AIR CONDITIONING OR HEAT GOES FULL BLAST WHEN THE ABS IN FLASHING AND BINGING. HOW CAN YOU NOT HAVE A FIX FOR THIS YET! I PAID A LOT OF MONEY FOR THIS TRUCK AND IT IS THE BI... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Truck has 91,200 miles and was well maintained. Truck has a loud rattle (like rocks in a can) on dry start up after sitting for several days. Rattle goes away after starting and is consistent with worn CAM PHASERS, as shown in many videos on the internet describing this known problem with the Ford 3.5L ecoboost engine. Ford issued a customer reimbursement program for repairing this known defe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
ICCU failure, resulting in 12v discharge and complete immobilization of car. The car's safety systems gave sufficient warning to allow me to get somewhere safe -- but the nature of the failure also disabled it's ability to maintain a call with blulink to coordinate a pickup. Luckily my cell also had service.
Incident date: Aug 7, 2025
Purchased car on March 4, 2025. Noticed TMPS dashboard light was on, returned 3/5/2025, Ford replaced tire senor, light was still on, they replaced 4 tire senors. But did not replace all untill 4/19/2024, that is when I noticed a bubble and crack on tire and a BROKEN SWAY BAR LINK. ALSO THEY DID NOT INSPECT MY CAR WITHIN 7 DAYS, THEY INSPECTED IT ON 3/14/2025. NO REJECTION STICKER PU... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
Driving on highway lost all power sudden shut down of motor pulled off highway immediately ,autoshifted into park skidding in gravel unable to restart had towed to dealer,,they put in new under hood battery at my expense (was charging system failure) part needed was backordered. Got truck back home running lower than normal voltage local dealer claiming nothing wrong with it ,,diag from other deal... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
At 1200 miles the car began to have clicking noise when doing sharp turns which appeared to be a CV joint/ axle issue. At 3900 miles dealership replaced both axles. Claimed original parts were defective. Left dealership and with in 9 miles of driving, the same problem problem continued with the clicking, only louder. Car also has "sticky" unresponsive steering for brief moment every time when ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
At 1200 miles the car began to have clicking noise when doing sharp turns which appeared to be a CV joint/ axle issue. At 3900 miles dealership replaced both axles. Claimed original parts were defective. Left dealership and with in 9 miles of driving, the same problem problem continued with the clicking, only louder. Car also has "sticky" unresponsive steering for brief moment every time when ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2025
Side Curtain and Seat Side Airbags. Unavailable for inspection as Avis Rental Company cleaned the vehicle, removed airbags, and sold at auction as salvage. Side curtain airbags trapped me in the vehicle, and shrapnel from seat side airbag impaled/injured my arm. Combination of Side Curtain and Seat Side airbags, and seat belt, resulted in catastrophic shoulder injuries. Additionally, the gases ... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
I was driving just got off the freeway and went to hit the brakes and the brake pedal was hard as a rock I had to use force to slow down to safely get over from the left lane to the right lane to get into a parking lot was a pretty scary experience, called AAA had it towed to the dealer they said the vacuum pump failed which I suspected because of the other complaints regarding the same thing, the... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
This unresolved issue has created serious safety risks. On two separate occasions, my vehicle lost power while crossing the Leo Frigo Bridge in Green Bay—an extremely dangerous scenario for both my family and other drivers. Most recently, within just ~40 miles of picking up the vehicle from service, the issue recurred. The service department reported finding oil on the ignition coils—symptoms ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
In November 2024, my 2019 RAM Rebel displayed “SERVICE SHIFTER,” “PARKING ASSIST,” and “CHECK ENGINE” lights. Dealer performed software updates, but one week later the lights returned. Dealer then replaced the parking assist module, but two weeks later the same issue happened again. I have brought the truck in multiple times since. Often the lights turn off before arrival, and dealer s... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
With an odometer reading of 39000 miles, a piece of trim, the piece in front of the hood, flew up and the clips are broken. This happened while driving at 83mph on an interstate.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Recall for battery potentially causing fires issued in November 2024 has not been resolved.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
Ford Motor Company has an issue with their 2024 Ford Mustang Convertibles, where condensation forms in the footwell ducts during air conditioner operation. As condensation accumulates, water drips onto the driver's foot and potentially the gas and/or brake pedal, creating a risk of driver error. This issue has been known since the vehicle's delivery nearly two years ago. Ford has acknowledged the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
Ford Motor Company has an issue with their 2024 Ford Mustang Convertibles, where condensation forms in the footwell ducts during air conditioner operation. As condensation accumulates, water drips onto the driver's foot and potentially the gas and/or brake pedal, creating a risk of driver error. This issue has been known since the vehicle's delivery nearly two years ago. Ford has acknowledged the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2025
Air bag light came on in the instrument panel. I took it to the dealership along with oil change. They scanned the airbag problem and it came back that the passenger front seatbelt had open circuit. My vehicle is not part of the current recall for this issue. I want to let you know that my build of my vehicle should fall under the current recall for the ongoing build dates with this issue.
Incident date: Jul 2, 2025
I purchased this 2011 Hyundai Sonata (VIN: [XXX]) on [XXX]. A few weeks later, the engine started knocking, wouldn’t shift beyond 2nd gear, and wouldn’t go over 60 mph. A diagnostic test at Express Oil returned the error code P1326, which is tied to Hyundai’s Recall Campaign 132 for engine failure due to bearing wear. I brought the car to Serra Hyundai in Trussville, AL. I provided my bill o... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2025
I bought my car in 2023 and it has less than 30,000 miles on it. Since purchase, I have had to replace the windshield THREE TIMES for massive cracks. Insurance does not cover the full cost. Nothing has hit the windshield as far as I know, but it keeps cracking. I have never had this issue with any other car.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The fuel odor was also outside the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. An appointment with the dealer was scheduled for the vehicle to be inspected. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a rattling and squeaking sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who informed the contact that the exhaust manifold bracket had failed and needed to be replaced along with a section of the exhaust system. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manu... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
Sunroof shade cover won’t roll back. Never used the sunroof and the one time I want to roll open the shade cover won’t roll back. It does open but the curtain just hangs. Took it to the dealer they won’t cover it even though the car only has 41,000 at the time of malfunction.
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
The NoLimitz module cause my vehicle to shut off while in motion 1 time, and lose critical controls to safely operate the vehicle while in motion twice (power steering, gauge cluster, power brakes). Even though the engine still ran, once shut off it would not start again or go into neutral. I conclude the issue was the device as the power light on it was off (it should remain on when the ignition ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. 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 exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light would illuminate, and the traction con... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would intermittently hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that the check engine warning light had flashed on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where the mechanic informed the contact that there was a miscomm... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2025
The valve train of my bike failed and left me stranded in the woods. There were no signs or warnings beforehand. After further research online, I found that this issue has been happening quite a bit. Luckily it happened to me while my bike was parked. The issue is the valve train is wearing out prematurely and causing the bikes to run poorly or not run at all. My bike has 13,000 miles on it and o... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2025
I was in the car wash and the service ESC came on It also had the traction control, ABS and check engine light came on. When I restarted my car the check engine light only came on . On the Chevy app it says my Anti Breaking System needs serviced. This is a brand new car bought a couple months ago with under 3,000 miles.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
Backup Camera stopped working on [XXX] right before Ford issued a recall notice for a backup camera issue related to a software update, but this VIN is not included. This seems highly coincidental. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)