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: Jul 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal before the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was shifted into park and restarted. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with PCM failure. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2025
While driving the sunroof glass out of no where exploded.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
Key fob not found, tpms not reading but sensors are good, backup camera beeping when things are not behind and continues to beep in drive, engine stalling, worn motor mounts due to no reason
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Purchased new 25 Traverse. Driving from AR to OK, stopped at a store, parked car. Upon returning to car, start ignition and red "BRAKE" light illuminated as well as ABS, Traction control and forward collision icons all lit. "Service brake assist, service esc, rear auto brake and park assist unavailable" warnings all show on the dash. Vehicle had 2747 miles at time this occurred. Systems check on ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2025
Driving under normal conditions, truck had been running perfectly for the 3 months I owned it. Coming down a hill on the freeway, lights started blinking on the dash, then making a knocking noise, lost pressure (all control) of gas pedal, then white smoke from drivers side, then grey smoke, then completely engulfed in flames within 5 minutes of dash blinking. Complete loss of engine bay
Fire
Incident date: Jul 20, 2025
The steering coupler for this vehicle is a cheap part that wears out easily. After just 110,000 miles my steering wheel now has a significant amount of "play" and makes a loud clicking sound while driving, even without moving the steering wheel, due to the amount of "play" in the steering. This is an expensive repair due to having to disassemble the steering column all because the cheap part wea... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart but was undrivable. The vehicle was towed to Firestone but was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and de... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2020
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH on the interstate, the passenger’s side keypad detached from the vehicle. The driver's side and passenger’s side keypads were loose before the failure occurred. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was con... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the SRS warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The man... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning light was illuminated. The loc... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
Automatic breaking engaged too sensitively, the driver infront of me had stopped a few yards away and I was already starting to stop when the vehicle suddenly stopped. The driver behind me almost rear ended me. This was at a green light.
Incident date: Jul 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine overheated, and there was smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Expedition. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V455000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) and 25V314000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacture... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2022
A 2022 Sierra 1500 had a catastrophic engine failure while driving. The vehicle was unstable and came to rest. The issue has been confirmed base on the recall notice. The vehicle has been sitting at the dealer for three months waiting for GM to 'Open' the recall on this vehicle. Customer Service has been contacted on several occasions but the recall is still not opened.
Incident date: Aug 22, 2022
I purchased a used vehicle from an auto auction. After the purchase, I discovered through Carfax and AutoCheck reports that the vehicle had a history of severe damage and an odometer discrepancy, both of which were not disclosed prior to the sale. The vehicle was sold with a Clean Title that stated “Actual Mileage,” but available records contradict this, indicating possible odometer fraud and ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2020
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact inspected the vehicle and found an oil leak on the ground. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine oil cooler lines had rupture... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
The passengers side head rest came apart. It came apart so fast it was like it exploded. It was almost like it had an air bag on the inside of it. I just started the unit in our drive way, went to back out, and it came apart. I tried to reset the head rest but the plastic locking tabs on the inside no longer work. This needs to be a recall!
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the side view mirrors remain illuminated for an extended time while operating the vehicle. The contact stated that the signal for the sensor to inform the driver of an approaching vehicle failed to illuminate intermittently. The contact stated that the side-view mirror was replaced. Additionally, the message “Tire Pressure Unavailable” ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked abnormally while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The manufacturer was notified by the dealer about the failure, and the manufacturer agreed to partially cover the cost of the repair. The... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
What is happening is a KNOWN issue that effects Ford F-150's from 2011-2013 Models with the 6-Speed transmissions. The issue is with the Molded Lead Frames. The fault causes hard downshifts out of now where. I was driving on a highway, at highway speeds, when the truck downshifted to 1st Gear. Incredibly unsafe, jolted the truck to an immediately forced reduced speed, luckily no one was behind me.... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
Complete Bluetooth failure. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto constantly disconnect. Has happened since driving off of the lot.
Incident date: Jan 14, 2025
Last year, my car would not start up again after the start stop feature activated in an intersection. This is after leaving the dealer who told me the car was fine. I’ve since replaced the battery. It still is sluggish to start at times. It is especially bad starting when start stop is activated. I turn the feature off every time I start the car. I’m worried every time I take a long trip I wil... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
Error message on Dash: "Engine Malfunction Power Reduced Speed Service Now" When this happens, the vehicle suddenly stops in the middle of the road or freeway. This is the 14th vehilce in our fleet that suffers the same malfunction.
Incident date: Jul 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 65 MPH, the contact heard a thumping sound coming from the engine. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the engine had been replaced one... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH and making a left turn, the Forward Collision Avoidance system activated ad the vehicle stopped independently. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the braking function resumed, and the contact was able to continue driving. The contact had taken the vehic... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH and making a left turn, the Forward Collision Avoidance system activated ad the vehicle stopped independently. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the braking function resumed, and the contact was able to continue driving. The contact had taken the vehic... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer w... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2025
I own a 2004 Honda CR-V, a vehicle that has served me well over the years, but I recently faced a harrowing experience that left me quite shaken. While cruising along the highway, I was startled when the engine abruptly shut down. The ominous P1349 code indicated an issue with the Variable Timing Control (VTC) actuator, a crucial component for maintaining optimal engine performance. Just two yea... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
It’s throwing a P084A code and it feels like the transmission is about to let loose. I bought the car with 30,000 on it in 2016 and it has a hair over 136,000 and ever since I’ve had it it’s always had this transmission lag jerk in it. Very scuttle but you can feel it. Then all of a sudden it just started going into limp mode, hi low hi low rev, jerking and couldn’t get over 30 mph. This l... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
MMI repeatedly reboots during operation creating visual distraction. MMI system unavailable for monitoring/setting tire pressure and when rebooting makes reverse camera inaccessible. Also eliminates ability for phone to be paired to car for incoming calls or messages and eliminates ability for handsfree text, voice to text, and phone calls.
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
Recall Action Soon Issue Since 07-18-2025 Fuel injector replacement For More Information Telematics Generated Issue Recall Action Soon Issue Since 03-14-2025 Drivers side seat buckle replacement
Incident date: Jul 20, 2025
As I was driving, I had to press on my break fairly firmly for about two seconds due to a car in front of me making a left-hand turn. I released the break, and the car in front of me was completely out of my lane. There was about a 2 to 3 second span of time ,after I released the break and in which I was coasting, before the automatic breaking system pressed hard on the break for at least one seco... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2025
As I was driving, I had to press on my break fairly firmly for about two seconds due to a car in front of me making a left-hand turn. I released the break, and the car in front of me was completely out of my lane. There was about a 2 to 3 second span of time ,after I released the break and in which I was coasting, before the automatic breaking system pressed hard on the break for at least one seco... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
My 2018 Hyundai Tucson 2.0L GDI engine with only 79,000 miles was "knocking" and wouldn't accelerate. We pulled over and towed the vehicle to the local Hyundai Dealer who declared "oil level good but failed bearing clearance test". Diagnosed with a rod and bearing failure. They submitted to Hyundai Motor Warranty the vehicle needed new engine. They declined. I know this is covered under the H... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2024
While driving the vehicle, several warning lights activated, the first being automatic emergency braking is disabled. The second warning light advised me to not turn the car off until I got to my destination. It further advised that I would not be able to shift gears. The vehicle began to slow down on its own until it came to a complete stop. I was in the middle of an intersection when this happen... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2024
While driving the vehicle, several warning lights activated, the first being automatic emergency braking is disabled. The second warning light advised me to not turn the car off until I got to my destination. It further advised that I would not be able to shift gears. The vehicle began to slow down on its own until it came to a complete stop. I was in the middle of an intersection when this happen... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
[XXX] Known issue in 5th Gen Ram 1500s. Defective Mopar Connector Cam Buss. Causes the truck shifting problems and can cause going into park while driving. Issue below is on the forum causing a wreck. My 2019 Dodge Ram Limited started malfunctioning, causing me to wreck when the shifter unexpectedly went into park while I was driving. The brakes locked up, making the truck slide, and by the tim... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact w... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact w... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that there was a delay prior to the vehicle stopping. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
Going 50mph+ down road and transmission downshifting to 1st gear and won't do anything for a whole minute then kicks back into 5-6th gear. Does it multiple times. Almost wrecked on busy interstate due to this happening. This recall needs to be extended to the 15-17 truck also with 6R80
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
The contact stated that while pulling into a parking spot with the brake pedal pressed, the vehicle displayed unintended acceleration, crashing into the wall of the building in front of the parking space. The air bags did not deploy. The contact immediately placed the vehicle in reverse, with the brake pedal still pressed, and the vehicle accelerated at approximately 20 mph in reverse on its own.... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 18, 2025
Have been getting condensate inside vehicle headlights inwhich have cause the headlight to completely not work anymore.. There is no damage to headlight which means to be cause due to a problem with the seal. Checked with local and also statewide Mercedes advisors which was told there isn’t a recall for my vehicle inwhich I looked online and found an recall for vehicles just like the one I have.... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
Vehicle's MMI and screen shuts off and on randomly even if the car system is off. Cannot use backup camera, or steering wheel controls while driving due to the system shutting down. Yes. Audi of Springfield MO Yes. Audi of Springfield MO No. Happened after the dealership did an update on the vehicle.
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F150. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V315000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION) and 25V455000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while her friend was driving, the rearview camera turned off while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure compr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
Cv axles went out at 55k causing shaking at highway speeds while accelerating. Frequently when starting the car the steering wont activate right away even after the car begins to move for 5-10 feet. Dealer cant replicate because it doesnt happen every time. But it is still doing it and may cause a crash in the future....
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
I was in an accident with front and rear collision and damage and my airbags never deployed. I hydroplaned into the guardrail and hit the front of the vehicle completely and then was rear-ended with massive damage after I hit the guardrail.
Crash
Incident date: Jul 12, 2025
It has a CVT transmission and when you try to accelerate quickly, it box down it does not go every now and then when it tries to change gears it shimmy it gives a humping sensation