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: Feb 13, 2025
Window trim metal fell apart and plastic molding dislodge without reason, only for 2 years old car.
Incident date: Feb 13, 2025
Subject: Complaint regarding refusal to perform recall repairs outside the U.S. – VIN [XXX] Dear NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, I am the owner of an Audi A3, model year 2015, VIN [XXX] . According to the NHTSA database, my vehicle is subject to two open recall campaigns: – 69BY / 21V198 – Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) – 20YF / 24V110 – EVAP Suction Pump I curren... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a Tire Center, which was unable to determine the cause of the failure. Upon further investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V452000 (Tires). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufactur... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
Since purchase in 2022, the vehicle has experienced repeated failures of multiple safety systems. These include frequent warnings that “Pre-Collision Assist is Not Available,” repeated failures of Blind Spot Detection with Cross Traffic Alert, Tire Pressure Monitoring warnings, and messages to “Check 12-Volt Battery.” These system malfunctions occur intermittently and unpredictably, creati... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the messages "No Seat Belt", "Service Air Bags", "Service Seat Belts" and "Auto Park Disabled" were displayed. The contact stated that the failure had occurred with the driver and the front passenger's side seat occupant wearing their seat belts. Additionally, the brake and the check engine warning ligh... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2025
Rear camera malfunction in that the image is reversed and the reference lines are missing, fertile lines also appear obstructing view
Incident date: Feb 22, 2025
My engine has been burning oil. The engine light has been on for just over the past year because an O2 sensor in the catalytic converter needs replacing, however, this is unrelated to the issue. The oil light started flickering earlier this year (approx 8 months ago) but would never stay on. I called my mechanic and they recommended I check the oil. Sure enough it needed oil. Since then I have had... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2025
Over the three years of ownership we have had four occurrences of random stalling when taking left turns, where the engine stalls out, and the emergency parking brake engages. This can easily be a life threatening occurrence as it happens in the middle of the intersection during the left turn and it takes time to confirm the car is turned off, then need to disengage the emergency brake and THEN r... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
Taken car to work, driving down highway check engine light come on with loss of power. Took to dealership reported cylinder number 3 fuel injector was stuck open. Replaced all 4 injectors. Found TSB for it
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The vehicle was modified for wheelchair accessibility. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle started rocking abnormally. The contact stated that further down the road, the vehicle drove over imperfections in the roadway and started rocking excessively. The contact stated that the body of the vehicle was rocking on the frame. There w... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The vehicle was modified for wheelchair accessibility. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle started rocking abnormally. The contact stated that further down the road, the vehicle drove over imperfections in the roadway and started rocking excessively. The contact stated that the body of the vehicle was rocking on the frame. There w... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
My steering wheel has been shaking and having a clunking sound when I accelerate over 60 miles, go over any bumps, and turn. I had my mechanic diagnose it and I was told the steering coupler was bad. I did some research to see if it was a recall and it wasn't. Then I saw on Hyundai.com then I could check my VIN and verify if my vehicle qualified for the extended warranty for this issue. My vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The failure was intermittent. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired, and the failur... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2025
Oil consumption was ridiculously high, changing oil/topping off oil constantly. Car would not accelerate over 30 mph without sputtering and rumbling. I had mechanic diagnose bad sparks plugs due to sitting in oil from leaking. After I had them repaired/replaced the car drove great for 1 day, then decided to die in the middle of a busy intersection while I had my teenage son in the car with me. My... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2025
The Driver's Side headlight Daytime Driving Light and Blinker stopped working at around 40k miles. We currently have have about 85k miles on it. The dealership stated is till cost over $1,000 to replace the headlight as the LED DRL and Blinker is not replaceable and the entire unit must be replaced.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2025
The fuel pump had to be recalled and caused the fuel injectors to start failing.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
BOTH the front tires in my 2020 Mercedes C300 developed sudden belt separation while driving at highway speed this past weekend. These tires were installed by Mercedes of Delray Beach Florida as part of my CPO vehicle purchase in September of 2022 and have less-than 20K miles on them. Tires are Continental ProContact size 225/45 R18 and marked M+S as well as MOE. The vehicle received a routine fo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
Transmission shifts hard from first to second gear upon acceleration, then shifts hard down at approximately 25-30mph. Dealership is aware. Has been happening since I got vehicle, but no fix has been available.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
Regarding Recall Transport Canada Recall 2025-012, also known as Safety Recall 01C and NHTSA ID Number: 25V011000 My Jeep has the service 4WD message displayed on the dash along with the noise/vibration/grinding as described in the same recall for other Jeeps for my model year. I'm not sure if this recall needs to be expanded but I'm curious to know what the process looks like as my problem is ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2025
Summary: Sudden loss of engine power while driving due to lifter failure. Details: While driving my 2022 Chevrolet Suburban equipped with the 5.3L V8 (RPO L84), the engine suddenly lost power without warning. The vehicle began misfiring and lost propulsion in traffic, creating a hazardous situation. I was unable to maintain normal speed and had to maneuver to safety while the truck rapidly lost p... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2023
Complete engine failure on highway
Incident date: Sep 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact stated that upon driving from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to exceed 2-3 MPH. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The Ford dealer where the vehicle was purchased arranged for the vehicle to be picked up at the residence. The Ford dealer informed the contact that the mechanic and the Kia dealer w... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Dash message "Stop safely vehicle will shut off soon" included a red exclamation mark in the middle with a red triangle and a turtle in the bottom right. A yellow reduced speed type indicator in the top right and a check engine light all at the same time. Also a chime sounded. This occured in town moving around 35 mph. Dealer stated this exact VIN had already received a rebuilt trans around 50k ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Ua80f/e transmission in the 2018-2022 Toyota Highlander are defective. Mine has a loud whistle while accelerating. Problems have been acknowledged by Toyota however they’re refusing to fix.
Incident date: Jul 31, 2024
Dash is completely blank, no display at all.
Incident date: Jul 31, 2024
I am reporting a recurring issue with my 2023 Hyundai Elantra where the low oil pressure warning light illuminates consistently during strong acceleration. This is accompanied by a distinct smoky odor from the vehicle. Based on my research into recall 23V-859, which addresses fire risks from a faulty electronic controller for the oil pump in the Idle Stop & Go system, I believe my vehicle is exper... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
A cracked backlite frame resulting in an interior water leak (crack is visible from the outside). Water leaks from the top of the backlite. There is a recall under Warranty Bulletins: U.S. D-23-17 (TSB: 23-098-23) for the same make, year, and model as this vehicle, but it is not listed as a specific recall for this VIN. In addition to the risk of mold in the vehicle, electronics located below th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
A cracked backlite frame resulting in an interior water leak (crack is visible from the outside). Water leaks from the top of the backlite. There is a recall under Warranty Bulletins: U.S. D-23-17 (TSB: 23-098-23) for the same make, year, and model as this vehicle, but it is not listed as a specific recall for this VIN. In addition to the risk of mold in the vehicle, electronics located below th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that her son observed that the check engine and the Forward Collision Avoidance warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that her son stopped and turned it off and restarted the vehicle, but after shifting to drive(D) a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that her son observed that the check engine and the Forward Collision Avoidance warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that her son stopped and turned it off and restarted the vehicle, but after shifting to drive(D) a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that while stopped at a red traffic light, the vehicle lost power. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Sep 24, 2025
On the afternoon of Wednesday August 6th I was no less that 3-4 miles from my home when the car stopped in the middle lane of a very busy 3 lane highway and never started again. It was 90+ degrees outside and even hotter inside the vehicle with leather seats. I became extremely nervous and my small 10 pound puppy began to have anxiety and overheat. When I pulled away from my home the car was buc... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2025
When I’m driving, especially when I come to a stop or when I try to accelerate from a stop, the car kind of chokes or hesitates. It feels like it’s about to stall, but it doesn’t fully turn off. It keeps doing this off and on when I stop or try to go again. It's very scary and dangerous.
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
Driving about 40 mph on a rural road, coming up to a curve in the road (or already in the curve when suddenly the 2025 Honda civic hybrid sedan sport touring beeped fast and then immediately braked hard. There was no car in front of me but there was a car coming towards me in the opposite direction. There was no fog or rain, it was daytime. Believe the CMBS caused this. If a car would have been c... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse out of a parking space, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The power steering failed, and the "Steering Assist Fault" warning light was illuminated. The contact previously received notification of Warranty Extended Coverage, NHTSA ID Number: 10236689 (Steering); however, at the time the notice was recei... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH with the cruise control activated, several warning lights, including the front and rear sensors, 4WD, oil, and engine warning lights illuminated on the i... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
Started 09/17/25: While braking, a front-end clunk or thud occurs. Directly afterwards, a cluster of warning lights appeared including Brake, ABS, Collision avoidance/forward collision, and Stabile track stability control) Brake pedal is now inconsistent and soft. Every time the brakes are activated, the thud or clunk occurs. When I start the vehicle, I get warning messages of Service Brake Assist... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
Subject: Safety Defect Report – 2015 Ford F-150 Clock Spring Failure To Whom It May Concern at NHTSA, I am writing to report a safety defect in my 2015 Ford F-150 (VIN: [XXX] ). The steering wheel clock spring has failed, which prevents the use of steering wheel controls to cycle through and monitor critical vehicle information. This creates a safety risk because the driver cannot access impor... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
Onstar module failed, no longer have wifi, navigation or other onstar supported features. Cannot perform system updates for vehicle due to onstar module. Cannot use app due to onstar module.
Incident date: Jul 21, 2025
The component that failed was the steering damper. This results in the vehicle violently shaking at freeway speeds after hitting a bump. This has resulted in me having to pull over to get the issue to stop on multiple occasions. In addition, it can be difficult to keep control of the vehicle when this is happening and there is no set way to make it stop once it has begun. It is unpredictable, as i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2025
Started driving, about 2 minutes in, I noticed an electrical burn smell, and turned to look in the backseat, and it was filling with smoke, and my two young kids started coughing. I rolled all windows down and pulled over as quick as possible, unloaded both kids from rear driver side door. Saw smoke billowing out from behind the car seat on the passenger rear side, so I circled around to that door... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2025
With no prior warning or issues while driving on the freeway the rpm’s on my car just went in the redline and the car just lost power and I had to pull to the side of the road and that was that. Had to tow it home and it has not moved on its own since. Had it towed to dealer it’s a transmission failure. Total cost of repair $8500 and I’m at 131000 miles so past any extensions even purchased ... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2025
VSA Modulator failed at 106 thousand miles, replaced at dealer and it failed again after 15 thousand miles. Honda did not take any responsibility as the milage had exceeded the 12k miles warranty. They charged an additional $4,000 to repair.
Incident date: May 8, 2025
The car made a sudden and very hard brake in the middle of the street at around 40 - 50 miles per hour, on a empty road.
Incident date: May 8, 2025
The car made a sudden and very hard brake in the middle of the street at around 40 - 50 miles per hour, on a empty road.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
The catalytic converter system on my vehicle is failing prematurely due to the vehicle’s built-in fuel management and energy-saving computer settings. These settings cause excess fuel to be burned and pushed into the catalytic converter, damaging the unit. In addition, this flaw is causing oil to be pushed out of the car, creating both a mechanical hazard and an environmental concern. This is no... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
Several warning lights came on. No collision or glass damage occured. Took it to the dealer. DIAGNOSIS was CODE U3000-49 "multipurpose camera unit/millimeter wave radar internal electric failure due to heat. They said fix it would be $2237.49. However, they said they could not fix it then because the part is back ordered. Due to so many cars with this problem. I went online and see other 2019 hr-v... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
While driving 35 mph on a busy street, our vehicle completely lost power. The vehicle started violently shaking until I came to a complete stop. Many warning lights came on. Two primary: "Hybrid Malfunction", "Engine Malfunction" along with a couple others. When I stopped the car completely, it took 5 minutes before I could change the car from park to drive to move the car out of the way of onco... Read more