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: Aug 31, 2025
I own a 2016 Kia Forte LX and have been experiencing repeated and dangerous electrical failures with the headlight and lighting system. When I turn on the headlights, they sometimes do not come on at all, or they shut off unexpectedly while driving. In some cases, using the turn signal causes the headlights to cut out completely. The interior dash lights flicker between dim and bright, and the tai... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
I have had recalls on my vehicle since I purchased it and have taken it back to dealer and they state they are unable to fix them. I still have no brights still have a check engine light for the code on transfer case clutch and there is one that my tire could fall off. I drive 60 miles a day and have 3 small children this is very unsafe and they refuse to do anything about it
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
I have had recalls on my vehicle since I purchased it and have taken it back to dealer and they state they are unable to fix them. I still have no brights still have a check engine light for the code on transfer case clutch and there is one that my tire could fall off. I drive 60 miles a day and have 3 small children this is very unsafe and they refuse to do anything about it
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Power steering failure identical to Recall #16V054000 (issued February 2016) on 2015 Colorado. Vehicle will unexpectedly lose power steering udden stiff steering and both “Service power steering” and “Service Stabilitrak” warnings appear on dashboard. Defective parts appear to be gear assembly (GM part #23228020) and revised torque sensor cover kit (GM part #84344239)
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
The cameras will work after the vehicle sits for awhile like after it cools down. But once driving or letting the vehicle run awhile the cameras shut down. I think the Video Processor Module gets hot and shuts down. General Motors is looking into this issue
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
I been having issues with my car stalling out and not wanting to start I got the spark plugs replaced by a mechanic and then my car starts over heating I have my car looked at by a mechanic again and I’m told the engine is corrupt by oil and the fuel pump is bad my car can be inspected for this issue as it is having a lot more issues due to the Nissan recalls but my vin doesn’t cover it
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
The vehicle shakes and engine abruptly shuts off even after a new tune up
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
Electric Power Steering shuts off while driving.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
Electric Power Steering shuts off while driving.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
About a week ago I was headed to work and I noticed that the steering was HARD (no grinding or otherwise noticeable noises), like trying to lift bricks every time you make a slight turn. Obviously a pwoer steering issue (I think!)... After a few minutes though it went back to normal. After three days it came back. Today its 95 degrees outside, circuit board inside the eps couldn't take the heat so... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2025
Vehicle self-accelerated abruptly while parked and crashed into another vehicle causing damage to both vehicles
Crash
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
Issue Description: Melting Dashboard Creating Driving Hazard I am reporting a serious safety hazard involving my 2008 Toyota Camry, which has developed a melting/sticky dashboard condition that significantly affects driver visibility and safety during daylight driving. Nature of the Problem: •The dashboard has become soft, shiny, and sticky to the touch, especially in warmer temperatures. •... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
I am writing to formally report a serious safety incident involving my [2022 Honda CRV], which is currently under warranty. On [XXX], while my wife was driving along the [XXX] from Soldotna to Anchorage, Alaska, the sunroof of my vehicle spontaneously exploded without any external impact or provocation. At the time of the incident: The temperature was approximately 65°F, eliminating thermal st... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
When I purchased my 2014 Ford Edge SEL from North Central Ford, I informed the dealership that the backup camera consistently displayed the error message: “Camera is unavailable, please contact your dealership.” This occurred every time the vehicle was placed in reverse. Additionally, the SYNC display would become unresponsive, disabling access to the phone, climate control, radio, and other s... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2025
There is almost no engine oil in the engine room. This phenomenon does not happen once, but continuously.
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
I have been trying to enjoy this vehicle from the time it became part of my life. The first 6 months, I was unable to close the sunroof, because of that my passenger seat cracked since its been exposed to the sun for 5 years, the driver's side window could not roll down which we fixed; I never owned a vehicle where I could not access my trunk. The first 6 months of having this vehicle the lifga... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
This is a known issue with Acura that they have not addressed. The software cannot be updated due to a flaw in their design. The dealerships cannot even update the software since it is designed to only be updated via a WiFi connection, which does not work. This is critical, because the 2025 MDX is actually a major departure from prior years in how the brakes and other functions operate. When I... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
The OnStar Telematics Module has malfunctioned and is causing SAFETY FEATURES to malfunction. It is causing the following to occur to the vehicle: 1. The faulty module is causing the car to shut OFF UNEXPECTEDLY MID DRIVE. Losing control of the vehicle instantly. No steering, no gas, no brake, no gear change. THIS can cause a CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT at higher speeds on the highways. The battery is... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
The OnStar Telematics Module has malfunctioned and is causing SAFETY FEATURES to malfunction. It is causing the following to occur to the vehicle: 1. The faulty module is causing the car to shut OFF UNEXPECTEDLY MID DRIVE. Losing control of the vehicle instantly. No steering, no gas, no brake, no gear change. THIS can cause a CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT at higher speeds on the highways. The battery is... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Service Brakes" was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions, but no fault for the issue was identified. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and eventually, the dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the brake booster was fau... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the daytime running lights failed to function as intended. No warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that occasionally, while shifted into reverse, the rearview camera failed to display an image as intended. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; howeve... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the daytime running lights failed to function as intended. No warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that occasionally, while shifted into reverse, the rearview camera failed to display an image as intended. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; howeve... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-450. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. An unknown engine-related message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that there were metal shavings inside the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer w... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2025
Recall issued in April states that the Engine could experience a catastrophic failure and needs to be inspected for possible replacement. At this time (8-30-25) they are not allowing the dealers to perform these inspections. Why can't they at least perform the inspection to see if in fact the Engine will not need to be replaced? They are being irresponsible with their approach to this issue.
Incident date: Aug 29, 2025
On [XXX] a code p0430 appeared on the dash board screen. The car was making a strange noise coming from the engine. I took the car to Integrity Auto Repair shop in McAllen, Texas, they checked the code and said that it was the catalytic converters that were going bad. So I requested an estimate, since their estimate was too high, I contracted a private mechanic to replace the catalytic converters ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked abnormally. There was an abnormally loud banging sound while attempting to change gears. The “Service 4WD” warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the power transfer unit had failed and needed to be repl... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
Both my A pillars have ripped off on the highway. Called Ford Service center and they continue to say there are no parts available. Most recent incident was on [XXX], when my passenger side ripped off INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Nov 24, 2024
I keep getting denied for warranty TCM had the code I did a report after it was I would be covered had proof of the codes and deny me for another service that’s under warranty pretty much just take my money send me out the way and then I get stuck on the highway from the problem in having to fix it myself
Incident date: Jan 5, 2025
Please reference the following vehicle and review the two attached documents which are all listed below: 2017 Ford Escape Black Style: SE 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4 cyl. Turbo 6A) VIN: [XXX] Style: SE Sport Utility 4D Engine: 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.0T Transmission: Auto, 6-Spd w/SelShft Drivetrain: 4WD Documents: 1.CedarCity.7.10.23.pdf; and 2.SunsetTransmission.8.12.25. On [XXX], we purchased t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2025
The Kia EV9 Wind I bought several days ago worked fine for a couple of days with a slight vibration, but yesterday I experienced 3 incidents. 1. As I was coming to a full stop at a stop sign, there was a mild grinding noise from the rear of the vehicle. 2. I continued for 100 yards and came to a stop light and the car made a louder grinding sound of gears grinding as I was coming to a full brakin... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2025
The Kia EV9 Wind I bought several days ago worked fine for a couple of days with a slight vibration, but yesterday I experienced 3 incidents. 1. As I was coming to a full stop at a stop sign, there was a mild grinding noise from the rear of the vehicle. 2. I continued for 100 yards and came to a stop light and the car made a louder grinding sound of gears grinding as I was coming to a full brakin... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2025
the connecter under Power Distribution Center has melted and has made it so that the blower motor turns on and off at random. This is going to cause a fire if not fix. There is alot of other people online saying they have the same issue and even showing photos of the connecter. if needed i will send a photo of my connecter.
Incident date: Aug 29, 2025
4th occurrence of the forward assistance warning system activating when we were at a slow speed with plenty of room to stop and the brakes engaged suddenly to stop the car and today someone slammed into the rear of our car. This is extremely frightening and should never happen at slow speeds when there is ample time to stop. My husband doesn't even want to drive this car again as he's afraid we m... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 11, 2025
I was driving my 2002 Toyota Sequoia on the freeway at approximately 65 mph on the [XXX] when suddenly the vehicle made a beeping noise and the VSC Light and TRAC Light came on. The vehicle suddenly lost control in the wheels and tires and suddenly decelerated out-of-nowhere. Due to the sudden, abrupt movement and loss of control, the vehicle nearly flipped over. It was an extremely dangerous, po... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
While driving down the highway the passenger seat headrest airbag deployed. Causing it to hit the back of my head with no warning. There were not any lights on or anything.
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 16, 2025
The vehicle suffers some type of known issue that is causing a driver's side daytime running light failure. From all the research I have done and forums I have read, this is ALWAYS the driver's side failure. The manufacturer can offer no solution to this when questioned about it other than offering up a complete headlight assembly at over 2000 dollars. The LED lighting that fails is non replaceab... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while pressing the horn pad, the horn failed to produce a sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the horn was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the horn had been replaced four times and was scheduled for a fifth horn replacement. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
I pulled into my parking space in front of garage door, I came to a complete stop and positively without any doubt, put my foot on the brake. As I shifted to park, all of a sudden engine loudly revved up and car suddenly and quickly accelerated through garage door. I want to make it perfectly clear, I DID NOT HAVE MY FOOT ACCIDENTLY ON THE ACCELERATOR WHEN CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. Mazda check... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 19, 2025
Car has been driven only 50k miles and while making right turns the steering clicks and often kicks back . Seems like a problem with manufacturing
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition EL. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V236000 (Service Brake Hydraulic); however, the part required for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, an alarm sounded in the cabi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went to LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who performed an oil change and updated the Knock Sensor Detection System(KSDS). The contact stated that later, while driving, the engine oil warning light illuminated. The contact ch... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Prologue. The contact stated that while attempting to make a left or right turn, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front passenger’s side axle. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The con... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2025
Claim #11682497 follow up I’ll be attaching documents below
Incident date: Aug 2, 2025
Claim #11682497 follow up I’ll be attaching documents below
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
Onstar Module has completely malfunctioned. Unable to use navigation or receive help in a moment of distress. No warning lights came on.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. 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 the rearview camera image was black while reversing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer declined to diagnose the vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
At low rate of speeds coming to a stop the ABS braking system will activate on uneven surfaces, loose gravel or rough terrain. When this happens you have no control when the car will stop. We've almost went into the back of another vehicle or went out into an intersection. This has happened multiple times and we've been made aware there is a class action lawsuit about this issue
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
I have been experiencing an intermittent issue where the vehicle displays a “Shift to Park” message, even though the gear shift lever is clearly in the Park position. When this happens, the vehicle will not fully shut off, and I have to repeatedly move the shifter back and forth or restart the vehicle to clear the message. This issue began around January 2024, and it has become more frequent ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
EPS becomes difficult to steer occasionally, Brakes seem to lose stopping ability Leaking oil @ either oil pan or transmission
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
Coolant intrusion into cylinder 2 at 26,000 miles. Was told by mechanic this is due to thin cylinder wall design between cylinder 2 and 3. And the thin coolant channel cut between them. A new engine block manufactured after 2020 was recommended because the engine design was changed to fix this issue. My warranty expired 4 months prior so I had to fix myself.