NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Buckle Assembly
733.3%
Fuel Injection System
29.5%
Gear BOX (Other Than Rack AND Pinion)
29.5%
Webbing
29.5%
Recliner
29.5%
Retractor
29.5%
Tank Assembly
29.5%
Automatic Transmission
29.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 1995peak 3Oct 2003
Recalls on the 1989 Dodge RAM
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 199508712,080 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the (takata) ABS plastic front seat belt release buttons may break allowing plastic pieces to fall into the buckle assembly. If this should happen, a no latch, false latch or failure to unlatch condition could occur creating the risk of personal injury in the event of a crash or sudden stop. Correction: Front seat belt buckles will be repaired or replaced as necessary.
Recall 199102310,092 units in Canada
Emissions
Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 1105 - evaporative emissions. Defective evaporative canister.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Lakeside, AZCrash1 injured
TIRES
QUOTE FROM POLICE REPORT : "INVESTIGATION AT THE SCENE SHOWED THAT THE RIGHT REAR TIRE OF VEHICLE #1 LOST TREAD AND BLEW, CAUSING THIS ACCIDENT". THIS INCIDENT DOES NOT FIT THE "PROFILE" PUT FORTH BY FIRESTONE, I.E. NOT A FORD EXPLORER, NOT DRIVEN OFF RAOD, NOT USED IN EXTREME HEAT.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 15 )
NHTSA complaint #732045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chardon, OHCrash
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK ABOUT 45-50 MPH, THE STEERING COUPLING BROKE DOWN BY THE AXLE. STEERING BECAME IMPOSSIBLE, AND DRIVER RAN OFF THE ROAD INTO A FIELD. THE TRUCK WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP.THE STEERING SHAFT AND BOX WERE REPLACED BY A DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #835964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chardon, OHCrash
STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK ABOUT 45-50 MPH, THE STEERING COUPLING BROKE DOWN BY THE AXLE. STEERING BECAME IMPOSSIBLE, AND DRIVER RAN OFF THE ROAD INTO A FIELD. THE TRUCK WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP.THE STEERING SHAFT AND BOX WERE REPLACED BY A DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #835964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chardon, OHCrash
STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR
WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK ABOUT 45-50 MPH, THE STEERING COUPLING BROKE DOWN BY THE AXLE. STEERING BECAME IMPOSSIBLE, AND DRIVER RAN OFF THE ROAD INTO A FIELD. THE TRUCK WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP.THE STEERING SHAFT AND BOX WERE REPLACED BY A DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #835964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Heshey, PACrash
STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
STEERING GEAR BOX: MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN, HEARD LOUD BUMP, LOST STEERING AND RAN INTO GUARD RAIL. TOOK IN FOR REPAIRS AND DEALER SAID THE PROBLEM WAS IN THE STEERING BOX, STEEL HAD CRYSTALIZED AND CAUSED IT TO BREAK.
NHTSA complaint #810325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Overland PAR, KSFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
PASSENGERS COMPARTMENT FIRE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CAUSED FIRE. TT
NHTSA complaint #970480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Seneca, SC
TIRES
WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER. CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. TIRE SIZE P26570R16.
NHTSA complaint #10043926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tuza, AZ
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
AFTER FUELING VAN THERE IS NO REGISTRATION ON THE DASHBOARD OF FUEL GAUGE. MECHANIC HAS REPLACED FUEL GAUGE AND NEEDLE 3 TIMES, HOWEVER IT STILL MALFUNCTIONED. *AK CONSUMER STATED ELECTRICAL WORK WAS DONE TO THE GAS GAUGE.
NHTSA complaint #8004726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tuza, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AFTER FUELING VAN THERE IS NO REGISTRATION ON THE DASHBOARD OF FUEL GAUGE. MECHANIC HAS REPLACED FUEL GAUGE AND NEEDLE 3 TIMES, HOWEVER IT STILL MALFUNCTIONED. *AK CONSUMER STATED ELECTRICAL WORK WAS DONE TO THE GAS GAUGE.
NHTSA complaint #8004726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Modesto, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
FUEL TANK HAS PULLED AWAY FROM HOLD AND FUEL LEAKS ON THE GROUND FROM SMALL HOLD ON TOP OF FUEL TANK.
NHTSA complaint #751139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sarasota, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL. THEN TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER WHERE THEY FOUND THAT LEAK WAS COMING FROM FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM WHERE"O" RING WORE OUT.THEY CHARGED CONSUMER FOR REPAIRS.
NHTSA complaint #878033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakeside, AZCrash1 injured
TIRES
QUOTE FROM POLICE REPORT : "INVESTIGATION AT THE SCENE SHOWED THAT THE RIGHT REAR TIRE OF VEHICLE #1 LOST TREAD AND BLEW, CAUSING THIS ACCIDENT". THIS INCIDENT DOES NOT FIT THE "PROFILE" PUT FORTH BY FIRESTONE, I.E. NOT A FORD EXPLORER, NOT DRIVEN OFF RAOD, NOT USED IN EXTREME HEAT.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 15 )
NHTSA complaint #732045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brandon, FL
TIRES
THIS IS THE NORMAL TYPE VAN AND TIRES FOR CHURCHES, SCHOOLS, DAYCARES...THIS TIRE HAS BLOWN 7 TIMES WHEN VANS WERE AT HWY SPEEDS WITH FULL LOADS...DUNLOP HAS REFUSED TO PAY DAMAGES OR ADMIT THIS TIRE HAS PROBLEM...WE THANK GOD OUR YOUTH WERE NOT INJURED...BUT SOMEONES WILL BE IF THIS IS NOT CORRECTED( DOT NUMBER: DAIL821 TIRE SIZE: LT22575R16 )
NHTSA complaint #729560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Moneta, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
VEHICLE KEEPS CUTTING OFF DUE TO SOME TYPE OF PLUGS THAT WEREN'T PUT INTO THE VEHICLE. ALSO, VEHICLE ISN'T PULLING, AND THERE IS A LOSS OF POWER.
NHTSA complaint #851013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newaygo, MI
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED DUE TO THE GOVERNOR STICKING WHICH MAY CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #848852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
FRONT MAIN CROSSMEMBER STRUCTURALLY FAILED, ALLOWING RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKET TO BREAK FREE.
NHTSA complaint #707232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
FRONT MAIN CROSSMEMBER STRUCTURALLY FAILED, ALLOWING RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKET TO BREAK FREE.
NHTSA complaint #707232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Staten ISL, NY
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
SEAT BELT LATCH STRIPPED.
NHTSA complaint #605553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Staten ISL, NY
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
LATCHING DEVICE FOR MIDDLE BENCH AND SEAT COVERS DO NOT FIT PROPERLY.
NHTSA complaint #605553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chardon, OHCrash
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK ABOUT 45-50 MPH, THE STEERING COUPLING BROKE DOWN BY THE AXLE. STEERING BECAME IMPOSSIBLE, AND DRIVER RAN OFF THE ROAD INTO A FIELD. THE TRUCK WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP.THE STEERING SHAFT AND BOX WERE REPLACED BY A DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #835964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chardon, OHCrash
STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK ABOUT 45-50 MPH, THE STEERING COUPLING BROKE DOWN BY THE AXLE. STEERING BECAME IMPOSSIBLE, AND DRIVER RAN OFF THE ROAD INTO A FIELD. THE TRUCK WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP.THE STEERING SHAFT AND BOX WERE REPLACED BY A DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #835964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chardon, OHCrash
STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR
WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK ABOUT 45-50 MPH, THE STEERING COUPLING BROKE DOWN BY THE AXLE. STEERING BECAME IMPOSSIBLE, AND DRIVER RAN OFF THE ROAD INTO A FIELD. THE TRUCK WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP.THE STEERING SHAFT AND BOX WERE REPLACED BY A DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #835964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Lake, IL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
WHILE FILLING VEHICLE WITH GAS TANK FUEL TANK EXPLODED, CAUSING FUEL TANK TO DEVELOP A HOLE . POSSIBLE CAUSE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP FAILURE. DEALERS WILL NOT ADDRESS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #826415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, MI
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
WHILE DRIVING DRIVER'S SEAT BACK COLLAPSED 2 INCHES AT THE BASE AND THE BACK PORTION 8 TO 10 INCHES. PLATE THAT SUPPORTS BACK PORTION OF SEAT BROKE INTERNALLY. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #814725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Culloden, GA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
CONSUMER HAS BEEN WAITING FOR SEAT BELT BUCKLE(S) AT LEAST (3) MONTHS.
NHTSA complaint #807212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Heshey, PACrash
STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
STEERING GEAR BOX: MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN, HEARD LOUD BUMP, LOST STEERING AND RAN INTO GUARD RAIL. TOOK IN FOR REPAIRS AND DEALER SAID THE PROBLEM WAS IN THE STEERING BOX, STEEL HAD CRYSTALIZED AND CAUSED IT TO BREAK.
NHTSA complaint #810325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brunswick, GA
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
THE REMOTE SIDE VIEW MIRRORS CANNOT BE ADJUSTED BECAUSE OF A DEFECTIVE GEAR. WHEN ADUSTING THE MIRRORS, ONE CAN HEAR THE MOTOR RUNNING, BUT THERE IS NO MOVEMENT OF MIRRORS. PROBLEM NOT CORRECTED BY DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #810110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Blytheville, AR
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
PASSENGER'S SIDE LAP/SHOULDER BUCKLE RED RELEASE BUTTON WILL NOT LATCH, BUCKLE WILL NOT STAY CLOSED.
NHTSA complaint #807200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EL Prado, NM
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
ORANGE RELEASE BUTTON ON SEAT BELT BUCKLE BROKE, CAUSING THEM TO JAM.
NHTSA complaint #500803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EL Prado, NM
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
PASSENGERS SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED. *DSH
NHTSA complaint #500803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shallotte, NC
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
THE CONSUMER FELT THE SEAT BELT TIGHTENED AS HE WAS DRIVING. THEN THE SEAT BELT WOULDN'T RELEASE. PLEASE DESCRIBE.
NHTSA complaint #979864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.