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.

2,215,138 Total Complaints

138,663 Reported Crashes

56,255 Reported Fires

8,561 Reported 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

How to Read NHTSA Consumer Complaints › How NHTSA Investigations Work › Used Car: 7 Recall Checks to Run First › The Takata Airbag Recall: Full Story › OBD-II Codes Explained › All Articles ›

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Showing 67,120 complaints for CHRYSLER

Incident date: Feb 27, 2023

Engine completely shut off while in drive on the road, lost all power, brakes everything. managed to coast into to a parking lot, where the vehicle kept turning on and off. The key didn't seem to connect to the van. the van died as soon as i coasted it off the road. everything is electronic in the van. even taking inserting the key fob into the van did not work. Van has around 93000 miles on it. H... Read more

Incident date: Jan 27, 2023

Car went into limp mode on a busy highway losing acceleration while next to & in front of semi trucks. Towed into closest Kia dealer and confirmed spun rod bearing with 58,848 miles on the car. Upon them checking for the issue, the engine was also knocking. Car has been at dealer since Jan 11th and still waiting to hear about engine replacement under warranty. There was no warning signs of a major... Read more

Incident date: Jan 27, 2023

The passengers seatbelt no longer retracts . Have to pay OOP to get it replaced seat was barely used and had my 17 year old sit in the seat who is lengthy and skinny the seatbelt no longer will go back in…. Not happy this should be included in the recall.

Incident date: Jan 27, 2023

Van shutoff on the highway going 60- 65 mph with my wife and two kids under six. Winter time snow plowed road so no available shoulder due to snow mounds. Van quit running during rush hour. Car coasted to a stop and would not restart. Had to be towed. Dealer said it was a known issue. Googled it and there were news articles about the issue. Van gave no warning it was shutting down. Dealer has ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 18, 2023

I have dumped around 6k into this car and the issues span several different mechanics and a towing company. I stopped into a Firestone tire where they sold me new tires, struts, brakes, and a lifetime alignment. They didn’t do the alignment which destroy the 70k miles tires in 10k at which point they told me it was my fault for not getting an alignment. I said you charged me for the lifetime ali... Read more

Incident date: Jan 11, 2023

Problem 1: I always put my purse on the passenger seat, and the air bag deactivation light turns on on the dashboard. One day, I took the purse off yet the light did not turn off. Ever since then the airbag light has been on. The car has been fixed by Nissan since then for another recall, but the airbag was not fixed as they said it was not a recall. When I took it to Nissan to access having them... Read more

Incident date: Feb 18, 2023

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine/transmission and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While driving the vehicle at the rate of 55-60 mph, the vehicle came to a complete/instant stop without warning — potential causing harm or even death to the ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2018

Milky rear passenger windows. Causes visual barriers where the sunlight is direct on the glass.

Incident date: Feb 1, 2018

The first time (approximate date) you noticed this issue. The first time I noticed this problem was in December last year when I felt that the steering wheel slowly turned to the left with a little bit of Sticky, Stiff, Jerky, and then the steering wheel was adsorbed on the highway, and the resistance was great, so I needed to adjust the steering wheel back and forth, which greatly affected drivin... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2018

When driving my car will suddenly stall like it’s trying to change gears and jerks back pretty bad when it speeds back up. I e taken it to the dealership a few times and they said it’s normal. It seems to be getting more and more often. I also have bubbled paint on the hood of my car.

Incident date: Feb 25, 2023

Can not remove the lug nuts using the provided tool. As a result, could not change a flat tire and had to call a tow truck. The tow truck could not remove the lug nuts using additional professional tools. Extra expense and time was incurred to fix the flat tire due to failure of the Ford tool to remove the Ford lug nuts.

Incident date: Feb 25, 2023

Tail light assembly including brake light and turn signal failed due to burnt electrical socket and connector. This is caused by a faulty grounding point that is very clearly a manufacturing issue but wasn't considered as a recall for some odd reason. This issue is prominent in several BMW 3,4, and 5 series models

Incident date: Feb 25, 2023

Caught on fire while driving

Fire

Incident date: Feb 25, 2023

Caught on fire while driving

Fire

Incident date: Feb 25, 2023

While driving down the road at approximately 45 mph, the car suddenly shut down with no power. The display said there was a charging error and to put the vehicle in park. I parked the vehicle on the shoulder, turned it off, and restarted. The engine started and I drove off, but 5 minutes later it suddenly shut off once again. I repeated this process 2 times until the final time, the vehicle would ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 25, 2023

In cold weather the automatic side mirrors freeze shut and unable to open. Safety Hazzard while driving. Had this happen to me 4 times where passenger side mirror would not open, had to go to work and drove with 1 side mirror. 1 incident where both mirrors froze shut and when they were trying to open sounded like they were going to break off. Live in South Dakota conditions get cold and features ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 25, 2023

My 2013 Ford Edge leaks a pinkish fluid. After taking it to two mechanics, they have determined the water pump is leaking onto the engine which could potentially cause a fire. The repair costs has been quoted at least $3,000. There have been over 100,000 reports of this failure for this vehicle. Why hasn't there been a recall?

Incident date: Feb 25, 2023

no recaller

Incident date: Dec 11, 2022

I am not clear 100 percent but the brand new car (leased) was brought in 3 separate times with electrical issues (towed twice) when it had under 20k miles on it In Jan 2023 when I was driving on a major parkway in NY the electrical system went-my steering locked up and I had to somehow get off road and onto median. I was towed to a gas station in Hempstead I believe then had to pay to town home (I... Read more

Incident date: Feb 20, 2023

Got rear ended day later hears a winding noise and engine light came on then Battery light came on. When driving next day all lights on dash board came on and car died. Thought was battery changed it then restarted car. Next day bring to get diagnosed and said altnator was testing bad so had that replaced but Battery light stayed on. Took to collision center dodge and they said pcm was bad so h... Read more

Incident date: Feb 20, 2023

Coolant leak as well as the other problems that I reported.

Incident date: Feb 20, 2023

Coolant leak as well as the other problems that I reported.

Incident date: Feb 20, 2023

Coolant leak as well as the other problems that I reported.

Incident date: Feb 20, 2023

The car starts blowing out white smoke when started. Mechanic thinks it could be a blown gasket or Crack in engine block. The cable fuse blown as well. The vehicle did not start so it was towed to the mechanic.

Incident date: Feb 16, 2023

1. Engine failure 2. No warnings, car started smoking and I was on the interstate driving 70 mph 3. Dealership refuses to acknowledge or take ownership 4. All insurance and dealership inspected vehicle as engine seized 5. No warnings

Incident date: Feb 17, 2023

Often on startup, though sometimes while driving, I will get a message on the dash to "Service Power Steering", and the steering wheel will become very hard to turn. This is not something you would want to have happen mid curve while driving as it could very well cause a crash. There was a recall on my truck model for this exact problem, but my VIN# was not on the recall and GM/Chevrolet refuses ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 20, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the ABS, traction control, and brake warning lights illuminated. There was an abnormal dinging noise heard. The contact removed the fuse. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS control module and electronic module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 20, 2023

While driving at a low speed in a neighborhood, received the message "Service Charging System" then within seconds car completely died. No engine power or electrical systems working, all lights and screens were black. Was able to pull over and park safely.

Incident date: Feb 20, 2023

When I’m driving all the sudden my braking system will say collision warning and slam the brakes on, the car pump the brakes and stop moving. It just does it at random times out of nowhere. Seems like most times I’m going at slow speed but I’m afraid I’m going to get rear ended. I’ve already taken it to Ford once and the reset code to system telling me Ford knows about this error but has... Read more

Incident date: Feb 18, 2023

Low beams don't work when the engine gets hot, I was driving the other night at 10pm and the headlights went out. Pitch black and almost wrecked.......This is a know issue..... Fuel pump has small cracks in the top of driver side fuel pump could start fire, and its a know issue....... Heads on the LS7 also know valve issue. It will ruin the motor.....

Incident date: Feb 22, 2023

Unknown

Incident date: Feb 22, 2023

Unknown

Incident date: Feb 22, 2023

Intermittently the van when turned on has all error lights come on and will not shift into reverse. The sliding door will not close or open. Then the engine will loose power when finally getting the van to start and drive. All error lights go off after the van runs for a little while.

Incident date: Sep 13, 2017

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, a loud noise was heard coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle then lost motive power while coming to a stop at a stop signal. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure reoccurred shortly afterwards, and the vehicle was unable to be restarted. No warning lights were illumin... Read more

Incident date: Sep 13, 2017

Engine Failure at 73,000 miles with routine maintenance, under warranty (TXXM). Knocking sound from car, engine light started flashing and unable to accelerate on highway, putting myself and others on the road in danger. Immediately pulled off highway at next available exit and had the vehicle towed to dealer who is negligent in service inspection - stating not part or recent recall or under warr... Read more

Incident date: Sep 13, 2017

The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 200. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V668000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags) and 17V640000 (Seats, Air Bags) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not expe... Read more

Incident date: Feb 19, 2023

While attempting to park the car in a parking lot, the car did not respond to the release of the accelerator or the press of the brake but just continued. Car continued to jump the curb and run into a concrete wall without slowing or stopping. No auto functions were enabled on the car. Car was attempting to park in the spot on the right side of the photo but just continued on and ran into the sto... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Feb 17, 2023

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Feb 15, 2023

Caulk and paint is being used to hide bad welds and holes in welds. Suspension parts were not welded on completely and there are cracks everywhere and tires keep wearing out prematurely. Factory welds are not certified welds, there are holes in the beads and the beads are not adhering to the structural framing. A certified welder stated that this was caused from not preparing the surface and non c... Read more

Incident date: Feb 17, 2023

This is a new car. There’s was only 31 miles when I purchased. One day, there’s some sound when I driving the vehicle. Once I parked, all the warning lamps was on, then my car wasn’t able to move. When the incident happened, it was only 4 months of using it and only 5,498 miles. Then I bring my car back to retailer and they inform me I need to replace the whole engine because of lack of oil... Read more

Incident date: Feb 17, 2023

While driving on the freeway at 60-70 mph, in 20 degree weather at night, the engine suddenly, and without warning, stopped. A dash error message showed instructions to put the car in park and push the start / run button. The van was still traveling at a high rate of speed while the message stayed up and the van had to be carefully maneuvered through traffic, across multiple lanes to the next exit... Read more

Incident date: Feb 18, 2023

While driving with cruise control enabled, the cruise control suddenly disengaged and became inoperative, and the following warning lights (icons) and warning messages displayed on dashboard: > “Check Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist System” warning message > Master warning mode light > ABS warning light > Forward collision assist warning light > Electronic stability control indicator ligh... Read more

Incident date: Feb 18, 2023

Leaky A/C system results in loss of refrigerant . As a result, windshield can't be effectively cleared of fogging that impairs the driver's visibility of the road.

Incident date: Feb 18, 2023

Traveling at 60mph up a large hill/mtn in passing lane and car went into limp mode or lost power from engine. Was unable to push gas for power and had to maneuver through 60mph traffic to shoulder by the time I was able to make it to the shoulder I was not able to get all the way off of road because of no more momentum. I was unable to turn off vehicle for quite some time until I used key fob and ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 20, 2023

Vehicle began to hesitate and then became disabled. A large amount of oil was evident under the vehicle and continued to leak. It was apparent that the rear seal had blown out. Vehicle was towed to a GMC dealership and confirmed problem. Another mechanic informed us of a recall on these engines but this has yet to be confirmed with the dealership after nearly 3 weeks of it being there.

Incident date: Feb 20, 2023

We were driving and the car just shutdown, luckily at a stop sign. Wouldn't turn back on, and nothing when we tried to jump it. Had it towed to the nearest service center in town and were told a rod punctured the block and the engine is blown. The service center said they had seen this happen before and to contact a Kia dealership to check on a recall. I talked to the Kia dealership in Topeka, ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 20, 2023

Driving the car and the engine shut off on me. Brakes didn’t work. Steering didn’t work. Just coasted on a busy highway to safety. I’m lucky I’m not dead. No warning it would happen.

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Consumer Safety Complaints

What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?

How to interpret what you read

If you've experienced a defect

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