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 67,531 complaints for CHRYSLER
Incident date: Mar 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Volvo XC40. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the speedometer and the infotainment system screen turned blank. The vehicle then lost motive power. The electronic stability program (ESP) warning light was illuminated. The contact's wife veered to the side of the road, and the contact arrived at the scene. The vehicle was able to be r... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2023
Engine Failure, verified by Ford Leesburg Dealership check engine light came on when engine was failing drove straight to the dealership
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2013) - LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Mar 27, 2023
Incident date: Mar 27, 2023
The toe links on my vehicle are bad and needs to be replaced. They broke as I was driving. Almost caused me to lose control and almost wreck. Thankfully there were no other cars around. I see this is a recall for GMC’s but for some reason not my vin number. Not understanding why if I have the same problem on vehicles that were recalled.
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2016) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 26, 2023
Incident date: Mar 26, 2023
High beams do not work. Had bulbs replaced but no effect. Checked all fuses, and they checked out ok.
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2016) - VISIBILITY/WIPER
Mar 26, 2023
Incident date: Mar 26, 2023
High beams do not work. Had bulbs replaced but no effect. Checked all fuses, and they checked out ok.
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2016) - VISIBILITY/WIPER
Mar 26, 2023
Incident date: Mar 26, 2023
I do not have auto wipers or rain sensing wipers. I’ve now driven through two major rain storms and sleet all three instances required the windshield wipers to be placed into constant on speed of medium and high. The issue results after the wipers are running in these constant on positions for a short while. The issue: The wiper blade speed while in demand of constant on medium and high sp... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2023
As stated above, I own and maintain a 2014 Lexus Ct200H. My issue is specifically with the factory ABS and brake booster pump that recently failed due to an internal leak of the pump causing the brakes to feel very unsafe for road use. There are actually two ongoing bulletins already in regards to this but in the manufactures Support program that notifies the issue has excluded 2014. L-SB-0009-21 ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2018
The issue was initiated when you turn the vehicle on. The vehicle would process through normal startup modes, and then produce several error codes and light illuminations, all within several seconds. The illuminations would consist of; Traction Control Error, Auto Hold Error, Descent Control Error, Lane Assistance Error, and Collusion Avoidance Error. This would then maintain the error during the ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2023
Excessive oil consumption and Engine locked while driving on the highway. I couldn’t drive my car and it was towed to a mechanic. The cost for a new engine and labor is $7970.
Incident date: Mar 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic where she was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brake, Hydraulics). The vehicle was taken... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic where she was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brake, Hydraulics). The vehicle was taken... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2018
This was our second Subaru Ascent. We traded In our first 2020 ascent for slipping transmission and shaky brakes. Shortly after trading that vehicle in we received a recall for the slipping transmission. This vehicle (2022) started showing the exact same symptoms. We requested Subaru buy back the vehicle they never followed up even though they said they sent us a buy back evaluation email 07/01/... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the headlights failed to illuminate, and the rearview camera was intermittently flashing and displaying a blank image. The contact stated that on various occasions when the vehicle was parked, the parking brake failed to activate as needed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2023
I revered my truck up a slight incline in reverse in 4 wheel drive. After I stopped in reverse I removed my vehicle out of 4 wheel drive back into 2 wheel drive. I put the transmission in park and removed my key. I unloaded items from the back of the truck. During this period the truck began to move forward down the incline building up speed as it went. It struck a tree stump and came to rest ther... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V633000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was 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 experienced a failure. Parts distributio... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2023
I was driving on the HOV lane (going between 65-70 miles mph) with the adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist on when the car suddenly slammed on it’s brakes to stop. There was a slight hump in the highway, but no car or object in front of me in the lane. Thank goodness there were no cars behind me or they could have easily rear ended me. It was extremely scary and now I’m too scared t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
Driving normally and instantly, many alert lights came on. Brake booster failed and difficult to stop vehicle. Vehicle engine power decreased. Radio screen shuts down frequently which is less an issue of safety but reflects instability of entire electrical system which seems to cause errors in critical systems such as braking and other safety equipment. Concerns regarding critical malfunctions see... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
Driving normally and instantly, many alert lights came on. Brake booster failed and difficult to stop vehicle. Vehicle engine power decreased. Radio screen shuts down frequently which is less an issue of safety but reflects instability of entire electrical system which seems to cause errors in critical systems such as braking and other safety equipment. Concerns regarding critical malfunctions see... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
Driving normally and instantly, many alert lights came on. Brake booster failed and difficult to stop vehicle. Vehicle engine power decreased. Radio screen shuts down frequently which is less an issue of safety but reflects instability of entire electrical system which seems to cause errors in critical systems such as braking and other safety equipment. Concerns regarding critical malfunctions see... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated while pulling out of a parking lot, the vehicle stalled, failed to shift into gear and would not turn off. A towing agent disconnected the battery and the vehicle turned off. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the service disconnect fuse had blown. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurr... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated while pulling out of a parking lot, the vehicle stalled, failed to shift into gear and would not turn off. A towing agent disconnected the battery and the vehicle turned off. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the service disconnect fuse had blown. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurr... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated while pulling out of a parking lot, the vehicle stalled, failed to shift into gear and would not turn off. A towing agent disconnected the battery and the vehicle turned off. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the service disconnect fuse had blown. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurr... Read more
CHRYSLER
PACIFICA PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2018) - ENGINE
Mar 23, 2023
Incident date: Jan 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started vibrating. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who changed the engine oil however, the failure persisted. The contact was informed that there might be an engine failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The a... Read more
CHRYSLER
PACIFICA PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2018) - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Mar 23, 2023
Incident date: Jan 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that he noticed that the vehicle was experiencing excessive fuel consumption. The contact stated that after fueling the vehicle, the vehicle consumed three quarts of fuel within 20-30 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) was malfunctioning, causing an excessive vacuum in fuel va... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
Experienced the Ford Death Wobble approximately July 1, 2022. After going over a small pothole at 65 mph, vehicle experienced severe wobble and pulled from far right lane to shoulder and veered toward cement wall at 65mph! Braking caused increase in wobble. Was finally able to slow vehicle to exit highway. No prior issues with wobble nor any warning. Shaking and nearly crying, I slowly drove to Bi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
When I put the windshield wipers on standard speed, they will stay there for about 60 seconds and then drop down to a very slow intermittent speed. It happens in very hard rain so I don’t believe it is the rain sensor. If I turn it to fast speed and then back down to normal. It will continue again for 60 seconds and then drop back to intermittent speed.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
Exterior light, especially the low beams, are not sufficient for driving at night. The beams are very low and make it challenging to see. If I did not have added fog lights, I would find it impossible to drive at night without constant usage of the high beams. It seems this was recalled in other models and needs to be addressed. It is not safe for drivers and it is clear that just changing the bul... Read more
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2014) - STEERING
Mar 23, 2023
Incident date: Mar 13, 2023
When driving, especially highway, the steering wheel tends to “stick” and a bit of extra pressure is needed to maintain the car straight. It is almost continuous on the highway, not as noticeable, but still present, at slower speeds
Incident date: Mar 12, 2023
Constant ABS and ESC failure. truck experiences constant ABS failure. Warning for ABS and Electronic Stability control continually flashes and sends audible alarm when vehicle is operating, multiple times per MINUTE (sometime 20+ times per MINUTE). Vehicle was taken to dealer. Upon arrival at dealer was already aware of the issue and stated this was a known and common problem and that ABS module ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2023
Service advance trac and service power steering now keeps coming on . I’ve looked this problem up and seems to be a VERY common thing amongst ford fusions. Because of this , my power steering turns off and no matter how many times I reset the code , it keeps turning back on . It makes it very dangerous to drive the car especially if it turns off in the middle of a trip/drive.
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2008) - AIR BAGS
Mar 22, 2023
Incident date: Mar 13, 2023
The contacts husband owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated that the air bag safety light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed with the air bag and air bag clock spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,153.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
While driving my car, I tried to open the Panamatic sun roof to get air. As I pushed the button to open the sun roof, it opened a crack on the the driver side and the other side of the sun roof stayed closed. At this point I heard a crashing assembly noise and the whole sun roof got stuck uneven and crooked. Driving on highway, I was shocked and felt in danger getting to an automobile accident and... Read more
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2016) - POWER TRAIN
Mar 22, 2023
Incident date: Sep 1, 2020
Shifting autocorrect to park when driving. The vehicle has to turned off and turned back on in order to work. This is a huge safety hazard as it is shifting on its own especially when I have my toddler in my car. I have taken it to the dealership multiple times in the past year with no fix. They just reset it. And it continues to happen again and again. Please fix it not a temporary fix. Also, I k... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2023
After the car is parked, the gears will not allow shifting, they are jammed, the vehicle can not move. This has been happening on and off and started in 2022. Our son, is a new driver and he has been stranded in locations for over 2 hours unable to put the car in gear. This problem has been confirmed by a Chevrolet dealership and we were quoted approximately $2,000 to have this part completel... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2023
Sticky steering wheel. Driving at highway speed seems to randomly make it hard to control and turn the steering wheel.
Incident date: Mar 17, 2023
The contact owned a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while stopped at an intersection preparing to make a left turn, the vehicle crashed into the front driver's side and part of the driver's side front fender by another vehicle that had run a red light. The vehicle had severe crumpling of the hood and the driver's side fender. The contact stated that the front end was damaged and spread... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 21, 2023
Side moldings on the windshield came off flying into oncoming traffic. Had them replaced and then had to go back in again to have them reattached cause they came lose again.
Incident date: Mar 19, 2023
The front brakes on my Fat Bob do not work due to the ABS module failing. The brake lever is near impossible to squeeze and does not provide any stopping power.
Incident date: Mar 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that upon picking up his vehicle from the dealer, the air bag warning light illuminated. The mechanic informed him that the failure was related to the driver’s side seat belt and was not covered under recall. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that upon picking up his vehicle from the dealer, the air bag warning light illuminated. The mechanic informed him that the failure was related to the driver’s side seat belt and was not covered under recall. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2023
Ongoing problems with oil consumption despite repairs and frequent checking of oil and oil changes. The check engine light appeared shortly after purchase in 3/2019. I've visited at least 3 different service centers since purchasing and they have all identified issues with the engine/oil. My vehicle became inoperable on 3/10/2023 and would not start; it had to be towed to an independent service ce... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while parked, the radio and instrument panel failed to illuminate as designed. The contact stated that after inserting the ignition key into the ignition switch, the vehicle failed to start; however, the windshield wipers inadvertently activated. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V461000 (Equipment) however, the VIN was not in... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2023
I brought my car in for regular maintenance as well as sunroof not opening plus I noticed on and off when I start the car my steering wheel vibrates, only when starting the car. Following day I received a phone call that the motor needed to be changed for the sunroof and they also need to change my brakes (car has ~8K miles on it)… and not just brake pads, rotors as well. My front passenger sid... Read more
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2012) - Tether, Lower Anchor (on car seat or vehicle)
Mar 19, 2023
Incident date: Mar 17, 2023
The car seat base does not install properly with the seat belt method nor the anchor method. The edge of the base still flips up if the part secured by the seat belt is properly tightened. No level infication
Incident date: Mar 17, 2023
I picked up my certified pre owned CX-30 just 2 days ago and noticed the windshield appears distorted or wavy which results in eye strain and headaches. This seems to occur in the left side of the windshield. It is difficult to focus for long periods of time. I asked another person to drive the car and they confirmed it nearly instantly. I recently learned this is a known issue with the vehicle.
Incident date: Mar 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the power steering failure message was displayed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V34000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2022
forward collision light came on for fours hours display blinks on and off press buttons on display or open various apps on smart phone and music stops playing wireless DVD player doesn't come on or work The electronics in the suv is faulty and not perdicable
Incident date: Oct 31, 2022
forward collision light came on for fours hours display blinks on and off press buttons on display or open various apps on smart phone and music stops playing wireless DVD player doesn't come on or work The electronics in the suv is faulty and not perdicable
Incident date: Oct 31, 2022
forward collision light came on for fours hours display blinks on and off press buttons on display or open various apps on smart phone and music stops playing wireless DVD player doesn't come on or work The electronics in the suv is faulty and not perdicable
Incident date: Mar 14, 2023
Driver's seatbelt seems to not always fasten completely.