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.
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
Showing 67,120 complaints for CHRYSLER
Incident date: Aug 30, 2022
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The van stalls, the wheels lock up, the transmission shifter becomes unusable, and of the warning light start flashing on the dashboard. Yes, it’s available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? It stalled in the middle of the road blocking traffic ... Read more
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2014) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 13, 2022
Incident date: Sep 13, 2022
We have had several instances where the car, while driving, just shuts off and have lost braking and control. I am pretty sure this is due to a faulty ignition switch. I have been in heavy traffic when this happens and by the grace of God have not caused a serious wreck. There is no warning when this happens and there is nothing in particular that causes the issue. Very scary and this should be re... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2022
While driving vehicle lost power and began to show service transmission and park brake check signs. Vehicle lost power and was lucky we weren't rear ended on the road by the Cars behind or cause an accident. Looking at this is year there are several complaints with the same issue. Car only has 33k miles and is having transmission issues.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2022
While driving vehicle lost power and began to show service transmission and park brake check signs. Vehicle lost power and was lucky we weren't rear ended on the road by the Cars behind or cause an accident. Looking at this is year there are several complaints with the same issue. Car only has 33k miles and is having transmission issues.
Incident date: Sep 12, 2022
While idling and in park, entire electrical system failed. No dash lights. No hazard flashers. No dome lights. Start button unresponsive. Parking brake engaged. Attempt to jump had not effect. While undoing 500 amp positive battery terminal to replace battery, connection restored and vehicle behaved normally. Soon after while driving, dash went dark for less than a second but returned to normal an... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2022
Van started running slightly rough in the mornings if the engine was cold. CEL eventually came on with a P0304 DTC. I replaced the igntion coils and spark plugs since the van was right at 80,000 miles. Seem to run fine for a day after, then issues came back. Took it to the dealership for more in-depth troubleshooting and repair. They failed to do anything after almost two weeks except that now my ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2022
Van started running slightly rough in the mornings if the engine was cold. CEL eventually came on with a P0304 DTC. I replaced the igntion coils and spark plugs since the van was right at 80,000 miles. Seem to run fine for a day after, then issues came back. Took it to the dealership for more in-depth troubleshooting and repair. They failed to do anything after almost two weeks except that now my ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2022
Van started running slightly rough in the mornings if the engine was cold. CEL eventually came on with a P0304 DTC. I replaced the igntion coils and spark plugs since the van was right at 80,000 miles. Seem to run fine for a day after, then issues came back. Took it to the dealership for more in-depth troubleshooting and repair. They failed to do anything after almost two weeks except that now my ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2020
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler 300. The contact stated while driving in reverse at approximately 2 MPH, the backup camera screen went blank. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. Additionally, the contact stated that the car radio, hands-free cell phone connection, and navigation system also failed intermittently. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact h... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2022
On Saturday 9.3.22, while driving at approximately 40mph, my Chrysler Pacifica lost all power and slowed to a stop (I turned on my hazards immediately and pulled over to the shoulder). Based on the light traffic around me I was able to safety move accross two lanes even without the aid of power steering. Within 60 seconds of me coming to a stop, the Check engine light came on the cluster and an e... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2022
On Saturday 9.3.22, while driving at approximately 40mph, my Chrysler Pacifica lost all power and slowed to a stop (I turned on my hazards immediately and pulled over to the shoulder). Based on the light traffic around me I was able to safety move accross two lanes even without the aid of power steering. Within 60 seconds of me coming to a stop, the Check engine light came on the cluster and an e... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2022
On Saturday 9.3.22, while driving at approximately 40mph, my Chrysler Pacifica lost all power and slowed to a stop (I turned on my hazards immediately and pulled over to the shoulder). Based on the light traffic around me I was able to safety move accross two lanes even without the aid of power steering. Within 60 seconds of me coming to a stop, the Check engine light came on the cluster and an e... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2022
Sept. 12, 2022 - Ever since we have owned this vehicle, we have experienced this issue with the cruise control. Speed increases while driving downhill highways and sometimes on pretty level highways. When I decrease the speed on the controller, it sometimes maintains the speed for several seconds (slow to respond) in order to slow down while coming up behind another vehicle. I therefore ne... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2022
Sept. 12, 2022 - Ever since we have owned this vehicle, we have experienced this issue with the cruise control. Speed increases while driving downhill highways and sometimes on pretty level highways. When I decrease the speed on the controller, it sometimes maintains the speed for several seconds (slow to respond) in order to slow down while coming up behind another vehicle. I therefore ne... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2022
Sept. 12, 2022 - Ever since we have owned this vehicle, we have experienced this issue with the cruise control. Speed increases while driving downhill highways and sometimes on pretty level highways. When I decrease the speed on the controller, it sometimes maintains the speed for several seconds (slow to respond) in order to slow down while coming up behind another vehicle. I therefore ne... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2022
I was on the highway, and my car suddenly lost power. I was unable to accelerate, and I had to pull over on the shoulder. I received an alert that said “service charging system error.” It was extremely dangerous for myself and my family.
Incident date: Sep 10, 2022
I was on the highway, and my car suddenly lost power. I was unable to accelerate, and I had to pull over on the shoulder. I received an alert that said “service charging system error.” It was extremely dangerous for myself and my family.
Incident date: Sep 10, 2022
I was on the highway, and my car suddenly lost power. I was unable to accelerate, and I had to pull over on the shoulder. I received an alert that said “service charging system error.” It was extremely dangerous for myself and my family.
Incident date: Sep 9, 2022
Was driving the vehicle when it completely died. The “service hybrid electric vehicle system” warning came on the dash and could not get it to go into drive again. Completely dead in the water and could not move. I can’t imagine if I was going down the freeway and this happened. Very lucky to have it on a quiet road. This is a known issue and there are many cases of this happening to others ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2022
Was driving the vehicle when it completely died. The “service hybrid electric vehicle system” warning came on the dash and could not get it to go into drive again. Completely dead in the water and could not move. I can’t imagine if I was going down the freeway and this happened. Very lucky to have it on a quiet road. This is a known issue and there are many cases of this happening to others ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2022
Was driving the vehicle when it completely died. The “service hybrid electric vehicle system” warning came on the dash and could not get it to go into drive again. Completely dead in the water and could not move. I can’t imagine if I was going down the freeway and this happened. Very lucky to have it on a quiet road. This is a known issue and there are many cases of this happening to others ... Read more
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2015) — SEATS
Sep 10, 2022
Incident date: Sep 8, 2022
Headrest came apart. Metal rod held by plastic gave way and now the rod cannot stay in the plastic housing correctly. Plastic is broke on both ends of the metal rod
Incident date: Jan 26, 2022
While driving, the car would loose power then check engine light comes on and "service charging system" would pop up. The gas peddle is rendered useless as it doesn't do anything and would have to coast to safety. Dealer would just reset the computer and vehicle is realease. unfortunately, it had happen many times. Safety is a concern, more so on the highway.
Incident date: Jan 26, 2022
While driving, the car would loose power then check engine light comes on and "service charging system" would pop up. The gas peddle is rendered useless as it doesn't do anything and would have to coast to safety. Dealer would just reset the computer and vehicle is realease. unfortunately, it had happen many times. Safety is a concern, more so on the highway.
Incident date: Jan 26, 2022
While driving, the car would loose power then check engine light comes on and "service charging system" would pop up. The gas peddle is rendered useless as it doesn't do anything and would have to coast to safety. Dealer would just reset the computer and vehicle is realease. unfortunately, it had happen many times. Safety is a concern, more so on the highway.
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2013) — SEATS
Sep 9, 2022
Incident date: Sep 9, 2022
Sitting in my parked car and the front driver side AHR deployed without cause and hit me very hard in the head.
Incident date: Jul 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Chrysler Sebring. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer performed a recall repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V668000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags). The dealer informed the contact that the recall was not related to the failure. The vehicle was then taken to an independe... Read more
CHRYSLER
PACIFICA PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2018) — HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Sep 9, 2022
Incident date: Sep 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V077000 (Hybrid Propulsion System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. 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 bu... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
Steering wheel sticks when trying to come out of a turn to a straight position. Steering wheel doesn't return to center position without a forced jerk to center. This occurs at all levels of speed and is a hazard on all roads and highways. This is very concerning, because of the possibility of over corrections that could cause an accident or road departure. Chrysler has had a recall for certain m... Read more
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2015) — SEATS
Sep 9, 2022
Incident date: Sep 9, 2022
The front passenger side headrest exploded forward while parked and it cannot be reset. It appears that plastic clips inside of the headrest snapped. The fact that the same type of headrest is installed on the drive side is extremely concerning because should it malfunction the same way while driving myself of my children could become involved in an accident when it hits the drive in the back of ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2022
2017 Chrysler Pacifica Touring L First, multiple warning messages started pop up randomly with alarm sound. The speedometer started shaking. The shift gear was unable to change. The engine was unable to start at the parking lot. After dealer mechanic at Envision CDJR West Covina in California inspected, there was no log in obd2 record and they said that it seems communication was failed and return... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2022
2017 Chrysler Pacifica Touring L First, multiple warning messages started pop up randomly with alarm sound. The speedometer started shaking. The shift gear was unable to change. The engine was unable to start at the parking lot. After dealer mechanic at Envision CDJR West Covina in California inspected, there was no log in obd2 record and they said that it seems communication was failed and return... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2019
The vehicle's LCD screen has become delaminated which causes the control of the radio, air conditioning, navigation, and other features controlled by the "radio" portion of the car to become dysfunctional. The car will randomly beep, change air temperatures, start navigation, cause the loss of hands-free communication. This is a safety hazard as it causes the driver to be distracted in order to at... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2022
My vehicle has a backup camera and also controls different functions of my vehicle the screen will completely blank or when I put into reverse the screen will show a distorted view on the screen or I will get bold colored lines on the screen with distorted views. I took a picture of the screen and took it to a Chrysler dealership while my vehicle was still under warranty the service advisor told m... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2022
Radio delaminating, just seen a bubble in screen then it started ghosting things on screen. So far clock and any paired device
Incident date: Sep 7, 2022
The vehicle's LCD screen has become delaminated which causes the control of the radio, air conditioning, navigation, and other features controlled by the "radio" portion of the car to become dysfunctional. The car will randomly beep, change air temperatures, start navigation, cause the loss of hands-free communication. This is a safety hazard as it causes the driver to be distracted in order to at... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2022
The vehicle's LCD screen has become delaminated which causes the control of the radio, air conditioning, navigation, and other features controlled by the "radio" portion of the car to become dysfunctional. The car will randomly beep, change air temperatures, start navigation, cause the loss of hands-free communication. This is a safety hazard as it causes the driver to be distracted in order to at... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2022
While driving on the freeway on the morning of June 18th, 2022 from Southern California to Las Vegas at 70-75mph, the car suddenly lost power. It displayed the error "Service Charging System" and "Shift P to to Start". This was incredibly dangerous as acceleration no longer worked and the car was slowly coasting to a stop. I was able to pull over to the side, turn off the car, and restart, but the... Read more
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2011) — ENGINE
Sep 7, 2022
Incident date: Apr 1, 2019
The contact owns a 2011 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle had to be jump started to resume normal driving operation. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on multiple occasions where the computer, two alternators, and two... Read more
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2016) — POWER TRAIN
Sep 7, 2022
Incident date: Sep 2, 2022
Engine needed to be replaced 1 year ago. Transmission began skipping and losing pressure and now needs to be rebuilt
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2016) — ENGINE
Sep 7, 2022
Incident date: Sep 2, 2022
Engine needed to be replaced 1 year ago. Transmission began skipping and losing pressure and now needs to be rebuilt
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2008) — SEATS
Sep 7, 2022
Incident date: Sep 4, 2022
I was standing beside the parked vehicle with the side door open, driver's side, inspecting the 2nd row swivel seat to see if it is removable. I was bent over the forward facing 2nd row seat when I lifted the release lever that tilts the seat back forward. The seat back flung forward with violent force, the headrest hitting on the right side of my face. It broke my nose, which bled profusely and h... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 5, 2022
CAR STEERING, GET STUCK VERY OFTEN, AND THEN CONTINUES TO WORK PROPERLY.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Chrysler 300. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number 16V240000 (Power Train). The contact stated while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and entered into Limp Mode. Additionally, the contact stated that when he depressed the brake pedal to stop at a stop light, he noticed a dark cloud of smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle. An unknown warnin... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2022
This has happened a few times. First , I started my car, after being driven for awhile, then it immediately shutoff and the abs system, traction control, emergency brake, and other lights lit up on my dash and showed in messages “service power steering,” “service abs system,” and “service electronic stability control.” Meanwhile, my power steering goes out, brakes, and air conditionin... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2022
This has happened a few times. First , I started my car, after being driven for awhile, then it immediately shutoff and the abs system, traction control, emergency brake, and other lights lit up on my dash and showed in messages “service power steering,” “service abs system,” and “service electronic stability control.” Meanwhile, my power steering goes out, brakes, and air conditionin... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2022
This has happened a few times. First , I started my car, after being driven for awhile, then it immediately shutoff and the abs system, traction control, emergency brake, and other lights lit up on my dash and showed in messages “service power steering,” “service abs system,” and “service electronic stability control.” Meanwhile, my power steering goes out, brakes, and air conditionin... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
The cruise control stopped working.
Incident date: Aug 25, 2022
The engine overheated due to a coolant leak and faulty head gaskets that need replaced at 62k miles. A related cyclinder 4 misfire has been occurring since 58k miles. Chrysler refuses to cover the repair under the 60k Powertrain warranty and does not acknowledge the many reports of head gaskets failing between 50-80k miles.
Incident date: Aug 25, 2022
The engine overheated due to a coolant leak and faulty head gaskets that need replaced at 62k miles. A related cyclinder 4 misfire has been occurring since 58k miles. Chrysler refuses to cover the repair under the 60k Powertrain warranty and does not acknowledge the many reports of head gaskets failing between 50-80k miles.