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.

2,245,377 Total Complaints

140,173 Reported Crashes

56,794 Reported Fires

8,580 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 2,245,377 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

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 ›

Clear

Showing 67,531 complaints for CHRYSLER

Incident date: Jan 17, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the ABS control module and hydraulic control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,00... Read more

Incident date: Jan 18, 2024

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not exp... Read more

Incident date: Dec 15, 2023

Heated Seat element on passenger side burned through the upholstery and pant leg of passenger. Visible smoke in cabin and burn hole on seat and pant through to underpants.

Fire

Incident date: Jan 1, 2016

This vehicle has a persistent brake fluid leaking problem. Anytime the vehicle is parked at a ~ 7% incline, where the front of the car is lower than the rear, the car leaks material amounts of brake fluid. The dealer has tried many times (over 4 times) to fix the issue by replacing all relevant parts… it still leaks. Based on my observations, there appears to be a design flaw in the brake fluid ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2016

The vehicle shuts off when driving in stop and go conditions but not related to the auto stop function. A message across the dash appears “Please push start button”. This has happened more than once but there are no check engine lights or anything else appearing on the dash. The vehicle just keeps shutting off without any warning or pressing anything.

Incident date: Jan 1, 2016

Airbags failed to deploy during a crash where lexus was hit on driver's side. We got an alert that they malfunctioned. During inspection, the wire for the airbags was pulled which would indicate deployment. Car was totaled.

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jul 23, 2020

My 2018 Volt had a reduced propulsion power message and stopped running on its ICE in early Oct 2023 and because the battery was dead the vehicle wouldn't run at all. The next day 10-3-23 I was able to charge the battery and then brought the vehicle to the dealer for diagnosis. The problem seems to be with the EGR valve and the dealer ordered one at that time. It's been 3 1/2 months and there i... Read more

Incident date: Jul 23, 2020

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle began to hesitate and shake, prompting the contact to tow the vehicle to be diagnosed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined there was no compression in cylinder #2. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 2, 2024

Telluride was in snow mode with 4 wheel lock activated due to snow covered roads. I was at a stop light, when light turned green I removed my foot from the break. My vehicle began to roll forward slightly as it always does. I gently pressed the gas to continue forward but vehicle did not gain speed, it continued to slowly roll as if my foot was not pressing the gas. I removed my foot from the gas ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 12, 2023

Doors not locking with key fob. Have to manually lock all doors by hand. Sometimes the key fob arms the security and sometimes it doesn’t. I’ve replaced the key fob and tried to program new fob but cannot program, hooked up a scanner to run for codes and 1 showed a (B1242 - wireless door lock tuner circuit)

Incident date: Sep 12, 2023

I started to notice a slight “slipping” or “sliding” feeling when driving on wet roads or if I hit a pothole or man cover just right. Then while my kids and I were on vacation over Christmas break, I hit a small wet spot on the road and began to fishtail. Luckily we avoided an accident. I was unable to drive over 20mph without feeling like I would lose control. When we had it checked by a ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 12, 2023

Power steering failed on my 2012 Ford Escape multiple times, without warning, or any indication light. To fix it required the car to be turned off and on again, which is difficult if you are actively driving. The steering failed while making both left and right hand turns, often at speeds <30mph. 2008-2011 Ford Escape models were recalled for this same issue - 2012 Escapes were never included in t... Read more

Incident date: Jan 14, 2024

While my granddaughter was driving this vehicle there was a sudden loud boom and the radio went to max volume, causing an excruciating decibel level of noise and static. Fortunately she was on a low volume road and was able to immediately stop the vehicle in the road (In shock of course) and she then tried to turn the radio off to no avail! She exited the vehicle, called her dad who was nearby and... Read more

Incident date: Jan 14, 2024

Vehicle 4WD functionality. Vehicle fails to engage 4wd system. If 4wd does get engaged and used, it will say “4wd overheated” and “service 4wd system” and no longer engage 4wd. Working on getting this to the dealer but seems to be a fairly common issue with these trucks. Multiple individuals complaining of the same issues.

Incident date: Jan 16, 2024

The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop light, the vehicle stopped unintendedly and made a knocking sound. The contact pulled over, restarted the vehicle, and drove the vehicle to the residence.... Read more

Incident date: Jan 11, 2024

Driving down the highway at a speed of 70,truck began to vibrate uncontrollably changed lanes. Continue to vibrate uncontrollably in the front of the truck. Pulled safely to side of road. Expected to see flat tires. No flat tires. Turn truck off. Turn truck back on no issues again. I believe this was my first experience with the death wobble.

Incident date: Dec 30, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Edge. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle was running rough with white smoke coming from the exhaust system. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to an Auto Parts store and diagnosed using a handheld scanner and it was determined that there was a coolant leak into cylinder #2. The contact ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 30, 2023

If any warning light comes on such as my add air to a tire (it always tells me the wrong tire), all of the warning lights start flashing. Things shut off (radio, dash lights, backup camera) and sometimes the car will shut completely down and come back on. I am afraid to drive very far.

Incident date: Dec 30, 2023

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V338000 (Electrical System, Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated 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. VIN to... Read more

Incident date: Dec 16, 2023

Lock actuators on passenger side have NEVER worked, fuel pump stops working when filling up tank even though not nearly full (have to repush the pump in several times - sometimes it doesn’t let me fill up tank totally because it thinks it’s full), right headlights fog up and can't be polished, light bulbs went out. Cruise control NEVER worked, a/c stopped working at 77,000 miles, window motor ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 16, 2023

Snow White Pearl paint bubbles and has peeled away from body of SUV around window shield. 2014 Kia Sorento with 60,000 miles on it.

Incident date: Dec 16, 2023

Incident date: Aug 15, 2023

Steering wheel sticks. Noticeable on highway

Incident date: Dec 9, 2022

I bought a used from Route46Nissan. Horn wasn't working when I bought the car and battery was also dead which I had to pay out of pocket to replace. I realized that two tires have side bubbles and which is extremely unsafe which they sold the car like that with security issues. They sold me a warranty and they are not keeping their promises for the stuff that they need to fix

Incident date: Jan 14, 2024

The ABS control module is reporting a DTC code C2200 indicating an ABS module internal failure. The instrument panel warning lights for esp, bas, abs and the traction control are all continuously lit. This problem is continuous but has not been confirmed or inspected by a dealer. independent service center, police or insurance representatives. It is, however, a well known issue reported on Jee... Read more

Incident date: Jan 10, 2024

The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 50–55 MPH, the power steering functionality became inoperable. The red steering wheel warning light was illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the rack and pinion and steering assembly module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2024

Every time we turn in the vehicle it knocks/clicks. A lot of research shows the CV Axle is causing this problem.

Incident date: Nov 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the gear shifter was shifted to drive(D) however, the vehicle started to reverse instead. The failure recurred before the contact was able to drive forward. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an advancetrac repair however, the transmission failure was not diagnosed. The ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2023

Oil filter housing is made of plastic and over time the plastic, exposed to heat cycle and elements from being under the plenum, becomes brittle and cracks. The cracks in the oil filter housing create a susbtantial oil leak that drips engine oil onto the exhaust and is a potential for a fire. If the oil level is not properly maintained it could also create a lack of lubrication on the engine for... Read more

Incident date: Jan 7, 2024

I purchased this car 12 months ago and I have noticed over the last 4 months that the steering wheel has become stiffer, and sometimes vibrates slightly. I have not been involved in any accident because of these issues, but the potential is there. I was hoping that these problems were going to work themselves out, but a lot of other owners are complaining about the same issue. So, I am going to no... Read more

Incident date: Nov 15, 2023

First it was start knocking under the hood and the car suddenly stop on the freeway at 80 miles an hour. The car lost all the power. We were lucky we didn't get hit by other cars on the freeway.

Incident date: Nov 2, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure... Read more

Incident date: Jan 3, 2024

7/31/23 Used 2020 Ford Escape was bought at Cecil Atkission Motors, it was deemed "fully functional, no present issues." 08/02/23 Tire issues, dealership inspected and found 2 screws in driver tire/failed alignment test. Also suddenly found oil pan and left axle seal leaking. Seal leaking and replaced. Front axle leaking. 12/08/23 Took Ford Escape to Ford Dealership due to broken popping driver ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 25, 2020

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufa... Read more

Incident date: Jan 2, 2024

My oil pump is faulty just like the others. That I have read about my oil light came on after a warning light dinged on the dash stating that I had low oil pressure issues. My brother in law is a diesel mechanic and took a look at my car and said that if I move my car from my house my engine is ruined. He checked my oil and everything. I was driving back home at very low speeds and couldn’t use ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 2, 2024

I had my battery replaced about 3 days ago at the Toyota dealership . Yesterday, I was stopped at a red light and when I attempted to drive, the vehicle stalled. “Braking power low” message on the dashboard and the car would not restart. I was able to jump start it after about 30 minutes. I got towed to a local repair shop who could not identify or duplicate the issue. I had no warning indica... Read more

Incident date: Jan 2, 2024

Incident date: Sep 20, 2023

When I had near 50,000 miles on my car, my car emitted lots of smoke (like severe burning) from the back when I drove on highway. I had to immediately take the car to Hyundai service. They said nothing is wrong with engine. Years later, I started hearing knocking noise from the front and got engine light on twice in the past. The last time was 3 days ago when I drove to the local airport to pick ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 28, 2023

I was at the post office on Redwood Road in South Jordan, in the dropoff mailbox lane. At the end of the lane is stop sign. The stop sign is for the traffic coming into and leaving the post office. I was sitting at the stop sign when I turned east towards Redwood Road, as I was pulling up behind a blue SUV, the Frontier lurched forward and the RPM’s rev’d all the way up and the truck shot fo... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Dec 23, 2023

Driver assisst function for cruise control/autosteer failed/malfunctioned. Applied Emergency braking systems while autosteer/driver control active. Multiple times on freeway. OTA software Updates require additional data downloading and are not required to install. Never received update and safety issues resolved via OTA are already being exposed and they are not allowed to do anything to preve... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Dec 15, 2023

Power steering failure almost resulted in a fatality. Could not steer away from a pedistrian

Incident date: Dec 15, 2023

My gas gauge read 37 miles till empty and then died in the middle of a main rd. Had to get it towed $320 for the tow and $200 diagnostic fee. Just to find out that the gas gauge is incorrect and not to trust it.

Incident date: Dec 14, 2023

Engine threw a rod

Incident date: Dec 30, 2023

My 2019 Infotainment systems has begun delamination from the outer glass on the back side. It is causing ghost operations of the systems. Access to my safety features are through the system.

Incident date: Jan 1, 2024

Red central warning light and coolant/temp light came on when leaving home. Blown head gasket at 10,150 miles. Car had no coolant, had to be towed. Dealer agress it's the head gasket. No ETA on parts at this time.

Incident date: Jan 1, 2024

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? **Automated liftgate failure with risk of crushing. When pressing the automatic liftgate button, if there is an obstruction, the liftgate has unreliable/ineffective sensors ("jam-safe equipment") to prevent items and body parts from being crushed. In my instance, items in the trunk were crushed until... Read more

Incident date: Nov 23, 2023

VIN [XXX] 2020 Honda Civic EXL 1.5 Sedan At approximately 49000 miles the air conditioning was checked and presented low in fluid. The system was refilled and the same problem reoccurred at approximately 52000 miles. On 12/29/2023 the vehicle was brought to be checked at Freeway Honda. The vehicle presents several different air conditioning leaks according to freeway Honda. It follows: A. Leak a... Read more

Incident date: Nov 23, 2023

The truck currently has 75xxx miles on it. I've had it in at the dealership before for transmission issues. The repairs/fix they did lasted for a while before the same problems came back. It started as rough shifting/jerking. Recently the truck will, when accelerating, jump out of gear completely while indicating on the dash that it is in gear, and the engine will rev up on its own (up to 3500 rpm... Read more

Incident date: Sep 14, 2022

When I am stopped at a traffic light or stop sign, and I have not manually turned off the auto stop-start feature, from time to time the car will not start when I depress the gas. Often this is accompanied by a screeching sound - the sound the car makes if you try to shut it off when it is in gear. The danger is that I cannot move the car forward without putting the car in park, turning the engine... Read more

Previous 1 2 3 4 5 ... 78 79 80 ... 1350 1351 Next

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

Consumer Safety Complaints

What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?

How to interpret what you read

If you've experienced a defect

Read more from our blog