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 153,169 complaints for DODGE
Incident date: Feb 24, 2023
I was notified of recall ZB7 affecting my 2021 JEEP Wrangler 4xE by phone on February 3, 2023. During this call I made an appointment with JEEP for the issue to be fixed on February 24, 2023. On Wednesday, February 22, 2023, two days before my scheduled appointment, the engine of my Jeep failed ~6PM while I was driving on highway 495S near Merrimac, MA (mile 114.8). I was in the far left lane t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
OEM Chrome on door handles is a thick metallic wrap over plastic. Over time the chrome wrap delaminated on 3 out 4 handles. This results in very sharp metal edge that presents a laceration hazard. Just wanted to share this in case others have this issue. It's not a serious issue but it definitely is unsafe and it might be good to warn others.
Incident date: Feb 27, 2023
On 02/25/2023 our car abruptly stalled on us while driving without any warning in a remote area out of state over 3 hours away from our residence at night with temperatures below freezing with a minor in the car. We were lucky it happened on a back road and not on highway with hi velocity just an hour earlier because this would have killed us. The car came to a complete stall in the middle of the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V010000 (Electrical System, Hybrid Propulsion System) 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 made aware ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
The dashboard on our 2010 GMC yukon was cracking. While driving to pick up my daughter from school, the dashboard center section calapsed inside the dashboard. It was very alarming and is leaving the airbag case exposed.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2020
When driving on the highway the suv would not change gears. It felt like it was stuck in 1st gear, reving very high. Was unable to move the suv to the side of the road. Came to a stop with heavy traffic blowing there horns. Put the suv into park, switched it over to sport mode and was able to get going. This is the third time the suv has lost power. Also have noticed the transmission has been taki... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2020
Wipers have some type of smart setting and the will actually stop working in heavy rain situations. Very dangerous configuration
Incident date: Jun 15, 2022
Was driving interstate in San Diego, CA about 65 mph and on 4 different occasions when I hit a bump or rough patch of road the front end of the car and steering wheel started shaking violently. It was hard to control the vehicle and I had nowhere I could go because I was in traffic at high speeds. Was finally able to move over to a side lane and slow the vehicle down which caused the shaking to ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2022
Wipers function for about 30 seconds on continuous, then go to intermittent, then stop. Does this at all speeds and all rain settings (heavy to light rain). Constantly having to turn wiper off and on to get it to function. Makes it difficult to see in rainy weather.
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2018) — VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Feb 27, 2023
Incident date: Feb 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH with the sunroof closed, he heard the sunroof glass explode. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the contact stated that only photos were taken, and the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The appro... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drive to her destination. The contact restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to remain started. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the dealer stated no failure was found. ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would suddenly lost motive power and stalled. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated as designed. The contact indicated that the failure had occurred on four occasions while driving. The vehicle was serviced at the local dealer, but the failure was not corrected. The manufacturer ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2023
My vehicle ignition button got pushed into the dash and I was unable to start or stop my vehicle from running.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2023
Can turn engine off but goes into accessories mode and cannot be turned off. Drains battery. This has happened repeatedly. Only option is to disconnect battery every time after you drive and reconnect before starting. Also, navigation goes blank/black while driving.
Incident date: Feb 26, 2023
Vehicle lunges while trying to stop. In heavy rush hour traffic vehicle nearly lurches a vehicle length while slowly applying the break. For months the dealership claimed it was “functioning as expected” 7 visits later they finally determined it is the election intake valve. Dealership refuses to replace the part and it is a known issue, was sent away 2 times without it being fixed and they ar... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
As I was driving on the freeway the sun roof spontaneously exploded. Nothing hit the vehicle, there were no cars or trucks around me tossing debris and I was not under an overpass. Temperature was around 55 degrees, it was raining off and on throughput the day, not raining at the time of the incident.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2023
It all started on Thursday, February 16 when I went into my garage and noticed a strange chemical smell and my car battery was dead. My husband replaced the battery that night, but we noticed the break lights stayed on. When took it to a Firestone Department on Friday, February 17, they replaced the battery terminal and ran diagnostics. We finally called and got an answer on Monday, February 20. T... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2023
It all started on Thursday, February 16 when I went into my garage and noticed a strange chemical smell and my car battery was dead. My husband replaced the battery that night, but we noticed the break lights stayed on. When took it to a Firestone Department on Friday, February 17, they replaced the battery terminal and ran diagnostics. We finally called and got an answer on Monday, February 20. T... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2023
Periodic starting failure. Vehicle will not turn over immediately. It has a push button start. The safety of my children is at stake if my vehicle does not start during cold winter months when the outside temperature is below freezing. I am not sure I won’t shut off mid travel. It was suggested to be the type of fuel so I bought premium and it didn’t help.
Incident date: Nov 18, 2022
The airbag light often turns red, indicating that airbags are not likely to be deployed if needed. This happens usually when the steering is turned in a certain way when I take left or right turn (more likely during the left turn). No accidents. I took it to the dealership for repair. The dealership says this is an issue with a faulty part (clockspring) but there is no certainty. Even the cost of... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2022
This vehicle does not have a Traction Control Device switch to manually turn off. In snowing conditions and trying to ascend a grade, the TCD activates and eventually you become disabled in the roadway. I looked into the car manual and it does locate where the switch should be located, however my vehicle switch button is a blank button. I phoned my Dealership and reported the problem. They adv... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2022
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
DODGE
CHALLENGER
(2018) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Feb 24, 2023
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
The frame is damage by the weather.
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated notice that there were cracks on the dashboard by the passenger’s side air bag. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that no failure was found. The contact stated that over the years the crack started to expand. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2023
There is an ongoing issue with the front and rear air shocks. They don't inflate properly. Sometimes they inflate and sometimes they don't. This is a risk because my suspension system is not stable. The problem has been confirmed by Astorg Mercedes-Benz. Yes, the problem has been inspected by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership. There was no indication beit warning lamps, messages, etc., befo... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2013) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Feb 24, 2023
Incident date: Feb 4, 2023
Problems with catalyst
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2020) — STEERING
Feb 24, 2023
Incident date: Feb 17, 2023
Turn off vehicle one day and that next started it and cannot turn the wheel what so ever. Was able to start vehicle and remove keys from ignition. Steering did release a day or two later, but seized up and cannot remove keys or use the vehicle.
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2020) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Feb 24, 2023
Incident date: Feb 17, 2023
Engine began having troubles starting & stalled out while we were driving.
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2020) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Feb 24, 2023
Incident date: Feb 17, 2023
I AM GETTING A CODE FOR THE THORAX SQUIB SENSOR. THE DEALERSHIP STATES I NEED A DRIVER-SIDE SEAT WIRE HARNESS. WE WERE PUT AT RISK BY THE INTERMITTENT CONNECTION OF THE AIR BAG SENSOR. AS THE LINE BECAME FRAYED AND WIRES BROKE. THE AIRBAGS SYSTEM WAS COMPROMISED CAUSING THE SYSTEM TO NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED WHEN I WAS MOVING MY SET BACK AND FORTH. THE AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT LIG... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2019
The front collision warning light came on and the vehicle would not accelerate. I pulled over, stopped, turned off the car for about 5 minutes. I restarted it and and the front collision ⚠ still didn't turn off and would not accelerate. In park the rpms did not move when I pressed the gas pedal. I turned the car off again for 5 minutes. I opened the hood and closed it and cleared snow from a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2019
The front collision warning light came on and the vehicle would not accelerate. I pulled over, stopped, turned off the car for about 5 minutes. I restarted it and and the front collision ⚠ still didn't turn off and would not accelerate. In park the rpms did not move when I pressed the gas pedal. I turned the car off again for 5 minutes. I opened the hood and closed it and cleared snow from a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2019
I bought this vehicle in Sept 2019 drove off the lot with it brand new and the headlights and whole dash lights went out when I hit a bump. For the next two years, the car kept having electrical problems when it rained or the vehicle was washed but the Virginia dealership could never duplicate the problem. I moved to Indiana where these problems continued. Finally, an Indianapolis dealer discov... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
This 2023 model Y has no collision warning. This was not what I expected when I purchased.
Crash
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
This 2023 model Y has no collision warning. This was not what I expected when I purchased.
Crash
DODGE
CHALLENGER
(2021) — STEERING
Feb 22, 2023
Incident date: Feb 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that there was no power steering fluid. The contact added power steering fluid to the vehicle; however, the power steering fluid was leaking while driving. The contact stated that... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2023
The forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control failed as the first 2 activated when there were no oncoming collisions in front of me and the nearest cars around me were 1/4 of a mile away. The cruise control failed as it turned back on after the vehicle veered off the highway and into the rest stop. My safety and the safety of a lot of other people in the r... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
Was driving down the highway and the sunroof glass exploded for no apparent reason.
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
FRAME RUSTED OUT , BROKE AND HOLES IN IT . GM IS AWARE AND WONT REPLACE. THE TRUCK IS WORTHLESS AND I STILL OWE 19K ON IT. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE .
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2017) — STEERING
Feb 21, 2023
Incident date: Feb 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on several occasions while making a right or left turn, there was a loud sound coming from the steering wheel. The contact stated that the failure persisted. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering rack assembly needed to be replaced; ho... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2015) — SEAT BELTS
Feb 21, 2023
Incident date: Feb 18, 2023
The contact owned a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, another vehicle going 110 MPH crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The air bags failed to de[ploy. The contact hit his head against the front driver's side window and he became unconscious. The contact stated upon regaining consciousness, he noticed that he was laying flat on his back as the seat had fractured. The cont... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 1, 2017
My brake master cylinder failed on my 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The Toyota service technician inspected it and said it failed. My brake pedal went to the floor which affected my braking distance. There were no warning lights or indication that my brakes failed.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2017
Car was turned on and shifted in to reverse. Car was driven backwards and when attempted to stop the car the brake became non depressible and car was difficult to stop.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2022
1) Back up camera goes blank periodically. A few times the monitor would not come on at all. Frightening when I am using it for directions. 2) Service System 4WD light has come on. Jeep dealer said it is a Disconnect Acetutor (?). I have appt to repair but am concerned it might not be safe to drive. 3) Cannot figure out how to get high beams to automatically turn off when oncoming vehicle is app... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2022
1) Back up camera goes blank periodically. A few times the monitor would not come on at all. Frightening when I am using it for directions. 2) Service System 4WD light has come on. Jeep dealer said it is a Disconnect Acetutor (?). I have appt to repair but am concerned it might not be safe to drive. 3) Cannot figure out how to get high beams to automatically turn off when oncoming vehicle is app... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2022
Vehicle owner was driving and pulled over when all warning lights began flashing, wipers came on, horn started honking, windows would not go down, doors would not unlock, and vehicle started on fire. Fire appeared to begin in the engine compartment, with fire eventually consuming entire vehicle.
Fire
1 deaths
Incident date: Feb 20, 2023
Station wagon lift gate has severe wiring failures between the lift gate and body. This problem is well known throught the blog community. Broken wires cause failures, and electrical danger, to the rear lighting system that includes brake, running, back up, and turn signals. Also effected is the rear wiper, defroster, and operation access to open and close the lift gate. Tailgate failure would... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2023
Station wagon lift gate has severe wiring failures between the lift gate and body. This problem is well known throught the blog community. Broken wires cause failures, and electrical danger, to the rear lighting system that includes brake, running, back up, and turn signals. Also effected is the rear wiper, defroster, and operation access to open and close the lift gate. Tailgate failure would... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2023
My automatic braking system is activating sporadically with no apparent object in front of me. My car has suddenly come to a complete stop while driving on Market Street, York PA when there was no traffic in front or to the side of me and luckily no one behind me. The "BRAKE" alert flashed and the car literally screeched to a stop. This happened again when I was in Stewartstown, PA and was startin... Read more