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: Jan 12, 2022
You can read online anywhere that the ECU is a MAJOR problem. My car battery dies everytime i shut it off. Ive replace the battery 8 times, the alternator 4 times. Had countless amout of diagnostic tests done on it. Still nothing. Come to find out its the ECU which i cant afford to replace as its over $800 to repair. Look online and you'll see almost everyone with a journey has this problem. When ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with head gasket failure. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer and diagnosed with powertrain control module (PCM) failure. The dealer updated the PCM software; however, the failure recurred. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2016
The front suspension and sway bar with all attachments should be recalled. I am not sure if other 2015 dodge Journey users have experienced this or not but since I got my car in 2016 i have had to replace all the parts on 4 different occasions. It is ridiculous and to me is a safety issue.
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2015) — ENGINE
Jan 31, 2022
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
When drive over 60mph I smell burn from front hood. I took to Dodge dealership. They said oil leaking so paid $950 , 3 weeks later car broke down like can't go over 30mph, Aqcell won't go up , I took to dealership again , he said transmission I paid $4600( October) it used transmission. After change transmission drive was uncomfortable, not smoothly like before. I took dealership he said It be... Read more
Fire
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2015) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 31, 2022
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
When drive over 60mph I smell burn from front hood. I took to Dodge dealership. They said oil leaking so paid $950 , 3 weeks later car broke down like can't go over 30mph, Aqcell won't go up , I took to dealership again , he said transmission I paid $4600( October) it used transmission. After change transmission drive was uncomfortable, not smoothly like before. I took dealership he said It be... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 24, 2022
I have a leak in my steering line
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that there was a cracked power steering hose located underneath the vehicle. The contact replaced the power steering hose; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2019
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called two local dealers and was informed that she would receive a call back whenever an appointment was available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time fo... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2022
The cars heat only works on one side, which causes the windshield and windows to become foggy which is a safety issue while driving
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2012) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 30, 2022
Incident date: Jan 28, 2022
The TIPM unit is causing issues for my wife and kids there is a recall on other models with the same part that is causing issues why wouldn’t it be a safety issue for this model as well if it can cause the same safety concern
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2012) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jan 30, 2022
Incident date: Jan 28, 2022
The TIPM unit is causing issues for my wife and kids there is a recall on other models with the same part that is causing issues why wouldn’t it be a safety issue for this model as well if it can cause the same safety concern
Incident date: Jan 30, 2022
When shifting the vehicle it says “service shifter”. Once again I look up this issue on the web and hundreds of others are saying they have the same issue with jeeps and a variety of dodge vehicles.
Incident date: Jan 30, 2022
When shifting the vehicle it says “service shifter”. Once again I look up this issue on the web and hundreds of others are saying they have the same issue with jeeps and a variety of dodge vehicles.
Incident date: May 15, 2020
I had to replace my engine, my transmission is slipping and not shifting gears properly. It has been doing it for almost 2 years now. The suspensions are horrible
Incident date: May 15, 2020
I had to replace my engine, my transmission is slipping and not shifting gears properly. It has been doing it for almost 2 years now. The suspensions are horrible
Incident date: Jan 27, 2021
Car still rolls when parking and/or parked. And safety recall repairs aren’t
Incident date: Jan 27, 2021
Car still rolls when parking and/or parked. And safety recall repairs aren’t
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
Drivers side blows hot air but passenger side is cold. Had clicking noise coming from glove box and discovered bad blend door actuator. Replaced blend door and clicking went away but still no hot air on passenger side. Defrost struggles to defrost windshield which is a safety issue. I have read numerous complaints on here as well as the internet about people having the same issue yet dodge won’t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2022
Passenger side headlight and driver's side tail light not working. Bulbs have been replaced and tested as to being good. Went on internet and found this to be a very common problem with Dodge and Chrysler vehicles, many times requiring replacement of the TPIM. Grounds have been checked as good. Dealer says repair requires replacement of the TIPM for $1,600.00!! Vehicle lighting are safety items co... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2022
Passenger side headlight and driver's side tail light not working. Bulbs have been replaced and tested as to being good. Went on internet and found this to be a very common problem with Dodge and Chrysler vehicles, many times requiring replacement of the TPIM. Grounds have been checked as good. Dealer says repair requires replacement of the TIPM for $1,600.00!! Vehicle lighting are safety items co... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2022
The heating/Defrost System on the car is no longer working. After checking online there appears to be many of the make and model that has this problem due to poor design of the heater core which allows the heater core to corrode and plug much earlier than it should. Because of this problem you cannot keep the front windshield and side windows cleared during the winter. This car only has 62,000 m... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2022
Alternator froze up and then started smoking. Smelled like a potential electrical fire about to happen. Pulled over safely and smoke filled the cabin and under the hood. Opened hood and tons of smoke, fortunately there was no actual fire at that point.
Incident date: Jan 29, 2022
The vehicle windshield wiper system comes on while driving constantly. It is very distracting and definitely causes an obstruction in your visibility. It is very annoying as well. It acts as if the wiper system does not want to go in the park position on the wiper motor.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2022
Loss of power, engine completely shut off at a redlight
Incident date: Jan 28, 2022
Loss of power, engine completely shut off at a redlight
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2018) — AIR BAGS
Jan 28, 2022
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT. The contact stated that the air bag light illuminates intermittently. The contact stated that it remained on if the doors were open, and when driving. The contact stated that there was a chime sounding. The dealer nor the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The mileage failure was 37,690.
Incident date: Nov 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving, a loud knocking sound was present coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was eventually towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the engine shaft bearings had failed and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2022
I was told by Bob Steele Chevrolet that the oil change housing is a known problem and cracking which causes oil leakage
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2010) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jan 28, 2022
Incident date: Jan 22, 2022
There was no warning. The vehicle just shut off. I replaced the battery and had alternator checked it is fine. If I drive on a side road or hit a bump in the road, the van shuts off. I have no brakes or steering. I called the recall number and they said it is not on the recall list. My van was made in 09/2009. Maybe there are others not on list. I just bought the vehicle, maybe that is why they ... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2016) — POWER TRAIN
Jan 28, 2022
Incident date: Jan 20, 2022
My car died while idling at a stop light 3 times in a row. My engine literally shut off in the middle of the street with 5 kids in the car. Upon further investigation I see there is a major transmission issue with this vehicle and I am currently awaiting confirmation of that diagnosis from our mechanic. Unfortunately, even though this is a 2016 it does not fall under the recall. I'm not sure why s... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2022
The tail light on the tail gate accumulates water and causes the light to go out. This could cause the entire brake light to short and could result in a rear end collision. 85 percent of the Dodge Durangos I see have the same issue. This isn’t a wear and tear problem, the lights weren’t sealed properly from the factory. Attached are just a few photos demonstrating the problem. Dodge owes it to... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2022
The tail light on the tail gate accumulates water and causes the light to go out. This could cause the entire brake light to short and could result in a rear end collision. 85 percent of the Dodge Durangos I see have the same issue. This isn’t a wear and tear problem, the lights weren’t sealed properly from the factory. Attached are just a few photos demonstrating the problem. Dodge owes it to... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2017) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jan 27, 2022
Incident date: Jan 13, 2022
Door lock actuator and latch failed rendering sliding doors in operable. In the even of a crash this can result in fatalities from not being able to exit the vehicle.
Incident date: Jan 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up after multiple attempts without warning. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) was defective. The contact stated that a relay switch bypass was performed to correct the failure. The contact the... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2022
As I’m driving the vehicle the Uconnect system will go haywire. Randomly switching between every button from heated seats to not allowing navigation and randomly calling 911. This issue is very distracting while driving and can cause an accident due to the constant distraction and headache. This issue has been confirmed from the manufacturer and has been denied for repair free of charge. This is... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2021
Drivers headrest airbag deployed while driving injuring my head and neck.
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 14, 2021
UNKNOWN but airbag light will not go off and everything possible has been looked at and was told that with the light on on the dash, the airbag will not deploy.
Incident date: Nov 14, 2021
UNKNOWN but airbag light will not go off and everything possible has been looked at and was told that with the light on on the dash, the airbag will not deploy.
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2017) — LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Jan 26, 2022
Incident date: Jan 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the rear passenger's sliding door would not open as needed. Additionally, the front driver's side window would not roll up as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for the passenger's side sliding door and diagnosed that the door actuator was positioned upside down. The vehicle was repaired, however, there was ... Read more
DODGE
CHALLENGER
(2019) — WHEELS
Jan 26, 2022
Incident date: Jan 25, 2020
The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Challenger equipped with Goodyear tires. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the air pressure warning light would illuminate. The contact mentioned that there was an abnormal rubbing sound coming from the tires while turning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the inside of the front driver’s side tire w... Read more
DODGE
CHALLENGER
(2019) — TIRES
Jan 26, 2022
Incident date: Jan 25, 2020
The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Challenger equipped with Goodyear tires. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the air pressure warning light would illuminate. The contact mentioned that there was an abnormal rubbing sound coming from the tires while turning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the inside of the front driver’s side tire w... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2021
The battery and alternator were replaced and ever since have had issues with the electrical issues. Check engine light randomly comes on, voltage lightning bolt will appear and car will not turn over, battery light has come on while driving. I have been stuck at the store and car has no power. Lights will go off and it will appear to be functioning fine.
DODGE
CHALLENGER
(2011) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jan 26, 2022
Incident date: Jan 26, 2022
My vehicle randomly swerves back and forth when driving. It is very scary and could easily cause an accident and take my life. I’ve taken it to vigo dodge and had 3 different mechanics inspect my car over 5 hours and although they each drove my car and experienced what I’m referring to, they didn’t know what the problem is. I was told to just drive it til it got worse and then maybe they cou... Read more
DODGE
CHALLENGER
(2011) — STEERING
Jan 26, 2022
Incident date: Jan 26, 2022
My vehicle randomly swerves back and forth when driving. It is very scary and could easily cause an accident and take my life. I’ve taken it to vigo dodge and had 3 different mechanics inspect my car over 5 hours and although they each drove my car and experienced what I’m referring to, they didn’t know what the problem is. I was told to just drive it til it got worse and then maybe they cou... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2018) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 25, 2022
Incident date: Jan 20, 2022
Both sliding doors will not open manually or with the key fob. The lock is permanently stuck in place. I was told it was due to a bad actuator. When you google this issue there are 1000’s of other people that have this same issue. This is a huge safety concern as if I were in an accident all of my rear passengers wouldn’t be able to get out of the car. Meaning my children would be STUCK. this... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2022
My 2012 Dodge Durango was serviced under NHTSA Campaign 19-V813. This called for the replacement of the fuel pump relay to correct a potential no-start or stall situation. This also prevented fuel pump failure due to the unit not being switched off by the TIPM when the car is turned off. This repair has not corrected the problem. The car would be available for inspection upon request. The s... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2022
My 2012 Dodge Durango was serviced under NHTSA Campaign 19-V813. This called for the replacement of the fuel pump relay to correct a potential no-start or stall situation. This also prevented fuel pump failure due to the unit not being switched off by the TIPM when the car is turned off. This repair has not corrected the problem. The car would be available for inspection upon request. The s... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2022
My 2012 Dodge Durango was serviced under NHTSA Campaign 19-V813. This called for the replacement of the fuel pump relay to correct a potential no-start or stall situation. This also prevented fuel pump failure due to the unit not being switched off by the TIPM when the car is turned off. This repair has not corrected the problem. The car would be available for inspection upon request. The s... Read more