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 153,608 complaints for DODGE
Incident date: Nov 3, 2021
While driving on the interstate at a high rate of speed the MDS engaged and suddenly, the engine dies. I am unable to accelerate and have to coast across 3 lanes of traffic to reach the emergency lane. The timing chain tensioner and timing chain guides had broken into multiple pieces and the timing chain was also broken. The failure of the timing components resulted in warped values, bent push ro... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2016
Because the OE blend doors are defective, my defroster does not work. I have to constantly use a squeegee while driving to remove fog from the inside windshield, which is extremely unsafe. Occasionally the heater will kick in, and even though I live in Florida, it does get quite cold during the winter months.
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2018) - STRUCTURE:BODY
Nov 10, 2021
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
The left side sliding door will not open at all. Tried to unlock manually will not open have to use other side for kids to get out of van. I did some online research saying the the lock actuator on sliding door seized. To me this is major safety hazard. If anything should be able to open manually but cannot even with key fob will not open. Theo locking switch does not move at all stuck in middle.
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2014) - SEATS
Nov 10, 2021
Incident date: Sep 15, 2021
Inadvertent deployment of front passenger automatic headrest restraint
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at 40 - 45 mph, the battery warning light was illuminated and other unknown warning lights would illuminate on and off. Additionally, the windshield wiper was inadvertently activated, the doors would not lock, and a burning odor was detected coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle then lost motive power. Th... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that the spring inside the parking brake had become defective causing the parking brake to not operate as needed. The dealer had been notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle regarding the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,... Read more
DODGE
CHALLENGER
(2014) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION: OIL COOLER
Nov 9, 2021
Incident date: Nov 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, she smelled a burning oil odor. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the oil filter housing adapter was leaking and needed to be replaced. The dealer and the manufacturer were not n... Read more
DODGE
RAM 2500
(2008) - VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:AIR HANDLER/CHAMBER, DUCTS, AND VALVES
Nov 9, 2021
Incident date: Nov 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated while exiting out of the garage, the windshield defroster was activated and there was a loud clicking sound coming from the HVAC system. The contact stated that the HVAC system failed to switch over to the air vents. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the defroster actuator was cracked inside in the vents causing the f... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2020
Manufacturer Claim that the wheels on the Dodge Charger are fully powder-coated, which they are not (VIN: [XXX]). Therefore, since the wheels are not fully powder coated, the poorly painted wheel tends to fail to adhere to the tire, causing slow undetectable leaks and fast wear on the tires. About a year ago I have Purchased brand new tires and had the Vehicle Aligned to prolong the tire's life. N... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that his daughter was in the passenger seat when she activated the push start button and the vehicle rolled backward while in the park position. The contact's daughter got out of the vehicle midway while it was rolling backward and sustained scrapes to her knees and elbows. The vehicle crashed into the neighbor's garage door. The rear winds... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 27, 2021
My heat seems to be blowing cold air when in fact it should be only heat blowing
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2016) - STRUCTURE:BODY
Nov 8, 2021
Incident date: Oct 15, 2021
- Left side sliding door will not unlock to open; * safety concern of rear passengers being trapped if right side slider is hit in an accident - Right side sliding door will not lock; * Safety concern for burglary or car-jacking - I will put the Grand Caravan in Bettenhausen Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep (Orland Park, IL) for repairs on Nov 11, 2021! - Stellantis/Chrysler should reim... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2016) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nov 8, 2021
Incident date: Aug 9, 2021
Side slider door lock actuator on passenger side makes lots of noise and the lock actuator on left side without notice has stopped working also at same time. This lock mechanism issue prevents the slider door locks or handles from working inside and outside the vehicle. Remote does not work for these doors either, but still work for front doors and hatch.
Incident date: Nov 8, 2021
The gear selected is saying that the car is park but it will not shut off . Had to move the shifter back and forward serval times before it stayed in park had this problem awhile don't think it was ever recalled. Thanks for your support in this matter
Crash
Incident date: Nov 6, 2021
I had just picked my car up from getting brakes and an inspection (obviously passed). I was driving home and there was smoke from under the hood with an electrical fire smell. My dash went crazy then I completly lost power. I had no stearing or brakes- couldn't even put on my hazards or roll down the window down to tell cars behind me to pass me. I immediatly called the garage that had just do... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2021
I had just picked my car up from getting brakes and an inspection (obviously passed). I was driving home and there was smoke from under the hood with an electrical fire smell. My dash went crazy then I completly lost power. I had no stearing or brakes- couldn't even put on my hazards or roll down the window down to tell cars behind me to pass me. I immediatly called the garage that had just do... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2021
UNKNOWN Passenger side headlight will not come on Not a bad bulb
Incident date: Nov 2, 2021
The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at night with the high beam on, a strong burning odor was detected inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that he thought the burning odor was coming from outside not the vehicle as no warning lights were illuminated and the vehicle was functioning normally. The contact stated that the next morning the headl... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 6, 2021
I was driving from Colorado to Indiana and all the sudden I heard a noise so I pulled over to the right side of the road. When a man came across the median and got a fire extinguisher from his truck and stated for me and my 3 dogs to get out because my truck was on fire. He stated that the driver shaft was on fire with flames by my gas tank.
Fire
Incident date: Nov 6, 2021
I was driving from Colorado to Indiana and all the sudden I heard a noise so I pulled over to the right side of the road. When a man came across the median and got a fire extinguisher from his truck and stated for me and my 3 dogs to get out because my truck was on fire. He stated that the driver shaft was on fire with flames by my gas tank.
Fire
Incident date: Nov 6, 2021
I was driving from Colorado to Indiana and all the sudden I heard a noise so I pulled over to the right side of the road. When a man came across the median and got a fire extinguisher from his truck and stated for me and my 3 dogs to get out because my truck was on fire. He stated that the driver shaft was on fire with flames by my gas tank.
Fire
Incident date: Aug 2, 2019
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the throttle warning light would flash on the instrument panel as the vehicle would either stall or go into limp mode. The contact also stated that the vehicle would fail to start up after multiple attempts without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the ECU, susp... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2019
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the throttle warning light would flash on the instrument panel as the vehicle would either stall or go into limp mode. The contact also stated that the vehicle would fail to start up after multiple attempts without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the ECU, susp... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2017) - LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:ELECTRONIC LOCK/LATCH ACTUATOR
Nov 8, 2021
Incident date: Oct 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the driver's side rear sliding door would not unlock or open. The door lever was inoperable. The dealer was made aware of the failure and the contact was on his way to have the vehicle diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact to take the vehicle to a de... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Magnum. The contact stated that while driving approximately 32 mph the vehicle crashed into a second vehicle causing severe damage to the front end but the front driver side air bag did not deploy and the front passenger-side airbag was partially deployed. The driver sustained head, neck, torso and back injuries and the front passenger sustained an injured right hand.... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Nov 8, 2021
I was driving and all of a sudden the passenger headrest popped open hitting my son in the head.
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 6, 2021
The blind spot is horrible. I have to check my mirrors 3 times because even if I look on my side, especially on the driver’s side whenever I have to switch lanes, I can’t see if there is a car on my blind spots. The mirrors don’t help because it may appear that the car beside me is far but it may also be near. So that of the major issue with this car. Next, when the vehicle in front of me di... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2021
The blind spot is horrible. I have to check my mirrors 3 times because even if I look on my side, especially on the driver’s side whenever I have to switch lanes, I can’t see if there is a car on my blind spots. The mirrors don’t help because it may appear that the car beside me is far but it may also be near. So that of the major issue with this car. Next, when the vehicle in front of me di... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2021
The blind spot is horrible. I have to check my mirrors 3 times because even if I look on my side, especially on the driver’s side whenever I have to switch lanes, I can’t see if there is a car on my blind spots. The mirrors don’t help because it may appear that the car beside me is far but it may also be near. So that of the major issue with this car. Next, when the vehicle in front of me di... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2021
WE PURCHASED OUR 2010 DODGE JOURNEY FROM AN AUCTION. RIGHT AWAY THERE WERE ALL SORTS OF ELECTRONIC ISSUES WITH VARIOUS BELLS & WHISTLES. MOST OF THESE WERE SOLVED ONCE WE PURCHASED A NEW FOB & HAD IT PROGRAMMED. HOWEVER, MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE HORN WILL BLOW WITHOUT TOUCHING THE STEERING WHEEL. IT WILL BLOW WHILE THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING AND WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OFF, DOES NOT MATTER. MY HUSBAND HA... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2021
WE PURCHASED OUR 2010 DODGE JOURNEY FROM AN AUCTION. RIGHT AWAY THERE WERE ALL SORTS OF ELECTRONIC ISSUES WITH VARIOUS BELLS & WHISTLES. MOST OF THESE WERE SOLVED ONCE WE PURCHASED A NEW FOB & HAD IT PROGRAMMED. HOWEVER, MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE HORN WILL BLOW WITHOUT TOUCHING THE STEERING WHEEL. IT WILL BLOW WHILE THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING AND WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OFF, DOES NOT MATTER. MY HUSBAND HA... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2021
We went to get in our vehicle and the headrest had deployed while no one was in the vehicle. It has not been in an accident.
Incident date: Nov 5, 2021
We went to get in our vehicle and the headrest had deployed while no one was in the vehicle. It has not been in an accident.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2021
MY CAR IS A DODGE DURANGO SRT8, YEAR 2018 , VIN# [XXX], WITH ONLY 20,000 MILES AND THE ENGINE TRANSMISSION BROKE. IT IS UNDER GUARANTEE AND THE DEALER HAS BEING COMPLIANT. I AM AFFRAID THAT IN THE WEB MEDIA MORE OWNERS WITH THE SAME ENGINE ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE AS ME. THERE IS A NOTIFICATION THAT THE ENGINE HAD A FACTORY ERROR IN THE MANUFACTURING, THEY MENTION A PARK LOCK ROD CAUSING P... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the contact stated that the front suspension detached from the vehicle. The contact called the police as he waited for a tow truck to assist because the vehicle was stopped in the middle of traffic. Once the tow truck arrived, the vehicle was towed to the contact's home. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer ... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2015) - STRUCTURE:BODY
Nov 5, 2021
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
The doors make an extremely startling noise everytime we exit the car or open the door
Incident date: Oct 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2007 Ram 1500. The contact stated while her son was driving approximately 70 MPH, the driver’s side front wheel suddenly separated from the vehicle causing the driver to nearly loses control of the vehicle before eventually stopping the vehicle. During the incident, no injuries were reported. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. Upon inspectio... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2007 Ram 1500. The contact stated while her son was driving approximately 70 MPH, the driver’s side front wheel suddenly separated from the vehicle causing the driver to nearly loses control of the vehicle before eventually stopping the vehicle. During the incident, no injuries were reported. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. Upon inspectio... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that he auto-started the vehicle while it was in the driveway. The contact stated as he came outside, the vehicle was on fire. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was filed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 5, 2021
My pcm and tcm needs flash update I am a new owner on vehicle and The last owner has not gotten required updates
Incident date: Nov 5, 2021
My pcm and tcm needs flash update I am a new owner on vehicle and The last owner has not gotten required updates
Incident date: Nov 5, 2021
My pcm and tcm needs flash update I am a new owner on vehicle and The last owner has not gotten required updates
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
The issue involves front and rear subframes and trailing arms. Bought a used 2007 Dodge caliber with 127,000 mi on it. Upon further inspection found the front and the rear subframes to be rusted beyond safe operation. After inspecting those found out rear trailing arms are in the exact same condition unsafe for the road. Replaced the front suspension at my cost. Doing the same for the rear. If not... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2017) - STRUCTURE:BODY
Nov 3, 2021
Incident date: Oct 30, 2021
Our drivers side back sliding door lock mares a loud buzzing sound but doesn’t lock. This is a huge safety issue as my 3year child sits by that door and could potentially open the door. There has been no warning signs. Our van is only 4 years old it should be having expensive issues like this.
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2016) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nov 3, 2021
Incident date: Oct 28, 2021
Vehicle's rear sliding doors intermittently jam locked, one, or the other, or both. The respective sliding locks will not budge, not by remote, not from the button on the driver's door, and especially, not even manually, from the sliding lock on the doors themselves. Sometimes a buzzing sound is heard from one or the other of the the locks when commanding to lock electrically, including when the... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2016) - STRUCTURE:BODY
Nov 3, 2021
Incident date: Oct 28, 2021
Vehicle's rear sliding doors intermittently jam locked, one, or the other, or both. The respective sliding locks will not budge, not by remote, not from the button on the driver's door, and especially, not even manually, from the sliding lock on the doors themselves. Sometimes a buzzing sound is heard from one or the other of the the locks when commanding to lock electrically, including when the... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2021
The engine in our vehicle blew up, our safety as well as others on the road were affected, when the engine blew we were driving down the highway with traffic, it caused us to swerve into oncoming traffic. We had to pay out of pocket for a tow truck and had it moved to a safe location so as of today, November 02, 2021 at 9:45 pm, the vehicle has not been inspected by the dealer or manufacturer. The... Read more
DODGE
CHALLENGER
(2015) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 2, 2021
Incident date: Sep 30, 2021
Car was making a noise in motion only. I had the car inspected and noted on inspection the drive shaft was deteriorating. The car was inspected by Car-X and Sam Leman dealership. The mechanics advised the car was not safe to drive. The drive shaft was replaced by Sam Leman Dodge of Peoria.
DODGE
CHALLENGER
(2009) - STRUCTURE:BODY
Nov 2, 2021
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the contact heard abnormal sounds coming from underneath the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the subframe bolt had snapped off. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
Incident date: Oct 31, 2021
Driver seat headrest deployed while the vehicle was parked. No one inside.