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: Dec 27, 2023
Paint is peeling all over and I see there is a lawsuit for this for my truck. How will this be covered?
Incident date: Mar 8, 2024
Engine block cracked causing coolant leak as confirmed by an ase mechanic. A replacement engine is needed at a cost of $5k-6k. I’m [XXX] old and can’t afford the cost. honda customer service was called and they said it was my responsibility to fix their manufacturing engine defect. honda should be forced to replace these engines. It’s their fault for the defect and need to step up and fix T... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2024
I am having problem with the reset button in my 2005 five hundred ford, the oil light stays on after oil changes, no one does not know how to reset, the reset button does not work, several mechanic told me not to worry about it , but the car can't pass the smog, it reads not ready, they told my to take a ride for about 50 miles and drive up to sixty miles per hour. . On going problem and I am r... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2024
While attempting to turn left at an intersection, my hybrid vehicle suddenly became unresponsive. The dashboard lit up with several warnings and it would only idle using its electric motor. It would then accelerate to top electric-only speed despite me not applying my foot to the accelerator. My safety and others was put at risk because I was turning left at a busy intersection. My local dealer ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
Car was telling me to add 1 qt of oil about every 1500-2000 miles, even after a recent oil change. So I took it to the place I purchased the car from and they replaced the timing chain gasket thing. About a week later the same issue came back. So I took it to Audi to have the same thing replaced. And about a month later the issue came back. Took it back to Audi and they said now the Engine speed s... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
Exhaust bracket failure. Broken bracket exhaust. Refer to [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Feb 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. 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 man... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
All the windows have just randomly failed down. The last one was my passenger back window on my way to work with it pouring down rain this morning. The first incident was about a year and a half ago, the driver's side window fell, and the window shattered. Took to glass shop and they said regulator needed to be replaced and they put in when they installed new glass. I went to Texarkana Kia dea... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
All the windows have just randomly failed down. The last one was my passenger back window on my way to work with it pouring down rain this morning. The first incident was about a year and a half ago, the driver's side window fell, and the window shattered. Took to glass shop and they said regulator needed to be replaced and they put in when they installed new glass. I went to Texarkana Kia dea... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
The low-beam headlights are so dim that when I drive at night I cannot see the road in front of me. When there is a passenger in my car at night, they tell me to turn on my headlights when they are already on. When I take my vehicle in for scheduled maintenance (at the dealership) I keep asking about the lights, and they keep saying that the lights are working properly, they are clean, and they ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
First my front right brake line severed in 2023. I took it to Les Schwab and had it repaired and I paid for it. Later, I found out it was part of a "Recall". The local Ford Dealer said they could not reimburse me for my repair cost due to timing issues. However, they replaced both front brake lines (even though the right side had already been recently replaced). Yesterday, my rear brake line ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
wHEN TEMPERATURE DROPS BELOW FREEZING MOISTURE GET IN DOOR PANELS AND FREEZES THE LOCKING SYSTEM SO THAT THE DOES WILL NOT STAY CLOSED, MAKING MY TRUCK UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIME WHEN ON THE ROAD WAS AFRAID FOR PASSENGER AND ANIMALS IN THE TRUCK.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
wHEN TEMPERATURE DROPS BELOW FREEZING MOISTURE GET IN DOOR PANELS AND FREEZES THE LOCKING SYSTEM SO THAT THE DOES WILL NOT STAY CLOSED, MAKING MY TRUCK UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIME WHEN ON THE ROAD WAS AFRAID FOR PASSENGER AND ANIMALS IN THE TRUCK.
Incident date: Mar 6, 2024
There appears to be a defect in the body part of vehicle. Please note that I have uploaded pictures of the Rhea body of the vehicle to show where the defect is protruding from the vehicle.
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2016) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Mar 5, 2024
Incident date: Jun 14, 2023
On 2-10-2024 I was driving the 2021 RDX SH-AWD on I-40W in TN with my daughter in the passenger's seat. It was raining. After about 2 hours of driving, at about 3:00 pm, I took a break at a Rest Area near Buffalo Valley. After ~20-min rest, I restarted the car and tried to merge back onto I-40W. I was accelerating towards the speed limit of 70 m/h, but suddenly, at about 65m/h, I felt the car lo... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2016) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 5, 2024
Incident date: Jun 14, 2023
On 2-10-2024 I was driving the 2021 RDX SH-AWD on I-40W in TN with my daughter in the passenger's seat. It was raining. After about 2 hours of driving, at about 3:00 pm, I took a break at a Rest Area near Buffalo Valley. After ~20-min rest, I restarted the car and tried to merge back onto I-40W. I was accelerating towards the speed limit of 70 m/h, but suddenly, at about 65m/h, I felt the car lo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of an abnormal clicking sound. The contact drove the vehicle around the block. The contact noticed that the clicking sound had continued. The vehicle was taken to dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and determined that both rear calibers were defective and was clamping ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2024
While driving the entire driving assist system warnings started flashing (lane assist, blind spot, ACC, etc.) resulting in a solid system break light, with none of the safety features functioning. In addition to being very distracting while driving, had I not noticed the warning lights going off , I would not have known that the safety system was off. It is very easy to miss while focusing on d... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2024
While driving the entire driving assist system warnings started flashing (lane assist, blind spot, ACC, etc.) resulting in a solid system break light, with none of the safety features functioning. In addition to being very distracting while driving, had I not noticed the warning lights going off , I would not have known that the safety system was off. It is very easy to miss while focusing on d... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2024
The back up camera has stopped working, sometimes it is a black screen, other times it's just a series of colors with no image. This makes it hard to back up safely.
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal knocking sound emanating from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Incident date: Jan 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags). The dealer was made aware of the issue but denied the recall repair due to the vehicle having a Salvage Title. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and a case was opened. The contact was informed to have the DMV remove the branded title from the vehicle. The c... Read more
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
Check engine light will appear. Vehicle is blowing number two cylinder along with spark plug every two weeks. It is going through large amounts of antifreeze. Drives as if it is bogged down and shifts very hard and loud. While driving is shakes from front end. I have brought vehicle to a master mechanic and has started that the head gasket will eventually break or could catch fire. This is a on go... Read more
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
I am simply writing this complaint because the recall says I should if I feel the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy the recall in a timely manner. This recall is over 6 months old with no current remedy available. After 6 months, I would expect a recall that cites a potential increase of a crash to be addressed in a much quicker manner.
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
I am simply writing this complaint because the recall says I should if I feel the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy the recall in a timely manner. This recall is over 6 months old with no current remedy available. After 6 months, I would expect a recall that cites a potential increase of a crash to be addressed in a much quicker manner.
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2017) - SERVICE BRAKES
Mar 4, 2024
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
This Saturday morning driving my family to Bradenton as I was coming off the hwy to my exit when I experienced a brake fail I thought, brakes got real hard and I couldn't stop the car on time like I wanted to, so I had to press the brakes pedal harder to come to a complete stop, three different places no one knew what could be the problem until I took it to GMC dealership they can only give a code... Read more
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
Steering is best described as “notchy” or “sticky,” it feels stiff. Minor wheel corrections on the highway cause the car to overcorrect and overcompensate steering. Small adjustments made while driving do not feel smooth.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
CAR HAD JUST BEEN SERVICED BY SUBARU SERVICE DEPT ON 2/27/2024. ON 3/1/2024, WHILE TRAVELLING IN HEAVY RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, WE SMELLED A VERY STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE AND WERE ALERTED BY ANOTHER DRIVER THAT OUR CAR WAS LEAKING A LARGE AMOUNT OF GASOLINE IN THE ROADWAY. WE PULLED OVER TO A SAFE AREA, EVACUATED THE CAR, AND THE CAR BURST INTO FLAMES. FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE WANTAGH FIRE DEPARTM... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
2024 Jeep Wrangler 4XE. This is the second I bringing my wrangler to the dealership repair center within 30 day. first time they have replace new battery , I thought the problem had solved, and the same problem happened again. I drove to other state after one hour , dashboard cluster appeared red turtle and the Adaptive cruise control and engine warning light popped up. driving speed gradually dra... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Unexpected loss of Power steering and premature suspension failure caused loss of full control of vehicle.
Incident date: Mar 2, 2024
2019 Ford Rangers were shipped without an engine cover to protect the engine from water intrusion. This, along with the design of the plastic cowl at the base of the windshield being a 2 piece design with a seam directly over the engine bay, allows water to drain into the engine bay during periods of heavy rain. Water will drain from the windshield into the top of the engine, and begin filling t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2023
Hello, I am trying to fix the recalled parts of my car. I contacted Honda dealership where I bought my car, Honda Piazza of Limerick. They say they do not have the parts available, and that I should look elsewhere for the parts. What can I do? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
I have been having random transmission issues. Its wanting to start off in a high gear. Check engine light comes on. A wrench in the digital display. Speedometer quits working. Sometimes it wont shift, and idles way up by itself. At first turning the key off fixed it for a bit. Now its happening more and more. And now a few times it has downshifted HARD from a high gear to a low one causing us to ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
I have been having random transmission issues. Its wanting to start off in a high gear. Check engine light comes on. A wrench in the digital display. Speedometer quits working. Sometimes it wont shift, and idles way up by itself. At first turning the key off fixed it for a bit. Now its happening more and more. And now a few times it has downshifted HARD from a high gear to a low one causing us to ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
I got this car like 5 months ago and after driving it for 2 months I had to get a new engine for 4500 dollars. There is no way it can go bad in 2 months. The car only had 52,000 miles on it and it went bad when it reached 54,000 miles. After fixing that it went bad again after 4 months. I was also told that Hyundai Elantras are known for their engine problems. It would be great if there is an engi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2023
I am writing to bring a critical safety concern to your attention regarding my 2017 Kia Optima LX. The steering wheel of my vehicle frequently loses power, necessitating a restart of the engine for it to function properly again. This issue occurs randomly, but consistently takes place during steering wheel turns. On one alarming occasion while navigating a winding canyon road, the steering lost p... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2024
Brakes feel softer, rear brake burnt smell, replaced brakes one month ago. Headlight and taillight bulbs replaced several times in last 3 months due to blinking blowing replaced and starts over again. Screen will not turn on until car has run for 45 minutes. Cannot use back until screen turns on. Leaving car parked until I can get brake system fixed. Noticed brake light on dash and car with swerve... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2020
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the safety risk highlighted in the open recall 24V-132. Upon reviewing the details provided, particularly the issue involving the damaged pinch bolt which may break and lead to a loss of clamp load between the UCA ball joint and the knuckle, I am gravely concerned about the potential consequences. As someone who prioritizes the safety of myself, m... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2020
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the safety risk highlighted in the open recall 24V-132. Upon reviewing the details provided, particularly the issue involving the damaged pinch bolt which may break and lead to a loss of clamp load between the UCA ball joint and the knuckle, I am gravely concerned about the potential consequences. As someone who prioritizes the safety of myself, m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
It's been characterized as the "death wobble." When I approach speeds of 60 mph or more and hit a bump in the road, the steering and front end commences to severely vibrate uncontrollably, lasting up to several seconds. This problem is well documented and pervasive. There needs to be a nationwide recall before there are resulting accidents and fatalities.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
I don’t have the eco boost engine so they told me my car is NOT in the TSB even though I was just told that I need a new engine due to coolant intrusion. I have a ford engine with a defect that caused the problem!! Only MKC’s with eco boost are included. How many people with these ford engines are affected but not included??
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
vehicle getting stuck in park, I have press the brakes several times to get it to unlock and switch to drive, or push the emergency brake.
Incident date: Oct 7, 2023
Campaign #[XXX] I was notified and contacted Hyundai multiple times - 11/14, 15 and 16.There were multiple other times as well. I contacted both Broadway and Bergstrom Hyundai in both Appleton and Green Bay on multiple occasions as well to ask for a rental while awaiting the remedy as you are advised not to park near structures and outside. I live in an area where this is not possible and rent a d... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2023
Campaign #[XXX] I was notified and contacted Hyundai multiple times - 11/14, 15 and 16.There were multiple other times as well. I contacted both Broadway and Bergstrom Hyundai in both Appleton and Green Bay on multiple occasions as well to ask for a rental while awaiting the remedy as you are advised not to park near structures and outside. I live in an area where this is not possible and rent a d... Read more
DODGE
CHALLENGER
(2017) - POWER TRAIN
Feb 28, 2024
Incident date: Feb 27, 2024
#9 - [Recall] Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl) Reported 8 months, 2 weeks ago by FORD SUNRISE Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the shift cable locking clip and properly seat it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on april 13, 2018. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for the recall is 18s10. O... Read more
DODGE
CHALLENGER
(2017) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 28, 2024
Incident date: Feb 27, 2024
I have had 3 dead battery issues with this car. Something is draining the battery while the car is off.
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2019) - WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
Feb 28, 2024
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
Told by Diamond Ford in Lancaster CA that my Lug Nuts need to be replaced at the cost of $225.00. I have been driving for 60 years and Never had to replace Lug Nuts.
DODGE
CHALLENGER
(2016) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Feb 28, 2024
Incident date: Feb 21, 2024
My check engine light came on in November 2023 and the code was a cylinder 2 misfire, so I had new spark plugs, ignition coil, and intake gaskets put in. About 2 days later, my check engine light came back on. I went back to the shop and was told it could be a number of things, but was not provided any set explanation. I then noticed that they engine light will turn off randomly, but then come rig... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2021
My car had been having no issues and working as expected. I left to depart for my destination and my driver's door made a terrible grinding noise and didn't open smoothly. There was resistance. I am able to drive the vehicle without issue, but I cannot open the driver's door all the way. My local Ford Dealership won't repair the door, citing that I need to wait for the recall from Ford. I'd ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
Gas gauge/odometer goes blank and/or shows gibberish and is unreadable.