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: Jul 10, 2023
The Dodge dart has a malfunction that might have contributed in many crashes this car has been involved in. The issue is that some darts will experience a malfunction where the lights inside the car will randomly flicker (should they be on), digital dash will also flicker and navigation screen will either restart or just shut off. The biggest problem in all of this is that the power steering will ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
The electrical is so messed up the battery drains within hours, I have shorts in all aspects of this car(Bluetooth, navigation, clicking relays nonstop, heat goes out intermittently, power switches on doors. I saw my headlights surging in power in the middle of nowhere, they would get bright, then go dim, then a battery icon illuminated on my dashboard before my car downshifted so hard I almost lo... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The Power Steering Assist Fault message was displayed. The contact was able to drive to her destination. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 23V06000 (Electrical System) and 23V654000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manu... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2018) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nov 5, 2023
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
While driving car will lose power and low oil pressure message appears. Car dies and then shift gear vehicle must be stopped message appears. Then press break petal to start vehicle. When I press the start button it takes a second to get power and start again.
Incident date: Mar 30, 2023
While my 6 year old was attempting to put on his rear right seat belt, the belt gave way and tore in half completely unhinged at the seams. We were leaving so we move our child to the left rear seat that has hardly ever been used. As he was putting this seat belt on it also became completely torn in half at the seams . My child’s life has been at risk for the our most recent drives as the sea... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2023
At least three time this happened while driving upon stopping at a stop sign or traffic light I was proceeding while making a turn after getting the clearance to do so. However the engine shut down and I was perplexed as to what was happening. I discovered the car had shut down and I had to restart the car. Additionally this occurred at a stop sign, while trying to make a sharp turn the car ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2023
Car was involved in a pretty substantial accident and not a single airbag deployed!
Crash
Incident date: Mar 17, 2023
Power assist steering wheel failure. My power steering stop working suddenly and I was not able to move my car. There is a recall for power steering problems from 2008/2013 for the same issues as my SUV. My SUV only has 33,000 miles on it. I think Ford didn't stop using faulty parts in their 2014 models. I spend over $3200 for repairs. I would like to see if I have any recourse as I believe ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2023
As I was driving in March 2023 every light on the dashboard came on in the car. The car started shaking, the engine was very loud, the car speed slowed down than stopped, as I pressed the gas the car would not accelerate. After the car was parked overnight it started than I drove it to a Dodge dealership for repair, after being at the dealership for 7 days nothing was found by the technician to be... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2013) — STEERING
Nov 3, 2023
Incident date: Nov 3, 2023
The power steering frequently stops working while driving the car, making the car very difficult to steer. This definitely puts the driver and others on the road at risk since it is unpredictable when the electric power steering will stop working and making emergency steering maneuvers is impossible when this condition occurs. The vehicle displays the message "Power Steering Assist Fault" when t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
My SRS System's light came on. When I went to the dealership to have it checked, they stated it was an Airbag Seat Sensor that was bad in the passenger side seat. I talked to the warranty people and they stated it was not covered under the warranty and it would cost me over $2000 to repair. I reached out to Honda and I have received nothing back from them. I don't have that kind of money. I purcha... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2023
As part of transitioning from radar to a camera based system (this affects model years '22 onward), Tesla, has "temporarily" disabled key features such as lane departure, blind spot alerts and emergency braking. Though disabled, these features are still selectable (not greyed out) when the user chooses safety options. These features, which are available on most modern cars, have been disabled for... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the exterior lighting became inoperable. The contact stated that the failure occurred at night which caused him to be on a dangerous dark road. The contact stated that due to the failure and his vision being impaired, the vehicle was driven into a ditch. The contact stated that he received sev... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2016) — STEERING
Nov 1, 2023
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
Steering will drop out / skip. Electical items have been an issue since I purcased this truck new. Dealer could never find why the wipers trigger randomly when truck is turned on. Truck randomy dies overnight.
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2016) — STEERING
Nov 1, 2023
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering column became inoperable, and the steering wheel locked up. The contact stated that the power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact stopped the vehicle and turned the vehicle off. The contact stated restarted the vehicle and was able to safely drive to her destination. The ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2023
The headrest worked when I got the car and the headrest stopped working it won’t stay open it went down to fold into the floor and it won’t lock in position so the seat is unusable because the headrest is locked/ broken in the down position that has it hit right at the middle of neck for some that 5’2 and it would mostly break someone’s neck if an accident occurred
Incident date: Oct 29, 2023
Stopped on main road to perform a left turn, car stopped during the turn and then lurched forward. The car then became inoperable and would not go into gear. Gear selector was not available and car kept cutting out. I could not move the vehicle out of traffic and I had to sit in moving traffic with my hazard lights flashing. Husband came and sat in the car, waited 15 mins, started the car and over... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while attempting to make a left turn at a traffic light, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and drove straight towards oncoming traffic. The message "Service Power Steering Now" was displayed. The contact was unable to turn the steering wheel and depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, preventing a crash into another vehic... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2014) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Oct 30, 2023
Incident date: Oct 28, 2023
This is the third occurrence since we bought the car new in August of '23. The car will lock all of its doors and we won't be able to get inside. Once we manage to get inside the dash will not display. We can not turn anything on except for the dome lights (which indicate the battery has power, thus not the problem). We have tried jump starting the car on our own with no luck. The first trip to th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2020
The electric power steering failed while accelerating into a turn from a stop at an intersection. The wheel was jerked from my hands, and the engine stalled, all electrical failed momentarily. Within a couple of seconds everything returned to normal. This has happened several times since I purchased this vehicle. Also the electrical power steering drops out quite often at low speeds, such as in pa... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2016) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 28, 2023
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
This vehicle has a severe water leak after rain event from body. Leaks into electrical, floor boards, roof. Dealership not able to locate water leak location. Have been working on it going on a month. We recently purchased the vehicle used.
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2019) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Oct 28, 2023
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
While parking the tailgate opens, when I closed it and tried to open it the electronic tailgate handle would not unlock to open 10/25/2023. When parked overnight tailgate opens 10/25/2023. While driving on Interstate the tailgate opens and I almost caused an multiple car accident, I parked at idle closed tailgate tried to reopen and it would not unlock, I drove off and it dropped again 10/26/2023.... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2019) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Oct 28, 2023
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
While parking the tailgate opens, when I closed it and tried to open it the electronic tailgate handle would not unlock to open 10/25/2023. When parked overnight tailgate opens 10/25/2023. While driving on Interstate the tailgate opens and I almost caused an multiple car accident, I parked at idle closed tailgate tried to reopen and it would not unlock, I drove off and it dropped again 10/26/2023.... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2019) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 28, 2023
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
Misfire cylinder #2 all components have been replaced yet the problem still exists.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2020
Adas camera bracket on windshield deformed due to heat. The bracket will no longer hold the camera and the deformation was so severe it broke the mounting tab that holds the adas camera.
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2018) — SUSPENSION
Oct 27, 2023
Incident date: Oct 6, 2023
Car was owned by school govement it has been worked on several times for bad suspension.and documented.ball joint bad suspension front and back.back dating 2 or 3 years.no accidents just bad suspension
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2019) — LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Oct 27, 2023
Incident date: Oct 27, 2023
On Oct. 26 at approximately 5:45 p.m. on HWY 26 near Sandy, OR the autopilot system failed by abruptly turning the car into the upcoming turn lain (marked with solid white line) and towards oncoming traffic. I had to immediately take significant corrective action to move the car back into the lane I was traveling. I firmly believe that the car could have cross into the lane going the opposite di... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
I Had my car at Southgate Ford from 0ct 17- 20. During this time my car was to be serviced for the recalls. However upon receiving my car back. I was told the recall that is showing incomplete( door latches) was unable to be repaired due to the car only being registered in MI and PA. At this time it is showing my vin is still showing said recalls as incomplete.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
Transmission failed for no Reason
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
It’s doing the death wobble and has almost made me lose control on the interstate and seriously could have had my 9month daughter and I killed.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
Most recent issue occurred 10/25/23 with 2018 CRV. Traveling 15-20mph and approached a metal plate in the roadway in a construction area when car abruptly applied breaks without warning and car came to complete stop, almost causing me to be rear-ended by truck behind me. This is multiple occurrence. About a year ago, same issue happened when traveling 25mph and approached a metal plate in the road... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2019
The contact’s son owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was steered to the side of the roadway and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was noti... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2019
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate from a stationary position, the vehicle experience severe shuddering. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission clutch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contac... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2019
The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while depressing the brake pedal, the brakes made an abnormal grinding sound. The contact also stated that the steering wheel was misaligned and would not return to center. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where no brake failure was found, and the steering wheel was aligned; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2022
The harness straps are not easily adjustable, they must be separately weaved through two clips that are permanently attached to the back of the seat to secure them, removed separately from the clips to adjust the height of the shoulder harnesses, and then separately weaved back into the clips to readjust them as often as needed. To change how tight the harness is you need to tip the car seat almos... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
Hit pot hole and the brake peddle went most of the way to the floor and never changed. It now has a very low peddle. No brake fluid leaks.
Incident date: Oct 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the engine shuddered after startup. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and discovered coolant was present inside cylinder #3. The contact was informed that the cylinder head needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet re... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2023
ABS and traction lights come on intermittently with the brakes feeling different.Diagnostic shows code C0020-01 which is apparently a very common issue with 2018 Rams.Dealer told me today(10-25-23) no part’s available at the earliest will be Feb. of 2024.This truck has 81000 miles on it and is my daily driver.I would hope Ram steps up and fixes problems at NO CHARGE for everyone effected.
Incident date: Oct 4, 2023
Purchased the vehicle with 23 miles, notice the ride quality getting worse over the passing months. at 5800k miles or so I had to contact the dealership to report a possible issue so before driving 90 mins to an appointment I checked all wheel lug nuts, 3 lug nuts on the driver side and 2 lug nuts on the passenger side front were not properly torqued at the manufactures plant when built. I had the... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
Vehicle is sputtering and jerking while driving When slowing to a stop vehicles engine will shut off. I do know that the 2021 Tahoe has recalls on the fuel pump issues but not sure why my vin number isn’t covered under this recall. This is a 2 year old vehicle and already has recalls on this year model on its fuel pump. At this point it is barely driveable and is a danger for myself and my... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
Vehicle is sputtering and jerking while driving When slowing to a stop vehicles engine will shut off. I do know that the 2021 Tahoe has recalls on the fuel pump issues but not sure why my vin number isn’t covered under this recall. This is a 2 year old vehicle and already has recalls on this year model on its fuel pump. At this point it is barely driveable and is a danger for myself and my... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2005) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Oct 25, 2023
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
Before this recall happened we had issues with screen blacking out and crashing even after the recall was “fixed” also the back seat outlet has never worked. The malfunction of the grille shutter and park support brake malfunction came last week and we had to have that fixed. Now this! The dealerships around kansas don’t have loaner vehicles or rentals available. How is this okay?!
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
When washing the vehicle through a standard car wash (Mister) in Minnetonka, MN 55345. The vehicle takes on gallons of water. This seems completely inappropriate. A car built in 2018 should be able to be washed. Taking on gallons of water on all areas of the floor board is unacceptable and ultimately a quality concern for mold and rust longer term.
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The service air bag soon message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that two unknown modules were defective and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the modules were no longer manufactured. The v... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2023
steering is sticky not smooth when making left or right turns on highway and side roads
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2016) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 24, 2023
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
ALL recalls and updates (including the NHTSA steering rebuild kit, and the fender kit) have been performed on this vehicle, yet it has a persistent issue. The vehicle stability system engages with zero warning and at any speed and road condition. This immediately restricts the RPM to 5200 maximum, or approximately 57mph on a flat, 54 on an incline, 60 on a downhill. I have nearly lost my life due ... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2016) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 24, 2023
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
ALL recalls and updates (including the NHTSA steering rebuild kit, and the fender kit) have been performed on this vehicle, yet it has a persistent issue. The vehicle stability system engages with zero warning and at any speed and road condition. This immediately restricts the RPM to 5200 maximum, or approximately 57mph on a flat, 54 on an incline, 60 on a downhill. I have nearly lost my life due ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
2010 Nissan altam the front strut insulators on both sides have really bad cracks on the upper insulators. It's a loud clunking noise going over bumps or just driving on flat surfaces. There's a recall on 09 and 10 maxima and altamas with the same issues but this one isn't showing up for a recall.
Incident date: Oct 21, 2023
In the parking lot of my condo/home I was slowly approaching and driving in to my regular assigned parking space. As I applied the brakes preparing to stop, the car suddenly and without warning quickly accelerated and crashed into the building causing extensive damage to the building and the vehicle. The air bag did not react.
Crash