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: Oct 4, 2023
November 1, 2022 my car went to the dealership because the check engine light came on. We had it towed to our local repair shop and they suggested it go to the dealership as it appeared that there was a crack leaking fluid into the engine. It was at that time I was notified that I was going to need a new engine and it was suggested that I go through Ford Motor Company for assistance to cover th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2023
I was just driving then out of nowhere. No warning No lights inmitted on dash no idea the engine will shut off. Replace alternator, Battery,Starter,3 PCM,still no luck. Noticed that PCM could have been the so that's why I went through 3 of em. New ,Use ,and Refurbish one. The dealership mechanic noticed that PCM would shut off and henced (no bus) would illuminate. Happened quite often scary part i... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that after driving to a local store and turning off the vehicle, the contact then returned to the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the fuel level sensor circuit and cam shaft position sensor had faile... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2023
While driving around town when I am coming to a stop either at a red light or stop sign or even in the drive through at a restaurant I am getting a message that says "shift to P, then Restart Engine" and then the car just shut's off and I have to put it in park and restart the car. After restarting the car sometimes is very sluggish as if it is not going to get through the intersection or starti... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2023
THIS IS FOR SAFETY RECALL IN oct 2019- regarding the brakes- it has ALREADY BEEN MADE AWARE TO DOT. This is in regards to getting a refund for my almost 4k out of pocket expense. The brakes went out completely in sept 2019 ( in 5-7 mph I could not stop in traffic even with them all the way pushed to the floor. and caused a front end collision ad the brakes been working normally this would have n... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 4, 2023
THIS IS FOR SAFETY RECALL IN oct 2019- regarding the brakes- it has ALREADY BEEN MADE AWARE TO DOT. This is in regards to getting a refund for my almost 4k out of pocket expense. The brakes went out completely in sept 2019 ( in 5-7 mph I could not stop in traffic even with them all the way pushed to the floor. and caused a front end collision ad the brakes been working normally this would have n... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 4, 2023
While driving without notice transmission light flashes and the 2011 Dodge Durango will not shift out of gear. I have had this problem in the past and told dealer but they always say they have no codes and on test drive cant confirm the issue. The first time it happened was around the 50 000 mile mark I thought nothing of it back then as I restarted the car it went away. Over the years it go worst... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the airbag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the front driver's airbag module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the part to complete the repair was on backorder. The manufacturer... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2019) — AIR BAGS
Oct 3, 2023
Incident date: Oct 3, 2023
I have 2017 Honda CRV. I observed that my driver sear cushion is deformed. I took my vehicle to Honda dealer they inspected and said my cushion is deformed and airbag is loose. I called honda and they said they will investigate the issue, they investigated the issue and came back with comments that seat frame is bent and due to vehicle is outside warranty they can’t repair it. I checked onlin... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
I was driving down the interstate and heard a very loud bang, we thought someone had shot at the vehicle. It scared me and I swerved off the highway almost hitting the sidewall. The car behind me went off the road also. I went to check on them and their windshield was busted as well. It was dark out, and we knew something hit us, but we couldn't figure out what it was. When I woke up the next morn... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2000 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated on several occasions while attempting to start the vehicle in the morning, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the engine failed to turn over however, the vehicle was able to be started closer to the afternoon. The check engine warning light illuminated along with the “Service Engine Soon” message displayed. The vehicle... Read more
DODGE
CHALLENGER
(2016) — POWER TRAIN
Oct 2, 2023
Incident date: Sep 11, 2023
The vehicle lost traction power, failed to respond to presses to the accelerator and coasted to a stop. It gave no indication on the dash that there were any problems. Putting the car in park and then selecting drive again restored traction power and the car responded to pressing of the accelerator pedal. The car was not turned off and back on. During the incident: - The brakes, steering, air co... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2022
The oil pressure light came on and now Ford tells us that we have to get a new engine that will cost us over $6,000 and the vehicle has less than 84,000 miles on it. Now i have to buy a new engine but i have taken good care of the vehicle. Now I here if I drive the car it could stop on the road. So now if Ford repairs the car with a new engine which is going to be the same type engine how long w... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2022
The driver's side exterior windshield moulding detached from the vehicle traveling at interstate speed (75 mph) and struck the driver's door above the window. The apparent cause of detachment was failure of the retaining clips and adhesive that holds the external piece to the internal rubber moulding.
Incident date: May 16, 2022
I had a car accident with my child and the front seat belt passenger side locked up and we ended up having to cut her out of the seat belt because it wouldn't unhook
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
While driving my car an Alan went off telling me to pull over and turn off the vehicle. Unfortunately, I had no steering, brakes or acceleration and me and my two little boys were almost hit. I checked and my car year, make and model had a recall for the exact issue and module but mine wasn’t listed in the recall and I think it should be!
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
I have an oil consumption on my cx-5 turbo. Have to add 1/2-3/4 quart 4k after service interval oil change.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
Hi, We made an appointment for lube oil and filter change for Oct. 12 in Redding. We made the call because the dock to recharge the phone was getting very hot and the phone shut down and said it needed to cool down. Two different phones and several times. We do not use it. During the call to two different dealers. Harper Motors and Redding Kia the said there was another issues with no remedy bu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2023
Complete engine failure while driving 70mph down the freeway. No lights came on before engine started shaking, knocking, and failed. We were stranded at a gas station. We checked oil and there was none. (This was shocking because we changed oil regularly and car had just received complete oil change several weeks prior) We bought enough oil to drive it to nearest auto mechanic shop. He inspected t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while opening the front driver's side door, the door would swing open. The contact stated that the door welds had fractured and were no longer attached to the door frame. Additionally, the front driver's side window would not roll down and the door could no longer be securely locked because of the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaire... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon accelerating into traffic, the vehicle was slow to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle would upshift or downshift erratically. The check engine and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The contact went to the local dealer and ordered the parts for the repair. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Dick Masheter F... Read more
DODGE
JOURNEY
(2016) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Sep 28, 2023
Incident date: Sep 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for State Inspection however, the vehicle failed the inspection due to cracks to the driver’s and passenger’s side sub frame, and corroded brake lines. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that both the driver’s and passenger’s side sub frame and brake lines needed to be ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2023
2nd time in 40k miles right rear caliper locked up mechanic suggest getting both left and right replaced figuring if one failed its only a matter of time, calipers should last 10 years and 2nd replacement in 4 years, this is a bad safety issue
Incident date: Sep 28, 2023
The driver's headrest in my 2016 Dodge Journey has deployed and will not reset. The plastic pieces that hold the metal bar have broken. I have read about many other owners of Journeys, that are experiencing the same issue, yet there is no official recall. I have not taken it to be inspected.
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
Defrost doesn’t work because harness melted and blew a fuse
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
Defrost doesn’t work because harness melted and blew a fuse
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
When attempting to apply brakes, the pedal sunk to the floor with no result. On subsequent attempts, the left front brake activated and locked up while there was no apparent effect on the other 3 wheels. The car veered to the left as a result of the one brake being applied, and began to travel down the road at an angle of about 45 degrees. Correction was required to steer out, the brake remained l... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
While driving on a two lane highway I experience daily ghost braking incidents. While doing 75, in both cruise and autopilot mode, the car will slam on the brakes when approaching a semi in the right lane. Today it even swerved to the right without the semi moving out of its lane. I also experience panic braking if a car crosses the lanes in front of me even if it is 500m away and the crossing car... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
The 2019 Ford Eco Sport had the loss of oil pressure indicator light turn on all of a sudden. Took to a local mechanic and the oil pressure belt in the engine malfunctioned and is not lubricating the entire engine which could cause the car to freeze up instantly and unexpectantly. It was dangerous to me and others if the car just stopped driving all of a sudden. I stopped driving the car and had i... Read more
DODGE
SPRINTER 2500
(2008) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sep 27, 2023
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
Vehicle recall was addressed, yet problem persisted which was an engine oil leak/burn. Oil continued to leak/burn and caused engine problems. Cylinder 1 misfire was most recent, lost of acceleration, a/c failure, burning of engine coolant. All regular maintenance has been performed, 2nd set of new spark plugs within 12 months were installed a week ago. I have spent over $500 in the last few months... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
The HLM (out of business) trailer hitch tore at the welds on both sides. Manufacturer states you can tow 5,000 lbs./500 tongue. My trailer fully loaded is 4600/380. I took the RV back to the Jayco Service Center, where I purchased it, to be repaired. I was informed HLM(aka pull rite) was contracted to build the hitch and no longer manufacture it. I was also informed that the hitch is mounted on a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2023
The front suspension started making a lot of loud noises, the service center acknowledged that it's a control arm issue potentially however my VIN is not listed in a recall that was conducted for this manufacturer and they're doing more recalls on it but the manufacturer says that I have to pay for the repair despite it being a safety issue for the control arm not being tightened to the frame and ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2023
The front suspension started making a lot of loud noises, the service center acknowledged that it's a control arm issue potentially however my VIN is not listed in a recall that was conducted for this manufacturer and they're doing more recalls on it but the manufacturer says that I have to pay for the repair despite it being a safety issue for the control arm not being tightened to the frame and ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
CUANDO ENCIENDO MI GUAGUA HACE UN RUIDO MUY FUERTE Y SE SIENTE COMO SI SE VA A APAGAR. EL MOTOR SE PUEDE ROMPER EN CUALQUIER MOMENTO. SI SE HA LLEVADO A DIFERENTES TALLERES PARA CONFIRMAR EL RUIDO Y ME REFIEREN QUE SON MAS DE 80 GUAGUAS QUE HAN VISITADO SU TALLER CON EL MISMO PROBLEMA. NO PRESENTA NINGUNA ADVERTENCIA CUANDO APARECIO POR PRIMERA VEZ. EN EL TALLER ME DICEN QUE SE DEBE CAMBIAR EL MOT... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2022
Shortly after purchasing my Ioniq (roughly 2 months into ownership) my dashboard started beeping with warning signs for my EPB and auto-hold brake. I panicked and parked my car and tried to turn off the functions because I thought I had accidentally turned them on but they wouldn’t turn off. This would continue at random for roughly 7 more months until it would stay on for weeks at a time. I was... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
per internet, very common problem. Gear box problem that prevents car from automatically going into Park when rolling, doors open, etc....there is a message warning driver to secure car by parkiing brake to prevent from rolling. Thousands of dollars to repair per internet ( i understand the problems with internet info) but multiple discussions on line. BMW x1 2016, 35k miles. Multiple mechani... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2010) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sep 25, 2023
Incident date: Mar 25, 2023
There is a software issue in this car which causes the following: 1) Rear backup camera completely turns off multiple times DURING backing up 2) A fault which presents as a "propulsion" failure, which causes the car to stop unexpectedly, start jerking, and then limits top speed to 20 mph. I've taken the car into the dealership for evaluation and was told "there's a software issue, we don't kn... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2016) — ENGINE
Sep 25, 2023
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power in the middle of the roadway and failed to restart. The vehicle was pushed to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that there was no oil in the engine, causing the en... Read more
DODGE
CHALLENGER
(2013) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 25, 2023
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
The low beam headlights degraded very quickly and doesn't throw much light. The problem seems to be with the projector headlight housing
Incident date: Jun 4, 2023
With only 32,000 miles the active fuel management system went out. The lifters failed and caused internal engine damage. My vehicle was well maintained using only high quality synthetic motor oil. I am on the hook for over $5000 in engine repairs. This technology was a miserable failure and the consumer should not be held responsible for poor engineering.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2023
Entire front leather dash has delaminated and separated by bubbling up from the original glue not holding. Also, the exhaust resonators (both sides) on my 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT is bad on both sides and blowing out fiberglass from my exhaust pipes all over the backside of my car. I’ve read on multiple forms that several customers have encountered the exact same issues on their Jeeps as... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2023
Rear windshield exploded and shattered into pieces mostly on the middle part of the windshield.
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
Power steering randomly stops working, sometimes warning lights come on when this happens. There is a recall affecting 2015 chevy vehicles that is related to a defect in the power steering system that causes similar issues, but my VIN is not part of the recall. How can I get the manufacturer to fix this?
Incident date: Jul 8, 2023
SAFETY RECALL 13S04
Incident date: Sep 11, 2023
Transmission started slipping and shuddering on vehicle with only 72,000 miles. Took to the dealer and they diagnosed the transmission fluid and torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle experienced harsh shifting since new and is a safety issue due to delayed speed, slipping, and hard shifts. There is a class action lawsuit for this 8 speed transmission and GM refuses to fix it. I paid ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
Oil Pump has failed. Has taken the car to 2 different dealerships and was told the repair would be over $8,000 to repair or replace the engine. Prior to oil pump failure I had no issues in fact I had just gotten an oil change 2 weeks previously. When they check the oil pump the had oil in it however there was no flow to the engine it had low oil pressure.
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
Oil Pump has failed. Has taken the car to 2 different dealerships and was told the repair would be over $8,000 to repair or replace the engine. Prior to oil pump failure I had no issues in fact I had just gotten an oil change 2 weeks previously. When they check the oil pump the had oil in it however there was no flow to the engine it had low oil pressure.
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
Sitting at drive through and driver headrest exploded and hit me in the back of the head. Thank God I was not moving at the time and my car was in park or I may have wrecked! Startled me and I was dazed and confused because I couldn’t figure out what had happened! This just happened a few hours ago so I have not been able to report it or have it checked out. I did take several pictures. The... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
The engine light has come on spuradically for the last 1.5 years and has been consistently on since May of 2023. This starting approx. 95,000 miles. During this time after starting the Yukon it is chuggy and missing, as I drive off it jerks and darts forward. Seems to be when I stop and start to go this happens, again engine light is always on...sometimes flashing. Starting 9/19/23 (106,000 mil... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while entering the vehicle, the contact opened the front driver’s side door and heard an abnormal sound. After inspecting the door, the contact noticed that he could not close the door. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had been diagnosed by the dealer. The contact was informed that three spot welds on the front driver’s ... Read more