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 49,040 complaints — component: STRUCTURE:BODY
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jan 17, 2024
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
The vehicle was driven by my [XXX] daughter and at @ 6 pm on [XXX] the engine was making a noise and that the car was starting to slow down and stall,so she called me. She pulled over and shut the car off and then all the dashboard lights started to blink really fast. The car started to smoke from the engine, she got out and called 911. 911 said they would send a tow truck. within a few minu... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
Door Hinge spot welds broken on the check arm moving freely causing loud noise in the driver door making it hard to operate and won't allow the window to roll down.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2023
Doors keep freezing and they won't stay shut when you drive if it gets below 25 degrees
Incident date: Jan 16, 2024
Water leaking into interior of vehicle and to the trunk of the vehicle. Noticed significant water entered and entering into the trunk of the Audi after a recent rain. Also tested the drainage of water when the moonroof is opened and noticed water leaking into the interior. The audi e-tron is an electric vehicle which may have dangerous electrical implications if water leaking into the interior ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
Honda Odessey 2013Driving down a highway at 55mph when we heard a loud backfire. Engine light came on, car shook violently. We immediately pulled into a gas station where a mechanic was present. Mechanic scanned for codes and codes p0302 and P0303 came up. The cylinders had rotated and aligned fouling the spark plugs. and damaging the coil. Had we continued to drive we would have ruined the engine... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2020
Power tailgate began to malfunction first by opening slowly or not opening at all. Once open, would not close automatically. Would require a lot of manual force. Then, a "Power Tailgate Problem" error began to show on the dashboard. We took it to our local mechanic within about a week's time. They found the following 9 electrical codes: Power Tailgate Control Unit Internal Error Power Tailgate ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
A service bulletin for windshields leaking into 2024 Santa Cruz and Tucson vehicles was issued on 11/02/23 from Hyundai, causing passenger side flooding.The length of time these models were exposed to or held water could pose these safety risks: 1 Corrosion of various mechanical and electrical parts from water entry for months that could cause safety risks at a later time. Ex. Certain Hyundai veh... Read more
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER SPORT
(2020) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jan 16, 2024
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
Passenger door failed to unlock or open from inside the car after parking. Passenger pulled on the handle multiple times but the door would not open. The driver got out of the car and attempted lock and unlock the car with the Key FOB and used the exterior handle to open the car but unsuccessful. After approx 10 minutes of trying all sequences of locking, unlocking, getting back in the driver s... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
Snow White Pearl paint bubbles and has peeled away from body of SUV around window shield. 2014 Kia Sorento with 60,000 miles on it.
Incident date: Dec 24, 2023
[XXX] 10 year old VW Jetta that was always in the garage until last year when we moved. Now have a nauseating mildew smell throughout the interior. Finally found water under the front carpet. Then found this VW Tech Tip (above). Apparently a known manufacturing issue: "seam sealer Skip" is how they refer to it. Now it's out of warranty with only 52,000 mi and is an unsafe mildew/mold trap. The ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
On two isolated occasions the passenger front door would not open from the inside with the door unlocked, my wife tried topen the door several times but would not open. I locked and unlocked the door, then it operated properly. On another occasion the rear passenger door would not open from the outside. Again locking and unlocking the door resolved the problem. I am not sure iff htere is an inte... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2023
I HAVE WATER ENTERING THE CAB BY THE UPPER BRAKE LIGHT AT THE BACK OF THE CAB. THE WATER IS MAKING WATER STAINS ON THE HEAD LINER AND THE WATER IS SATURATING THE AIR CURTAINS ABOVE THE REAR WINDOW. IT IS ALSO MAKING THE FLOOR WET AND THE ELECTRICAL WIRES AND COMPONENTS ON THE FLOOR. I ALSO HEAR AIR LEAKS AROUND THE DOOR SEALS WHEN I AM DRIVING ENTERING CURVES AND TURNS. IT SEEMS LIKE THE CAB, OR D... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2022
Paint falling off like paper. Kia used defective paint and knows it. Whole car needs to be repainted with different non defective paint!
Incident date: May 11, 2023
There is a water leak in the factory seals of the rear tailgate which causes the Power Tailgate Control Module to fail. The tail gate can no longer be closed/latched and requires replacement and sealing of the water leak.
Incident date: Jan 14, 2024
Can't open driver's side door from outside, safety issue for parents/first responders. Online search shows this is a common defect that needs a safety recall, the wiring is defective and costly to repair. Thank you
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
The exhaust pipe fell off the catalytic converter. Upon some research on the internet, I have found that this is a common issue for this specific car model.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
While at the gym one evening on 1/3, I came back to my car and noticed a shattered rear windshield. Initially my thoughts were 'did my car get broken into?' however, nothing was missing and my gym is located in a fairly safe part of town. Also, this occurred early evening, one of the busiest times at the gym and an unlikely time for a break in. I notified the police, my insurance company, and the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2024
My 2500 RAM longbed crewcab is a "Tradesman", i am a contractor, so i put a lumber rack on my truck because i also am a TRADESMAN! Problem is this bed rail is 80% hollow and covered with cheap Chinese plastic. I have stress fractures on the outside sheetmetal body panels. And this is with an empty rack 99% of the time. If a work truck cannot be used for work then what the hell is it good for? What... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2023
Approximately 1/4/2024 The front drivers side door is broken. The bolts broke off on the inside.I had no prior warning, I went to open my door and a huge clunk sound happened and it was difficult to open , there was friction ,opening it all the way is causing friction and I don’t want the door to fall off. Also it’s causing the automatic window not to work now , that only is opening half way... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2023
The rear right wheel broke off when going in reverse, leaving driveway (low speed). Towed to a garage. Was told that the rear frame member had rusted through. Had no warning of this -- car is used regularly and had been inspected several months ago. EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED TO ANOTHER COUPLE WE KNOW WHO ALSO OWN A 2013 PRIUS -- rear wheel came off because the frame member rusted through. Hap... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2023
Paint delamination on top surfaces of the vehicle.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2024
Defective factory paint. Dirt under the clear coat on hood - inspected by a reputable auto detailer/body shop.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
drivers side front door. Welds are broken. Ford dealership says they are not equipped to repair
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
Windshield leaks during rain season leaving driver seat mat damp
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
I had the recall repaired on my 2017 F150 in 2022, for the freezing door latches not latching and letting the door stay closed. I did have issues with it in ’23 but it was only once or twice and I didn’t do anything about it. I had issues with the latching again this winter (Jan. 2024) and had a new problem where the door would not UNLOCK and just brought it into Ford to maybe have them do a ... Read more
FIRESTONE
TEMPA SPARE
(9999) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jan 15, 2024
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
2004 Toyota Tundra’s Frame is abnormally rusted. The paint and the mechanical function of the vehicle is pristine however the frame has corroded and rusted egregiously. There was a class action suit a few years back but they failed to notify me of the open recall to replace and even on file there was never any pending notice of such recall for my vehicle although it qualified and I have been the... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2023
Took truck in for fuel pump module upon dropping the fuel tank the mechanic discovered the frame was rusted thriugh and cracked! After investigating online i see this is a very common problem and they should be held accountable. Rest of truck looks pretty good for the year i purchased with 55000 miles on it and had it oil sprayed every year
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
2020 Ford Escape has a broken spot weld in the drivers door. First the door would stick when opening and closing then it would not close. This cost us a tow to the dealership and from there to a collision shop. My warranty ran out on Feb. 27 this occurred in April on Easter Sunday. I contacted Ford support about the matter, several times, and wrote letters to the Ford Corporation because the cost... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
I have a Toyota sienna 2022 Limited AWD, not been driving much recently. The last time I drove was 2 days ago but local around 2 miles. Today I tried opening my doors, and there is no response at all. At first I thought maybe my key fob is dead, so I grabbed my spare and tried, nothing. Pull both my physical keys out twist and turned, still nothing. Called Toyota Roadside service and they said in ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2023
Please allow submission of additional information regarding issues with my 2013 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor. As stated on the previous complaint filed on 1/9/2024, I got my car service at AutoNation Ford Service Center on 12/16/2023, and I brought it back to the service center on Saturday, 12/23/2023 because of the car’s poor performance and engine had laminated on 12/17/2023. Issues such as:... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Driver side door would not close after opening assuming due to frigid temperatures. Had to hold door closed in transit.
Incident date: Jan 14, 2024
Odyssey Minivan. The right rear sliding door became de-railed and stuck in the open position; the derailment also caused the third window on the right to break (rail is adjacent to the window).
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
Driving from church with grandchildren in back seat and drivers side rear door came open on its own. Took several attempts to get it to latch back. Now door will not open.
Incident date: Jan 14, 2024
Paint on ridge above driver side window began delaminating and completely eroded over a day. This happened while the car was parked without any rain or other impact.
Incident date: Jan 14, 2024
None of the doors has puddle/ courtesy lights which can cause hazard situation when doors need to open in dark environment. Those lights when available alerts oncoming vehicles pedestrians or cyclists. Oncoming vehicles cyclists at danger of poor visibility if the doors open. There use to be lights on all 4 doors few years ago on any motor vehicle. Then certain manufacturers made them available on... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2023) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jan 14, 2024
Incident date: Jan 14, 2024
*The passenger side sliding door will no longer lock. It will not lock with the clicker, the indoor power lock or manually. *This is a dangerous risk as an intruder may be able to access the interior of my van even if my kids or I are in it. Also, because it doesn't lock it could open while the car is driving injuring someone, etc... *I have not yet had it checked at a dealer. I found MANY other... Read more
NISSAN
ROGUE SPORT
(2021) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jan 14, 2024
Incident date: Jan 14, 2024
While I was driving on the highway I heard a loud pop over head and when I open my roof shade I saw the my sunroof was shattered. Then glasses started flying everywhere. The shattered pieces of sunroof glasses put me at risk and other motor vehicles on the road. I looked up online and found out that this is an ongoing issue with Acura/Honda sunroof exploding. Acura hasn't made a recall yet.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
Delamination -peeling paint
Incident date: Jan 12, 2024
This is the 6th winter I have had my truck. Every winter, the door locks freeze to the point the doors won't close. I have called ford, they have replaced the door locks. The problem still persists. I went to warm them up with a torch today to get them working again. I left and once again the door flew open under braking. I have called ford on this, they need to fix it before something really bad ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
I was driving on the freeway when one of my A pillers flew off and cause the person behind me to loose control of their car. About 5 min later the other a piller flew off almost causing an accident with a semi and trailer.
Crash
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
In unexpected and unknown circumstances (false sensor detections?), the automated doors and trunk will suddenly reverse direction when opening and rapidly close instead of pausing. This can cause injury with no ability to get out of the way in proper time. I’ve experience cases where the trunk opened then suddenly came down hitting me in the head. Also, have had cases where the falcon wing do... Read more
2 injured
Incident date: Aug 17, 2023
White paint is peeling rapidly and exposing the primer
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
When I was driving down the highway at a normal speed (65 mph) the passenger side windshield trim piece detached from my vehicle. I was not able to confirm that the piece of trim was the origin of the noice. I was not able to determine that until I reached my destination. This is a large trim piece and I could imagine it could cause damage to vehicles behind either to their vehicles or their tires... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2024
After my shift at work. I got in my 2019 ACURA RDX and closed the door. Right when the door closed the rear tailgate glass shattered. Leaving a big hole in the glass on my drive home. While it kept breaking into thousands of smaller pieces while driving home. Mind you I live in Chicago and the temperature was 20 degrees Fahrenheit outside. Called my insurance company to file a claim. Had the re... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2024
I own a 2020 Ford Escape. While entering the vehicle through the driver's side door, the door made an abnormal popping sound while being opened. The passenger’s side front door also made the abnormal popping sound while being opened. I have been informed by my repair shop that the doors will need to be replaced. I took to my local dealership, Kindle Ford and they informed me that the vehicle is ... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jan 12, 2024
Incident date: Jan 11, 2024
Opened the driver's door and heard a crunching sound and the door could not be opened all the way. Along with that the rear back window would not close and the driver's window went up slowly. Went to the dealership and they say it is a known problem, but they don't have any recalls about them so out of pocket it would cost me upwards of 2000 for the window regulators and 5,000 to replace the door ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2024
My car is what is being investigated under PE23013. The welds on my driver door have come undone.
Incident date: Jan 11, 2024
The brackets in the driver side door are broken I’m passed the bumper to bumper warranty therefore Ford won’t cover it
Incident date: Jan 9, 2024
The passenger windshield trim piece blew off my vehicle on the interstate yesterday and caused the vehicle behind me to swerve to try to avoid it. Looking through my rear view mirror, the driver appeared to lose control due to over correction. The driver avoided a collision and crash, but it looked hairy for a few moments. The driver's side trim piece blew off my vehicle last year. After Googli... Read more