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
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
Parked my Escape in the garage on Thursday evening, December 14, 2023. Everything was ok. Opened the driver door Friday morning, December 15, 2023 and it made a funny creaking noise and felt draggy, didn't open smoothly. The noise continued each time I opened the door and seemed to get worse. On Tuesday morning, December 19th I took my vehicle to a Ford dealership to see what the problem was. ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
I was driving and out of no where l.the sunroof exploded . We didn't hit anything or nothing hit us it was crazy
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jan 2, 2024
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
Outer Windshield Panel on Drivers Side completely detached and blew off into oncoming and following traffic without warning. It did not make contact with any vehicle or pedestrian, however the risk was still there.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
The power liftgate stopped working. This is the exact issue described in the 23V-338 / 49A Recall. The year, make, and model of my car are the same as detailed in the recall, but this specific VIN is not included. The issue is due to an electrical short that poses a fire hazard. There is no manual way to open the liftgate, it completely relies on the functionality of the electric system. It is cle... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
PASSENGER FRONT DOOR CHECK HAS CRACKED & IS NOT OPERABLE THERE WAS CONSISTENT "POPPING" SOUNDS FOR SOME TIME PRIOR. HE DEALER INSPECTED AND SAW BROKEN DOOR WELDS. HE INDICATED AT LEAST 3 SAME COMPLAINTS HAS BEEN MADE .THE REPAIR ESTIMATE WAS FOR 2200.00 IF I HAD TO PAY FOR IT THE DEALER SENT A CLAIM TO FORD REQUESTING THAT THEY TAKE CARE OF THE REPAIR I AM WAITING FOR THEIR RESPONSE
Incident date: Dec 25, 2023
I bought this car with just under 48k miles September 2023, it had a very small chip on the bumper that I assumed was from a rock. After driving this car for a while, I noticed that chip got bigger and eventually other parts of my bumper and hood started bubbling and chipping as well.90% of my bumper is now lacking paint and it’s starting to chip on my hood more. I’ve only driven it an additio... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2022
This vehicle has a frame that is rusted far beyond what you would normally expect. The same problem is listed in other complaints here and elsewhere online. The passenger side running board fell off because the frame it was attached to was so badly rusted.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The paint is bubbling and has severe corrosion on the body and frame. There is issues with using the rear door due to the rust.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
Door check bracket. Door randomly started making clunking noises, and middle hinge seems wobbly and unstable.
Incident date: Dec 31, 2023
There is usual rust on body of truck. There is some kind of electrical problem rather it’s the security system or wiring. There’s a clicking sound coming from dash area. There is a suspension problem, has to change leaf springs, struts and shocks often.
Incident date: Dec 4, 2023
The door limiter has come lose and the spot welds are damaged.
Incident date: Nov 2, 2023
Our Ford Escape 2014 has two safety recalls. My complaint is that they didn't fix it timely. One of the door latches failed and the door was opened by itself on the road in August 2022. I have taken the car to a local FORD dealership and got it inspected. They said they would request the parts and fix it. However, nothing happened after weeks of waiting. I have checked back many times, and they ke... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
My drivers door will only open about 6 inches. I have to crawl across the console to drive. I took it to ford dealer who said it was a ford issue but I was a few months beyond my 36 month warrenty so it wasn't covered. He also said not to roll down the window or it might shatter.
Incident date: Dec 27, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Gas tank cover plate is rusting out causing the tank to almost fall out. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My safety and others safety was put at risk as if the tank were to fall out, it could catch the vehicle on fire. Also as the plate rusts even more day by day, the heat fro... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
The hood has fluttered since I bought the car on 7/29/21. I brought the issue to the dealership's attention, but they denied hearing any other complaints. While I was waiting at the dealership for an oil change, I was talking to other outlander owners, and they expressed the same concern. I also have an issue with the front Collison senor. Since day one, the sensor will disengage in direct sunligh... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
My vista sunroof on my 2017 F250 Super Duty Platinum made a popping noise and failed to open when I attempted to open it. It became bound to the rear glass which in turn commenced to fracture across the entire piece. Fortunately no one was injured as this glass could have dropped large shards into the cab. I an concerned that this could still present a problem when driving and is an imminent safet... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
Drivers door making a popping noise when opening and closing.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
Was driving and the vehicle stalled well driving, Had a hard time trying to stop and could barley steer the vehicle. Vehicle was flashing shift to park. This has happened two times to me now and I took it to the dealership and it happened to them as well. The radio screen sometimes doesn't light up and it will freeze and won't let you do anything, when cell phone is connected via blue tooth it wil... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2023
Truck leaks water from rear windshield, water runs down to receiver module for the key FOBs and causes truck not to turn off. Leaks from headliner into safety eq on windshield causing GPS issues, visability as water runs down inside of windshield. RAM will not fix under warranty. truck is well withing 3yr /36K miles
Incident date: Sep 30, 2023
10/10 Tapped pedal into Drive: Toyota Highlander 2018 Car sped off at 50mph with my foot on brake for 3 minutes Holding brake down and down-shifting did nothing Vehicle stopped when it hit a pole destroying passenger-side fender and bumper Airbag did not deploy Unintended acceleration/sticky pedal as reported early this century when Toyota recalled 80,000 vehicles. On 11/17/2023 an ER or Black B... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
The windshield Trim panel flew off at highway speed.
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
Manufacture paint failure of the “blizzard pearl white” color. Existing recall for the 2005 GX 470 models needs to be extended to include more vins experiencing peeling paint on the roof, hood and doors.
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
One early morning in November, I opened the rear door on my RX to remove my rollator walker. I am handicapped. I opened the door using the switch under the door handle. The door opened normally, and I reached in to remove the rollator and the door jerked down about a foot then continued to close with several jerking drops. It scared me, but I was able to jump out of the way of the door as it d... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2023
Cars passener side front and the back floor was flooded with water after heavy rain. Window was not left open as the seats are completly Dry . There seems to be a sound of a puddle coming from the right side of the car as well whenever it rains. I poured water on top of the car to find a visual leak but didnt see water leaking inside .
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
Almost all body parts including doors and windows have alignment gaps resulting in air leaks into and out of the car creating too much wind noise and very had to keep warm in winter and cool in summer thus overburdening the heating and cooling system causing excessive wear and tear
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
I've added all 4 doors not latch closed at different times. I also had my front driver's door pop open while driving, this happens when the temperature is cold and freezing. I've spoken with two different Ford dealers and they both said they haven ne er heard of this problem. I have spoken with people who own the same vehicle and they say it's common and Ford really doesn't have a fix or if some... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
My door and hood hinges are severely corroded; this is a known issue that has resulted in a TSB. However, dealers are unwilling/unable to complete the repair work due to the high volume warranty claims they receive related to this issue. My door hinges have corroded to the point that they’ve undoubtedly lost structural integrity.
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
Since May 2023, I've been to two different dealerships with the same issue. It started with a whistling sound form air vents, buring smell, increased has consumption, loss of power going up hill, gas smell inside cabin, no air, loud noise from right side of car under hood, and engine malfunction warning. Finally, 12/12/23 the car, without warning, instantly stalled, shut-off in traffic. Several v... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2023
Day after purchase of car, door was making noise. Took it to location ford dealer only to be told it's the door check welds and it's $3k+ to replace the entire door. It's gotten so bad, I have to force door to shut.
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
The vehicle accelerated on its own after a stop in front of the garage after stopping. It was so fast that it ramped into the building and destroyed it until a pillar put it to a stop.
Crash
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
There is a crack on the left lower part of the windshield. It’s the 3rd crack requiring a windshield replacement and it only has 21,110 miles on it
Incident date: Dec 29, 2022
The paint is peeling off, started a couple of years ago, but its getting worse and worse. I jsut read about this recall that was issued. Needed to know what can be done. The front is peeled, so i added a hood front end bra, and have peeling spots all around. I try to wash only with soft water so it will not peel as much. I added a picture of the front with the bra, but if needed i will send one wi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
The welds have pulled out of my left drivers door check arm. My car has just 45,000 miles, just purchased 60 days ago. Now they want $2600+ to repair. I see many many many complaints about this issue. Add me to the list. This is ridiculous! It’s not like I had anything to do with the welds not holding!
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
The driver side door is getting a "popping" and "grinding" sound everytime the door is opened or closed. Upon investigation, the metal lever has become unwelded to the door. All 3 weld spaces are detached from the door. In addition, the window on the driver side is not air tight and is intermittently stopped working. I am very concerned that because of the unwelded parts may cause the door to weak... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
Pearl White Paint is chipping and peeling all over my car.
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
The passenger door opened on its while the car was coming to a stop. Then a few other occasions same issue. The vehicle had the recall completed and the issues still persist with the car. I did record on a separate incident when the wheel was engaged in reverse where the door opens couple times by itself.
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER
(2018) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 28, 2023
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The drivers door handle was built in such a manner it leads to easy vehicle break ins. Criminals have determined it is very easy to beak door lock tumbler and open the door thru the vertical rod. This all occurs without setting off the security system of the vehicle.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
On 12/6/23, hinge on driver's side door broke. Piece is lodged in the door and window cannot go down. On 12/13/23, car was inspected at Ford dealership. Service Department confirmed hinge broke. According to Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) - SSM 50150, "certain 2020-2021 Escape vehicles may exhibit cracks or broken spot welds in the left front door at the check arm attachment point in the doo... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
Rainwater accumulates inside of doors. Drainage holes are easily blocked by dirt debris and unable to drain water from doors. Results in water sloshing around inside of door while driving.
Incident date: Nov 23, 2023
I was driving on the highway and was notified by passing motorists that there was smoke coming from my vehicle, I proceeded to pull to the shoulder and parked my vehicle. When parked, I noticed flames coming from the engine compartment and under the vehicle. I proceeded to get as far away from the car and that when the fire became enraged and fully engulfed my vehicle. The fire department arrived ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 2, 2021
Sunroof spontaneously exploded while driving 65mph on highway.
Incident date: Nov 12, 2023
I was driving on the freeway and my hood popped up and smashed my roof and everything inside the ceiling onto my lap. The lighting and visor broken. Roof and hood damaged. I luckily survived this. I am leading this car. I took it to Nissan when this happened. They said they’d fix it but it’s been months and now no answer.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
Door will not open from inside or outside of the vehicle and it is a safety issue. There are forums of the same issue with this make and models
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
The rear window of my one year old 2023 HrV suddenly shattered, thankfully while vehicle was parked. No impact to glass or reasoning, I filed an incident report with police out of concern, they had never seen anything like it but stated it was not due to any object impact. This happened right on Christmas weekend, leaving me without a safe car to drive which ruined some of plans and dealership was... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2023
The frame has completely rusted out and the vehicle is no longer roadworthy. Mechanic was shocked it didn’t snap while on the road. Only has 113k miles. Apparently this is a known major issue with these vehicles and costing owners thousands of dollars due to incorrect manufacturing of the frames. Please hold the manufacturer accountable for this defect before someone does get hurt.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
Driver door hinge welds broke and the door pops and creaks. The broken hinge rubbed on the window wiring harness and now the window won’t open. This has happened to hundreds of 2020 & 2021 ford escapes and my extended warranty won’t cover it because it’s coded as a “trim” piece, which is infuriating as it’s WELDED INSIDE of the door.
Incident date: Dec 27, 2023
There is a spot weld failure inside my driver side door resulting in the door hinge being broken inside the door. The door does not open all the way and it makes loud popping and screeching noises. I can only roll my window down about 3 inches. I am concerned for my safety as I have seen other complaints regarding this issue where the door stopped latching completely. Also, windows are an emergen... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2023
Door is cracking only at 38k miles and the thing pops when I open and shut it on drivers side sounds like it’s going to fall right off
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
Driving at highway speed and sunroof glass spontanious exploded. Wasn't under any over passes or behind any vehicles. Luckily, I had the inside cover closed or I would've gotten shards of glass on my head and face while I was driving.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2023
Passenger side front window trim (column). The rubber seal started flapping on the expressway (60-70mph), followed by the entire trim piece ripping off. Created a significant distraction for driver and passenger. Trim piece flew off vehicle onto a 6 lane highway creating a safety issues for other drivers. There was no previous history of damage/accident involving this trim piece.