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: Nov 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, gravel, rocks, and debris became trapped in the square holes in the inner wheel well. The contact noticed that the wheel well liner and under carriage were corroded. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. T... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2013) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 26, 2023
Incident date: Dec 23, 2023
The driver's side door suddenly made a large popping noise when I opened it one day. Since then, it continues to make this noise and sometimes won't close all the way. The driver's side window has also stopped working properly. It will go down just a couple of inches and stop - fortunately, it's been able to go back up but it seems to struggle so much to close that I just don't use it anymore o... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
Upon driving the vehicle on the freeway or highway at an accelerated speed, the hood shakes up and down rapidly, and appears as though it could potentially pop open. The hood is locked when driving and there have been no accidents on the vehicle. Nissan has had multiple recalls of their hood latch for the mid-size cars like the Altima and also the Pathfinder, but I believe the Rogue is also affect... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
roof front panel coating peeling off - there has been a recall for this issue on most mercedes benz of my year - not just my model- seems to consistently be an issue for the front panel between windshield and sunroof- [XXX] my specific VIN wasnt included in the recall but i am having the exact same issue- Mercedes told me to reach out to NHTSA to see about getting my VIN batch included in recall... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
I have own this vehicle on July 2023. I have recently noticed the exterior paint is peeling off quickly all over the body.
Incident date: Nov 17, 2023
It had a tailgate recall, when recall first came out, they wouldn't look at it. It hadn't caused any damage, or wasn't bad enough. Then they didn't have the parts. Now when they have the parts, they will not fix it because it has to many miles on it. Well DUH! It is a work truck. Causing major insurance claims. and I can't get it fixed?
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2008) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 25, 2023
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
i bought new car in 2017 November and around over 2500k miles I heard engine chirping sound and if you're surrounded by wall you can hear it louder. took it to dealership several time but they said it's normal and show me another car to prove to me. Which it did had same sound. Then yrs go by I hear loud clunking sound underneath the car every time I reversed and when switching gear to reverse. al... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2013) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 24, 2023
Incident date: Dec 8, 2023
A few years ago, my 2016 Hyundai Elantra hatch stopped opening. The hatch lever next to the drivers seat as well as the key fob button stopped working. I know there was a trunk latch recall number 208 from Oct. 2021. Hyundai told me there’s nothing I can do about it. I haven’t been able to get into my trunk for 3 years.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2023
In April, 2023 we received a recall notice directly from Tesla about a safety recall involving the front trunk hood opening while driving. The letter stated we would be contacted later about the fix. But we have never heard anything since from Tesla yet the recall does not show up on your website for our car. Can you explain what happened to the supposedly required repair?
Incident date: Oct 30, 2023
Drivers door began to make clicking banging sounds while opening and closing. It now is almost impossible to close and I has a lot of outward pressure once secured. I am scared the door will fly open while driving. This appears to be an ongoing issue with these models with a faulty spot weld but no recall as of yet.
Incident date: Dec 24, 2023
The vehicle is in immacutlate condition and when I went to wash it yesterday I noticed what appear to be a spot. When I sprayed with water the paint peeled off and I noted that it is dowing this on other spots on the bumper. I take excellent care of this car and to see paint peeling off when the car has not even done 100,000 miles is very disappointing. Only to find that Kia has had compaints and ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2023
My husband was driving about 20mls per hrs when our truck cought fire the whole front of our truct cought fire. The front mirror and everything if distroit due to the fire .
Fire
Incident date: Dec 22, 2023
I just bought this vehicle July 28 of 23. It was supposed to have been inspected to be sold. It’s completely rusted out the whole bottom of the car it’s unsafe to drive. I’ve been told by three people the people that did the inspection and said it was OK, and then Belle tire, which I tried to get a Alignment for him because it’s so bad and separating. I can’t get an alignment it hydropla... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2023
2017 Honda Civic paint falling off in large chunks.
COSCO KIDS
LIGHT N COMFY
(9999) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 23, 2023
Incident date: Dec 22, 2023
Water is leaking into the vehicle from the windshield cowl causing mold and wet passenger front carpets. It will be going to the dealer for the third time on Tuesday, December 26th to attempt to fix. The vehicle smells of mold and may be a health hazard. I cannot park it outside without fear the problem will get worse.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
The hinge for the passenger door that holds the door from opening widely broke. This is preventing for the door to close properly and I’m unable to lower the window.
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 22, 2023
Incident date: Sep 27, 2022
DRIVER'S DOOR CHECK SPOT WELDS MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING THE DRIVERS WINDOW TO BECOME INOPERATIVE
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
Rear half of Frame Crossmembers rotted away between the Frame rails. Took vehicle in for routine safety inspection, and the mechanic determined that the cross members to which the rear shocks and the Gas tank were attached had both broken free from the frame rails due to rust. The entire back end of the vehicle is suspended from the frame with only the leaf spring mounts. This rust is excessiv... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
My vehicle is 3 years old and the frame of my sunroof snapped. The warranty only covers the motor and the frame is what is damaged. When I called the warranty, they said this is a very common problem among Kia Tellurides. Why is this not a recall? It would cost me $4,000 to repair. This is not right.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
Going over a bump at 45 mph or greater results in the death wobble. Will not stop shaking until the vehicle slows down.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
My car has a warning code saying, “ secure vehicle form rolling”. There is a fault spring within the shift column. BMW is not covering it as a recall even though it could roll and hit someone or something.
Incident date: Jun 29, 2022
Windshield cowl (trim) had deteriorated, possibly due to common heat and sun damage. 1. We do not know whether or not the deteriorated cowl will affect windshield stability or water leaks. If windshield stability is affected, it would affect safety. 2. Other complaints have noted that pieces of deteriorated cowl/trim have impacted safety of nearby vehicles. 3. The vibration, humming, and buzz... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
The passenger side windshield panel came loose and then cracked and flew off whole driving on an interstate. It did not hit any cars but it is a big piece and could have damaged a car or caused a wreck.
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2024 Lexus LC500. The contact stated that the convertible top was leaking. While driving at approximately 70 MPH in the rain, water started to enter the vehicle. The contact stated that the passenger used paper towels and clothing to capture the water. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2023
There is major corrosion on the chassis, brake-power steering-transmission lines, and all metal brackets on the frame and engine. The corrosion is so bad there is holes on the chassis. Known issue, many complaints, Toyota Corp. says to keep calling back maybe something will be done in the future. Unable to upload photos!
HONDA
CR-V HYBRID
(2023) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 21, 2023
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
Under carriage is completely rotten floor boards ,shock mounts, rear frame. Garage on lunenburg st.in Fitchburg,MA said that it was so rotten that he couldn't find a safe spot to put the car on the lift to do exhaust work. Put in a complaint in Sept 2023 with NHTSA ID number 11544728. I explained to them that I had contacted Ford Motor Co. and Ford didn't want to hear it. This car is problematic... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2023
The problem appears to be related to defective spot welds at the check arm attachment points on the doors, which can cause the door to fail to secure upon closing or unexpectedly unlatch after being secured.
Incident date: Dec 21, 2023
My 2010 Toyota Tundra is like new and only has 56,000 miles on it. I ordered new tires and when I brought it to have the tires installed I was told me the frame was rusted through and they couldn’t lift it off the ground. They were concerned with me driving it and suggested that I bring it to my Toyota dealership and see what they could do. The dealership said there was nothing they could do bec... Read more
ALFA ROMEO
STELVIO
(2018) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 21, 2023
Incident date: Jun 2, 2023
Trunk will open seemingly at random. Occurs while driving, parked, turned off, etc. Widespread problem as it has been reported on multiple car forums, all with the same response from dealers; can’t reproduce issue or they don’t know what’s wrong.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
October 2017 I purchased a 2017 Hyundai Accent. During my very first month driving this car right bumper clip broke. As I was under warranty took car in complained to the dealership. A tech came out and basically wacked it back in place. So now I notice both left and right sides of bumper are off track. My son is a licensed mechanic. Before I took it back to dealership he had checked and said mom... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
2019 Hyundai the white paint is peeling. It was not caused by road damage. I asked the dealership and was told I was past the warranty due to my mileage.
Incident date: Nov 20, 2023
There is a spot weld failure inside my driver side door resulting in the doors hinge being broken inside the door. The door does not open all the way and it makes loud cracking noises. Also, the door will not always latch close properly and can open suddenly without touching it. I cannot roll down my window all the way. I need to crawl through the passenger side door and up over the console to get... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS REQUESTED BY THE CONSUMER THAT THEY WISH TO HAVE IT REMOVED. DJR ******* DELETE VOQ ******* The contact is requesting this to be cancelled.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Sunroof glass exploded: While driving in light traffic -- approximately 65 mph -- I heard a loud crash exploding sound and then the sound of glass breaking. No other vehicles were near me but I quickly scanned my front, back, and side windows and mirrors and nothing was broken. No warnings on instrument panel. I could hear wind coming in the vehicle and realized it was coming from the sunroof. I ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2023
Drivers side door lock is stuck and will not open. I had to crawl out of the passenger door to exit the vehicle. After exiting the car I tried locking and unlocking the car using the fab. Once the doors were locked none of the doors would open using the fab even though the fab was visibly working. I had to call AAA to come unlock the car. I can unlock all of the doors from the inside except for th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2023
Broken spot welds in the front doors at the check arm attachment point. Have already replaced both door on a 2020 escape and now needing to replace the driver door for a second time. Very poor quality by FORD.
Incident date: Nov 25, 2023
While driving down the road a large piece of the dash exploded violently projecting a sharp plastic piece of the dash, hitting driver in the face, narrowly missing the eyes, bouncing off and landing in the 2nd row seating area. Thankfully, there was no infant or child in those seats or they could have been injured. The temperature outside was 100+ in the summer in Texas. The cracking dash issue ha... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN LIMITED
(2018) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 20, 2023
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
A water leak was identified in the front left pillar from the support handle. It was sent in to Olympia Toyota who believed that body work was needed. The vehicle was then transferred to Titus Toyota in Tacoma. The assessment in Tacoma was very different than that in Olympia, and the vehicle was sent in to repair without first making contact with the owner. The assumption is that water is leaking ... Read more
FORD
FUSION HYBRID
(2012) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 20, 2023
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
The paint if pealing off in large sections due to a manufacturer defect in the primer. The flakes can fly onto the windshields of other vehicles causing collisions.
Incident date: May 25, 2022
Water has been pooling in the wheel well under trunk of my car undetected due to the covering overlap. Water has been leaking due to the rain from outside in. My back seats were wet, my spare tire was flooded, and a smell has began to set in my car. My cars speed has been slower to increase which can put my response time to dangerous situations slower. I have an appointment on the 10th of January ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
IT SEEMS ALL DOOR LOCKS ARE BUZZING AND HAVE DIFFICULTY OPENING/CLOSING. IT HAPPENS DURING UNLOCKING AND LOCKING OF DOORS USING EITHER THE REMOTE KEY OR REGULAR KEY. ALSO MAKES BUZZING NOISE WHEN RUNNING THE 1ST 0-10MPH (FROM MOST FULL STOP). IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN MORE OFTEN ON THE DRIVER AND RIGHT PASSENGER DOORS. BOUGHT THIS USED CAR IN MID-2023.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
The drivers back door won't open from the inside or outside. The drivers door is sticking and starting to do the same thing. Very hazardous in case of fire, accident or attempted car jacking.
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 19, 2023
Incident date: May 26, 2023
my paint on my Kia Optima Pearl White paint is bubbling and peeling in various areas of my car exposing the metal to corrosion. It is peeling on the trunk and on the roof in various places.
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
The windshield trim on the drivers side and passenger side has come off while driving 70+ mph on the interstate. The drivers side flew off and hit my windshield. A few weeks later the passenger flew off and the car behind me had to swerve to avoid being hit by it. This is dangerous for me as the driver of the vehicle because it could have cracked my windshield while I was driving and it puts the o... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
Drivers side door spot welds for the door check bracket broke off the door having me to unable to close the door as I was out Christmas shopping at the Mall. I had to drive back home where I could park the car in a safe location and figure out what happened. Upon inspecting the drivers side door and watching videos of the same issue that other Ford Escape drivers have experienced I used a 6" wheel... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
Water was leaking through the center high mount stop lamp and pooling into the spare tire well. Water was also soaking through the rear headliner. Condensation was building up inside the vehicle due to the pooled water and water soaked headliner. Condensation buildup inside the vehicle with numerous electrical components is not safe. The vehicle has been taken to the Galleria Chevrolet dealership ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
I have always known that after entering the vehicle and beginning a trip, all four doors and hatch would automatically lock and stay locked until a passenger unlocked one of the doors. But sometime this past weekend, I began noticing that the vehicle would try to relock all doors EVERY time the vehicle accelerated after idling, which is quite often. When I pointed this out to my teenager in the fr... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2023
There are 2 major defects that we would like to make the NHTSA aware of and feel that the manufacturer should issue a recall and have these issues properly fixed. Our 2020 Forest River camper/ice house has a structural defect and the entire camper is breaking away from the frame. We had this confirmed by a service company that specializes in RV frames/wheel alignment. Our camper has had structural... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
The hood flops in the wind, like a 2 foot long piece of aluminum foil. It's because the glue holding the composite skin to the metal frame has come loose. I'm sure over time, the stress from the wind will cause the composite material to break completely from the hood. Honda dealer wanted Honda to repair it, but Honda will only pay 60%, leaving me with a 1100.00 bill. Not acceptable, since it'... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2017) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 19, 2023
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
Driver side door quit working, the awelding on the arm is bad. Effects door opening and shutting and window going down.