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: Sep 8, 2023
Driving highway speed, passenger side A pillar trim flew off of vehicle. Called Ford, they responded that no support was available for this incident. Self-repaired.
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
Driving highway speed, passenger side B pillar trim flew off of the vehicle. Since Ford denied any responsibility with first call (complaint 11543574) I did not contact. Self-repaired.
Incident date: Sep 7, 2023
Driving highway speed, top part of driver's side B pillar trim (key entry pad) broke off. This required emergency pullover to try and secure remaining bottom part of the pillar that was attached with keypad wiring. Unable to secure, I continued travel on service road at slow rate of speed and secured with duct tape later for my drive home. Since Ford refused assistance for first incident (1154357... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2021) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Sep 9, 2023
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
Frame is rusted beyond normal use and has spread to cross members
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
After hearing a popping in my front end for two days I took my car into my mechanic. He took a look at it and said he’d never seen anything like it before. My stabilizer bar had completely ripped apart from my subframe. He said the metal was as thin as a few pieces of paper and there was rust. He contacted Kia to see if there were any campaigns on my car and there was one for an anti corrosion c... Read more
TOYOTA
REDUNDANT SIENNA
(2021) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Sep 9, 2023
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
The power tailgate on my 2018 Honda Odyssey EX-L started opening and closing on its own, seemingly at random. The latch would not cinch and the gauge cluster reported an opening attempt while driving on the highway. This failure cascaded and ended up bringing every device on the B-CAN network down, including the instrument cluster, heated seats, power sliding doors, ADAS systems including FCW/LD... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2023
Driver door hinge arm started cracking and popping when opened fully. Automatic window will not roll down. Car was a lease still under 36000 miles when reported. Purchased vehicle with knowledge that other of the same make model and year were recalled.
Incident date: Sep 9, 2023
As I was driving over a bridge at approximately 45 mph, the A-pillar trim on the driver's side of the windshield broke and flew off of my car and hit the car behind me. Then, a few days later, as I was getting my car washed, the luggage rack cover blew off while going through the dryer at the end. Coincidentally, I received notice of a recall on the luggage rack system in the mail about 2 month... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2019) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Sep 9, 2023
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
Aluminum hood corrosion on front hood lip on many Equinox models. I thought mine was a 1 off but after researching it, a ton of people are having this issue. Even other Chevys like the Colorado and the Traverse.
Incident date: Aug 17, 2023
This is absolully manufacture design error, it might causing accident day and night to anyone who drive Mercedes Benz S-class what I see it, I had really nightmare in New York city when rainy night, because I can not see side mirror when I need see it, only I can get a refection on side mirror, especially rainy dark night in the city when street lights is reflected from air vent to side mirror and... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
While driving on the highway the drivers side windshield trim flew off the vehicle, narrowly missing the car behind me. Soon after, the rubber weatherstripping came loose and I had to open my window and pull it inside the vehicle before it, too, flew off and had the potential to hit another vehicle.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that two years ago, he had received an unstated NHTSA Campaign for the roof rail. The contact stated that the recall repair was completed. The contact stated that the roof rail failure had occurred after the recall repair was completed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with roof rail assembly failure. The contact was inform... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2023
The weld that holds a mechanism for the door has broken loose. Making cracking sounds and hindering the door to close properly. Also the windows will not go down.
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
Rear window assembly is leaking water into the interior when it rains or going through car wash.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2018
I brought my 2001 Toyota Tundra into my dealer today, and he advised me that the frame of the Toyota is very rusted and cracking and close to completely breaking. He said Toyota issued a recall on this, but it is no longer in effect. I have learned this is a common issue with the 2000-2003 Toyota Tundras. Please advise!
Incident date: Aug 15, 2020
The arm attachments have become loose as a result of broken spot welds on the driver side door. This is the subject of SSM50150.
FORD
F-150 LIGHTNING BEV
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Sep 7, 2023
Incident date: Sep 4, 2023
The windshield molding / trim on the driver side detached and flew off almost hitting a car behind me.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2010) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Sep 7, 2023
Incident date: Jan 9, 2023
I have a Kia 2014. Sorento, Snow White mother-of-pearl. In the summer of 2019, I first noticed paint peeling (or what bodyshops call delamination) on the windshield frame. My paint started peeling off in a tiny spot, it looked like a tiny chip of paint the size of a piece of rice, but quickly started flakes all over the body. The dealership says that this is not cover a warranty, since I am not th... Read more
TOYOTA
REDUNDANT SIENNA
(2021) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Sep 6, 2023
Incident date: Sep 4, 2023
The drivers door made a loud pop when opening and it is now difficult to close and to open. it scrapes and pops out of place along the hinge and on the inside of the door. at one time it was not shutting at all. Hopefully it will not do this again, but something is broken. I was travelling when this happened with a passenger in my car and if m y door would not have shut at all i was far away from... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2023
Welds holding door check to inside of the front driver side door broke.
Incident date: May 1, 2023
Passenger front door opened while braking at intersection while passenger in seat. Fortunately it did not hit a car next to us. Door had to be held shut by passenger for remainder of trip. Was inspected by Ford dealer and although there is a recall on nearly 250,000 of these door latches to include this specific car for a manufacturing period of 542 days, this car falls outside of it by eighteen d... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2023
I parked the car in the garage and my child left the passanger side sliding door open. Then, the door malfunctioned because it would not electronically close after being left open more than 80 minutes. I tried to manually close the door, but encountered resistance. Afterwards, I pushed the "power door main switch" and was able to close the door manually. Our safety was at risk because if a da... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
Both sides of the car have rust. The similar issue happen to the HONDA CRV's 2007 through 2011 model, which have a recall already.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
Pearl white paint is peeling off on both sides of windshield and hood. Air bag light stays on.
Incident date: Aug 18, 2023
Front fuel tank strap broke. This is a known issue for Dodge ram trucks. It is the same issue that happened on the 2009 through 2012 Dodge ram recalls. My truck is a 2016 Dodge ram. Has been mostly in Virginia and Ohio over the last 8 years. The strap broke through the chassis due to rust and corrosion. This is a known issue with a lot of Dodge Ram trucks and is something the NHTSA should look int... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
When I open my driver side door is clunks very bad. I took into dealer and was told the door check bracket has come unwelded They said that I can keep driving it in this condition until they can get it in to repair. But at first he was saying they would probably replace the door but now that isn’t happening. They are just going to repair it.
FORD
F-150 HYBRID
(2023) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Sep 6, 2023
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
The windshield plastic molding on the passenger side detached and flew off while driving 65 mph over a year ago. Ford dealer replaced the molding in September last year. The same windshield panel flew off again last week scratching the passenger door while startling me and the driver behind me. We both swerved but luckily avoided a collision. I had exactly the same problem with a company owned F... Read more
FOREST RIVER
SANDSTORM
(2020) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Sep 6, 2023
Incident date: Sep 2, 2023
broken spot welds in the left front door at the check arm attachment point in the door assembly. Car is unsafe to drive. Could result I in a door inadvertently opening while driving.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2023
Trunk stopped opening off and on then stopped latching caused me not to be able to see behind me it popped open when was driving and would latch had to tie shut with a. String no don’t have money to put in shop no hasn’t been inspected no no lamps no warnings symptoms
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
Passenger side windshield trim broke and flew off of vehicle as it was being driven.
Incident date: Sep 3, 2023
spot welds on door check arm pulled out. is affecting operation of window.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
I bought this tacoma last year to someone who don’t do the chasis recall and I like to know if any possible way to do it. this chasis it’s in a very bad condition let me know what I can do thanks
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
Truck has excessive rust and holes on frame, back wheel wells completely rotted out and bed is completely rusted out. Had to get covers for the wheel wells because it failed inspection due to the fact if someone bumped it they could be cut by the jagged edges. Have had over $6000 worth of frame work done in approximately 2021 and needs more. I will find receipts and send pictures. Chevy needs... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
Drivers door bracket broken and makes ratcheting noise. Currie Ford in Frankfort Ill contacted and I was advised it will need a new door. Issue raised up to cover claim. Vehicle only has 40000 miles on it. See SSM 50150
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
My child was inside the minivan in the 2nd row and pressed the close door button on the sliding door while holding their other hand on the door jamb near the handle on the interior frame. The door slid closed and smashed their hand hard, automatically latching the door with their hand crushed inside the door. This is possible because their is a pinch sensor, but it is only on the outside edge of t... Read more
1 injured
FORD
F-150 HYBRID
(2021) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Sep 5, 2023
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The paint is cracking and peeling off. Car is in great shape otherwise and has been kept clean and well maintained. Unsure why the paint is coming off.
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2023) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Sep 5, 2023
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
My 2019 Honda Civic is experiencing paint chipping on the mirrors and door handles. I've noticed others reporting similar problems. The paint is literally bubbling off. When I contacted Honda of America, they acknowledged that it's atypical and indicative of a product defect, but stated they couldn't assist as it's out of warranty and no recalls have been issued at this time. It’s crazy to me ... Read more
HYUNDAI
ELANTRA HYBRID
(2023) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Sep 5, 2023
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
The GLE350 windows trim bar flew out from the rear window frame . Driving Speed Range (75-82mph). Fortunately no accident or damages occurred. This so so dangerous . If the trim bar flew into vehicle or pedestrian resulting injury or death.
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLE 350
(2020) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Sep 5, 2023
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
I have approximately 7K miles on my truck. The problem I am reporting is the omission of a warning light or some other method of warning if the tailgate which is electronically controlled by a button center near the console, central to and just above an area provided for storage of loose personal items, and also activated by a electronic key FOB which I keep in my pocket while driving. I have h... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2023
The windshield trim on the driver side ripped off. This piece could have flown off and hit another car or a pedestrian
Incident date: Sep 4, 2023
I am writing to formally submit a complaint against the Tesla Service Center in Rockville, Maryland. My concerns relate both to a potential safety issue and the subsequent handling of repairs to my vehicle. 1. **Safety Concern:** On 08/25/2023, the driver-side window of my Tesla vehicle shattered spontaneously without any evident external cause. This sudden malfunction while the car was in use is... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2023
My driver door opens while i'm driving, the first time it happened in feb 2023 had i not have my seatbelt on I would have fell out of car. It has happened severals more times, it feels like the lock or the pin is not engaging. Now my front passenger door is starting as well. I contacted Nissan Consumer affairs the woman was arrogant with No concern over my safety, maybe it's a defective door or lo... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2023
On Sept.3, 2023 I went to my car and opened the driver's door, there was a creaking sound I never heard before, I thought someone had hit it in the parking lot but there was zero damage to the outside of the door. As I opened and closed it a few times, the sound got worse and after a few times, it hardly closed. When I went to shut it, I had to almost force it to close. This is a problem, and it c... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
Driver's side door on my 2013 BMW X1 sDrive28i will not open using either the outside door handle or the inside door handle. The door locks open and close using either the remote key fob or the key inserted into the driver's side door, but the driver's side door will not physically open. The other doors, as well as the rear hatch, do open. The mechanical part of the door lock actuator that holds t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
UNKNOWN. Rear frame on both sides are extremely rusted. Car purchased in Ohio in 2009 and appears the salt as eroded the car.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
The roof rail on my explorer came off while driving down the road. I did not realize until I got home. It could’ve hit the car behind me, cause them to wreck, etc. I see that Ford has a recall for this issue but my model (platinum) is not part of that recall.
Incident date: Sep 3, 2023
Heavy rust on frame as well as rusting out under support. Causing the bed of the truck to rub on the Cab. Causing the frame to start to bend, I use his vehicle. To transport my special needs child. I’m wondering why, my vehicle? Isn’t covered under the recall ???
Incident date: Sep 2, 2023
The sunroof on my 2021 Toyota Highlander spontaneously exploded. I was merging onto a highway but just started to accelerate normally - was going approximately 20-30 mph. The entrance ramp was a merge lane, and there was a semi truck with no load, so intentionally accelerated slowly to allow the truck driver easy access to the highway. The temperature outside was approximately 80 degrees, clear s... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2023
It appears that my car started itself, went into gear and drove into my garage. At 9:00 PM om Thursday my dog was barking and growling, I suspected someone was outside. I went to investigate and saw my car running and lodged against my garage and garage door. It would stop and start again and try to move forward but it was stuck against the wall and door. The car moved approximately 6 feet ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
There is a popping sound when opening and closing driver door. It appears some spot welding has broken. Also driver door window will not roll down all the way.