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: Aug 1, 2023
Door mechanical issue could become a future safety issue where failed/poor spot welds on a doors check arm bracket could cause the door to swing too far when opened or it could open while driving because of the spot weld failure. Current popping sound when opening and closing the door indicates spot welds on the check arm bracket, internal to the door, have failed, making the door difficult to ope... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2023
The welding spots on the fort broke off.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
I am concerned with the liftgate/trunk panel latching/operation. On our liftgate/trunk it falls sometimes and comes down on you while you are still in the way. My wife was slightly injured on her head, when it malfunctioned, and she was in the way when it came down. Several times it just started coming down on me while I was unloading items from the cargo hold. Sometimes the lift cargo door will j... Read more
1 injured
FORD
F-150 HYBRID
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Aug 1, 2023
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
The drivers side windshield trim molding A-pillar flew off of my 2017 Explorer on the highway, hitting my rear view mirror and startling me causing me to veer. The Ford dealer body shop has ordered a new one at $547 for the part, but it still has not come in I ordered both sides as the passenger side is very loose. They are sharp and present danger of injury and/or property damage when they f... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Driver’s side rear passenger door mechanism has failed. Door will not open when handle is pulled from the outside of the vehicle, nor when the occupant uses the interior door handle. This hinders the occupants from exiting the vehicle and is unsafe. Maintenance personnel have replicated the issue and have found no root cause.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2023
I have paint peeling from the hood of my car, the pearl white paint is bubbling up and peeling all by itself. KIA says the it's past the 3 year warranty period so I am responsible for the repair. I have never had paint peel from a car for no reason.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2023
My vehicle is a 2016 Ford Fusion SE VIN3FA6P0H79GR130351. There is currently a recall (20V177000) on 2016 Ford Fusions, however it appears that the recall does not cover my specific vehicle per Ford. In 2021 we had an incident where the driver side door latch broke/stopped functioning causing the door to swing open and the door not securing properly. Upon that incident occurring, I took the vehicl... Read more
JAYCO FIFTH WHEEL
EAGLE
(2021) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 31, 2023
Incident date: May 1, 2023
Did not have an issue until I heard an exhaust rattle today. Upon inspection, the exhaust pipe tip on the right side could be physically manipulated upwards and downwards but appeared to be rusty. The exhaust pipe extension (Audi part 4M0253682M) eventually fell off completely within 50 miles of initially noticing and fell onto the roadway, as I was pulling into a parking lot causing a hazard. Upo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2023
Snow white pearl paint is chipping on the front end. Started on driver side front quarter panel now its on hood and front bumper. This is so irritating!!!! I can't even wash my car without something chipping!!! The cost to repaint those areas is around $5500.00. Kia really needs to get this issue fixed. They are about to loose a cash paying customer if not.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 31, 2023
Incident date: Jul 25, 2023
The component or system that is failing/malfunctioning is the opening and closing of the driver side door. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. My safety/the safety of others are put at risk should the door opens during driving or at any time without a physical being opening it. No, the problem hasn’t been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center not to my k... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2023
The FRAME rotten away
Incident date: Oct 30, 2021
My drivers side door makes a creaking noise and window doesn’t roll down
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2018) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 31, 2023
Incident date: Mar 11, 2023
Right side sliding door actuator fails to lock and unlock. Manual and automatic commands fail to lock and unlock the door. No inspection necessary. No warning is issued.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
While driving down interstate Friday, July 28, at approximately 6:15PM in North Augusta, SC, I heard a loud noise and could not identify what had happened. It was raining so I did not notice that the fixed portion of the panoramic sunroof over the back seat was shattered. I did not think to even look back there closely. The next morning I got into vehicle to find glass in back seat and water all ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2023
These doors need a sensor to reverse the sliding doors upon resistance. It has smashed me and my young children multiple times. The update did not solve this issue and it’s a major safety issue. My 4 year old and 1 year old both had their hand smashed in the automatic sliding doors.
2 injured
Incident date: Aug 20, 2016
My paint is bubbling up and wanting to chip off.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
Window regulator replacement
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
I was traveling down I10 from Houston to San Antonio, somewhere near Luling. I thought a rock hit the windshield, then I few seconds later I heard it again, and then I noticed a black piece of something flapping back and forth along my passenger window. There was no place to safely stop so I reduced my speed, 75 to 60. I traveled until I could find a safe trace to stop. That is when I discovered t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
After rainfall water is leaking into the rear fuse box compartment located behind the 3rd row seats and causing the tailgate control module and other parts to fail. The tailgate does not have any power and cannot be opened or closed with the fob or the push buttons located in the tailgate or in the dashboard area. The tailgate cannot be locked as the latch does not engage and it can be very ris... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2023
Paint on the car is delaminating and chipping off and the vehicle is becoming compromised due to the paint coming off the car. This has been confirmed by my dealership where I take the vehicle for service. Kia dealership has inspected the vehicle No, there are not warning lamps to tell me the paint is coming off the vehicle.
Incident date: Jun 23, 2023
The paint peeling on my PEARL WHITE Kia sorento
Incident date: Jul 30, 2023
On 07/30/2023 The right passenger front windshield trim plus rubber stripping flew off our 2016 Ford Explorer XL. We were travelling 60 mph down a mountain area from San Diego, CA heading into Yuma, AZ. The noise of the trim was so loud hitting the windshield then the windshield panel blew off and the windshield stripping blew off. We made sure no one was behind us as it could have caused damage i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2023
Tack welds on vehicle roof rusted out along passenger side, causing water and other structural damage to electrical components, vehicle body, and other vehicles components. Water leak caused mold and mildew damage to headliner, carpet, etc. Air quality in vehicle diminished for passengers, variety of children age ranges.
HYUNDAI
ELANTRA HYBRID
(2023) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 30, 2023
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
DRIVER SIDE DOOR THE DOOR SPOT WELD THAT IS FOR THE DOOR ARM THAT OPENS HAS BROKEN ON 07/28/2023. TOOK IT TO LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP NOT COVERED PAST 3 YEAR 36000 MILE WARRANTTY. THIS IS A DEFECT FROM FORD AND SHOULD BE COVERED
Incident date: Jul 23, 2023
When opened the driver side door on July 29, 2023 my door made a horrible popping noise that is continuing every time I open or close the driver side door.
Incident date: Jun 22, 2023
Air bags failed to deploy and vehicle is not available for inspection. Vehicle was a total loss and is in the proces of becoming proprty of Copart.com for auction (I assume). I hit my head very hard from the T-bone type of collision and my side airbags did not deploy. I have a severe concussion and internal brain bleed. ICU stay was required. Problem was confirmed by the police report, etc. No... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 29, 2023
Driving down highway. Rear spoiler flew off.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2023
Heard a flapping noise from the upper drivers corner of the windshield at highway speed. Stopped before anything catastrophic occurred, but part of the drivers side windshield trim was loose and flapping in the wind. It was striking the drivers window and the windshield as it flapped back and forth. The stiffer cover piece was also loose, but removing the flapping piece of trim resolved the immedi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2022
I was turning into Starbucks at a low speed when the next thing I knew the car jumped forward and hit the car in front of me not one time but three times. I was finally able to get the car stopped but had Damage to both cars. I believe the accelerator was stuck causing the accident. I want to know if there is a recall on the accelerator petal that it would have caused the highlander to do this be... Read more
Crash
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2019) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 29, 2023
Incident date: Jul 29, 2023
Driver's side windshield A pillar molding.. Flew off on the interstate.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2023
Door is making popping sound when open. Both driver side and passenger front doors. The driver side window won't roll down.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
Electrical Malfunction along w/Braking Systems. Electrical Malfunction, caused braking failure. Collision avoided by driver. Call not switched over due to being connected w/electrical circuit in braking system. This occurred within 30 days of buying vehicle. Emergency Brake, & Braking, not working causing vehicle to role backwards while parked in flat garage. Tailgate not closing properly. Causing... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
Driver's side door not closing completely, making loud cracking noise. Unable to roll window down. Door not closing completely is a safety hazard while traveling, concerned the door might open while moving. Because the door isn't closing all the way, it's messing up the electronics as well. The door welds where the bracket attaches has come detached.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
Top handlebar on passengers side fell off completely causing my mother a great fall. Nearly died the way her head bounced off on gravel with handle in hand. The SUV was only a month old. I have other people on a fb page stating their handle came off completely too but no accident like my moms. This is definitely a safety concern that a Black Label Vehicle should have passed inspection before l... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2023
I reported issues with this car in 2018. Clicking sounds under the car which is still happening, peeling paint on exterior and inside door areas, substandard windshield that spread in a very unusual pattern when hit by a small rock. The NHTSA ID Number that was assigned to these complaints is [XXX] . None of these problems have been addressed. There are other owners that have experienced the s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2007 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was an abnormal humming sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who stated that the vehicle was rusted and unsafe to drive. A punch test was performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contact... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 28, 2023
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
On 7/25/2023, I left my car keys inside the trunk. The 2015 BMW 320i xDrive does not have access from the cabin passenger to the trunk to open manually. Even the locksmith cannot open it. This is the bad design and may create safety issue. I called BMW road assistance and they cant help me instead told me to tow my car to dealership.
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
Drivers side check arm broke resulting in 3 rivet joints to break where it’s attached to the inside door skin. SSM 50150 for fleet vehicles addresses this. This was purchased from Enterprise. Was told a new door skin was required along with the check arm replacement. Over $1200. This should be a recall.
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
Windshield spontaneously cracked at top. I came outside in the morning after a temperature fluctuation and there was a crack at the top with one piece of the glass sitting lower… it has since grown. I have been forced to drive with the crack as Subaru will do anything to not honor a warranty, ever. The eyesight I am learning is necessary for the vehicle to avoid front end collisions and to pro... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2023
The paint on the hood of this vehicle rapidly flew off the hood while traveling on I95 creating a significant safety hazard in a moving vehicle.
Incident date: Oct 13, 2022
2 car door latches unresponsive and wont lock. Known issue with ford this VIN isnt covered by recall but same issue
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
The passenger side of windshield trim flew off on highway when driving. There was no indication or evidence that it was loose or coming off.
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2016) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 27, 2023
Incident date: Jul 25, 2023
My wife was sitting in the car at the deli, and the rear glass exploded. She thought it was a gunshot. She ducked down and called 911.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2014) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 27, 2023
Incident date: Jul 23, 2023
I tried to open the sunroof and it appeared that something was broken or out of alignment and it wouldn't open. I brought it to the dealership. I was told the track had broken off. They replaced it but also found out the reason it was getting off track was because of the panoramic shade that seems to get out of alignment when being manipulated. Overall, the fix to this problem was almost $4000.00 ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
Subframe completely rusted through and has broken in the back portion of the car. This risks catastrophic failure at highway speeds where the loose subframe can cause rear wheels to move outside of safe bounds. No warnings are given on the car and it is so hidden underneath that a normal inspection can miss it. Now car has dramatic clanging noise every bump and risks failure every time we drive.
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
Spot weld on door may exhibit cracks or broken spot welds in the left front door at the check arm attachment point in the door assembly. Door pops and cracks when it is opened or closed due to welds failing. We took it to the ford dealer and they told us there is not a recall on it so we will have to pay for the repair and IF there is a recall on it they will pay us back for the repair cost. Will... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2019
Took vehicle to dealership about safety recall, and they are unable to repair the vehicle
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
Drivers door stop latch welds failed. This severely limits smooth opening and closing of the door as it binds up while moving the door. This happened at 34,500 miles, so fortunately it will be covered by the warranty. If this poor quality manufacturing causes it to happen to the other 3 doors, who will pay for this? Please issue a recall, this is a very common problem.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
The detent designed to hold the passenger side sliding door open has malfunctioned due to what the dealership describes as a manufacturing defect commonly found in the 2015 Ford Transit Connect XLT/LWB. Dealer states dealer is unable to correct. When parked on an incline, the sliding door can violently slide forward with a significant potential for injury to a passenger, especially a young child, ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 19, 2023
I have previously filed complaint on this vehicle with no satisfaction. I have a Lincoln 2015 MKZ. This vehicle has a low front end clearance which I believe to be a serious safety concern. The front bumper is only 7 1/2 inches off the ground. Most cars are at least 9 plus inches off the ground. This car can not traverse any type of graded driveway or access road. The front bumper constantly ... Read more