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: Jul 19, 2023
The left front door is making popping noises. Body shop has stated that the spot welds on the door have failed and the entire door will need to be replaced. Yes, it is available for inspection. Safety issue is that the door could open while driving threatening life of those in car and on highway if door were to pop open. The problem has been confirmed by independent service center. Plan on br... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2023
When hot, the drivers side passenger door does not latch. Multiple people have made comments about the same issue (many for the 2014 model) through various forums. No known solution exists. Would like NHSTA to see if/how many other complaints received as this should be a recall. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Nov 16, 2022
There is a small front body part known as the "moustaches" next to the headlights on either side of the vehicle. We have had this vehicle for less than 2 years and both the driver's side and passenger side "moustaches" have come loose on this truck and flown off while driving at highway speeds. Prior to flying off they get caught up on the tires and could cause a catastrophic blow-out of the ste... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
The spot welds in the front driver's side door have failed, the door makes a loud popping noise when opening or closing the door, and the window has difficulty going up and down. The vehicle would be available for inspection. An internet search of this problem has indicated that my door could come open without warning. I have taken the vehicle to a body shop who have confirmed the spot welds hav... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
FRAME IS SEVERELY RUSTING. WE TOOK TO TOYOTA DEALER TO GET A LOOSE SKID PLATE ATTACHED, AND MECHANIC TOLD US THAT THEY HAD TO REMOVE IT BECAUSE "THERE WAS NOTHING LEFT TO ATTACH TO AS THE FRAME HAS RUSTED AWAY. THE FRAME, ATTACHMENT POINTS, SUPPORTS, AXLES AND SUSPENSION PIECES ARE EXTREMELY RUSTY. WE WERE ADVISED BY MECHANIC TO DISPOSE OF THE CAR BECAUSE IT WOULD SOON BE UNDRIVEABLE. 98000 MI... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2023
The front left drivers door check guide bracket spot welds have separated from the door frame resulting in the door not opening and closing properly,the window will not roll down or up with the door closed .The door can only open about half way and doesn't shut properly without using unexcusable force .The spot-welds are clearly broken because there are 3 holes in the door where the door check mou... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
BOTH SLIDING DOORS ARE LOCKED AND CAN'T BE OPENED MANUALLY OR AUTOMATICALLY OUR KIDS AND PASSENGERS CAN'T EXIT SAFELY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT OR FIRE. THE ISSUE HAS BEEN CONFIRMED AND WARRANTY EXTENTED-DEALER CHARGED $155 AND TOLD US THAT THE DOOR BEING LOCKED AND NOT BEING ABLE TO OPEN IS NOT THE ISSUE BUT THE LATCH IS DEFECTIVE. (WE DON'T BELIEVE THIS TO BE TRUE) THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN CONFIRME... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
When opening and shutting the drivers door it makes a terrible popping noise and is hard to shut.
Incident date: Nov 16, 2022
My car was considered undrivable due to the corrosion recall. The delays in obtaining payment for my car are unacceptable. Honda has passed me to a third-party surrender partner, [XXX] , and they are also delinquent. Honda will not give me any contact information for [XXX] , so I am obviously frustrated. I am in the fortunate position of being able to acquire a replacement vehicle without having t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
In early July, 2023 various warning and fault lights began to show on the dashboard: engine start system, brake lights, start/stop system, and others - indicating malfunctions with systems important to safety. Also, the car alarm system sounded without cause and key pods would not lock/unlock the doors electronically. These warning lights proliferated over several days. We took our car into our... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
My BMW is signaling “Secure vehicle against rolling” notification when put in reverse. The Mechanics are saying that BMWS e springs are defected. Very dangerous for me and my children.
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2019) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 25, 2023
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
The Pearl white paint is peeling off and has been for awhile. It’s getting worse.
Incident date: Jun 29, 2023
A year ago (2022), the passenger door latch failed for unknown reasons out of the blue. The door simply would not close. At the shop, the technician mentioned that it had mechanically and electrically failed and the door would not latch. A year later (2023), The issue is reoccuring; same (passenger) door and driver door both suddenly will not latch making the car inoperable due to safety risks. U... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2023
The paint on my vehicle began peeling about a year ago, 2022, right above the top of the windshield. Drivers side. About 6 months ago, approx Jan 2023, I noticed a few paint chips on the hood missing. One of them is extremely large and has paint peeling off around the edges. I am afraid to wash it as hoping more does not peel. You see bare metal underneath my paint. My vehicle only has about 74k m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
THE DOOR OF MY 2019 HONDA ODYSSEY HAS MALFUNCTIONED SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. UPON OPENING THE DOOR, IT IMMEDIATELY CLOSES WHEN ON AN INCLINE OR DECLINE AND WILL NOT STOP EVEN WHEN A CHILD IS IN THE WAY. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN AS I OFTEN PICK MY CHILDREN UP FROM SCHOOL OR CAMP ON A SLIGHT HILL AND WHEN THE TEACHER/COUNSELOR PUTS THEM IN THE CAR, THE DOOR CLOSES ON MY CHILD. I ALSO H... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2023
Smiths auto Canton ohio told me they sold it to me with no problems but the locks are going out it has a dent in the side that's getting worse. I had to buy breaks and a new starter twice.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
The rear door jammed shut. It would not open and we discovered there is no mechanical way for a passenger to open the back doors of a Tesla model 3. The car’s electrical system has to be on and functioning properly in order to exit from the back. This is terrifying.
NISSAN
ROGUE SPORT
(2021) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 25, 2023
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
For the third time in two years my trunk opened while I was driving. Today, it opened while I had lumber in the trunk. Had I been on the freeway this could have caused a serious accident. I confirmed that the button on the dash was not being pushed and the emergency release in the trunk was not pulled either. This seems to be a somewhat common issue with Ford Fusions based on online commentary. Pl... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2019) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 24, 2023
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
The cover to the hitch flew off (never taken off) while going up the interstate
Incident date: Jul 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 BMW X5. The contact stated while having the vehicle washed, the technician became aware that the floor carpeting on the front driver’s side was wet and had mold and mildew. The vehicle was taken to the dealer that stated that the vehicle was experiencing the failure listed in TSB: SIB 64 04 21; however, the vehicle was not covered under the service bulletin and advised to... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2023
My driver passenger door does not close anymore as of 7/9/2023. My 2-year-old son could have flown out the door as he sits on that side in his car seat.
1 deaths
Incident date: Jul 23, 2023
Driver side door kept clicking when opening or closing. At one point while opening, hinge where it is riveted in broke off and door will not close properly.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2022
WHILE MOVING TO SOUTH CAROLINA i NOTICED THAT SOMETHING WAS HANGING, A WIRE OR SOME TYP IF LINE, AS I CRAWLED UNDER THE TRUCK, I FOUND THAT IT WAS THE FUEL TANK STRAP. THE STRAP HAD PULLED OUT FROM THE FRAME THAT WAS CORRODED. I HAVE ALWAYS WASHED THE UNDER CARRIAGE COMING FROM MASSACHUSSETTS AND THE ROAD SALT. AT THE PRESENT TIME I AM USING A TIE DOWN STRAP TO SECURE IN PLACE. SEARCHING THE INTE... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2023
The drivers side windshield trim panel came off of the car while driving down a highway at 55mph. Luckily, there were no other cars on the highway and no further damage or injury occurred.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
Vehicle chrome trim on the inside dash blinds driver between 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM. The bright chrome is blinding and becomes a safety issue while driving. The design and placement of the chrome is burns my eyes while driving. Perhaps not using chrome on the interior when sending vehicles to places where it is sunny 95% of the time would prevent safety issues with visibility.
Incident date: Jul 17, 2023
While driving on the highway, the passenger shock mount that is welded to the rear forward mounted crossmember snapped off due to rust. I have taken many pictures of the damage. I am a Master Certified ASE and Ford technician with my PA Emissions and Safety inspection licenses. I inspected the damage to my truck at my shop and removed the bed. I found further rust and damage at the drivers frame a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2021
Unloading the storage compartments and discovered that the compartment wall was melted. It is directly next to, about 6 inches away from, the exhaust pipe.
COOPER
CS5 GRAND TOURING
(9999) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 24, 2023
Incident date: Mar 3, 2021
Rear passenger doors will not open from inside or outside. Only will open occasionally after repeatedly pulling aggressively. Or getting into back seat to push on the cable within door handle. It is a safety hazard to get my kids out of the back seat.
Incident date: Dec 14, 2022
Dealer advised it is a bracket inside the door that has broken, possibly due to broken welds holding said bracket. The Dealer advised that this is an unfixable issue, and the entire door needs replaced. If it is not fixed, the dealer said it will cause other issues with the door, possibly leaving it inoperable. Dealer also confirmed this is a very common issue with this model and that it is not... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2019) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 24, 2023
Incident date: May 29, 2023
The paint flaking easily electrical poor in vehicle car seats ripping apart easily Doors handles interior braking apart easily
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Body paint delaminating. Also, difficulty sometimes stopping vehicle extra length required to stop
Incident date: Jul 2, 2023
The door locking actuator failed. The door will no longer open from the inside or out. It’s essentially stuck locked. There was a loud buzzing noise which now I know was the warning signal for the actuator starting to go bad.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2022
Basically, this is a common problem with the c300 coupes, I had an recall to replace front stationary sunroof panel. My sunroof panel started lift the last few months in 2022, therefore I took it to the dealership at the start of 2023 which they notified me this was a big problem and was unsafe on the road because it will eventually lift off while driving. Sense my engine lights were on and needed... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
Paint is peeling and coming off of my roof, good and tail end of my suv. This can be a safety hazard if it continues to peel because that removes a layer of cover from the top which could lead to danger. The color is a pearl white. This has not been confirmed by a local dealer but it has been inspected by an insurance adjuster.
Incident date: Mar 24, 2023
Have water leaking on the driver side roof and upon Dealer servicing - it was due to faulty or worn out seals on the front windscreen- and even though the windscreen is not damaged - Audi recons it has to be replaced at customer cost including the windshield that is in good condition since to cover their inability to take the glass out w/o breaking it. In public forums I see quite a few such fixes... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
I was driving the car without any issue or problem. All of a sudden the sunroof glass shuttered. It sounded like a blast. When I stopped the car, the sunroof was broken to small pieces.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2017
The paint, obsidian blue pearl, is peeling and rust is starting to form.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2015) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 23, 2023
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
My check arm broke at the welding sites and has now affected my locks, window, and the door staying open/shut. I am worried about my window shattering and my door not closing or opening while I am driving. My locks are no longer working which leaves me to be worried about someone getting into my car, since there is not way for me to lock my door. They don’t even work with the key fob. The outs... Read more
HONDA
ACCORD HYBRID
(2023) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 23, 2023
Incident date: Jul 17, 2023
1 Engine Fire Safety Recall Dealer not able to fix the problem. 2 Driver's side door hinge broken window will not go down. Dealer told me this is not a manufacture problem.
Incident date: Apr 29, 2023
Passenger front door is inoperative from the exterior. It can only be opened from the inside, which is a safety issue if someone is being followed and needs to quickly enter the vehicle. It is the same issue as NHTSA ID Number: 11286381 that was reported 2.5 years ago, but this is now happening to me and there are several reports of this on Hyundai forums.
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
I purchased a used vehicle in NH from a private seller "as is", repaired tires and brakes, passed MA state inspection and dropped the car off to address the recall, which I had researched via a VIN number search. The dealership informed me that the body had corroded beyond repair, and they cannot perform the required repair for the recall. While the dealership has been helpful, this looks like a m... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2014
Our braking system on this car failed us, and is probably crushed by now at no fault of my own. My safety was at–risk when the brakes lost pressure and if it wasn’t for our seatbelts, I could’ve been thrown through the windshield. I hereby declare that [XXX] deliberately caused our accident and lied about being blinded. [XXX] lost her son—[XXX]—and was jealous of my opportunity to d... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
Water coming in from somewhere to the driver side front and rear floorboard only I've checked everywhere and taking it to a couple of shops replaced heater core and crossover holes checked for air condition leaks all checked out good windows seals good so ot must be a defect somewhere. 03
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
RECIBI RECALL DE SEGURIDAD HYNDAI ACCENT 2018 INDICANDO QUE LA CERRADURA DEL BAUL NO FUNCIONE CORRECTAMENTE. This could cause the trunk to open on its own or not want to open when you need to open it. THE DEALER INDICATES THAT THE NOTIFICATION DOES NOT APPEAR IN THE SYSTEMS AND THAT THE TRUNK DOES NOT OPEN
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2023) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 21, 2023
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The sunroof draining is designed in such a way that if the holes get clogged, the water can back up and flood the comfort control module in the rear of the car rendering it useless. That module controls critical parts of the driving of the car like turn signals, the on/off starter motor, which if they fail while on the road make it incredibly dangerous to drive. Audi has already recalled the c... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2023
Exterior and interior door handles failed to open vehicle door. Handle may work upon repeated engagement, but this does not always work. This is happening on both rear and front doors, both driver and passenger side. This endangers people's safety both inside and out. Should a person need to quickly exit a scenario (a woman being chased or threatened) the exterior door handle failing puts her at r... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
We bought the truck used from a dealer about 10 -12 years ago. We've always taken good care of it, and kept it in a garage. It always passed inspection with no problems, and there is nothing wrong with the truck, except at the last inspection about 2 weeks ago the mechanic said the frame has completed rusted through and the truck is not safe to drive. We can't get it fixed. I called Toyota and... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
When driving at highway speeds, when there are strong crosswinds, as there are prone to be in my area, depending on which way the wind is coming from both doors will make a screeching/howling noise. This noise is very loud and extremely distracting. When it first happens it is very jarring, and depending on the wind conditions can go on for miles, making it very hard to hear anything else. I have ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2023
My boyfriends mom was up north driving and the latch on the driverside door stopped working. She's 60+ and still years later has to tie her door close and climb over the passenger seat to get in the car. I can get it closed if it's accidentally opened just like an inch but the door absolutely cannot to opened any further.