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 11, 2023
The rear frame of my CRV has corroded and deteriorated. The rear trailing arm is at risk of falling off and could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall paperwork I received from American Honda Motor Co. Inc. states, “Your Honda dealer will inspect the rear frame for corrosion. Depending on the extent of corrosion, the dealer may attach a support brace to t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2023
Windshield trim blew off going down the interstate. I replaced it and it blew off again! Now I have extra wind noise and I’m scared it’s going to leak. I would try to glue another one down but do not want to affect my windshield integrity.
Incident date: Jun 13, 2023
Numerous problems with engine overheating light coming on, leaking coolant, going up hill, car hesitate, car shakes at times.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
The Driver, left front, door has a bracket that makes a popping noise when the door is opened fully and when it is being closed. The vehicle has not been to a dealer yet for repair. We're in the process of making an appointment now.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
Driver door spot welds where hinge attaches to the door has came loose and popping. It was interfering with the function of the window rolling up and down. We used screws to reattach because i was informed when I contacted dealer, they would not cover it because it was out of warranty. It doesnt interfere with the operation of the window now but it is still popping every time you open/close the d... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2011) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 10, 2023
Incident date: Feb 7, 2023
New clutch failing after 20000 miles about 1.5 years after factory change. Car shutters when trying to change gear. Dealership has been able to reproduce issue but doesn't want to cover it. Transmission randomly goes into neutral when driving on highway at speed. This has caused issues with maintaining control as engine power is not going to propel car while surrounded by other vehicles on highw... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2023
Drivers the problem drunk speeding Hitman killed man do you watch hard no manslaughters still driving just got another traffic ticket and let go again super unfair
Crash
MERCEDES-BENZ
CLA 250
(2018) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 10, 2023
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
SUNROOF TRIM SEAL LOOSE, The rubber seal/trim catching under the sunroof glass.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
At about 30,000k miles, began to hear a creak/pop sound when opening and closing the front d/s door. This past weekend, at about 30,075 miles, there was a loud noise when opening and closing the door, and noted that 3 spot welds appear to have popped and pulled through the sheet metal. These held the safety 'check arm' in place inside the door. In researching the matter, I located that you alre... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2023
On 7/8/23 I noticed the paint on my 2021 Kia Telluride peeling off. After some research, the peeling of the paint on Kia cars seems to be prevalent in several Kia models. I've made an appointment with the dealer for next week, 7/17/23. At this point, the vehicle has not been inspected regarding the peeling paint by the manufacturer, police, insurance representative, or other business. I've inspec... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving 58 MPH, the spoiler deck lid on the liftgate fractured and detached from the vehicle. The contact also became aware that the brake light was missing from the liftgate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the spoiler deck lid had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehic... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2016) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 10, 2023
Incident date: Apr 29, 2023
My Toyota Tundra has extensive rust damage due to rust and it’s sway at has come completely disconnected from frame. Also there are at least other significant rust issues with the frame that make this truck unsafe.
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 10, 2023
Incident date: Apr 12, 2023
The passenger slider door does not close, it will sometimes close when the car is off. You must turn car off and manually shut for it to close.
GRAND DESIGN
IMAGINE
(2023) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 10, 2023
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
The inside wheel boot fills with water and boot liner gets moldy causing breathing issues. It is apparently a known issue and Ford has no resolution. I also have a driver's side window that has issues since the day I bought and all the Ford dealership quick fixes has not resolved the issue. They reset the up/down of the windows and it keeps going out of alignment so that when then window is pus... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2023
Rusted, corroded subframe. Diagnosed by dealer as unsafe to drive upon 70K service visit.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
Pearl White 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport purchased from dealer in 2020- paint began peeling, bubbling, and chipping from hood badly in 2022 and has increased, now starting to spread to side panels. Issue confirmed by multiple2017-2018 Elantra and Santa Fe owners in multiple places, multiple NHTSA complaints filed, class action lawsuit has been filed for the same issue with same make/model and vin b... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2014) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 10, 2023
Incident date: Jul 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Vanguard National Trailer. The contact stated that while reversing into a docking area, a spotter informed him that the axle was moving from side to side. There was no warning light illuminated. The trailer was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the bushings were worn. Additionally, the sub frame and spring hangers were cracked. ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
Yesterday(7/9/23) when trying to open and close our back sliding door on the drivers side it was making a louder grinding sound and was difficult to open/shut. No warning lights. Today when pushing the button to open the door it started to open and then fell off the frame on the top and mid rail. Only connected by the bottom rail. It appears that the mid rail/ slider is the part that failed causin... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2015) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 10, 2023
Incident date: Jun 16, 2023
My front left drivers side door wouldnt close, I noticed the spot welds holding the door strap component in place had broke free and was now being pushed into the door shell. I took my car to the dealership and they said it is not covered. I have since looked on line, on how to repair this defect and see this is a known issue to the make and model year of my vehicle.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 3500
(2019) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 10, 2023
Incident date: Jul 9, 2023
Purchased car from dealer on 7/1, car seemed fine at dealer and then died. Took car to oil change place, discovered underneath frame completely rotted out. Called dealer, dealer unwilling to fix, replace or refund vehicle. Had car further inspected to find complete engine, transmission, frame, axle, steering, brake issues. There were no signs of anything wrong at the dealership.
Incident date: Jun 11, 2023
The body of vehicle has paint chipping away in large pieces for no apparent reason. The color is a pearl white
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
Frame rust prematurely affecting integrity of the rear lower control arm mounts. Back half of frame almost completely rusted through requiring a full frame replacement.
Incident date: Jun 8, 2023
Paint peeling around rear window
Incident date: Jun 15, 2023
Driver side Windshield trim flew off on interstate
Incident date: Jul 9, 2023
When driving at highway speeds (55 MPH and above), the driver's side rearview mirror vibrates, making it difficult to see and identify back automobiles. This is a safety hazard when exiting the highway or merging the lines when the outside weather is raining/dark/snowing.
Incident date: Jul 9, 2023
Sun roof glass spontaneously shattered while driving on the freeway without hitting anything else with glass falling on to the Sun shade
Incident date: Mar 31, 2023
My kia Sorento is severely peeling paint. it comes off in chunks. Since it has starting peeling above the passengers side door, it has not stopped. I saw that several other people have had this complaint and Kia has not fixed it yet. Kia will not agree to fix the paint job. My car has a SWP color on it and won’t stop peeling.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2023
The front bumper of the car is becoming unattached. There is a space underneath the headlights. The panel gap between the fender and front bumper has grown at the top, indicating the bumper is slipping from the top down. The problem appears to be getting worse. The plastic underneath the bumper is now becoming detached. I fear some of the clamps behind the bumper have failed. I also fear th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2023
My wife opened the tailgate and the right side lift support exploded. A person standing across the parking lot thought it sounded like a gun shot. Small metal pieces flew about the cargo area in the car. When my wife then tried to close the tailgate the lift support bent. She was then able to disconnect it and close the tailgate. I included a picture of the remaining left side support plus th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2023
Door covering propane compartment flew open at highway speeds; latching system does not work and door can not be closed securely. Design of door closing and latching mechanism faulty. BODY AND DEFECTIVE DOOR IS BY WINNEBAGO
HYUNDAI
SONATA HYBRID
(2017) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 9, 2023
Incident date: Jul 9, 2023
I have purchased this vehicle from the dealer at prestige toyota in ramsey NJ 2002- it was a certified dealer car. I have maintained my car and it still rides well, until about 2 weeks ago i felt the back of the car while driving 65mile hr highway that was curvy,felt like i was going to go out of control and it's never done that before. I took it to Toyota june 8th 2023 to get an oil change, and m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
The front dash is cracking all across the the cab. The sharp points are so pointed that if the airbags are deployed it will cause cuts and possibly damage a person eyes
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Driver door detached from body by normal opening the door. The window is unable to lower down and the door is unable to be opened and closed. It seemed the door was attached by three small welded spots which seemed unsecured due to the doors natural weight.
Incident date: Jun 13, 2023
While driving on the hwy my moonroof exploded. Which cldve caused a accident due to the shock and fear it caused from the very loud gunshot like sound when exploding out of no where..for reason that was done by myself..
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
Driver’s side door handle/mechanism/latch failure results in issues with opening and closing door representing a potentially major safety issue. Door could open on its own at highway speeds resulting in mass injury and/or death resultant from driver falling out of uncontrolled vehicle. Multiple owners of same year/make/model have reported malfunction of the same driver’s side handle as demon... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2008) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 8, 2023
Incident date: Jul 8, 2023
Sticky dashebord Dashboard very melt. When is sun come out every summer
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
My husband was getting off the highway when a car ahead of him braked suddenly. He attempted to hit the brakes, but the car did not stop. The automatic stop crash feature did not turn on. The abs did not work. Ultimately, crashing into the car ahead of him. Manufacturer Safety-related recall issued NHTSA #23V-174 Recall #FE5 2020-22 Multi-Model Door Mirror Glass Safety Recall Status: Remedy Avail... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
The door opening mechanism on three doors. Once in the past we were not able to get in or out of the rear passenger door because it would not open from the inside or out even though it was unlocked. Which in case of emergency is a safety hazard if you can’t get out of the car. Now the other rear passenger door is doing the same thing. You cannot open door from the inside or outside, and the driv... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2023
The driver side door pops and cracks when opened and is difficult to open and close now. I am concerned that I will not be able to open or close, and if I cannot close my door I cannot put the car into gear so I am concerned that there will be multiple different opportunities to leave me stranded. I have pictures of both driver side and passenger side doors showing that the weld on the driver side... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2023
Rear window leak The cracks can be in the left and/or right side of the rear sliding window plastic upper rail glass guide which is covered by the roof rear spoiler. Examples of a left (1), then right side (2) visual crack (with the spoiler removed) are shown in the graphics above.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
I currently have a 2015 Ford Explorer. This is the 2nd time that I am having to replace the windshield trim on the passenger side due to it flying off while driving.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
On Tuesday June 20, 2023 at 7:20am I was awakened by my neighbor who informed me that my car was on fire. A report was done by the fire department and they did not believe it was done on purpose but something with my car. My car was totally consumed with fire nothing but ashes.
Fire
AUDI
Q4 E-TRON SPORTBACK
(2023) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 7, 2023
Incident date: Apr 14, 2023
Rear wall not secured to frame or structure. Pulling away from side walls while in transit causing side aluminum panels to come loose. Multiple complaints and pictures online and in social media with concerns of wall falling into traffic. Keystone says ok to use. However consumers are concerned with photos worse than I have.
Incident date: Jun 22, 2023
Sensor for forward collision warning failed to work and I was involved in an accident.
Crash
Incident date: Jun 22, 2023
The underbody frame is 95% rusted out, this vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I could have been fatally injured, not knowing the under frame was gone, until vehicle was taken in for new tires. The vehicle was inspected by Firestone tire and Gene Butman Ford. There were no warning messages and the problem was first noticed in 2019 and was told the vehicle was unsafe to drive, a haz... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2023
When driving, the driver and passenger side mirrors shake impairing the driver visibility. On many occasions it has become dangerous to see in the driver’s mirror because the images look distorted. I checked with Honda and they said only certain models have a recall on the same mirror issue.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
Driving 70 mph on Interstate -10 the window seal came off and a side panel adjacent to the window flew off of the Explorer. I had to pay for the two parts and labor charges. I had the trim piece and the window seal replaced at a Ford dealership. The Ford Represenative told me, “Ford is aware it's been a problem”. At the present the rubber seal around the doors are coming apart from the frame.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
Paint is peeling off in substantial amounts. The door pillars/roof rails are almost completely bare metal. There is a large paint bubble on the trunk that will come off soon. The roof, hood, doors all have paint delaminating and coming off. Its all getting worse by the day. I've discovered that this is a common issue with Kias in my year range (2014), model (Optima) and color (white) particularly.... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2022
Backing up in a parking lot with direct sun behind the car, lost sight via the mirrors, dashboard camera and parking assist and collided with parking bollard approximately 3' high causing extensive damage to the left, rear quarter panel and wheel well. Parking assist didn't beep, blare or other as it does and has for our yard waste bins and garden cart at the edges of our driveway (backing up in t... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
Vehicles driver door check arm failed and it appears to have detached. A loud popping sound can be heard. Occurred at 64,500 miles. No collision and no inappropriate use.