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: Dec 5, 2022
My dashboard is completely cracked, and the driver side handle on the inside broke off
Incident date: May 11, 2023
When you hit the button to close the hatch whether it be by the hatch button, dash button or key fob button if something is in the way it doesn’t stop closing. So if your arm or a small child’s head, arm it would just keep closing. If it can’t latch it does go back up but that is only when it goes all the way down.
Incident date: May 30, 2023
The car's rear subframe has rusted to the point where the suspension no longer correctly mounts to the frame causing an unstable ride and handling issues. Yes, the car can be inspected. This is a safety issue because other parts of the suspension system or brake system could become loose or break off or otherwise be negatively affected by this corrosion. It could also cause me to be unable to cont... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2023
While driving on the highway the right windshield trim piece on the pillar completely ripped off.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2018) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 30, 2023
Incident date: Mar 27, 2023
I have several recalls on my vehicle and the dealership only scrub and they did not replace the crossmember and other parts. I need help to see if this is OK
Incident date: May 28, 2023
There is some kinda leak or condensation problem inside the cab of the pick up. It causes mold and mildew on around the front passenger seat. I have respiratory problems and it is very difficult for me to breathe when the truck has been stationary for a few days or when I have all the windows rolled up. There are visible spots of mold or mildew on the passenger side carpet and on the back seat.
Incident date: May 20, 2022
Windshield trim flew off driving down the interstate, hit my side mirror, and passenger window. The trim piece put my family and me in a dangerous situation. It could have easily broken the window. No warning.
Incident date: May 29, 2023
Back passenger side door won’t latch
Incident date: May 29, 2023
This is not a singular incident; it has been persistent for five or so years at this point. Quite frequently, when I am driving with the top down for at least 20 minutes, one of the doors unlatches (a couple of weeks ago, this actually occurred six times in one hour or so trip, though such frequency is unusual). For the first year or so this occurred, it was only the driver's door, but then it s... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2023
Chunks of paint are coming off my car on the freeway. It was raining and a large section of paint flew off and onto the car that was driving behind me and stuck to their windshield. The occupant almost had a collision with another vehicle on the freeway. I was able to follow the car that got the paint stuck to their windshield and I did apologize and got their contact information to verify my inc... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2023
The pillar trim windshield molding on both sides detached and flew off the vehicle while driving on the highway.
Incident date: Oct 14, 2022
2020 Ford Escape drivers door had the check arm fail due to the inner reinforcement bracket breaking off of the outer door shell. The failure caused the check arm to lodge into the window track and the door would not close and the vehicle couldn’t be driven or secured. The door made a popping sound just 1 time before the failure. Ford states an issue with the check arm welds failing in SSM 515... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2022
Woke up to find the under carriage cover torn from its screws. We had a night of rain, don’t even thing we had strong winds. Now of the electrical or duct work was secure to the underbody, and material holding it in tore from several screws. Had we have been driving it would have caused a deadly accident for ourselves and others on the road.
Incident date: May 20, 2023
Right side pillar trim detached at 70 mph on freeway causing other vehicles to avoid flying debris.
Incident date: May 27, 2023
While my truck was parked and running (auto-started: FACTORY auto start), truck spontaneously burst into flames and burnt down before fire dept could get to it and put it out. TOTAL LOSS. Of note: fire dept was about 100yds away and responded as soon as we saw flames.
Fire
Incident date: May 27, 2023
The sunroof drain tubes become plugged and if you can actually find someone to fix the error, its horribly expensive. Water enters the vehicle, causing mold on the back seat floors. This issue has also shorted out my trunk release consistent with other individuals reports and when manually released, via the inside hidden panel, it sparks, which is dangerous and shouldnt happen. After a heavy rain,... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2023
The front bedroom slide out has caused a structural crack.
Incident date: May 27, 2023
Vehicle body damage. Vehicle car parts damage.
Crash
Incident date: Jul 22, 2022
Unknown, rear ended another vehicle no damage occurred
Crash
Incident date: May 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormally loud bumping sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. After stopping to inspect the vehicle, it was discovered that the upper rear spoiler cover had detached from the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not yet repaired. T... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2023
White pearl color start pealing off, affected area is at the back of the roof above the back window.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2018
Found this vehicle on sale at a area dealership where they are charging $499.99 for a recall that should be done for free per the recall Service Campaign 984 2011-2016MY ELANTRA (MD/UD) UNDERBODY CORROSION PREVENTATIVE SERVICE. I wanted to bring this to someone's attention as in my opinion this is ripping off a potential unaware buyer. This vehicle is only 10 years and would or should still be cov... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2023
The paint on the roof right above the windshield is peeling off. I've gone online and seen pictures of other white elantras with paint peeling. I was told by Crestmont Hyundai that my car is not part of any recall. I had the car at Crestmont Hyundai on April 28 for a recall for an anti-rust undercoating and the pictures that were taken do not show any type of damage to the area.
Incident date: Jan 30, 2022
Pearl White paint on hood is flaking/delaminating.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2023) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 26, 2023
Incident date: May 1, 2023
Paint peeling off all over vehicle
Incident date: Nov 22, 2018
drivers door started making a grinding metal on metal noise and no longer able to lower drivers window. took vehicle to local ford dealer for known recall and mentioned problem to service writer. 30 minutes later was told to pick up car drivers door problem requires door replacement by a collision shop for broken welds in door and recall part is back ordered 2-3 months. Googled door problem and... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2022
I've noticed on 2 separate occasions my tailgate opening while driving. I see I separate recall but it doesn't include my vehicle year.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side windshield trim detached and flew off the vehicle. Additionally, the windshield rubber gasket was flapping while driving, and the contact removed the rubber gasket from the windshield. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the windshield trim clips ... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2016) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 25, 2023
Incident date: May 17, 2023
Vehicle does not have a notification via chime or message stating the rear tailgate is open. There is a button on the dash that can open the tailgate when the vehicle is stopped at an intersection, this can be inadvertently pressed without the driver knowing, causing the vehicle to drop any cargo when accelerating or leaving the intersection. This can lead to serious injury or to any vehicle behin... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2023
The welds securing the check arm on driver's side door detached without prior warning during normal use, making the door nearly impossible to close fully, and keeping the window from going down more than about an inch. The dealer says they have seen multiple instances of this on the 2020 Escape, and there are many reports of the same thing on the internet. The body shop that repaired it has also... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2023) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 25, 2023
Incident date: May 23, 2023
The Brow Glass between the top of the windshield and the sun roof, alligator cracked following by a complete crack and breakage along the full width of the glass.
Incident date: May 24, 2023
Paint flaking off of front fender in crease above tire on both the passenger and driver side.
Incident date: May 25, 2023
purchased this vehicle new 4/3/23.specidically purchased this truck for towing as it has the built intergated goose neck for a 5th wheel attachment. recently attempted to put the fifth wheel in to tow our camp trailer, it would not drop down far enough and lock on place on the truck, contacted the dealer and as well took the truck to 4 different businesses that specialize in hitches, only to advi... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2023
Vehicle A pillar flew off while driving on the highway and almost hit a vehicle behind me.
ACURA
MDX TYPE S
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 25, 2023
Incident date: May 21, 2023
Bubble paint appeared on all the car doors including the truck door as well as the engine door and the windshield frame driver corner. I went to south bank dealer in Ottawa and the took pictures many time and they say approved and never call. And then they say they will fix the spots only which is so weird to fix rusted bubbled paint in a new car. They should change all the doors as the metal is a... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2023
When a passenger front door is opened, it is possible for the person exiting the car to catch an upper arm in the metal opening and sustain an injury.
Incident date: May 9, 2023
The body is defective in keeping water out of the cab. Water intrusion into cab causing moisture build-up and damaging interior and electrical components. My safety is at risk due to the electrical components in the cab that run the vehicle could cause electrocution or cause the vehicle to fail while in use. No they have not reproduced the problem. Yes, GM Collision center and service center (thre... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2021
Large slide will come out from wall of coach four to six inches while parked and driving. National safety problem issued by manufacturer. Repair was done, lasted five months then reoccurred. Trying to get fixed again. Out of service total of six months and counting. Dealer and manufacturer know no recourse will be taken. Filed CAP RV told not eligible due to being second owner. Problem was not di... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2023
The fuel strap frame bracket failure has occured on my vehicle and i'm wondering why it was not covered under the recall? ref: Safety Recall U04 / NHTSA 18V-160 Frame Bracket
Incident date: May 10, 2023
On the driver's side door are spot welds that are breaking away and preventing the window from coming down. As documented in SSM-50150.
Incident date: May 1, 2023
Vehicle: Nucamp TAB 400 travel trailer Component: The roof trim on the trailer. Improper design and materials. Event: The plastic molded trim loosens. While traveling, two trim pieces were torn off and flew away. The pieces are approximately 5 feet long and 4 inches wide. Safety issues: The pieces flying through he air could hit another vehicle and cause an accident resulting in injuries or deat... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
My driver’s side door top hinge the spot welds let go, I already had the door replaced by Ford under warranty back in 2021 my car is not under warranty anymore I have about 156,000 miles on it. I got a estimate at a body shop it will cost me about $1820 to replace the door.
Incident date: May 5, 2023
I purchased on March 18, 2023 at HGREG West Palm Beach dealership. The salesperson did not disclosure the previous car incident information, I found it later that car has 2 car incidents. After purchasing a car on April 30, after I parked my car, its started unprovoked alarms. I have no control over my car for about 15 min. I knew that my car has an anti theft device so I contacted MagniShield an... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 StarCraft Telluride. The contact stated that while having an inspection completed, the contact was informed that a propane line to the grill was located on the outside. The contact was informed that the slide-out had been cutting into the propane line. The propane line was being replaced; however, the contact was unsure if any changes would be made to the slider. The manufa... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2023
Window trim pieces detached while driving on the highway, hitting window hard and then flying back into traffic. This is the 2nd piece of trim that has detached while on the highway. First piece was on further back on side.
Incident date: May 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2003 BMW Z4. The contact stated that the coolant warning light illuminated. The contact then stated that she noticed smoke underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, she noticed a leak on the ground located near the rear passenger’s side tire. Additionally, the contact then stated that while operating the convertible drop top, she ... Read more
WALTON TRAILERS
TRAILER
(2020) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 23, 2023
Incident date: Mar 23, 2023
The exterior paint around the front windshield of my daughters vehcle is peeling off. There is a recall on this problem but I was told my Vin# was not included in the recall. Acura stated since my vin is not listed there is nothing that can be done. Acura TSB #ONL6P811202020. NHTSA TSB #10182987. I can not understand why if they know there is a problem that all vehicles with the problem are n... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
In the last 2 years, 3 of our 4 doors locks have failed to open the door from inside and outside. The dealer has made me bring it in to prove its broken. This is a saftey issue, now my driver's door is not working from outside and they want me to bring it it BEFORE ordering and waiting on parts. I am 70 years old and cannot climb over seats to get out. Someone is going to get trapped, and I hop... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2023
I heard a series of loud pops coming from the vicinity of my driver door hinges, while inside the vehicle with the door closed, over the course of several days. I could not identify exactly where they came from until the driver door stopped operating properly. Upon inspection I could see several small holes in the front inside edge of the driver door and after comparing them to the passenger side ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2017) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 23, 2023
Incident date: May 23, 2023
I was driving on the interstate and heard a very loud noise. The glass moon completely shattered without warning. Pieces of the shattered glass were falling off the vehicle and inside. The temperature that day was warm and a storm was coming in. The barometer pressure was changing as the storm was approaching.