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: May 22, 2023
I drive 2022 Hyundai Tucson hyrbrid limited. I have noticed a plastic cluttering noise coming from outside hood area on driver side. This noise is always there at highway speed only. Have already complained to dealership but they act like they are confused and can’t figure out where exactly noise is coming from. Like me many people have complained about this same cluttering problem which nobody ... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2023
Door started squeaking. Dealership checked and found that, "Door skin spot weld is broken under door weather strip near door check." Door has never been damaged by owner.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
Welds holding driver's side door broke inside the door, door makes a crunching noise, is hard to close and window can't be rolled down. Door was not caught by wind or any other strain, no abnormal use. The car has 26,000 miles and the welds just gave out.
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER SPORT
(2020) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 22, 2023
Incident date: May 11, 2023
I recently traded in my 2017 Tesla Model X for a 2023 Tesla Model X. I am concerned the falcon wing doors on the 2023 Model X do not have the same safety features they did on the 2017 Model X, posing greater risk of injury and harm. My 10 year old daughter suffered a concussion when the falcon wing door opened, failed to detect her standing nearby, and hit her on the head. I brought the car in... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: May 19, 2023
The rear passenger wheel assembly became detached after crossing a small depression in the road. The body/frame had rusted where the two bolts that attached to the wheel assembly. The entire frame and body has rusted underneath the car.
Incident date: May 18, 2023
This safety issue was discovered yesterday. The passenger-side rear door will not unlock, either by manual attempt to raise the knob or by using the control buttons on the FOB nor at the driver's station. The window in that door also no longer responds to attempts to raise or lower it. Both my rear seat passengers had to enter using the driver's-side rear door. This creates a serious potential... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2023
While I was driving at the end of traffic (Light just turned green), when my sunroof (Glass) exploded. Was a very loud bang, glass fell all over the center console, driver side (On my arm, hair) and passenger side. Luckily I was the only one in the car. I informed my insurance of the damage and sent them pictures, I can show you as well.
Incident date: May 22, 2023
The whole hood vibrates while driving or when is windy, very noticeable at times. It was replaced once, almost a year ago but now it needs to be replaced again. same problem eventually the latches will be damaged creating a very hazardous situation. This vehicle has not been on an accident
Incident date: Apr 4, 2023
The 2017 Volvo xc90 hybrid regularly experiences these two issues when it is below freezing in Montana: 1) doors do not catch in the latch so they do not close and/or will fly open when turning. This occurs every time the temperature is below zero. 2) when below zero temperature occurs,
Incident date: Apr 15, 2023
I HAVE HAD 3 BROKEN WINDSHIELDS IN 9,400 MILES OF TRAVEL. I AM PRETTY SURE EACH WAS CAUSED BY FLYING ROCKS, BUT AT ONE REPAIR THE TESLA SERVICE MANAGER MENTIONED THAT THE WINDSHIELDS ARE VERY THIN TO SAVE WEIGHT. I BELIEVE THE WINDSHIELDS ARE VULNERABLE TO DAMAGE. I HAVE A 2018 TESLA MODEL 3 WITH 90,000 MILES THAT HAS NEVER HAD A CRACKED WINDSHIELD DRIVING IN THE SAME LOCALE. THIS IS A REAL SAFETY... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2022
There is currently a rust recall for vehicles registered in states surrounding me, but North Carolina, Tennessee is not included. The recall is from damage by salt to rusting frame and rocker panels. Mine was originally registered in Western NC and currently registered in north east TN. Both of these areas use salt on the roads and my Ridgeline is rusting in the rocker panels and underneath. T... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C 300
(2023) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 20, 2023
Incident date: Dec 10, 2022
End Cap at rear roof of Recreational Vehicle American Eagle 2017 fell off of the unit while driving Interstate 40.
Incident date: Apr 23, 2023
While driving over Donner Summit (7000 ft elevation) on HWY 80 towards Reno, the Sun Roof shattered with a loud pop. Fortunately, the sun roof visor was closed so shattered glass didn't make it into the car. I have been reviewing online forums and have found there are other instances of this happening with a similar vehicle like mine which is a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. https://www.jeepgarage.or... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2023
I was driving on the interstate going about 75 mph and suddenly my hood popped up and blocked my view. The hood cracked the windshield and was pushed back, in a way that doesn't allow it to close anymore. The hood warning light was not showing and I have driven hours earlier at highway speeds without a problem. The hood jack is snapped off. The problem has not been reproduced or looked at by my in... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2022
We purchased 2021 highlander in March 2021. Since the day we experienced some vibration in the driver side mirror and we first notice bad vibrations when we drove above 40 to 50 mph. We never bought this up with Toyota or the dealer untill May 5th 2023. When we created a case with Toyota, they directed us to the dealer. Once we scheduled the service they confirmed the vibration and replaced Part... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2023
I took my car in to address the panel warning symbols. Was told that my unibody style was no longer safe to drive due to severe rust. Was informed that the car could possibly fall apart.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2021
The windshield trim on the drivers side flew off while I was driving on the highway unexpectedly and startled me. I was driving at 75mph and could have easily lost control of my vehicle. This is very dangerous! While searching for how to fix it online, I read that this is VERY common! How is this not a recall? This is awful!
Incident date: May 1, 2018
Doors are rusting in areas where seam sealer was improperly applied. Water collects in these areas and rust is evident and perforating the metal, separating the inner and outer shell of the door. Dealership took the vehicle in for warranty and stated Subaru would not cover the defect until the rust had entirely perforated its way through the metal, leaving a hole.
Incident date: Aug 31, 2022
I have made multiple appointments at WINN VW of Woodland Hills, CA to have these recalls repaired (57J5, 97ZZ) only to have the dealership cancel the appointments both times. I called Galpin VW of Van Nuys, CA and was told flat out that they would not schedule my vehicle for repairs. I was last given an appointment of January 8th, 2024 by Santa Monica VW of Santa Monica CA. I believe that VW i... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2023
I am writing to report a potential safety problem with my 2018 BMW X3, VIN: (provide VIN here if available), that was purchased in May 2018 and has covered 36,000 miles since then. The vehicle has always been garaged and well-maintained. A few weeks ago, I experienced a critical malfunction with the vehicle's moonroof. I opened it normally, but it failed to close afterwards. I should note that th... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2023
The vats system is the problem on my 96 Impala it just shut my car off for the past 3 mos
Incident date: May 11, 2023
I have a snow white pearl painted Kia optima that has peeling paint on the pillars by the windshield. It started out really small but now it’s almost down the entire pillar.
Incident date: May 1, 2023
Vehicle paint is chipping / peeling off in large parts . Mainly roof and area surrounding windshield
Incident date: May 10, 2023
Water intrusion into the large tail light causing a short and corrosion that intermittently disables blinkers and running lights
Incident date: May 18, 2023
The top of the dashboard instrument panel keeps cracking in several places despite trying to prevent any or further cracks. It is very visible and it is now cracking towards the steering wheel and the cover to the passenger air bag area. concerned that because it is in close range to passenger airbag component area as well as the steering column area that eventually there will some malfunction in ... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2023
Exterior paint is peeling and stripping. Hood, doors, front and rear bumper, side skirts, and front lip.
Incident date: May 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the passenger side dashboard had started to delaminate; over time, the delamination began to spread to the driver side. The contact stated that a crack had formed over passenger side dashboard and expressed concern that the delamination may cause the air bags to not deploy in the event of a crash. The dealer noticed the failure on his last ... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2023
since I have owned this SUV the break has been bad I have taken it in with no help from ford now the weld on my drive side door has broken away from the frame. ford has told me that there nothing they can do about it, and I have to pay for the repairs. i have had the car for 2 1/2 years and i have read on line that this has happen to a lot of people
Incident date: Apr 18, 2023
I'm having constant issues with my front doors. Last year There was a door latch recall issued for the front drivers side door. I took my car to the dealership to get it handled however my FT DS door was making a clicking sound. It was fixed but since gone back to the dealership twice and now possibly a third time due to FT PGR Door making the same noise.. I keep getting locked out of my car or th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
As I was driving on the freeway, the windshield trim panel flew off my car. This put the safety of the cars behind me in jeopardy as it did or could have hit them or caused an accident by people attempting to avoid running over it in the road. I took my car to a Ford and they said this car is notorious for having this problem and they see it all the time. The previous owner of this car said that... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
As I was driving down the freeway the panel between the front and rear passenger door flew off. Noticed today that the driver side one is loose and it holds the keyless entry pad.
Incident date: May 18, 2023
My newly bought and delivered 2023 Lexus RX350 luxury trim with less than 400 miles has dash panel on the passenger side separating right where the suede trim clips with the soft touch IP panel. You can literally see the separation and sagging of the trim.
Incident date: May 18, 2023
Paint peeling on my 2019 Kia Optima Snow White Pearl paint code. Started from the back of trunk and continues to travel through out the body, peeling started at 84,000 miles with small bubbles and continued to its now 86,000 miles. The paint issues have been known and talked about in Kia forums as well as Hyundai. Hyundai has been proactive on addressing the issues but when I called to submit a co... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2023
Paint bubbling up all over vehicle.Roof,hood,rear tail gate,doors and paint peeling off. Had same problem between windshield and roof and American Honda repaired it.Now entire car is bubbling and paint peeling off.
Incident date: May 17, 2023
The car was all over the road when braking and making banging sound. Had towed to 3 repair shops and all said Subframe was rotted out beyond repair. Mercedes Benz in golden bridge will replace subframe, but my cost is towing, labor and renting a car until it’s fixed which can take up to 1 month.
Incident date: May 17, 2023
The paint is peeling off of the car. My safety is not at risk but this is a serious manufacturer defect. The defect has been confirmed by the dealer but they are now refusing to repair the paint. The pint has been inspected by auto repair shops and it is called delamination where the paint peels off the primer in sheets. There were no warnings but the paint began peeling in 2018.
Incident date: May 10, 2023
Driver's side door will not open from outside even when vehicle is unlocked. It will not open with the key in the door either. I had no warning that this was going to occur, I left work at 9pm and my door would not open. Thankfully, my other 3 doors are still in working order but what happens if those fail as well? My car has 104k miles but I have only had it for 5 years and this is a part that sh... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
I was parked in a parking lot backing out of a space. I was too close to the right curb so I put the car in drive to go forward to straighten out the tires. The gas accelerated abruptly and would not stop when I pressed the brake. The car jumped the curb/sidewalk and plowed into the parked car in front of me. The gas continued to accelerate pushing the vehicle in front of me about 5 feet back. The... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 2, 2023
A-Pillar molding suddenly detached and flew off while driving down interstate. The driver's side flew off in October of 2020. Caused me to swerve as I thought I hit something. Thankfully, no one was beside me. I didn't realize what it was until I was able to pull over at rest stop. Passenger side flew off while on highway in April of 2023. This time, the seal/gasket remained attached and was slapp... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2023
Per the technician: "the rear subframe is rusted out and the lateral strut arm is starting to break away". Because of this issue, the car unknowingly presented a safety risk to occupants and other drivers. A failure of the subframe or connected components could have resulted in a serious accident. Photos are attached. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. There were ... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Grand Design Reflection. The contact stated that as he retracted the RV's main slide out, the actuator used to retract the slide out snapped. Due to the failure, the slide out remained loose and was no longer secured to the RV. A technician was called to inspect the RV but informed the contact that there was too much damage and that extensive repairs would be needed. The ma... Read more
FIRESTONE
WEATHERGRIP
(9999) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 16, 2023
Incident date: May 15, 2023
*The rear sub-frame assembly nearly rusted through. Steering and Handling noticebly effected with rear of vehicle feeling soft and sluggish in turns. *The vehicle is available for inspection and was brought to my attention when the mechanic was beginning rear brake maintenance. *The mechanic is a licensed mechanic and the Repair shop is a licensed service facility. *The mechanic called me and aske... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The inside run channel which holds the "check strap arm" on the driver-side door has broken loose from the welds. The door would barely open which is a potential safety concern should someone need to exit the vehicle quickly in an emergency. This is the same issue reported in SSM 50150. Ford should issue a recall as this is a widespread issue with this model as reported online by customers and in ... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2023
Our motorhome came with an optional electric grill that is mounted on a slide in the storage compartments. While underway, the slide deployed, popping open the compartment door. The slide was then hanging out approximately 5 feet while going down the road. Thankfully someone flagged us down just before we would have struck another vehicle with the slide. Upon further investigation, the slide that... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2023
The rear right door cannot be open from inside the car. It opens fine from outside. I am aware there is a child safety lock, but in this case the problem is somewhere else. Regardless of the child safety lock position, the door cannot be open. This is a hazard, because in case oof an accident the passenger will e trapped inside the car.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2022
I had to do two engine jobs in one year because oil pressure sensor switch keeps going off due to poor electrical in the vehicle I also had to buy oil pressure pump
Incident date: Jun 30, 2022
After opening hood (front trunk) electronically, the hood will not close after pushing electrical actuation button. The hood sometimes only opens partially after pushing the button on the front edge of the grill. The hood can be difficult to latch after malfunction of the electronic open/close mechanism. The emergency exit button is likely affected by the failure to open after pushing the butto... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
There is a missing weld on the lower passenger rear control arm bracket that looks like a manufacture defect. I recently started hearing a clanging noise and brought it to the mechanic. I was not put at risk of safety (for the tie being). The problem has been confirmed and looked at ONLY by a mechanic. There were no warning lights. How do i get the welding fixed? the dealer will not help me repai... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The body has rust coming through on the lower body panels by the rear doors of a crew cab. Have to replace the AC condenser on a 2015 gmc Denali. Looks like GMC already knows there is an issues with this, but no recall on the 6.2L sierra denalis.
Incident date: May 12, 2023
Multiple times while driving, the tailgate has come open, allowing cargo to fall out onto the roadway. There is no notification to the driver that the tailgate has been opened or that it remains unsecured. The problem has been recognized in other F-150s but I believe it is more widespread. I am unsure what causes the tailgate to open but it has happened multiple times in both city and freeway d... Read more