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: Feb 24, 2023
Back in December and January when the weather was below 30 degrees the rear doors would not open on my truck. By the time I got to the dealer the doors warmed up enought to allow them to open, well In March we had another cold snap and my daughters left rear door did not latch all the way and opened when driving about 20 miles per hour. I have the truck at the shop today and they say they cannot ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2022
CAR BURNED DOWN STARTED SMOKING FROM ENGINE AS I WAS DRIVING ON TURNPIKE TOWARDS ORLANDO, FL
Fire
Incident date: Nov 28, 2021
Water is leaking out of the trim of the hatch from inside of the vehicle when the hatch is in the open position.
Incident date: Jun 23, 2022
Cajun Red Paint Color has defect. Paint began showing white specks where paint is chipping off after only having vehicle for 3 months. Continues to get worse, mostly on hood of Traverse but also on sides.
MERCEDES-BENZ
SPRINTER 2500
(2014) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 27, 2023
Incident date: Apr 14, 2023
Didn’t slow down right away
Crash
Incident date: Apr 24, 2023
Paint defects. Kia admitted about 5-6 years ago that the Snow White Pearl paint on some of their models had issues. Since then they have painted parts of our vehicle 4 or more times. Current issues started in December 2022
Incident date: Apr 27, 2023
Windshield trim ripped off at highway speeds. Blocked driver vision and then flew into air striking vehicle behind. This could have caused a serious accident in either vehicle. I know you are researching for recall at this time. It should have been recalled years ago.
Incident date: Apr 27, 2023
Paint is peeling off my white 2015 KIA Optima on the passenger side, trunk and driver and passenger front pillars. The paint is peeling from underneath the paint at the base of the vehicle. This is obviously a paint defect and unacceptable. I was told by multiple auto paint body shops that "the paint did not fuse with the primer which is causing the paint to bubble and peel". Kia is telling consu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2023
Paint is peeling off my white 2015 KIA Optima on the passenger side, trunk and driver and passenger front pillars. The paint is peeling from underneath the paint at the base of the vehicle. This is obviously a paint defect and unacceptable. I was told by multiple auto paint body shops that "the paint did not fuse with the primer which is causing the paint to bubble and peel". Kia is telling consu... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2023) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 26, 2023
Incident date: Apr 21, 2023
On march 28, 2023 I was riding home From the store and my brakes stop working the next following day I had to get it told to the repair shop to get fix
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2023) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 26, 2023
Incident date: Apr 7, 2023
While I was driving on the highway at about 65 mph the passenger side plastic piece that runs from the top of the windshield to the bottom of the windshield flew off suddenly. This piece was large and had it hit the driver behind me could have caused serious damage. This has not been confirmed by a dealer yet. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone yet. There was no warning that it was a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2023
The frame has been rusting out bad for many years. My gas tank is about to fall off it is hanging down do to cross member rusting out, and shocks too. Also body is rusting bad do to not putting the right rust inhibitors in the paint and frame.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Paint defect for 2014 Honda Ridgeline How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? NA Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Dealership auto body shop said that the car's paint seems to have a defect such as clear coat is gone on car that ... Read more
CHRYSLER
PACIFICA PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2020) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 25, 2023
Incident date: Apr 24, 2023
Soonroof/Moonroof closed rattle noise. When the Soonroff/Moonroof is closed at highway speeds or windy weather it make a rattle noise to inside of the car, i try to do their reset method and nothing worked, i being looking in kia forums and most of the people had complained about this issue, and that kia doesnt wants to fix. I will like an investigation of this issue and if you can start a repair... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
On 04/18/2023 around 8pm, I drove to a local Dollar General and parked my car. Once parked I opened my driver door to get out and heard a popping noise and the door felt weird when opening. I thought for a second something was caught in the door causing it to sound that way an cause difficulty opening. After looking and not seeing anything caught in the door I got out of the car and went into the ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2022
In the mid summer of 2021 I purchased a 2021 FOREST RIVER WILDWOOD TRIM LEVEL 178BHSK VIN # [XXX] for a considerable amount of money., I have had nothing but problems with this trailer and now the water leak ( for a second time on a second location) has damaged the integrity of the floor structure. With mold growing, a trailer I can NEVER level and wobbles terribly and many problems. I want this t... Read more
FORD
FUSION HYBRID
(2019) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 25, 2023
Incident date: Apr 20, 2023
For an unknown reason, the car caught fire and exploded while parked in a residential parking lot.
Fire
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2017) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 25, 2023
Incident date: Mar 31, 2023
My local Chrysler dealership suggested (and charged me for) computer updates relating to the sliding doors and transmission of a 2019 Pacifica minivan. Without these updates, the service advisor said the sliding doors may not open/close and that the engine may rev but power may not be delivered to the drivetrain. Doors can be opened manually. I am not all that concerned about that one. But if ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
This vehicle was purchased on February 10, 2023 under false pretenses, deceit, and fraudulent activities by Frank Leta Honda of Missouri. Frank Leta Honda and its Salesman failed to disclosed that this vehicle was in a major accident prior to me purchasing it. The front-end bumper and the front quarter-panel on the passenger side were damaged. This car was re-painted with non-factory paint, and... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 23, 2023
Was driving on the freeway going about 60mph when passenger side windshield moulding flew off the vehicle and hit my windshield & mirror. I have no idea where the part landed. My concern is - the part should not just fly off even on an older vehicle. I have no idea if the part hit anyone else’s vehicle. I had no warning that this part could just fly off.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Forest River XLR Toy Hauler. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH and towing the toy hauler, the side window in the kitchen detached. The contact stated there was glue residue detected around the seal. The contact used a piece of plexiglass to cover the hole. The contact called the local dealer who ordered the replacement glass, but the RV was not diagnosed or repaired. ... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2020) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 25, 2023
Incident date: Apr 25, 2023
Inside the truck I have located a crack in the rear window. The crack is in both sides of the sliding rear window and now leaks. I’m sure overtime this can damage in the interior which may damage seats and or the body of the vehicle. My vehicle is out of warrants and apparently they won’t cover this. Major defect, websites easily accessible with the same issue I have encountered.
Incident date: Mar 24, 2023
Car speed control malfunctioned. There was a sudden acceleration when car was below 10 miles in the parking lot. The driver lost control on braking and car keep accelerating even no force was applied to pedal. Dribe had to steer out of parking lot and crash through a wood en fence on next door neighbor. Car still keep going thru front yard of two houses cross the street and eventually hit a con... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 24, 2023
After one year of ownership. Toyota decided to remove navigation from my display. No longer showing maps. I have to pay 15$ a month to get it back. Also included is remote start. So after buying those things. Toyota can take it away? I don’t feel safe driving around areas without proper guidance.
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2015) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 24, 2023
Incident date: Apr 24, 2023
One month after purchasing(11-29-15) used car from Kia dealer, the paint started peeling on front panel above the windshield. It was repaired(12-28-15) by the dealer. It was brought to their attention when other areas started peeling shortly after but they didn’t care and didn’t say anything was wrong. Now there are four areas that are peeling on my car. It has been parked in garage since purc... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2023
The drivers side door would not open from the inside or outside. I was able to lock and unlock the door but when I pulled the handle it did not initiate the latch to open. I have had issues with the door not opening from the inside for several months but could open it from the outside, until today. I have had to climb through the passenger side to get out of the car on a couple of occasions.
Incident date: Apr 21, 2023
The rear wheel well was completely rusted out while the other side is fine. The shock broke loose causing the vehicle to drop down. I have a 17 year old that is not an experienced driver and this could have resulted in her getting seriously hurt. From what I read they recalled the vehicle to to 2004 and I don’t understand why they did not recall this one. They should have and this is a serious s... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2023
While under a hard stop the vehicle’s rear end started to swing back and forth suddenly causing loss of control of the vehicle. Mercedes Benz diagnosed the problem as a rusted through subframe which they’ve said is a “known issue” and extended the warranty on the part. The part is unavailable and there’s no ETA from Mercedes which means that the vehicle is unsafe to drive and cannot be r... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E550
(2013) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 23, 2023
Incident date: Mar 13, 2023
There is a "metal" splash guard (approx. 2ft x 2ft) under the engine that is secured by 4 steel bolts/screws and steel U-Clips. If the metal splash guard falls off it could puncture the gas tank, cut gas and brake lines or take someone's head off. This guard is more than just a piece of thin tin. The Bolts/Clips secure the metal guard to the remaining "plastic" splash guard under the rest of th... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2016) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 23, 2023
Incident date: Apr 22, 2023
The rear wheel on the left driver side detached from the frame while driving on the hwy and lost control. Luckily I could pull off and drive into the ditch. The frame is rusted enough that auto shop says that the repairs aren't worth it because the entire back frame is rusted and will just happen on the other side. No sounds beforehand to indicate their would be a malfunction. The control arm... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2023
While driving on a highway at approximately 65 mph the car seemed to lose traction and the slip indicator light appeared. Once able to safely look at the vehicle it was noticed the rear wheels were not aligned and the lower rear control arm had snapped.
Incident date: Mar 23, 2023
My 2018 kia Sportage got stolen and never received a letter from kia to prevent this from happening knowingly kias of this year and model were being stolen and mine got stolen March 23, 2023 is there any help for me ?
Incident date: Jan 17, 2023
While driving at 71 mph with cruise control and the doors locked, the drivers seat door unlocked and opened. The open door warning light came on on the dashboard. It is available for inspection. It has not been inspected yet at this time. My safety was put in danger as I had to close the door as wind was entering the vehicle. It has only happened once about two weeks ago.
JAYCO FIFTH WHEEL
EAGLE HT
(2021) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 22, 2023
Incident date: Apr 21, 2023
Frame cracks at axle connections. https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f6/broken-frame-eagle-ht-27-5rlts-97024.html
Incident date: Jan 19, 2023
Back windows fell off track and windows fell down, cannot roll them up. AC and Heater broke and won't work at all. Fuel system is too lean. Transmission is going out Timing Chain and tensioners making loud knocking noise. Burning oil.
Incident date: Jan 19, 2023
DOOR LATCHES Manufacturer Recall Number: 20S30. NHTSA Recall Number: 20V331. & REAR VIEW CAMERA Manufacturer Recall Number: 22S06. NHTSA Recall Number: 22V082.
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
Having difficulties to get our vehicle repaired by Ford Motor Company. Two out of three Safety Recalls for our car have not been solved. Attempts for arranging services have been made through online scheduling at our local dealership, as well as through contacting them by phone at different times, but still no final solution is been granted. First, DOOR LATCHES: Manufacturer Recall Number 20S3 & N... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2014) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 21, 2023
Incident date: Apr 14, 2023
GM has failed to remedy this recall in a timely manner.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
Vehicle has just over 113,000 miles and the frame is already severely compromised due to rust. Nearly all factory coating is gone. I believe the sub par wax like coating that GM used from the factory was never intended to last anywhere near or over 100,000 miles. I have personally inspected numerous 2007-2013 GMT900 trucks in or around ohio and have found similar severe rust issues. All vehicles i... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2023
The side sliding (rear) doors do not stop when there is an object in between. Even when you put heavy force (this is in some angles), the door continues to close. With mild force, the door just refuses to recognize and closes out. It is a big safety concern with small children, since if the force applied by adults is not enough, then any force the child would apply is definitely not going to stop ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 19, 2023
Tesla had been sending me messages since last year about the safety recall notice but they have not downloaded the necessary firmware update to remedy the safety issue NHTSA Recall no: 22V-702
Incident date: Apr 20, 2023
Cracked interior plastic dash, multiple places, potential safety hazard if airbag deploys and shatters it even more, also will be exposed wires once the cracks breaks all the way
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2023) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 20, 2023
Incident date: Apr 20, 2023
Seems Honda is hiding specific vin needing recal replacement of airbag fue to fact it's deployed. Attempt to cover up recall regarding this specific vin possibly aware that damage is done and if airbag deployed, vin check results "no current recalls" for vehicle. 2003 Honda Element had first recall replacement done. At that time Honda had person come to house to notify. This time, second recall, t... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 12, 2023
On 2/21/23, at 1245, I hit the rear bumper of my 2021 Cadillac Escalade when I backed up after I had scraped the driver side of my door panel as I drive thru a gated parking area. I started driving forward, turned left onto the back row of parking area. Suddenly the car accelerated very fast like from 0-60 mph. I quickly tried to step on the brake but the car kept accelerating. I tried to steer... Read more
Crash
CADILLAC
ESCALADE NA
(2021) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 19, 2023
Incident date: Feb 21, 2023
All honda fits have a massive water penatration issue. Water leaks from even small amounts of water from rear lift hatch from cracks in the weld seems an into car along inside on both sides in to the wheel well with spar tire. This causes high humidity and consequently massive damageing moister and rusting inside. Found to compromise electrical for tail lights and Hazzard lights. Also causeing ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2021
I was driving down the freeway at 70 mph when the driver side windshield trim flipped off the car and hit the cars behind me and the roadway. Very dangerous situation. Scary to say the least. Is there a recall or a fix so this does not happen again?
Incident date: Feb 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that there was rust forming on the rear of the vehicle towards the wheel wells and near the rear doors. The contact noticed the rust had been spreading quickly. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who stated that the rust seemed premature. Additionally, paint damage was noticed around the area th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2023
On February 8, 2023, I was driving the vehicle when the driver's side front door swung open while I was driving. The door would not close - the locking mechanism in the driver's front door completely failed and would not engage the door latch. My safety was put at extreme risk - the door flew open as I was taking a turn and I was forced to try to hold the door closed while driving the car. The ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2023
19April2023 at approximately 13:30 HRS, While traveling northbound highway 65 between Cullman and Hartselle Alabama, the right side windshield moulding detached while traveling approximately 70 MPH. The detached moulding flew rearward into traffic behind me. Upon inspection, it appears the piece is held in place by a single clip and a small strip of hook and loop tape. There were no warnings prior... Read more