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 12, 2023
I noticed multiple of welds on my 2019 Jeep wrangler's frame that have potential to catastrophically fail, including the front track bar bracket weld which was recalled for 2018 JL Wranglers. My local Jeep dealership (Larry H Miller Jeep in Sandy Utah), "inspected" the welds and said they were fine. However, they never had a welding inspector look at the welds, and when I brought this up with mana... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2023
The rubber lining around my windshield is falling off. It’s breaking into parts all across my windshield and is coming apart. It’s my understanding this is a common problem with my year make and model.
Incident date: Mar 2, 2023
Paint is bubbling a peeling on all doors next to the hinges. This is due to the fact that Jeep recently started using aluminum doors, which prematurely corrode around the steel hinges. Jeep has offered to repaint the areas where the paint has peeled off, which is obviously just a temporary fix. While this may seem like a cosmetic problem, it is indeed a major safety hazard as corroded door hinges ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2023
Driver's door is malfunctioning: Randomly popped open while at a stoplight without being touched. Won't open from the outside via the handle. Central locking function of the car is not working properly (doors don't lock while at speed like they normally do). The car is now at dealership waiting for repair; am told the necessary replacement door handle part is on a nationwide backorder with VW with... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2020
The driver side door unlocks and opens itself while I am driving the vehicle. In addition, while I am driving, the door opening or locking mechanism (I am unsure which) can be heard moving although this does not always lead to the door opening itself.
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2023) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 20, 2023
Incident date: Mar 16, 2023
Rear passenger frame rusted/rotted, rear passenger shock mount completely torn off frame at rust area and rear passenger leaf spring assembly cracked. Vehicle is not drivable and completely unsafe. This vehicle was recalled in May 2008 for inspection of frame rust and passed the inspection with only surface frame rust found and no rust perforation. Vehicle was recalled again in January 2012 for... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2023
My 2019 hyndai ioniq electrical system stopped working and results in the front door claiming that is not open. An internet search showed that this is common many hyundais and in particular the ioniq. The issue with this is 1) there is no way to know how bad this electrical issue, 2) since the door may or may not be open, the risk of the door opening while driving is present, and 3) all other noti... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2023
Hydraulic control unit was replaced July 2020 (ABS traction control lights coming on MEANING, NO ABS NO TRACTION NO 4 WHEEL DRIVE.) Hydraulic control Unit not working AGAIN. I have NO ABS, NO TRACTION, NO 4 WHEEL DRIVE, AGAIN. CHIME GOING OF CONSTANTLY AND DEALERSHIP HAS HAD "PART ON ORDER SINCE JAN 2023"
HYUNDAI
ELANTRA HYBRID
(2023) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 19, 2023
Incident date: Jan 27, 2023
Defective paint chipping and/or pealing off in large chunks with wind when driving can cause to hit another vehicles windshield especially, the drivers behind that can cause temporary obstruction to the road.
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2020) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 19, 2023
Incident date: Mar 17, 2023
The frame has rusted so badly it no longer is road safe and the frame needs to be replaced. Large hole in frame on front passenger side, and bad rusting all over. Mechanics said this is a known issue with FJ and Tacoma frames , and in my case the only solution is to replace the frame, which will cost (with associated work) $22K.
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2019) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 19, 2023
Incident date: Mar 19, 2023
Windshield Trim on right side passenger came off while driving on the freeway luckily no was behind at the time to avoid further collision
Incident date: Mar 19, 2023
I will try to give you as concise statement of my complaint as possible, however, I have copies I sent to the manufacturer and others that I'm willing to furnish you if requested. On 3/18/21, I wrote to Toyota's Executive VP , Chief Quality Officer, [XXX], stating my compliance with their notice of 7/9/15, requiring frame inspection, significant perforation not found, therefore they applied CRC c... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2020
The hood on the 2018 Honda Accord vibrates at highway speeds (not a little, but significantly). Two separate body specialists tried to make adjustment which resulted in slightly better fit, but still, the hood vibrates (again, not a little, but an unsettling amount) at highway speeds. Honda already has a known issue with the Pilot model's hood: https://honda.oemdtc.com /711/hood-flutter-or-vibrati... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2023
The hood on the 2018 Honda Accord vibrates at highway speeds (not a little, but significantly). Two separate body specialists tried to make adjustment which resulted in slightly better but, but still, the hood vibrates (again, not a little, but an unsettling amount) at highway speeds. Honda already has a known issue with the Pilot model's hood: https://honda.oemdtc.com/711/hood-flutter-or-vibratio... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2023
The hood on the 2018 Honda Accord vibrates at highway speeds (not a little, but significantly). Two separate body specialists tried to make adjustment which resulted in slightly better but, but still, the hood vibrates (again, not a little, but an unsettling amount) at highway speeds. Honda already has a known issue with the Pilot model's hood: https://honda.oemdtc.com/711/hood-flutter-or-vibratio... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2023
I've filed the specific issues in other complaints, but also wanted to input this for a record. After taking the card to the dealer, the dealer DID NOT address any of the following: Right door speaker rattle Engine squeak (when shutting off) Hood vibration Did not troubleshoot the smell coming from the ventilation system. Did not apply the fix (if there was one) for the infotainment unit restart... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2023
The powered sliding door sensor is inadequate. My son pressed the door closed button and I had to push the door off of my body as it started to crush me.
Incident date: Oct 17, 2022
My VIN 1FMCU0H64LUA76372 is not included in the recall 49399 but I have Warped Instrument Panel Upper Section panel upper section near the defrost grill on the passenger side Ford has tried to fix but said they did not have the correct parts, how they fixed it was not appropriate and was still warped. The instrument panel has become warped back to before the fix. Can this ID be updated to inclu... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2023
I have had the liftgate lower unexpectedly in two separate incidents causing injury. The first happed two weeks ago at a filling station. I was exited the passenger side and walked behind the car to reach the pump. When I got to the pump I turned around to go back to get my wallet. At that moment I struck the liftgate and it cut my head because it had opened without warning and I turned direct... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 11, 2021
An Issue with the black accessory grille that started to bubble up with no reason and this is an issue with Honda Accord sport because of the black accessory grille
Incident date: Oct 20, 2022
the suv paint has started peeling and while driving the flakes fly off . 3 day while driving on i-90 interstate in chicago area and a big piece (2feet x 6-8 inches wide)of paint flake flew and landed on a car behind me on its windshield and luckily that driver was able to stop the car without incident . (anything serious could have also happened) Honda is a premium car which charges much more th... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
METRIS
(2016) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 17, 2023
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
Body trim around window fell off while driving on freeway. Vehicle is available for inspection. Safety risk would be to other drivers who could be hit by part flying off. Fortunately, no person or vehicle was struck when part flew off my car. Car has not been inspected since incident. There was no warning or symptom prior to incident.
Incident date: Mar 10, 2023
One of the HEHR windows blew off of the motorhome while driving down I-5 in California. The window shattered. (Fortunately it did not hit the motorhome driving behind us, and fortunately we were in the right lane so it didn't hit anyone else.) We had to go two and a half months driving with no window in that place (the bedroom) - we, of course, blocked it with styrofoam, etc and good old duct ta... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2018) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 17, 2023
Incident date: Mar 3, 2023
The tailgate will randomly open while driving allowing contents to fall from the bed of the truck
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2020) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 17, 2023
Incident date: Mar 17, 2023
UNKNOWN I’ve had to replace the knock sensor twice in my vehicle in less than 2 months, my paint on my car is also peeling off really bad.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
Opened the drivers side door to get out of the car and heard a crack and the door would barely open. Hard to get in and out of and the window won't roll down. Definitely a safety issue. It has not been in a collision nor has the wind caught the door. The car is only 3 years old.
Incident date: Mar 16, 2023
Convertible Top Back glass Separation from Top Cover Material. The back glass window separated from the canvas roof, it started in the bottom corner of the glass window.
Incident date: Dec 31, 2019
While driving on the highway, the passenger front windshield trim piece flew off, causing the driver behind me to swerve to avoid being hit by it. I was not positive what happened until I was able to stop and look at the vehicle. Dealership said it was not under recall so would cost $300+ to replace the part. Previously in the same day I had heard a tapping/rattling noise but could not identify wh... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2023
The plastic fairing/dashboard installed on the motorcycle is not aligned to the steering handle bars when sitting square on the motorcycle. The fairing appears to be crooked and tilted to one side such that it causes concern while riding because it gives the illusion that one is not riding in a straight line and drifting causing the rider(myself in this case) to feel unsafe. Seems like the fairing... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2023
My 2016 Kia Sorento has large places on the body (hood, roof, door rails) where the paint has peeled off extensively. We noticed the paint peeling on the hood in August 2022 and the roof and door rails were noticed this month, March 2023.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
K Neal International delivered an unsafe school bus to me. The bus leaks when it rains; onto the seats and students. This is a brand new 2023 school bus. Also, my suspension has already begun to leak. NHTSA doesn't have any recall information listed for my VIN, but I've received recall paperwork from IC Bus, LLC/Navistar about a recall on the hex flange lock nut. Why do you, NHTSA, not have t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
K Neal International delivered an unsafe school bus to me. The bus leaks when it rains; onto the seats and students. The stop arm malfunctioned; staying in the open/on position, causing confusion for other drivers. This turned out to be an electrical relay problem. The driver side window has a gap in it large enough for a small animal to get through. When it's windy out, the entry door opens o... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2021) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 15, 2023
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
Rear doors will fail to latch shut in cold weather. Repeated closings of the door (slammed or gentle) fails to latch shut for up to 10 minutes or more. On last occasion door appeared to be shut, but while driving door came open (almost hitting 2 children waiting for school bus). TSB exists for this problem but some claim problem to persist after repair. Do not feel safe driving the car anymore for... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2022
Van sliding door fell off when trying to close the door.
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 16, 2022
Had large paint chip come off hood and stuck on windsheild. Was driving on interstate which caused blind spot while driving 60 mph. Had to pull to side of road to clear windsheild.
Incident date: Jan 3, 2023
The frame of my Toyota 4-Runner has developed holes making it dangerous to drive.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2019
The front hood latch seems to be loose and the hood vibrates a lot on the interstate. I am afraid that it is going to open while travelling at high speeds on the freeway.
Incident date: Dec 10, 2022
Delamination of body paint
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2013) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 14, 2023
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
My back driver side sliding door stopped working and I had to remove my grandchild from the window because the car was loaded and packed for a trip. Then about 5 months after the door stopped my passenger and driverside windows would roll down and immediately back up and then down and not close. This caused extreme cold for passengers in the vehicle since we were driving in bad weather and cou... Read more
LINCOLN
CONTINENTAL
(2017) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 14, 2023
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
leaking water into the interior through headliner. researched online and multiple land rover discovery owners are having the same issues. Extremely dangerous while driving.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
I was in stop and go traffic. We got into a crash and my vehicle was totalled. I’ve never been in an accident before. It felt like the break system just broke down.
Crash
Incident date: Feb 14, 2023
Rust is happening at an increasing rate on the rear wheel wells and rear lift gate.
Incident date: Mar 14, 2023
Sunroom leaking from rear interior lights when raining. Possible electrical issues. Occurs always upon raining. Chrysler has inspected the vehicle and started it’s the gasket that needs replacing. This began approximately Feb 1, 2023.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2023
Water leaking inside vehicle from the rear window. I went online and discovered there are several people having issues with the same type of problem. I would hate for the humidity to cause electrical malfunctions causing an accident from water damage.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
I have had this vehicle for 10 years. The paint started to peel in or around 2017. I was in a hail storm and within the last year and now it looks like my car was 100 years old. I put in a claim to my insurance and they denied coverage due to kia having a paint issue. Peal white specifically. I also took the car in December 2022 for all the recalls on the engine. Since then it's literally falling ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2023
Tailgate on truck will randomly open, including while driving. This can cause debris in the bed to become unsecure and fall out of the back. I have had this happen several times in the past. Most recently it fell while I had my trailer on cause damage to the tailgate which will now need replacing.
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2017) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 13, 2023
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
On a trip from South Carolina to New York, both A-pillar trims blew off on the highway. I am attributing this to both the fluctuations in temperature in the prior 12 hours (over 30 degrees) and a known issue with this vehicle. It was also very windy out.
Incident date: Mar 13, 2023
2020 ford escape only 41k miles Broken spot welds in left front door check arm attachment points .. started making popping noise when opening door and know have trouble with opening g and closing door and ford won't fix it 😑
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
When the tailgate of the Ridgeline is open like a door it slams shut hitting the person loading something into the bed in the back. The hinge isn’t strong enough to hold the door open. The truck has to be parked on perfectly level ground to keep this from happening. Honda has been made aware of this problem.
Incident date: Jun 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 78 MPH, the front passenger’s side window trim detached from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was... Read more