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
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2019) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 13, 2023
Incident date: Jan 4, 2021
A couple of months ago, I noticed water had somehow entered the inside of my car, collecting along the interior roof panel and inside the C-pillar close to the top of the driver door. I did a little research to see if I could figure out what the cause of it was. I found that many other owners of 2019 and 2020 Rav4's had similar problems. Their findings indicated that Toyota had equipped poor qu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2022
I saw a similar NHTSA report for this car, so I will just repeat it here: <start of similar NHTSA REPORT>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NHTSA ID Number: 11440588 The door locks have become ‘sticky’. This means that when pulling on the interior door release handle, the lock is moving to a stuck position that is not permitting egre... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2022
When driving in the wind at speeds greater than 50mph , there is an extremely loud high pitched reedy noise. I have many videos of this and Mazda won’t address it/says it’s not an issue. I travel for work in SD, a very windy state, and often listen to this sound 2+ hours straight and can’t hear any music/phone calls/audiobooks over the noise. It is dangerous because I can’t hear anything b... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
Bought the vehicle in May 2022 from a dealer. By November of 2022 it was discovered that the frame was totally rusted. The dealer won't help so I paid $10,000 for a truck that lasted 6 months. I then found out this was a common problem that Toyota knew about so I called them for assistance. They would not help. I have been renting a vehicle at a cost of $800 a month because I don't have the m... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2023
Second door handle has failed and no longer unlatches door from outside, therefore dangerous to be unable to reach the back seats
Incident date: Mar 12, 2023
Water leaks into the trunk. many owners have reported similar issue, one example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRxTABAUxcU&ab_channel=Nickthecarguy
Incident date: Mar 11, 2023
I am filing a formal complaint with Cadillac and the NTSB about the design of the 2015 Cadillac SRX sunroof drains and rear hatch. The issue is that the rear sunroof drains get clogged and water fills the rear compartment and destroys the rear hatch electronics. Further, there is no manual release on the rear hatch which creates a safety hazard as there is no access to the spare tire. The repairs... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2022
Paint is peeling off in chunks without any cause
Incident date: Dec 25, 2021
Actuator failed and car makes a loud buzzing sound when locking or unlocking the door. Back driver-side door won't open.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
The passenger side windshield trim, separated from the vehicle at highway speeds, and landed onto the windshield of the vehicle behind me. Both vehicles were traveling at 75 mph when the incident occurred. I contacted my servicing Ford dealership, service, and parts department, to which both entities acknowledged this was a common problem for this year and model vehicle. I further inquired if any... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2023
Dashboard is melting which is making it extremely sticky but the worst part is that it is causing a visibility issues while driving. The glare is really bad.
Incident date: Mar 11, 2023
As I was driving my Genesis G70 on the highway last week in heavy traffic, without any warning, the sunroof exploded. It made a very loud noise and scared the hell out of me. Luckily I maintained control of the vehicle. The sunroof was closed at the time, but the violent buffeting of the sunshade let me know that there was no longer any glass above it. It was a mild 50 degree day, with no snow or ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
The car is available for inspection and has a paint defect. It went from one day being perfectly fine and next day I took it for a car wash and a big chunk of paint just peeled/ripped off. This is definitely a paint defect. I cannot believe this was something that can happen especially considering I take very good care of the vehicle and is well maintained. I am one of many other consumers affect... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2022
Driver's side windshield trim panel detached at highway speed.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2022
A-post (passenger side) trim because detached at high speed, striking another car.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2016
On 18 January 2023 the tailgate on our 2020 Odyssey refused to open. Neither the inside switch nor the outside switch does anything. I crawled in the back and checked the fuses and both are good. I also discovered that the emergency tailgate release did not function. Took it to the dealer, Greenway Honda in Florence, Alabama, an hour from home, and they weren't able to find the fault with a curso... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2023
The rear wheel well has rusted on both sides and completely rusted out a large hole (approx. 1 ft diameter area visibly effected) in the the body of the van. The rusted out section is where the back seat is anchored to the frame, so the rust has cause the seat to no longer be securely anchored to the car. The hole has also caused electrical wires to get wet when water gets into the van and intermi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The dashboard melted again, I had the TSB in 2017 to replace the dash. It is now again melted and obstructs your view by shining onto to the front windshield, obstructing the front view of the driver can cause impairment of vision and could lead to collision. The rear view mirror has black corrosion on it making it impossible to see clearly in the rearview and also obstructing your view which coul... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2023
Was at my house and opened my door like normal. Door fell off the rear hinge and stayed connected on the front, but with the door now open. The van won't drive because the parking brake will just keep turning on.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2023
The vehicle is completely rusting underneath and running boards. I was told by Infiniti customer affairs that the recalls had closed for rusted out struts. This impacts driving and can become a safety concern if the struts completely rust away. I'm concerned for my safety or the safety of my family if this failure occurs. The dealerships will not honor a recall that is no longer valid or closed. T... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2023
While driving down the road, the power door steps will spontaneously extend. This extends close to the ground and out to the side, and could catch on a curb, pothole, another vehicle, etc. This could cause an accident many different ways. It has been to the dealer for service multiple times, details below. The issue persists. I have learned from Facebook groups that this issue is quite wi... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2020) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 9, 2023
Incident date: Mar 6, 2023
On September 2, 2021, I was driving with my young son in the car. I had to pick him up from daycare due to severe weather(High winds and tornado warning in effect). I heard something hit my window, then my sons window, while driving 55 mph on the highway. I looked in the rearview and could'nt tell what it was. I dropped my son off at home with my mother and then noticed the entire A Pilar was miss... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2021
On two separate occasions, the windshield trim panel blew off my Explorer while I was driving at highway speeds. This was the trim panel on the driver's side in both instances. I had it repaired the first time and then it happened again. I was told by Safelight, who repaired it the first time, that they have done dozens of these repairs. And, it happened to my brother-in-law's Ford Excursion. Just... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
I was driving on the interstate highway- I-20 in Alabama going eastbound at approx. 70 mph. Suddenly, the driver's side windshield trim moulding blew off without any warning. Mileage was 51,278. The safety issue is that this trim moulding is approx. 18 inches long - 4 inches wide which may have hit another vehicle as it departed my vehicle at highway speeds. I further read that approx. 170 Ford E... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2023
Vehicle is known to have an issue with rusting subframe/crossmembers . Warranty on this vehicle was extended. (Service Bulletin 23-007-17, X69 Warranty Extension) However upon multiple dealer visits and requesting inspection was not notified that issue was happening. Approximately 1.5 years after warranty extension had expired noticeable issues started occurring including noises that got worse and... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 9, 2023
Incident date: Mar 9, 2023
The rear power lift gate will at times unexpectedly come down on you while you’re standing under it and won’t go back up… it has hit me in my head multiple times… and may be the cause of the compressed disc in my cervical spine… it happens mostly when it’s cold, but now that it’s 65° (Los Angeles) it’s still doing it
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 9, 2023
The undercarriage shield of my car disconnected and started dragging while I was driving in the rain. I did not collide into anything or hit a bump. I inspected my wheel well to discover a set of screws that were bunched up and not installed during manufacturing. I had to pull the shield from under my car so that I can continue to drive the vehicle. the shield is connected to the forward warning a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2023
The van took off without my control and the brakes stopped working and the fuel system it caused me to have two accidents within a week of each other
Crash
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2023) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 9, 2023
Incident date: Feb 15, 2023
The manufacturer has deceived buyers concerning the towing capabilities: https://insidemazda.mazdausa.com/the-mazda-way/mazda-cx-50-offers-confident-towing-capabilities/ I bought the OEM tow hitch and wiring to achieve the advertised 3500 lb towing capacity, but according to the owners manual that is not possible as you are limited to 1000 lb without a brake controller which can not be purchased... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
I was parked at Walmart and got groceries came out opened my sliding door and it fell off the hinges due to bad hardware says it will cost 2500 to fix wtf. Then a month later the other fell off also why when there are so many other reports of this happening is there not a recall already or at least an investigation. I mean come on you don't even have an option for reporting sliding door falling of... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2021
Myself along with thousands of other owners are having moisture build up issues inside the headlight that eventually create puddles of water that short out the headlights which is $5000 for each headlight replacement.
Incident date: Mar 7, 2023
Rear outer TAIL LAMP combination assemblies (NOT the inner lights on the trunk lid) have failed Virginia State SAFETY Inspection due to accumulation of moisture and standing water in BOTH left and right outer tail lamps, causing LEDs in the tail lamp assembly to burn out and not illuminate. There have already been multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) on the matter (i.e. KIA TSB PS364, KIA T... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2023
Dash board is melting which causes it to get shiny which causes it to reflect onto the windshield. This reflection makes it very difficult to see other vehicles, road lines, and traffic direction sighns.
Incident date: Mar 3, 2023
When I arrived at my destination after driving through rain my paint peeled back on my hood.
Incident date: Sep 8, 2022
“I went to my garage to get my car and off to work supposedly, I put my bag inside the car back set and close it after that I heard a crinkling and shattering noise. When I checked around I saw the rear windshield of my car is totally shattered before I get in the vehicle and before starting. It sounded as if something was in the rear of the vehicle. The entire rear window glass was shattered. T... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
Paint is peeling/delaminating off the car in chunks - from the roof and the hood. Paint peeled off of the hood in a large chunk while I was driving, and got stuck on the windshield & caught up on the wipers while in use. This damaged the wipers and created a dangerous situation, as it blocked my vision while driving. The paint peels off and flies off the car in chunks and can land on another car w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2023
My driver side seat belt when taken off does not retract back to normal position. Also my color urban Sunset is starting to fade on the back spoiler and truck Area. Thank you Any help would be appreciated
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2019) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 7, 2023
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
BODY PAINT COMING OFF AROUND BOTH REAR DOOR WINDOWS AND BOTH FRONT FENDERS BY THE HOOD.NOTICED PROBLEM AROUND ONE OF THE WINDOWS 6/22
Incident date: Mar 1, 2020
I was driving and went to back up and found the tailgate down. I had had it in the shop for a recall of the tailgate. Took it back to dealer and was told my tonneau cover was the reason. I disagree as when I shut it it was latched and flush. There is no alarm indicating the tailgate down and the contents potentially falling out. There should be some alarm to indicate the tailgate is open, jus... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2023
Rear window shattered without any impact. This is a known Acura issue due to faulty rear defroster grid. There was a bulletin issued but not a recall. Called local dealership and they are aware of the issues. Inspected and replaced glass on 3/7/2023
Incident date: Mar 29, 2021
The frame has broken in several places under the trailer making it unsafe to move. An insurance adjuster has seen the damage and determined it is not an insurance claim, but a manufacturing defect. This damage occurred during normal usage and could have caused an unforeseen collision to happen while in transit, putting my family and other vehicles/people in danger. The damage was only noticed a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2023
On 01/15/2023 my son was driving on a highway in our 2019 Honda Civic LX when he heard a scary grinding sound under the car. He was forced to stop on the side of the highway only to discover that the splash shield at the bottom of the car was almost disconnected from the car itself. Upon closer inspection at home, we discovered that splash shield is only held in place by 3 fasteners instead of... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2023
A terrible drain design that has plugged drains emptying rain water into the car. The water from rear drain will fill into then Battery & Sub woofer compartment under under the spare. The drains are not easy to access for cleaning either. you have to be pulling off wheel liners and yanking/cleaning the plugs just so my car doesn’t flood itself. Porsche should modify the plugs so water does n... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2023
On February 17, 2023, my vehicle was broken into and damaged because thieves tried to highjack the car using a now common method of the end of a USB cable in the ignition. The passenger rear window, the steering column, and the key ignition were all damaged, and I had my vehicle towed to a Hyundai dealership. Nearly all 2011-2021 Kia and Hyundai vehicles are made easy to operate without a key, to ... Read more
TOYOTA
CAMRY SOLARA
(2005) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 6, 2023
Incident date: Mar 6, 2023
On the day of Monday February 20 2023 I was in my front driveway preforming some maintenance on my 2003 Ford F-150 Xlt SuperCrew truck a gear shift cable and a heater core replacement. Once I finished the repairs I ran my truck for a few minutes then shut it off and was headed inside when I noticed a flickering light coming from the passenger side of the vehicle I walked to the truck and opened th... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 6, 2023
Driver inside door handle does not allow the door to be opened.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2023
For no apparent reason, Driver side door malfunctioned in early March 2023. Every time the door was opened it would make a horrible popping sound. No accidents or incidents at all with the car, was bought new in Feb. 2021. This morning when the door was opened it sounded like something snapped, now the door will just swing wide open so I have to hold the door and barely open to squeeze in and out ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
My frame is rusting with parts falling off in my drive. Toyota told me in 2017 the frame did not warrant repair.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2023
My car has now been broke into twice because of the "kia boys" I have now had to replace two windows, and clean my car out from glass.
Incident date: Feb 6, 2023
The paint peeling is seriously dominate in PEARL WHITE and that needs to be addressed!! We have seen peeling in other colors as well. We want this to lead to a investigation.