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 3, 2022
Driving down the freeway and one of the windowshield trim pieces flew off the car. About a week later it happened again with the other side.
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
Left windshield trim suddenly detached while driving on freeway, which presents the risk of flying debris striking other cars; since I was in the left lane during the incident in the middle of Nebraska and it landed in the median, no others were known to be struck. Since the problem was a known issue within a Ford Explorer owner's group on Facebook, I simply ordered a replacement part soon after ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2023
While driving 60mph on the highway my windshield molding on the passenger side flew off.
Incident date: Jan 30, 2023
Rubber weatherstripping around windshield glass is coming off and hitting the windshield. I had the car inspected by Safelite Auto Glass and they said the windshield needs to come out so they can replace all the surrounding parts that are coming off and they will also have to replace the windshield, since it will probably break when they take it out. It will cost $759.67 to repair. Insurance will ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Feb 1, 2023
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
Driving down the interstate and windshield A pillar panel flew off.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2000
When the temperature outside drops below freezing, the rear driver's side door has either been stuck closed or will not latch properly. Ford needs to issue a formal recall on this. If the door to open while driving this would not be safe to the passengers in the vehicle. if I were to get into an accident, I would not have easy access to the occupants in the back as the door maybe stuck and will... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was a loud sound outside the vehicle, and an airborne object was seen on the driver’s side of the vehicle. The contact stated it was later discovered that the driver’s side front windshield trim panel had detached from the vehicle. The contact purchased the replacement part from the dealer ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? WINDSHIELD TRIM How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? ONE SIDE FLEW OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? NO Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
Windshield trim piece on right side flew off while driving down the road.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the driver's side front window trim detached. The contact pulled over but was unable to locate the window trim. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the driver's side front window trim needed to be replaced; however, the replacement part was on backorder. The contact was able to purchase the repl... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2023
The trim panel around the windshield detached. The panel detached on the drive home from the Ford dealership. This happened on a brand new vehicle. I returned the car to the Ford dealership and they replaced the trim panel. I also had to have the windshield replaced on this vehicle. The windshield replacement company requires you to purchase new trim panels surrounding the windshield when the win... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2019
Windshield trim on my 2012 Ford Explorer keeps coming/flying off. The trim keeps coming apart. Happened twice since owning my SUV and replaced.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
The plastic windshield trim on the passenger side of the vehicle broke and flew off while driving down the interstate. The piece was then run over by another vehicle. Luckily it did not hit another vehicle or someone on a motorcycle . When I called the dealership near us they said that they were aware of the problem. The dealer said it has happened to several explorers that the were aware of but ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
On Saturday Jan 21, 2023 while driving 70 mph on I75 between Naples and Ft. Lauderdale Florida the lower bumper fell off. We didn't hit anything on the road. I was driving and my wife was in the car and witnessed the incident. We pulled off onto the shoulder of the highway. Our quick response saved not only the lower front bumper from going under the front tires but also avoided a major accident. ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2022
Drivers side windshield trim panel detached and flew off which driving.
Incident date: Dec 14, 2022
I was driving down the road 50 mph The driver side, plastic piece that goes around.the outside of the windshield blew off.Upon further inspection the passenger side is also loose and ready to fall off. The rubber that goes around the whole windshield is dry rotted and all broke off .
Incident date: Nov 9, 2022
The front window side panel is in the process of coming off on both side it’s already detaching from the top of both side & im afraid it’s gonna hot someone if it flies off I started to notice this a little after I got the car & im noticing more & the dealer ship saw it when I got the car & said it’s not on recall
Incident date: Nov 15, 2022
The windshield trim panel blew off. It was repaired at Camargo Cadillac where the Explorer was purchased. It blew off on the way home. Camargo replaced the panel again. It blew off 2 days after the second repair. We were reimbursed and it was suggested we go to a Ford dealer. I called Beechmont Ford and I have waited 5 months plus for an appointment for recalls that have not been done. I always f... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2022
At Christmas we noticed that there was something flapping from the side of the windshield & hitting the windshield as well as bilateral front windows. Further inspection revealed what appears to be a rubber seal keeping the body trim flush with the windshield was disintegrating. This could even be holding windshield in place. This problem is reproducible & occurs anywhere over 30mph. The faster yo... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
Driving on the highway, my left windshield trim flew off. This could have hurt someone or caused an accident. There was no warning prior to it coming off. The dealer charged me $500 to replace it.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2023
When driving down the road at speeds above 50 mph. The hood will ripple when a CDL style vehicle goes by. When I purchased the vehicle. I had to take it to Fletcher Dodge in Jonesboro AR, to have the nuts that bolt the hood to the raising bracket tightened because they where loose and center latch adjusted. The hood still ripples enough to think its going to come open.
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2017) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Feb 1, 2023
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
Front drivers side trim piece for windshield flew off going 75mph on interstate. Had it replace and did it again a few months later. Passenger side is loose but has not come off yet.
Incident date: Jan 31, 2023
Gear selector sticks at start-up and doesn't raise up to engage the car out of park. Have turn off the vehicle and re-start for the gear selector to raise. Trunk hatch will sometimes raise only part-way. Interior light panels for trunk button do not illuminate.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2022
Driver’s side black plastic A pillar windshield trim piece detached as I was driving on the highway. Startled me but I kept my composure. No other damage. Piece could have hit another vehicle behind me or a motorcyclist. When I stopped I confirmed the piece missing. Seems only held on by tape and Velcro
Incident date: Jan 29, 2023
MY WINDSHIELD TRIM ON BOTH SIDES OF MY WINDSHIELD KEEP FLYING OFF!!!! FORD DEALERS SAY THEY'VE NEVER SEEN THIS BUT YET I DRIVE AROUND TOWN AND SEE PLENTY OF FORD EXPLORERS WITH THEM MISSING!!! THIS IS RIDICULOUS. IVE BOUGHT REPLACEMENT PARTS THAT WILL NOT EVEN STAY ON!!
MERCEDES-BENZ
GL450
(2011) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jan 31, 2023
Incident date: Jan 30, 2023
Monday, January 30, at 7:25pm, I was driving my 2019 Nissan Pathfinder at 55mph and the sunroof exploded. The weather was clear, 60 degrees, no precipitation. There was a loud explosion then the sound of glass rained over the roof of the car. The interior shield was closed; therefore, glass did not enter the vehicle. We pulled over immediately to inspect the vehicle. The sunroof was identified as ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2023
There is significant rust on the frame of the vehicle
Incident date: Jan 29, 2023
Apparently Toyota had a recall for the dash of their camry solara models back in 2015 for dashes that melt, bubble, become extremely tacky/sticky & peel when temperatures rise. However, I never received any notice of said dash recall for which my 2005 Toyota Solara qualified for, nor did I hear of any recalls in my local area on any MN news stations. A melting, sticky dash causes glare that is hig... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2022
I was driving down the Interstate in my 2016 Ford Explorer at approximately 80-85 MPH when a long piece of the windshield trim panel flew off of the car. I didn't realize what had happened until I saw the trim piece missing. Once I saw how big the piece was, I was immediately concerned that the trim piece could have hit another car and seriously injured someone. I took the vehicle to a Ford dealer... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2023
10/23/22 While driving at highway speeds - Interstate 39 - a large piece of the driver's side windshield trim flew off. We had no impact with anything that would have made it fall off - it simply came apart and landed on the road behind us. We have had the piece fixed since. Body shop could have photos still - if needed. No warning signs were present in the car.
Incident date: Jan 31, 2023
Three times, we have had to replace the front windshield pillar trim…twice is flew off during driving on the Interstate. It seems the weatherstripping peels back first and started flapping in the wind, and then the pillar trim rips off.
Incident date: Jan 3, 2023
Car accident put at risk to not be safe and defend myself with no air bag malfunction body suspension up to 4 car incident in major intersection. No warning lamps that appeared.
Crash
Incident date: Nov 18, 2022
On or about January 4, 2023, while travelling on Hwy 22 in Texas at approximately 65 mph the right (passenger) side window trim unexpectedly flew off, landing in the road behind me. There was no previous indication of the trim being loose. The safety of others is a concern because the trim could have hit, or cause a diversion from, traffic in either direction. When I called the dealer to schedule ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2023
All doors have this issue during cold weather. The doors fail to latch or the doors fail to open. When the doors fail to latch I close the door thinking it is safely closed; however, the door latch fails to engage allowing the door to open while driving. This happened while a child was in the back seat and caused a very distressing hazard. I had to tie the door shut with a bungee cord. Other time ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2022
Windshield trim panel flew off my car while traveling at highway speeds. I was traveling on the highway when suddenly the trim and seal under the trim flew off my car and got caught on my side mirror. I was in the middle of a trip nowhere near a ford dealer and had to tape up my car so that it was protected from the elements. I had to pay hundreds of dollars to fix this problem on my own.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2022
RECALL IS NOT BEING COMPLETD IN A TIMELY MANNER. We have not had any incidents but we have been waiting since August of 2022 for the dealer to receive the parts to complete the recall. We have been told that we are on a waiting list and we're actually on the waiting list at 2 different locations. I read online that I should file a complaint if the recall is not completed in a timely manner. We are... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2022
At the end of December 2022, my entire right side of my windshield trim piece flew off on the highway. In addition, my right side passenger applique has come off twice on the highway since summer of 2021. The second one was a replacement and it only lasted less than a year before flying off while on the highway again in the fall of 2022. Pictures attached show the windshield piece completely crack... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2022
3 out of 4 doors locks do not work. If you search recalls for 2015 - 2017 Ford F150's, it is doing the same thing.
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jan 31, 2023
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
Pieces of my windshield seals are flying off my car endangering other drivers.
Incident date: Jan 31, 2023
Driving from Lubbock Texas home to Carlsbad New Mexico on January 18. Very windy out. At approximately 6:00 pm my wife and I heard a noise like something light hit our windshield. It was dark when we got home and we went to bed. Got up to go to the office in the am and same the drivers side A pillar windshield trim piece missing. Saw that there was a recall for this issued in Dec 2022. Went to th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2022
The sliding door actuator lock gets stuck in the locked position. Making it unsafe for me and my kids to get out in an emergency. Same with the back trunk. It was stuck for months then just started working again.
HYUNDAI
TUCSON HYBRID
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jan 31, 2023
Incident date: Jan 27, 2023
The windshield outer trim on the passenger side has detached two separate times (I replaced it each time at my cost), and it could be a hazard when it happens while I am driving on the highway.
Incident date: Jan 31, 2023
Driving around 70 mph during last summer and trim piece on driver side pillar flew off. Into traffic. I bought a new one and installed. Saw a news article today about it and wanted to let you know.
Incident date: Jan 30, 2023
The windshield trim is deteriorating and flies off occasionally while driving down the road. These pieces of flying debris could fly off and hit another car or worse a motorcyclist. This pertains to the investigation the nhtsa and ford are currently working on.
Incident date: Jan 31, 2023
Body trim pieces on the b pillar of the vehicle became loose and flew off on the highway, secondary replacement from Ford is now loose and about to come off on both sides, waiting on the warranty from Ford to send another new one.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2020
While traveling at freeway speeds a vibration sound could be heard around the front windshield area when a slight cross wind would occur, I was unable to locate the cause until after a couple months of this behavior the passenger side windshield trim piece suddenly departed the vehicle while traveling at 70 mph. The vehicle was serviced at Novus glass and the trim was then replaced. However, the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2023
Both rear gate hydraulic arms failed at the same time. On or about 11/27/22, while retrieving items from the cargo compartment, I heard a pop and the door completely collapsed and struck me on the back of the head. Upon inspection the popping noise was the fracturing of the bolt which supported the right hydraulic arm. The left hydraulic arm failed to keep the door open or at least from slammin... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2022
The doors won't latch properly in subfreezing temperature causing the door to pop loose during driving. They haven't opened completely yet but they could.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
Passenger sliding door gave 3 beeps and refused to close upon inspecting the door to manually close the door it fell of the top and side rail track.
Incident date: Dec 24, 2022
Doors would not unlock with key fob in 23 degrees Fahrenheit weather. Had to unlock manually with key. Then door would not latch closed manually or automatically. Feels unsafe to drive because doors can swing open while driving and items or passengers in the vehicle could fall out onto roadway.