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: Jan 9, 2023
Sunroof drain failure causing rain water from the outside of the vehicle to enter the interior flooding the passenger side going from the front seats to the back seats. Due to the sunroof drain defect, the flooding of the interior causes the water to get into the body control module impacting the electronics which can result in numerous failures in the vehicle making it dangerous to drive. There... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2023
My rear suspension cross member on my frame is so rusted and rotted that it snapped and I have a crack in the main frame from more rust right by the gas tank.
Incident date: Jan 22, 2023
The right side trim piece on the windshield came off while driving and was dangerous for me and my passenger. The whole side is exposed and will most likely leak. The rubber gasket tore after the trim piece came off and was hitting the side window.
Incident date: Jan 22, 2023
The paint is peeling off from the front fenders. I have kept this vehicle well maintained and kept this vehicle out of adverse conditions as much as possible.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2013) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jan 23, 2023
Incident date: Nov 11, 2022
Engine burns off oil at an excessive rate. I was told there is a recall on the engine for my vehicle. Also, the transmission is acting up. I have a white pearl sonata and the paint has peeled off the roof and part of the hood. There is a recall on that as well, as I was told.
GMC
SIERRA 2500
(2016) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jan 23, 2023
Incident date: Jan 22, 2023
The rear subframe of this vehicle has rusted on a seam and is cracking. I do not know if the seam is a weld or a bend in the metal. There is no corrosion on rest of the underbody. I do not know when the condition started. I noticed it upon braking. It felt as though the rear end of the vehicle was going to swing out around me. It started about three months before this report and got progressively ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2023
I observed a small protrusion under the upper deck of our fifth wheel when we left Texas heading to Florida. When we arrived in Florida the protrusion was much worse. After I removed a plastic panel I discovered the frame was broken where the wall has been traveling up and down and broken the frame supporting the wall. If I didn’t notice this so soon it would cause the wall supports(lower fram... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
Power Sliding Door Reverses Direction When Closing as if something was in the way. This happens intermittently for both doors. We have to force the door close by passing the safety system. I know for the 2018 and 2019 models Honda. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10171536-0001.pdf Dealership is not able to see the issue with the car. I know this has been an issue with Honda Vans.
Incident date: Aug 17, 2020
FRAME IS STARTING TO RUST AFTER 60,000 MILES OF BEING WASHED REGULARLY. AN INVESTIGATION NEED TO BE PERFORMED TO DETERMINE IF MANY SIMILAR MODLES HAVE THIS ISSUE AND ISSUE A FREE FRAME REPLACEMENT IF ITS DETERMINED THAT THE ANTI CORROSION COATING FAILED.
Incident date: Jan 21, 2023
While stopped at a red light, the passenger door opened unprompted & by itself twice. I tried to lock the door on the driver panel, however that seemed to not work as the light did not illuminate signaling the doors locked. When I began driving, the same door opened again by itself. This is a major safety risk to have the doors open by themselves while driving.
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2023) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jan 22, 2023
Incident date: Jan 21, 2023
Blower motor heat. Trim in door split.
Incident date: Jan 22, 2023
Hello, My name is [XXX]. I bought my car from Longo Toyota in El Monte about 15 months ago. The car was certified preowned and had a Carfax report with no accident reported history. That is exactly why I bought the car, because this was going to be my family car. So I bought it and have been driving around my daughter, who just turned one for over a year. I also work as a Behavioral Therapist and... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2023
Took our 2015 Kia Sedona for an oil change and checkup due to the engine overheating multiple times. They did the oil change at about 96k miles and said nothing was wrong with the engine. That if anything were to happen then just bring it back in. We went on a trip to Georgia from Miami, we got stranded there because the engine again started overheating. We got the car back and took it to Kia in D... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2023
Water intrusion/collection under the carpet under the carpet in the rear cabin if the truck. Musty smell started back in 2018 and didn't realized the soaked carpet after a few months when I came across an online forum about same issue happening with a lot of 2nd gen Honda Ridgeline. Dealership refused to cover the repair on the problem.
Incident date: Jan 6, 2023
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE THE CONSUMER PLACED THE REQUEST.*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
Incident date: Dec 24, 2022
White paint peeling off vehicle body in large sections
Incident date: Sep 7, 2022
The bottom part of my front grille came loose. After checking, the fixtures at the top were still ok, but one of the brackets that holds it at the bottom seemed to have broken. Entire piece lies behind the front bumper. The car has never been in an accident, not has been hit in the front. There is no damage to the outside of the grille, no scratches that would have indicated that another car would... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2022
Drivers side rear door failed to close after opening/ would not latch. Took the car to a local dealership and after a week of being told it was being fixed was then told the parts were not available until 5 weeks later and that no loaner car was authorized by the dealer. So 7 weeks wait for parts is not reasonable by any std for a domestic car made within the past 10 years.bad faith, no repair no ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2022
Foil finish peeling off of interior chrome door handle. Very very sharp edges. Cut finger
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 19, 2023
Rear sub frame and suspension welds have cracks and are broken a loose which when having to put on brakes suddenly cause car to servely pull and twist which can cause a bad accident or worse.
Incident date: Nov 16, 2022
There is a defect in the subframe of the vehicle which causes it to corrode and rust out. Apparently, this is a known issue with certain years and models, and has already been recalled in Europe, but not the US.
Incident date: Oct 26, 2022
Since purchasing this vehicle there have been many issues. I had purchased the additional warranties also only to have the dealership say they were not covered. First my roof leaked. Had to take to a repair shop through the dealership, luggage racks had to be taken off and welds redone. Next the catalytic converters went bad with only approximately 50,000 miles. Ford would not talk to me and t... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLK350
(2015) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jan 19, 2023
Incident date: Nov 10, 2022
My car caught on fire for no apparent reason. Front of car totally destroyed.
Fire
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
After only about 2000 miles of driving, it was discovered that a main cross member had broken loose from the frame rails. These cross members help maintain the structural integrity of the trailer. Had this problem gone unchecked, it could have resulted in the trailer falling apart on the road. A certified welder has reinforced the connection and pictures have been sent to the manufacturer.
Incident date: Jun 2, 2022
The brake pads fell apart inside the brake drums, leading to a near total loss of stopping power. This nearly lead to a serious accident. The entire brake assemblies were replaced under warranty.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
Front passenger door opened on its own with a bang while making a left turn. Driving alone, passenger door had been securely locked for over a week, during left turn going 25 mph, a loud banging sound occurred, passenger door opened and indicator warning light in dash came on. Door opened approx 1 cm. Car is not safe to drive for fear of door opening again randomly. VW of America nonchalantly stat... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2023
This 2013 Mercedes C300 with 88,xxx miles has significant subframe rust. This is unacceptable and is a safety hazard because the rust and corrosion will continue to spread and cause additional safety issues. This will cost over $4,000 to repair, but it is a manufacturer defect. There are a ton of similar complaints online, so this is clearly a systemic issue with this model that needs to be invest... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
2017 Honda Civic hatchback Paint cracking up Vin: [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
Retractable sun roof exploded/disintegrated while vehicle was under power on an open road . Photo of damage exceeds the maximum size for uploading. Can be transmitted by email if desired
Incident date: Jan 14, 2023
When I was driving, the mount for the brake line dropped and twisted and damaged the steering rod. I drove straight to a mechanic, and he showed me that the frame was rusted out completely, and the truck is not safe to drive.
Incident date: Jan 19, 2023
I have the Pearl White color and it is peeling off everywhere! My hood is almost completely gone and it’s now starting to chip on the side near the drivers door. It started off as little chips but now it is in clumps. Somebody told me it was delaminating and a ton of other pearl white kia drivers are reporting this.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2022
Today I had a crash and luckily walked away. I went down an embankment at speed into trees where the vehicle rolled and struck trees head on. All the vehicle airbags deployed and vehicle came to rest on the drivers side. Although there was electrical power and the engine still running none of the right side doors would open and neither would the rear hatch which was clear of obstruction! Had t... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 17, 2022
While driving on a highway at 70 mph the hood unlocked and was caught by the safety latch. It is available for inspection. My safety was at extreme risk. Loosing the ability to see out of my windshield had the safety latch failed could have been catastrophic. This could have caused a crash at highway speeds from the sudden inability to see where I was driving. The problem has not been reproduced... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2022
While traveling the outer skin of a lower compartment door folded off. This occurred in heavy traffic during a vicious windstorm. The repair costs just under $7000. During our first trip after the repair, the skin came off again-this time at a slow speed and with normal weather. On your website, there is a recall for the identical problem in the Thor line of motorcoaches but not the Tuscany. O... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
The back window is leaking water. Possibly from 3rd brake light or the back window seal. Dealership said factory warranty has expired but have extended warranty on it. They won't cover the replacement window seal because they deemed it has routine maintenance. Back seat and floor are soaked. Truck is 4 years old. They want me to pay for all the repairs. From my understanding this year and model of... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2022
Subframe rots prematurely. Known issue to Mercedes Benz and has been recalled and covered in both Germany and Canada.
Incident date: Jan 18, 2023
My truck is 2 weeks old. I was driving to pick my child up from school, and the sun roof exploded spontaneously spraying glass all over me and causing me to almost wreck the truck. This sounded like a gun shot in my ear and there is glass everywhere. I had to be very careful pulling off the road so I did not get cut or injured.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2023
For over a year, the front driver's side door handle has not worked properly. I would have to yank the door repeatedly, even while unlocked, to open it. Eventually this led to the plastic fracturing, and then breaking off completely when an auto tech tried to open it. Now, despite absolutely nothing having damaged them in the meantime, the front passenger side door handle has to be pulled on as ma... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2021
Paint is peeling off the hood in 2 very large, growing spots. Nothing has struck the hood, the paint is lifting and flaking off all on its own. The color is Pearl White.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2022
Engine failure while going 70mph on the highway - huge safety issue! Spark plugs totally covered in oil and the engine has major known oil consumption issues. Also 3 of our 4 door actuators broke - huge safety issues as we have kids in our back seats in car seats. This form doesn't have enough room for the letter I have composed about the specifics of the situations. Hyundai has known issues w... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2023
I was driving the car about 35-40 MPH when I heard a popping sound. The steering immediately locked up and the car was undrivable and unsteerable. I looked around car and the body of the car was resting on top of the front right passenger side tire. A bolt was found underneath the car. There were no vehicle system warnings, I did not hit anything, nor has the car been in any accidents. The car co... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2022
1. Some years ago Toyota recalled the vehicle for inspection of the frame. Since it was relatively new, it did not need a frame replacement at that time. They claimed to have enhanced protection with some kind of coating. 2. Warrantee for frame corrosion was extended for 12 years but I did not receive a notice for reinspection when that was nearing the end for my vehicle. 3. Although my vehicle ju... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
On Friday, January 13, 2023, the rear hatch window on my 2023 RDX spontaneously shattered while it was sitting in my garage. After I discovered it, I searched for a cause and found nothing. I had just purchased this vehicle on 12/3/22. I discovered online similar complaints being made about the rear windshield glass and sunroof exploding in previous model years. The photos of the previous rear ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2022
Over a year ago Ford announced a recall because of unintended back tailgate release. At that time there was no solution. In December 2022 Ford announced a solution, and requested owners to schedule an appointment for a fix that would take no longer than 1/2 day. The tail gate has indeed opened unintended 4 times, including once on CO Hwy 285; presenting a serious hazard as I lost half the load o... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2022
Driving highway speed (65mph). Glass sunroof shattered for no reason. Nothing appears to have hit the sunroof, no debris on road and no trucks or other cars. Researching on web, it appears other people are also experiencing the same issue.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
The spot welds on the driver side door where the arm connects the door to the car broke. My window, locks, and side keypad now malfunction. In addition, my battery drains at night. I have taken my car to the dealership service center and body shop/collision center. My door will have to be replaced. There were no warning messages or symptoms prior to the spot welds breaking. The door doesn't prope... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
Cradle and subframe are completely rusted out. This a widely common issue with these cars and am reading it across several forums. Other c300 owners say they have had the exact same issue and request for the MB dealership to fix it. Instead they are given a quote of nearly $10,000 to fix it. MB is responsible for this.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2023
Windshield seal bond at top failed resulting in loose front windshield not being attached to the body. This is leaking water and leading to poor visibility that is dangerous but more concerning is the detachment of the window from the body. This would be extremely dangerous in a collision. The car is parked at this time due to being dangerous to drive.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2023
Driving down interstate and heard a loud scraping sound suddenly. We were able to pull off quickly and saw the skid plate had broken and was dragging on road. There was no vibrating of vehicle or any indication of something going wrong before it occurred.