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
MERCEDES-BENZ
ML350
(2014) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 20, 2022
Incident date: Nov 14, 2022
After a weekend of incessant rain, while driving a short distance (10 minutes) , this low-mileage, well-maintained 8 year old SUV suddenly stalled, Engine appeared to have powered down and the yellow Engine light came up and pressing gas pedal didn't do anything. I was fortunately able to press the Power button once frantically and re-start it once more and pull over to the side but the car refuse... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2008) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 20, 2022
Incident date: Dec 20, 2022
My car has 85,000 miles on it and the Rear Trailing Arm Frame on the drivers side has rusted from the inside out. It is a good thing I have become aware of this, as it was about to break and cause me to lose control of my car. This needs to be recalled before someone gets hurt. In Canada and Germany Mercedes is fixing this for free. Why have Americans not been warned about this potentially deadly ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2020
Tailgate randomly unlocks and opens while vehicle is in motion. Cargo comes out. The dealer was shown the defective locking mechanism and refused to repair it.
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2014) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 19, 2022
Incident date: Dec 19, 2022
Door latch failed to lock driver door. Door can't lock and will fly open when your operating. Acted up on a cold day where it wouldn't open then got stuck in the open position and wouldn't lock afterwards.
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2013) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 19, 2022
Incident date: Dec 19, 2022
The drivers door lock will stop working, in freezing temperatures and keep the interior door handle from unlocking the door. This morning I had to get out my passenger door, and that could be a problem in an emergency situation. The car/latch assembly is available for inspection. The problem has been reproduced and TSB# 57-14-01 documents it. No warning lamps, indicators, noises, etc that the l... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2021
Random "phantom braking" while using autopilot or cruise control. Causes the car to slam on brakes and has lost control once almost causing me to go off the road. Also, has brake-checked many cars that follow behind me while I'm using autopilot or cruise due to the phantom braking. Also Tesla Repair center in Chicago replaced my front bumper with a discolored front bumper that had the same issue o... Read more
TIFFIN
ALLEGRO OPEN ROAD
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 19, 2022
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Tiffin Allegro Open Road RV. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH on the interstate, all four of the RV sliders detached. The RV was taken to a dealer where the front sliders were repaired; however, the rear sliders were not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. The VIN was not available.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
This multifunction (split tailgate) will not close properly. I must slam it shut multiple time before it will latch properly. The dealership has tried to fix it multiple times and has been unsuccessful in doing so. They tell me I have to live with it now.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
Paint is peeling and flaking off rapidly on my Kia. I had rocks kicked back on my vehicle while driving causing the paint to crack down to the 2nd layer of primer. It is snow white pearl color and it was told to me by a mechanic and by the insurance representative that there is a manufacturer error in the paint color on my specific model. I will continue to have these issues, forking out thousands... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2022
The driver door was stuck open. Upon closing, the door limiter broke off and pushed against the window track making it impossible to roll the window down. I have contacted Ford twice about this, with no resolution yet. The Ford body shop says that the only "fix" is replacing the entire door for a price tag of nearly $2K. They have not acknowledged a manufacturers error or defect to correct this ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
Front Driver Side door handle mechanism breaks and will not open the door when the lock mechanism is in the Unlocked position. To open the door from the interior, the driver must roll down the electrically-powered window and use the exterior latch to open the door. There are multiple examples of these situations and the owner’s description of repairs. Here is one example: https://youtu.be/At96D... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
Areas of the console, mainly the frame around the gps/media display, as well as the interior doors are highly reflective. At certain times of the day, the sun reflects off them and causes extreme visibility problems. I actually had to pull off the road one day because I got a bright light in the eyes that produced an effect similar to a camera flash, and I was unable to see. I really scared me, as... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
First my car was having issues charginging at the charge stations. Then as soon as that issue occurred, I had to replace the car battery. Then I noticed that the windows would randomly retract while I was driving my vehicle. My child had pointed out that his window was down, when he did not roll it down. Then I noticed some leakage from underneath my vehicle. My main concern of fluids leaking f... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2022
If the rear door (both passenger and driver side) is closed in an aggressive way (such as a child closing a door as hard as they can) the plastic paneling on the door can be "dislodged" sliding down and jamming with the metal door frame making the door unable to open from either the inside or outside. In the event of an emergency, the door would not be able to be opened leaving a child or passenge... Read more
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 18, 2022
Incident date: Jan 31, 2022
The hood latch is faulty. It’s a known problem for the 22 outlander. When the car drives the hood shakes as if it will lift up while driving. It has been almost a year of ownership and Mitsubishi has yet to fix this issue.
Incident date: Mar 20, 2022
I purchased 2 2017 ford explorers and they both developed the same problem . The plastic windshield pillar facia trim breaks off at highway speed. Not only is this a dangerous distraction to the driver, the part flying off at 65 mph becomes a projectile that is a hazard to vehicles following behind. Based on forums, you tube videos, and the availability of aftermarket replacement trim, this would ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
Issues with the front, passenger, and back passenger door randomly stop opening. From the inside and outside. Heard many complains about others with this same vehicle. Safety hazard due to not being able to open the door to get out incase of emergency, or even in if need be.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2022
Excessive peeling/flaking paint on all 4 doors, hood, gas cap, all over.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2005) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 18, 2022
Incident date: Dec 9, 2020
1. Airbag light was on when I purchased the vehicle from SRQ in Bradenton Florida February 2020. 2. The hood handle inside the vehicle was broke replaced it, it broke again. 3. The hood will not shut properly due to the latch inside the vehicle broke. Now the Hood will not stay up by itself property, began in August 2022. 4. Both door handles inside vehicle in the back were broken now ... Read more
MINI
COUNTRYMAN
(2014) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 17, 2022
Incident date: Nov 8, 2022
The drains that funnel rain water from sun roof and doors become dislodge causing water to flood inside the passenger floor and cause electrical short.. my main computer shorted out and my car died while i was doing 65 mph on the freeway i was almost killed the mini dealer checked it out and said the water inside was the cause it ran me $4000 to repair it I looked on line and there's hundreds of ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2022
On 11/25/22 I meet with American Auto Mall to buy a used truck I was assured through text, website and window sticker that the truck was in excellent condition inside and out.. I have all this documents proofing this.. I did van limited inspection at the lot and a test drive.. found nothing that stuck out.. other than the radio not working but the dealership said he would reimburse me if I got it... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2022
Near collision with pedestrian in crosswalks on left turns and near collision with pedestrians crossing multi lane roads who entering from a landscaped center island. I have repeatedly experienced this situation even though I am acutely aware of the view obstruction created by the large A-pillar, air bag and drivers side mirror. It has become evident from the incidents in my neighborhood that tru... Read more
Crash
FOREST RIVER
CHEROKEE
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 17, 2022
Incident date: Dec 17, 2022
Broken welds on Frame, Axle supports, and body support brackets broken & weld failure
Incident date: Dec 16, 2022
Drivers door fails to latch, appears to be similar to Freezing issue on NHTSA Recall ID: 17V652000.
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2011) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 16, 2022
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
The subframe is rusting in four places in the area of the wheels. If the frame breaks I could lose control of the vehicle
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2010) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 16, 2022
Incident date: Dec 16, 2020
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated the tv installed in the middle of the ceiling failed to stay up as needed. The contact's grandson was cut on his head due to the failure. No medical attention was needed. The contact inquired about the failure with the dealer, who confirmed there was no recall regarding the failure. The contact was unsure of a diagnostic result for th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2022
The Sunroof wind deflector , the panel has become detached. It is loose and flapping when sunroof is open. Yes it is available for inspection. My safety was at risk because when it happened at first it scared me and I didn't know what happened. 2nd if it had came all the way off it could have flown into someone else's windshield and causing them to crash or swerve to miss it flying in the air. I ... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 3500
(2020) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 16, 2022
Incident date: Dec 14, 2022
Rear window leaking on 2020 gmc truck due to faulty rear window seal and plastic slide. Known issue in 2020 models with a service bulletin already in place. Headliner saturated and black mold showing. Rear back liner has been saturated multiple times and gmc would not refund the cost of a whole new window to be put in and reimbursed. GM bulletin # is 18-NA-383
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2013) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 16, 2022
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
I just bought the van while dropping off the kids 10-year-old and a nine-year-old at the schools drop off lane from the driver side rear sliding door while they were coming out of the door. The door closed on them. I had to stick my hand from the back of the drvers seat to stop and it was pushing against my hand .it this has happened three times, it appears that the door is not locking open when i... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2022
UNKNOWN. The clear coat paint is peeling on the roof, trunk, door handles, and A-Frame of the vehicle.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2022
● Component failed: Front and Rear Subframe. ● Safety at risk: Rotting Subframe. The front subframe had a recall which expired a couple years ago, which I was never notified about. I have replaced this part because it could have fallen out of my car due to the rotting. Now, the rear subframe is now rotting and unstable/unfit to drive. I have 88,000 miles on it and keep in the garage when pos... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2022
Every time it rains, water leaks into the rear of the vehicle through the ceiling and cracks on the side. As a result, water is soaking through the ceiling, rear speakers and trunk. This is causing mold and deterioration of all parts below the spare tire and is a safety issue.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2022
The driver's side rear door panel gets caught on the door frame and will only open a couple of inches unless force is used. The car has never been in an accident, and nothing has ever been shoved or forced against the door to cause this. There are MANY reports online of similar issues with the Escape (https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t66217_ds936400, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaP7Dcf... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
SPRINTER 3500
(2020) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 15, 2022
Incident date: Oct 8, 2022
The above are wouldn't allow me to place a check mark in the appropriate boxes. In the Standard Vehicle Components and ADAS sections, I was unable to check the boxes, but our vehicle contains ALL of the items in the first and second sections. The vehicle was dropped off at Lazy Days, Tampa on October 21, 2022 and so far they have been unable to provide an estimate or advise when we may receive our... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking water from the roof seam near the driver’s side rear of the vehicle. The leak caused water to form a puddle in the trunk tray compartment of the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer who resealed the roof seam. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage w... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C250
(2014) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 15, 2022
Incident date: Oct 15, 2022
Interior driver door handle not operating. I brought the car to the mechanic and he states this is a common problem and the whole door panel has to be replace for 1000.00. I went home and researched repairs on this and this is a very common issue with mercedes and many mechanics including the one I went to doesn't understand why this is not a recall. This a very serious safety issue. I have to low... Read more
HYUNDAI
GENESIS COUPE
(2011) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 15, 2022
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
Part number 82655-2M000 door handle base broke. This makes it so the door cannot be opened from the outside. If I were in an accident and my door was crushed no one could open the other door to get me out. This same pet was in a safety recall for a different model of theirs.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
The frame on the Jeep TJ is prone to rot. Mine is so rusted that body shops refuse to repair it, claiming their insurance won't cover them. My Jeep has 123,233 miles and is otherwise in very good condition, but the frame has rust severe enough to make driving the vehicle unsafe. The Jeep Forum on the Internet is full of similar stories, so Chrysler has known about this problem for many years. ... Read more
THOR MOTOR COACH
OUTLAW
(2020) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 14, 2022
Incident date: Jul 4, 2022
The double pane windows on the sides of the motorhome separate which allows the window pane to fall off into the road while traveling. This pane of glass falling out at highway speeds could cause serious harm to other travelers and vehicles.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2022
We just leased the vehicle on 12/1/22. It’s only been driven 3 times. I was driving the car on 12/9/22. I had just gotten on the highway and when I got up to 50 mph the hood flew open. The hood and both front quarter panels are damaged. I’ve looked online and this has been a known and ongoing issue with multiple models including the Altima, Pathfinder, Rouge as well. The dealership has had t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
Exterior paint peeling
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
While driving on the highway the driver side windshield flew off the car into the roadway.
FOREST RIVER
SUNSEEKER
(2023) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 13, 2022
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2023 Forest River Salem Travel Trailer. The contact stated that while hauling the trailer, the trailer was veering to the driver’s side. The contact also noticed that the tread on the tires were uneven, as if the trailer was leaning to one side more than the other. The contact took the RV to the dealer and was informed that the axle on the RV was not the correct axle. The cont... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
- The weather stripping around my front windshield failed and caused the molding around the windshield to also fail. - This failure occurred while driving at highway speeds. The flying debris alarmed me and could have obstructed my view. It could also have hit another vehicle and caused an accident. - There are instances online of this happening to Ford Explorers. Unknown if it has been inspecte... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2019) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 13, 2022
Incident date: Sep 21, 2022
The rear window on the 2019 GMC Sierra SLT leaks water into the cab. This presents a serious concern to the owner of the vehicle because unless you are specifically looking for the leak you may not even know there is one. Upon noticing the leak, one can witness a steady drip of water behind the rear seat, drivers side. My personal concern is that what happens after the water has leaked and had gon... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E550
(2010) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 13, 2022
Incident date: Dec 13, 2022
The subframe on the back of the car starts to rust and potentially just breaks without warning which can cause loss of control of vehicle. This is an ongoing issue for all w212 Mercedes models.
Incident date: Dec 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while having the vehicle repaired under recall, the mechanic stated that the subframe was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 50,000.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C250
(2013) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 13, 2022
Incident date: Dec 5, 2022
Our garage housed C250 4d SDN year 2013 had its service B performed 12-5-22 and revealed rust on Chassis. Was informed that this has been seen frequently on cars of this genre. Was told deterioration could result in chassis breaking and causing an accident. A recall for this issue occurred in Europe...why not here?
Incident date: Dec 12, 2022
Frame is rusted and unsafe to be driven. I loved this truck but now what good is it?
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
Power liftgate does not close properly, resulting in the hatch automatically reopening after attempting to close. This has also resulted in the liftgate actually opening while the vehicle was in motion.