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: Nov 14, 2022
The bug guard/wind deflector has become detached (AGAIN) on my panoramic sunroof while driving on the freeway. It puts myself & passengers as well as other people driving on the freeway in danger as there is a known issue that the detached bug guard/wind deflector is what causes detaching window panels or shattered sunroof panels. I took my vehicle to the Dealership in Salt Lake City, UT for a r... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 Itasca Suncruiser built on a 2006 Workhorse W24 Chassis. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the propane alarm sounded. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that upon inspecting the propane tank, he noticed that the bracket that held the propane tank into position, was loosened. An independent mechanic repaired the bracket. Th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2022
After having my car for three weeks, the paint was permanently damaged by an inordinate amount of leaf prints and water stains. Even multiple rounds of polishing didn't fix the issue. Volvo claims this is not covered under warranty, as the damage occurred because of outside influences. I have a hard time believing they think this is an acceptable level of damage from a quite benign, normal level o... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2022
The backup camera has stopped working, at least the imaging part. This makes backing up riskier, especially in parking lots, driveways or where pedestrians may be behind me. I have not been to the dealership yet as it failed today but this seems a common complaint for Ridgeline owners online. I have not had others inspect this problem yet. There was no warning, yesterday worked fine, today it d... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Nov 14, 2022
Incident date: Nov 14, 2022
On November 14, 2022, I noticed Water leaking in Rear Interior of Cab, Water Leak at Rear Sliding Window. It is clear that it had leaked before as there was several noticeable stains. I took the vehicle up to the Chevrolet dealership in Frisco, Tx to show them. They stated it was a known problem. Another Chevrolet Silverado was next to mine that they said was there for the same reason. [XXX]... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 3500
(2020) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Nov 14, 2022
Incident date: Nov 13, 2022
Plugged in engine block heater and the car erupted in flames. Total loss.
Fire
Incident date: Nov 12, 2022
Passenger door fails to latch
Incident date: Oct 18, 2022
Hood latch, the hood would not fully close and lock! The dashboard warning light would come on indicating the latch was not working. The hood would be open approx 1/2 inch. Tried opening and closing numerous times. Finally, tied the hood closed with a bungee. Went to the local Toyota dealership. They (Service Technician) said he sees often! Sprayed with a solvent. Indicated corrosion ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2022
Liftgate fail to open when key fob button pressed or dashboard release button pressed or approach function is turn on. Liftgate trying to open and than right a way closed. I read numerous posts of other owners stating same problem with liftgate. The problem starts once a while but getting worst and worst
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Nov 13, 2022
Incident date: Sep 11, 2022
Vibrating driver side mirror in speeds 50-70 MPH on concrete or asphalt
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2013) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Nov 13, 2022
Incident date: Nov 9, 2022
Subframe is rusting and will cause structural failure. If failure happens car stability will be compromised and therefore cause an accident. Detected and confirmed by independent service center. Not inspected by dealer or ins. No warnings triggered since system not set up for that detection. Part in such high demand that there is a 10 mo wait via several dealer parts depts.
FOREST RIVER
VIBE
(2019) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Nov 12, 2022
Incident date: Nov 11, 2022
On Friday, November 11, 2022 while traveling to North Carolina from Ohio, our travel trailer suffered a catastrophic incident. One of the axles broke while driving on I64E, resulting in the tire coming off, damaging the body of the camper, and leaving my husband stranded several hours from home. After waiting for hours, he was not even able to find anyone to tow the vehicle, so he had to make his ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2020
The frame is rusting out and broke while driving. The frame is almost totally destroyed from rust . The rear started swinging violently but luckily got it stop without crashing. The entire frame is a joke. I can't believe it hasn't been recalled STILL. The body is in perfect shape but a frame that can snap at any moment....I thought Toyota put safety first?
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2014) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Nov 11, 2022
Incident date: Nov 9, 2022
During an oil change (11/9/2022), my technician found rust on the rear subframe. He stated that this is a known safety problem caused by defective materials during manufacturing. He stated that Mercedes is aware of this problem but has not issued a recall as of this date. I checked the online Mercedes forums and the problem is very common with the C-class W204 models. The car has been running f... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2022
I hit a small center divider in a parking structure going about 1 MPH which hit under the car. The three front airbags deployed. There is no body damage to the front of the car so I don’t think that the airbags should have deployed. My local dealership can’t fix it and I have reached out to Hyundai USA and they are not responding.
Incident date: Nov 11, 2022
The passenger door behind the driver seat suddenly would not open from either inside or outside the vehicle. The faulty lock makes it difficult to reach a child or pet in that seat quickly, as we have to go around the car to get to them through the other passenger door. Therefore, we don't consider the seat behind the driver safe, given the extra time needed to unlatch the seat belt and retrieve... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2022
Brought car in for any state inspection and found the front suspension crossmember to 100% rusted thru. Car failed inspection. Found out that this is a common failure on this model of infiniti. In addition replacement part is on national back order. So on top of a poorly designed part they are unable to keep them in stock.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
I’ve owned my 2020 Toyota Corolla since April of 2019. Around June of 2022 I noticed a sloshing/ swooshing sound. I didn’t think much of it, but it kept doing/ hearing it. Finally I got tired of hearing the noise, and started to look for where the noise was coming from. I then realized there was water in my rear doors. I didn’t know what to do since once I realized what was happening or how ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2022
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE THE CONSUMER PLACED THE REQUEST.*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
Incident date: Nov 3, 2022
I was recently told my a service center that the frame has great corrosion and is unsafe to drive. I am now aware of past warranty extensions for this matter but Toyota will offer nothing because for my year, this warranty coverage extension is expired. My year was also not part of the recent class action settlement with Toyota vehicles having rusted frames for later models (2004+). I'm left with ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2022
Windshield cracked. Also oxidation on trim on both sides of windshield.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
The driver's door gets stuck on a regular basis preventing entrance from the outside. This problem causes an inconvenience of needing to open the door from the inside of the car. As a reference, a few years ago the same issue above occurred but with the back door in which Hyundai repaired.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2019) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Nov 9, 2022
Incident date: Nov 9, 2022
MY 2019 2500HD (49,00 MILES) TRUCK HAD WATER LEAKING IN THROUGH THE ROOF. THE DEALERSHIP FOUND THAT THE LEAK WAS CAUSED BY A BAD FACTORY TACK WELD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE ROOF SEAM. DUE TO THIS BAD TACK WELKD, IT CAUSED WATER TO LEAK DOWN THE A-PILLER, DOWN INTO MY ELECTRICAL FUSE BOX AND WIRING.
Incident date: Nov 9, 2022
Water was entering inside the front of the cabin from the roof rack. Water entering inside the wiring can cause short circuit and cause fire
Incident date: Nov 8, 2022
Paint is bubbling, chipping and peeling in mirrors, door handles and rear spoiler
Incident date: Nov 8, 2022
The 2020 Model 3 uses a fiberboard front skid plate, that is intended to protect coolant lines that protect the battery. When wet, the fiberboard front skid plate degrades and exposes the coolant lines to damage from road debris, which could lead to a battery fire. Attached are photos of this damage. Tesla should be required to use a sturdier material to protect against this risk, and replace e... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2016) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Nov 8, 2022
Incident date: Nov 8, 2022
Similar to recalls with other Grand Caravans, both our sliding doors will not open. There is a buzzing sound when locks are engaged. First door went out a month ago Second one today.
Incident date: Sep 21, 2022
The roof leaks when it rains, we already brought it back to the dealer and they performed a repair but it leaked again in the next rainy day after about a month.
Incident date: Oct 4, 2022
The driverside back automatic door cable broke down. I see other year's cars have a recall for the same thing but not my car.
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2014) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Nov 7, 2022
Incident date: Dec 2, 2020
rear tailgate door non-functioning. auto door button does not work and door cannot be opened manually. serious safety issue if car in accident and side doors won't open. checked by dealer in dec. 2020, and they knew about problem and not covered under warrranty. toyota knew about problem in march 2016 and issued service bulletin T-SB-0023-16 which clearly states problem and how to fix in 8 page... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2021
This F150 developed an annoying whistling wind noise at around 50MPH and higher. I cannot be sure but I think it's originating from the windshield area. Owned this vehicle since new and now has 22,000 miles.
FOREST RIVER
R-POD
(2020) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Nov 6, 2022
Incident date: Nov 6, 2022
Sagging walls on 2020 Forest River R-Pod RP-190. Walls sag to the point where the tires will contact the fender.
Incident date: Oct 27, 2022
Door sensor states door is ajar when it is closed, causing battery drainage and safety concern about doors
Incident date: May 1, 2020
part 2 of my first complaint about the 2017 Nissan Sentra. There is a bug in my car and I hired 'bug sweeper USA' to find the bug and remove it and they said there isn't a bug and to die. I am frightened and want the bug/transmitter removed, it is against the law in the united states and I want them arrested. I have to trade it up for a better car because I found out that it doesn't have front ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 4, 2022
Gas tank front strap came out causing the tank to almost touch the ground. After looking into this further I saw serious corrosion in the main frame of the truck that caused the strap to fall off and release the gas tank. It appears this was recalled on this model and then switched to just the 08-2012 models.
Incident date: Nov 4, 2022
Right passenger door will not open from the inside using the door handle about 1 out of 10 times. This seems to be a common problem on many other BMW vehicles as noted here: https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1217271. The door will still open from the outside or using the interior door unlock button that operates an actuator to unlock the door, but in a emergency situation where ba... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2022
Rear extended door ajar dashboard icon and dome light turns on while driving. This is corrected by closing hard the rear extended door before driving the automobile.
Incident date: Nov 5, 2022
Paint chipping Delamination On the pillar of the suv! I painted once on the driver side now the passenger side is peeling. Defective
Incident date: Nov 2, 2022
While I was doing parallel parking, the car on its own went into involuntary, sudden, uncontrolled acceleration & hit a tree & bushes resulting into considerable body damage. Then I called Subaru national customer relations representative & I was told to go to the local Subaru dealer where I had purchased the car about four and a half years ago. The mechanic there told me that he had never heard... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 27, 2022
1. the car allow driver to push power off ( engine off) when car is not in P. which is a hazard since driver always want to brake off and get off the car when push power off button. The incident is when I push power off button and open the driver door and almost ready to get off and realize the car is moving since Shifter is not in P which is very dangerous that might hit surrounding and injure dr... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2022
Car hood design reflects sunlight directly into drivers eyes impairing vision frequently while driving posing a safety risk including collision with another vehicle or pedestrian etc. The area in question is a three or 4 inch strip running from left to right on the car hood close says to the driver
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
Hi, I received a recall notice in February 2022 (Z11) related to a fire potentially originating in the center of the vehicle underbody with the ignition in the OFF position. A resolution to this defect has just become available which would require the car (Chrysler Pacifica VIN 118706) to be kept overnight by an authorized dealer. My complaint deals with that no deal can provide a rental car that ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2012) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Nov 4, 2022
Incident date: Nov 4, 2022
As per an inspection by my mechanic, the rear sub frame of the vehicle has cracked due to rust corrosion and subsequent metal failure. I first noticed the issue when there was a thumping sound over bumps and the car started to swerve when applying brakes on the highway, quite a scary situation as I thought the brakes were failing. The car has 78000 miles and has had all maintenance done. The is... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2022
I have a lot of paint chips on car. I see a lot of 2011 same model have the same problem. Most of the paint chips are coming from top of my windshield. I have complained a few years ago also hoping that this issue can be solved.
Incident date: Sep 23, 2022
In late September, my rear driver's side window was being opened. It fell halfway and would not move up or down. I took it to the dealership for repair and they informed me that the regulator for that window had snapped and needed to be replaced. It took them roughly a month to find a replacement part. I finally picked up the repaired vehicle today. While talking to the service agent at the Ford d... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2022
Both rear tires suddenly began wearing severely inside. Both were bald on the inside. The car ha 100,284 miles and the tires have approximately 4,000 miles. I had a 4 wheel alignment performed and was told the rear subframe was too rusted to perform a complete alignment. I fear it will it will crack and lose control. Based upon other complaints on the rear subframe it is clear the material us... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
The factory paint (white) is peeling off the back of the car.
Incident date: Oct 31, 2022
Premature corrosion of frame. I had the truck into the shop for an unrelated issue when the service tech discovered holes in the vehicle frame. The technician was uncomfortable working on the vehicle on the lift because it is a safety hazard. Toyota claims my vehicle was not included in any of the previous frame recalls or service programs, and while bad steel is a known issue with Toyota, they ar... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2022
I took my vehicle to get recall inspection/repaired on August 22, 2022 @ Honda dealership locally. I was told by the technician that they did the hammer test for the recall after initially speaking to the technician 20 minutes prior to call that stated to pick up vehicle and that all is good because it passed inspection for the recall. My vehicle is definitely is affected by the recall to the poi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2022
1. The vehicle has been smoking and constantly burning all the oil. 2. Paint has been pealing all over the car. 3. Electronic parking brakes not working at all now and vehicle will not pass inspection. 4. Electronic steering assist not working tripping the warning light on the dash.