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: Jun 1, 2022
Hood latch sensor doesn’t work
Incident date: Jul 19, 2022
Two issues to flag: 1) Door handles are defective. I have now had to replace all 4 door handles at $500+ each. There is clearly a design issue that should have been addressed and every part failing in the same way is unacceptable. 2) Phantom braking when 'Autopilot' engaged... rarely the car will brake hard at highway speeds for no apparent reason. I have noted this seems to occur on specific pa... Read more
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2016) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 19, 2022
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
my left sliding door just opens at any giving time i have been sitting in my house on several occasions and my neighbors ring my doorbell to tell me my door is open i get out of my vehicle and the door just opens up out of nowhere thats the left sliding door. The right sliding door makes a buzzing sound when i lock it and unlock it. suppose i have my grandchild in the back when that door just deci... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2022
The front passenger side A-pillar molding flew off while driving in windy weather. This piece could have hit another vehicle and impeded their vision while driving. The molding was not otherwise compromised.
INTECH
CUSTOM TRAILER
(2021) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 19, 2022
Incident date: Jul 19, 2022
UNKNOWN There have been a few incidents of the welds on the axle and body frame failing and the axle separating during towing. These incidents happened to the owners of the RVs specifically the 2021 make and model Intech Sol Horizon. These owners reports their incidents on the Facebook page "The Official Intech Sol Horizon" group. Intech RV (The Manufacture) have been contacted and showed pictur... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2022
On 7/17/2022, while driving, the tailgate unexpectedly released. The tailgate was damaged by the trailer that was being towed at the time. The tailgate was damaged by the trailer tongue jack. The tailgate was confirmed closed prior to driving. No warning messages were displayed from the vehicle. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the dealer but I have an appointment on 7/27. Ford Customer S... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the sun reflected on the metallic dashboard trim and obstructed the contact’s view while driving. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle was designed that way. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and referred the contact to the dealer ... Read more
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2014) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 18, 2022
Incident date: Jul 11, 2022
Driver-side sliding passenger door cinch motor keeps activating when it is hot outside. Usually when above 85 degrees and the direct sun hitting the side of the van. Sometimes runs continually for one to two minutes. Sometimes after locking doors alarm will go off on its own. When driving down the road door ajar light and chime will come on also interior lights will flash. No issue in colder weath... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2022
1. Fuel door hinge broke. Checked on Tacoma forums, this is a common problem with 2005-2015 model. 2. Not a safety risk. 3. Toyota does not acknowledge this is as a problem for the 2005-2015 model. 4. Vehicle has been inspected for repair estimate. 5. Prior to hinge breaking, the fuel door was not mating properly.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2022
The truck has paint peeling from it. There is currently a recall out for other models of Toyota with the same paint type as mine. Toyota says that the Tundra is not affected by this recall. I took the truck to Toyota they took down a report and told me to call the cooperate office to report it as well.
Incident date: Jul 17, 2022
Suspension will start going up and down not safe while driving
Incident date: Jun 17, 2022
My Breaks gave way for some odd reason I ran into a cable box trying to control or rather stop the vehicle.
Crash
HOLIDAY RAMBLER
INVICTA
(2021) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 17, 2022
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
The front grills on these models are made out of ABS plastic and are inherently weak. They are not durable enough for their designed use. They break at the mounting points and crack down the middle. I know of at least 5 other people that have had the same thing happen to them. REV Group makes another model that is nearly identical called the Fleetwood Fortis where the grill is different and doesn'... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2022
Automatic right passenger sliding door will not operate with the outside door handle or inside pillar switch making it a safety concern.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2021
I bought my car in 2019 with about 18k miles. My paint started peeling off of my hood and my roof at the beginning of 2021 at 40k miles. Hyundai pretty much told me too bad so sad since I was over 36,000 miles. I have paid to have it fixed multiple times and the paint is still peeling off. I am unable to wash my car without my paint flaking off. I even vinyl wrapped my roof myself to keep the pain... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2022
My daughter opened the passenger side rear door. When she pulled it shut it would not catch. Because the door would not shut the door ajar warning is staying on. We were out so I had to drive it home and it came open. So we tied it with a rope. I'm taking it to a dealership tomorrow.
Incident date: Jul 17, 2022
In 2010 to 2016 Honda CR-Zs the exterior door handles will fail without any symptoms. Leaving the driver unable to unlatch the door without being inside. The problem has not been addressed by Honda, but many owners have reported it being a common problem. The door handle latch tends to break under hot or cold environments and under light to heavy stress when attempting to open the door
Incident date: Jun 10, 2022
The side panel behind the front passenger and driver side windows detached while driving. Specifically, the passenger side window panel detached while driving approximately 60 mph on the highway, which caused flying debris that could have harmed other drivers. Three days later the driver side panel detached while driving on the freeway at approximately 60 mph; however, this panel stayed hanging fr... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2022
truck. Multipte spots in frame with excessive rust and holes. Needs extensive frame Work, I want to know if it covers the guarantee of this
Incident date: Jul 15, 2022
The reflective trim on the interior of the vehicle creates pain for the eyes and is so high that it interferes with the ability of the driver to see out the front window.
Incident date: Jul 14, 2022
I have taken my car into to Carson City, NV Ford dealer many times. They say they fixed something else and do not have the time to fix the door latches that I made the appointment for . The only one that needs to be done is the back door on the driver's side. The rest were done the first time I took it in. I'm on a six plus month waiting list again to have the latch replaced with the right one! T... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2019
My rear subframe is completely rusted through. It is available for inspection. It has been confirmed by an independent service center. Warranties were issued to 2007 owners or 10 years old. 3 years ago I noticed a squeek in the trunk. Was told it was struts so I had them replaced. Now the vehicle knocks and squeaks so bad it has to sit until I can afford to replace subframe.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
The front subframe is rusted through on the driver's and passenger side. I am arranging to have it replaced now so it may not be available for inspection in the near future. A collapse of the subframe would obviously be a serious safety issue. I am a fairly competent amateur mechanic and found this issue myself. I've seen several instances of this discussed in online forums. This is the commu... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2022
Rain water accumulates in the doors of a brand new car that is only 4 weeks old. The only official fix, according to Toyota and NTSA, is to remove the plugs at the bottom so the water can drain out every time it rains. This is not a fix. The water should not be accumulating in the door at all. Over time, the repeated water accumulation will cause mold, mildew, rust and damage the electrical system... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
Frame rotted out under normal use.
Incident date: Jul 14, 2022
Several failures including loose bolts multi Bent frame 6-22 Brake caliper failure 6-22 Axel failure 4-22 Acuator failure 5-21 Other parts worn out Trailer has been to shop with documentation. Dates are spread out and approximate but documented. It should be noted I have spent considerable time speaking with dealer and manufacture of both trailer and boat to address issues. I believe based... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2022
Water in the rear tail light. Dealer is trying to collect money from me, even though the other service tech said if it was not moisture but water retention that is would be under warranty. It is evident in the internet car forums that this has been happening to many current and previous Forte models and a factory know defect. The other issue is the gas tank lid won't opened. I had it in to be ch... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2022
Our familly was driving down the highway on vacation when there was a very loud noise. I was in the passenger seat and looked back to see large pieces flying off of the car. When we got to a safe place to pull over, we noted that the trim at the bottom of the door, both front and rear had come off of the car. Had we been on the very busy freeway, which we had been a few minutes earlier, these l... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2021
OBSERVED VEHICLE TO HAVE WARPED PANELS ON ALL 4 DOORS. PANELING HAS DELAMINATED ABOVE LOCK PIN AND LOCKING PIN IS OBSTRUCTED CREATING UNLOCK/LOCKING FAILURES. NEW PANELS WERE ORDERED VIA CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP IN SEP/2021. DEALERSHIP NOTIFIED THAT REPLACEMENT PANELS ARE DISCONTINUED AND ARE UNABLE TO SHIP TO REPAIR FACILITIES DUE TO REPLACEMENT PANELS HAVING THE SAME DEFECT.
Incident date: Sep 10, 2019
Hood is warped because of 3 years of it not latching properly. Recall did not fix the problem. According to the recall, if the hood is damaged they are supposed to replace it, which it is damaged. Honda Autonation 104 refuses to do so saying "this is normal" and I have provided Honda service people that will vouch for us. Provided photos and videos. Safety is put at risk for the driver and passen... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2022
Dashboard panel has become sticky and degraded. Light touch leaves indentations and marks with pieces of material breaking off.
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 13, 2022
Incident date: Dec 31, 2021
Hood flutters while driving. Fear of flying up while I'm driving
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2009) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 13, 2022
Incident date: Jul 11, 2022
My spouse was driving approx 40MPH. Traffic light turned amber so she applied the brakes, at that point the vehicle pulled violently to the left into on coming traffic and at the same time the vehicle rear end was fish tailing out of control.Our mechanc inspected the vehicle and discovered the rear sub frame assembly had cracked on the driver side. We were advised by the mechanic this car is un dr... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 13, 2022
Incident date: Mar 15, 2022
I have a brake recall related to a safety defect. The car does not stop quick enough at highways speeds, however ford has not offered a remedy in a timely manner. I have been to 4 different Ford dealerships with no success. All four have informed me it would take a week to get the part, to later change the answer and say its unavailable on backorder. I can't get my brakes repaired. Additionally... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2022
wheels such as automatic and manual transmissions, transfer cases, fluid cooling/management systems and related hoses and pipes, electronic control units and software, shift lever/gear control and indicator devices, clutches and torque convertors, drive axles, hubs, i have my service system report from the diagnostic. I've called the manufacturer they said they could not do anything.i have to go g... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
2017 Acura ILX - Bellanova White Pearl - the paint is peeling off! Please reference MC-10180642-0001, where the same issue was recalled for other colors The paint is peeling off and I'm very frustrated because they didn't include that color on their recall, where clearly the same problem is occurring.
Incident date: Jan 4, 2020
The pearl white paint is peeling off the vehicle on the hood and all around the windsheild.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2022
The body is excessively rusted through. Other vehicles this age or older do not have any where near the amount of excessive rust and holes. Parts have fallen off. Anytime the shop has to work on the truck, there is a pile of rust under it. Broken off rust poses a hazard to owner and others on the road as debris. Known issue on an uncoated frame.
Incident date: Apr 21, 2022
While at a gas station I opened the hood to check the oil, and the hood folded backwards far enough to contact, and destroy the windshield. My wife was cleaning the windshield at the time, and narrowly avoided having her hand/forearm severely injured by the hood. This is not supposed to happen. Whatever mechanism that is meant to prevent an incident like this was either defective, or non existent.
Incident date: Feb 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a loud clunking type noise was present coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear subframe had separated due to severe corrosion and rusting and advised that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufact... Read more
HOLIDAY RAMBLER
INVICTA
(2020) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 11, 2022
Incident date: Feb 9, 2022
The front grills on these models are made out of ABS plastic and are not strong enough to withstand the flexing with the wind resistance and crack in the middle. I know of at least 5 other people that have had the same thing happen to them. Holiday Rambler also makes another model that is called the Fleetwood Fortis that is the same except for the grill is different and doesn't have this issue. Ho... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2022
The glass sheet on the vehicle’s sunroof spontaneously exploded while I was driving on the freeway. Some broken shards fell onto myself and into the cabin as the interior pull cover was in the open position at the time of the explosion. Luckily no additional passengers were in the vehicle at the time of the incident. I was in shock as I heard and felt the explosion. As broken shards were fal... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2022
The rear passenger k frame is rusted in half...almost caused me to wreck with my 2 young kids inside... very unsafe... something needs to be done about this problem...
Incident date: Jul 9, 2022
The driver’s side passenger door was opened but then failed to close. That is when the sliding door completely broke away from its track & shattered the back window. The door almost injured me & could have seriously injured my younger daughter who was in the vehicle when this failure occurred. Upon looking at the damage afterwards there is significant rust to the components. No warning indicator... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2022
WINDSHIELD TRIM LOOSENED AND DETACHES WHILE DRIVING. CAN CREATE A ROAD HAZARD FOR OTHERS, INCREASING RISK OF AN ACCIDENT. HAVE SEEN IN COUNTLESS OTHER EXPLORERS WITH SAME PROBLEM! THIS IS A MAJOR HAZARD!!!!
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2021) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 10, 2022
Incident date: Jul 10, 2022
My Jeep Grand Cherokee L (long model with 3rd row seating) has a panoramic sunroof. Today while driving on the highway, the panoramic sunroof exploded right in the center of each section. It has two sections which overlap when fully open. There were no warning signs, lamps, or cracks prior to this. The glass shattered and flew behind us and all over the inner sunshade. It was extremely scary and d... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2014) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 10, 2022
Incident date: Jul 9, 2022
Passenger sliding door cannot be opened any more. Not electronically and not manually. Not from inside - nor from outside and hence is a huge safety risk e.g. in case of fire or accident.
Incident date: Jun 2, 2022
My car is white pearl and my paint is pilling really bad