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: Jul 8, 2022
The clear coat on my 2018 KIA sportage has started to peel on side mirrors and roof.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2009) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 9, 2022
Incident date: Jul 7, 2022
Take my car to the dealer and told me my rear subframe is rusted out and is dangerous to drive. Total cost replace they said around $5800 . Why there isn’t recall for the problem in the USA ? I find out there is one in Canada and Germany for this car. What I’m supposed to do with the car? Take it to a junkyard because Mercedes’
FORD
TRANSIT CONNECT
(2014) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 9, 2022
Incident date: Jul 4, 2022
The drivers door is failing to latch. Ford Dealers have only said there were only recalls on the rear doors. My minivan has the door roped shut for the time being and it is dangerous having to unwrap the rope to exit. Also the smell of fuel inside the vehicle is pronounced and they won't repair the fuel line because I purchased the vehicle used and the previous owner didnt handle it.
Incident date: Jun 12, 2018
Paint peeling left and right sides of front windshield. Front of car.peeling in spots where rocks have hit and left back passenger side large piece paint peeling Started with a very small spec. Continuing to peel
Incident date: Jul 8, 2022
Fuel tank door won't open. It supposedly locks and unlocks with the doors but it gets stuck locked, couldn't get fuel. Had to find something like a coat hanger to stick in and jimmy it open.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2022
The front sub frame of my 2009 Hyundai Elantra is completed rusted and rotted. It looks like the control arm is about to drop out of the frame. After an inspection by my mechanic he insisted the car is no longer safe to drive and suggested I do not put any money into the other problems we were having with it ( the reason it was at the shop).
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 9, 2022
Incident date: Jul 8, 2022
When driving on highway hood bounces like it isn't latched but when I pulled over to check it was latched..scary to drive above 50mph...also, backup screen goes black/blank occasionally when reversing as well as when driving down road..dealership says they documented but no recalls on it
FORD
TRANSIT CONNECT
(2014) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 8, 2022
Incident date: Jul 7, 2022
2014 Transit connect LH front door won't latch , this van has 44,000 miles on it I bought it new.. the door will fly open can not drive it like this.. the sliding doors had a recall but not the front doors. door latch fail
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLB 250
(2021) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 8, 2022
Incident date: Jul 2, 2022
Detached wheel arch covers while driving
TOYOTA
FJ CRUISER
(2007) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 8, 2022
Incident date: Jul 8, 2022
Massive amounts of rust underneath the car on the frame and pretty much everything is affected around it. Concerned for my families safety…Toyota needs to address this immediately!!!
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2003) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 8, 2022
Incident date: Jun 10, 2022
The undercarriage or frame of our recent purchase of our 2003 used chevrolet k1500 silverado was discovered recently after purchase to be rusted through and through and chipping off day by day. A private master mechanic has looked the truck over and said that it was not safe to drive. Upon further investigating, the panels that hold up the roof of the truck underneath the interior panels are rusti... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2021
Rust is forming along the bottom of all of the doors (4 of them) and on or around some of the hinges. The rust seems to be forming inside of the door and what is visible from the outside looks like the paint in bulging slightly.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2022
Rained. Got into my car and had water dripping down from the lights/dome of the car. Water was short circuiting the lights and they were turning on by themselves. Tried to turn them off but sensors wouldn’t respond. Water was dripping down to the console where the start engine and other controls including the charging ports/wireless charging pad. Water also leaked from the front passenger side ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2022
Paint failing and peeling off causing body to rust prematurely.
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2018) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 7, 2022
Incident date: Jun 15, 2022
2018 Dodge Caravan (52,000 miles) Rear sliding passenger door will not open under any circumstances. Door is in locked position and cannot be opened manually from the outside or inside of vehicle. Door will not open electrically with the key fob or the overhead console button. Door actuator is frozen in the locked position. If passenger in rear seat on passenger side had to get out of vehicle in ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2022
The windshield cracked itself.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the truck bed bolts that secured the truck bed to the subframe were rusted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall relating the failure. No additional assistance was provided. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 104,000.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2022
My car is painted pearl white and has peeled and exposed the metal for a few years. We have patched it the best we can but it happens at another spot. I have included a picture. There has been a recall on Toyota and I believe 2014 Kia with the same issue regarding white paint problems.
Incident date: Jun 28, 2022
When heavy down rain falls and the streets start to collect water of 1-2 or more the uderbody skid plates with collect water and the body panels fasteners will fail and the skid plate tears. This has happed twice since I've owned the car. This last time happed last week when a heavy rain came through. I'm now over my warranty but the problem keeps happening. Tesla has a bulletin specifically for t... Read more
FOREST RIVER
EAST TO WEST ALTA
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 6, 2022
Incident date: Jun 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Forest River East to West Alta. The contact stated that she discovered water leaks coming from two separate areas of the RV. The contact stated that water was leaking from the roof of the middle room in the RV and in the living room. The RV was taken to the dealer for repair and remained in the dealer possession. The contact attempted to reach the manufacturer by phone and ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2022
Was told by my local dealer that they did not have to complete to recall unless I signed a document holding them blameless if they cracked my dashboard or cracked it worst than it already is. I declined to sign until I could investigate why I absolutely had to sign a document absolving GM of their bad design. I believe it to be unjust and insulting that we are required to choose between the safety... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2016) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 6, 2022
Incident date: Jun 19, 2022
With no warning, the driver’s side sliding rear door locked and will not open either manually or remotely. Concern for safety of passengers exiting the van in an emergency
Incident date: Mar 15, 2022
After rain, sloshing water can be heard in the head liner. Moving forward it pours out through the upper rear seat belt slots and the aft ac vents. Stopping causes water to pour out of the upper forward electronic panel where the Onstar button is located. Unsure of corrosion and damage to upper electronics. Started after vehicle was 2 months old and every hard rain or car wash since.
MERCEDES-BENZ
ML350
(2006) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 6, 2022
Incident date: Apr 16, 2022
Brake delay. Caused an at-fault traffic accident on Saturday, April 16, 2022.
Crash
Incident date: Jul 2, 2022
Multiple times while driving, my key FOB in my pocket has opened the trunk. Extremely dangerous, and apparently very easy to accidentally press. Same thing with the alarm, almost caused me to have an accident.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2022
The trunk latch stopped working won’t lock
Incident date: Jul 5, 2014
SWP paint peeling on hood and roof
Incident date: Jul 5, 2018
Delamination of the white pearl paint.
Incident date: Jun 12, 2022
I am currently replacing my 3rd front windshield in 11 months on my 2019 Subaru Ascent (First 8.19.21, Second: 4.15.22; Third was replaced 7.5.22) from a simple rock chip. Within minutes of occurring the chip leads to significant cracking and the inability to navigate safely. It is my understanding that a class-action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of Subaru Ascent owners due to this very issu... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2020
Paint is peeling from hood and top of car and continues to spread. This has been happening for the past 2 years
Incident date: Jun 14, 2022
The roof of my Lincoln 2022 roof leaks water above the driver seat during rain, while driving, or when the car is parked. I checked the sunroof, but there is no sign of a water leak from around the seal. It looks like the water is entering the roof panel either from the front windshield glass or elsewhere. The water drips on the driver seat and the steering wheel and has caused discoloration to t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
Roof Garnish Molding it’s pop ups two times and i change everything new but my concern is when i drive in the highway or interstate that part can blow off to the air and can cause an accident. Last time I went to the dealership was 07/01/2022. That’s my concern. Thank you.
Incident date: Jun 2, 2022
While driving the frunk/hood opened while vehicle was in motion. Everything says your not able to drive or opening while in drive. My wife had just used it shopping. Drove 300 yards with No warnings. Then stopped at a light then when she was accelerating it opened and broke windshield, hood and hinges, scratched left fender inside. She was able to pull over without cause anymore damage to her or... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2022
Frame of the vehicle is rusting from the inside out. Upon inspection, holes in the frame are found, with many more hidden from sight. This is a disaster waiting to happen. This puts the driver and anyone else on the road at extreme risk if the frame breaks while driving. This problem is well documented with Toyota, and they have previously replaced Tacoma, Sequoia, and Tundra frames, but not 4runn... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2011) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 3, 2022
Incident date: Jul 3, 2021
driver door handle is loose
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2020) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 2, 2022
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
On July 1, 2022, in the morning, the right rear passenger door window in my 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee spontaneously exploded and then, in the evening of the same day, the rear hatch window also spontaneously exploded. The vehicle was purchased new in June of 2020 and has been driven approximately 57000 miles. There was no evidence of damage to the windows prior to the explosions.
Incident date: Jun 22, 2022
Automatic sliding door won't open or close properly
TOYOTA
FJ CRUISER
(2007) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 2, 2022
Incident date: Jun 16, 2022
I purchased this vehicle used in April 2022. It was not driven much until June 2022 because the car was purchased for our son, who attends school at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. The goal was to get him a car before his 3 week summer break and he and his sister and his best friend would drive it out to Colorado for him to use throughout his last two years. Their trip began on June... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2022
Sliding doors fell off won't go back on
Incident date: Jul 2, 2022
Left sliding door lock will not unlock which causes the fuel door not to open
Incident date: Feb 17, 2021
Paint chipping and peeling and fading
Incident date: May 4, 2022
Paint fading peeling chipping
Incident date: Jun 28, 2022
Daughter presses the button on the inside of the van. She didn't move her hand soon enough out of the way for the door to close. The door closed on her hand, she had to press the button open from the door closing on her thumb. She came balling her eyes out to me. Her thumb swelled 3 x's as big. The sensor should be way more sensitive like a garage door opener.
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 9, 2022
Every time you drive on the highway going 70 miles per hour the hood of the car moves and makes noise as if it where to pop open
Incident date: Jun 28, 2022
Passenger and driver windows severely rattle/vibrate/shack when windows are open.
WHITE RIVER MARINE GROUP
BOAT TRAILER
(2021) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 1, 2022
Incident date: Apr 20, 2022
I have control issues due to inadequte suspension. The problem I'm (and others) having is due to the suspension on these trailers. When pulling the trailer on the roads there is exessive bouncing to the point where one could lose control. Personally I have checked my trailer wieght, vehicle weight, tounge weight, etc. and found everything to be set up correctly but I cant solve the bouncing. I... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
The paint has chipped off in spots all over the vehicle.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2022
On or around June 4, 2022 I was driving my truck and had my enclosed trailer attached. I went to put my trailer up in storage and noticed my tailgate had opened on its own. This has caused damage to my tailgate and is a major safety concern that the tailgate is opening on its own.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, she heard an abnormal sound coming from the truck bed. The contact became aware that the front of the truck bed was tilted downwards and that both sides of the bed nearby the leaf springs were rusted. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that there were no recalls related t... Read more