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
C300
(2010) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 1, 2022
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
The dealer noticed that the rear suspension subframe had rusted and corroded with a hole. They rejected the passage of the state safety check. A review of online forums shows this is a common problem in these years and Canadian and German counterparts of MBUSA have issued recalls because a third party supplier provided the parts without sufficient corrosion protection. See eg. https://mbworld... Read more
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jun 30, 2022
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
there is a hood flutter , weather stripping is cheaply made which is letting in water , leather is coming up seat belt doesn’t retract back in place knocking noise by left driver side wheel seat pockets are poorly made
Incident date: Jun 23, 2022
Rear door larch fell off. This is a documented problem with this vehicle. Kia dealerships have been unhelpful to resolve this issue. I feel this is a safety item with a recall on the 2015 models. Latch is made with cheap plastic, and many kia’s have this issue. Thanks, Steve Ritchie
Incident date: Jul 1, 2017
Abnormal rust all over underside of vehicle including frame, structural components, brake lines, steering components … etc. FRAME and steering/suspension components rusting out. Rear differential rusting out. Cab mounts rusting out. Spare tire hardware rusting out. Transmission cooler lines about to burst from corrosion. Rear tow assembly rusting out. Entire underside is rotting out. Known issue... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2020
The paint is peeling off my Hyundai Elantra and I only have 28000 miles on it. It started peeling 2 years ago. I can supply pictures. I visited my local Hyundai dealership, where I bought the car, they made me wait for an hour then told me there was nothing they could do. I noticed someone scratched the paint with a fingernail from their workshop. I also called the Hyundai corp and they said there... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2022
Hello, we are reporting an incident our 2007 Honda Risgeline. I am reporting this for my son who is the owner of the truck. He hit a pothole, after which a ticking noise started. When he got home, we inspected the vehicle and found that the gas tank straps ripped out of the frame, due to frame rust. The gas tank is laying in contact with the vehicle driveshaft. The ticking noise is due to the driv... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2022
The sun roof just Shatter in pieces when I was driving due to the sun or heat we live in Chicago
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jun 29, 2022
Incident date: Jun 18, 2022
The Hood flutters at speeds of 50 MPH +. As per the car dealer, this problem has been reported by multiple car owners and is noticed frequently in 2022 Outlander.
Incident date: Feb 14, 2022
In freezing/wintertime conditions drive side door latch freezes open and the door will not remain closed while driving. Problem remains until the truck warms up. Previous recall to fix issue did not resolve the problem. Dealer has no current fix for the problem other than to tell me it’s a known issue.
Incident date: Jun 29, 2022
The contact's mother owns a 2019 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while his mother was driving 65 MPH, the rear spoiler detached from the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2022
I just inspected my side panel windows before driving on the road, I had been on the highway for about 10 minutes going about 65pmh when I started to slow down for my exit and my passenger side soft top panel blew off into the highway. A few cars ran it over, I risked my life to retrieve it. Had there been a motorcyclist behind me I’m certain they would have died, as this incident caused other... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2022
I just inspected my side panel windows before driving on the road, I had been on the highway for about 10 minutes going about 65pmh when I started to slow down for my exit and my passenger side soft top panel blew off into the highway. A few cars ran it over, I risked my life to retrieve it. Had there been a motorcyclist behind me I’m certain they would have died, as this incident caused other... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2020) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jun 29, 2022
Incident date: Jun 3, 2022
While driving down the highway I heard a pop in my vehicle and realized my sunroof had burst. Glass separated and flew into my car and cut myself and my 4 small children. No warning lights were on in my vehicle at this time. When brought to the dealership for repair, the repair shop reported that this will happen with these vehicles and to pursue reimbursement with Ford. Unfortunately, Ford rep... Read more
5 injured
Incident date: Nov 22, 2021
I have a 2005 Honda Odyssey. About 6 months ago the drivers side sliding door fell off the tracks. This happened while we were trying to close the door but it would not slide at all. We were out at a restaurant and it was imperative that the door had to be shut because it was not safe to drive in that condition. We were able to somewhat put it back on but it can not be used at all at this time. Wh... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2022
Both of the automatic sliding doors have came off tracks and fell off and will not close all the way it seems the door is only in place with a wire that supports the sliding component and has fallen off and the doors now are only supported by a single top track and this is a safety issue due to passengers riding in the van and if this falls off going down the road it could cause a accident
THOR MOTOR COACH
TIBURON
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jun 28, 2022
Incident date: Jun 27, 2022
While driving camper window fell out on to the road with no warning.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle without warning. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the front passenger pillar trim had detached from the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where the pillar trim was replaced; however, a year later, the same pillar trim detached from t... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
AMG GLA45
(2015) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jun 28, 2022
Incident date: Jun 7, 2022
2015 AMG GLA-45. Sunroof violently broke, opening from front (normal is back) and sticking up 3-4 inches. Luckily this happened in our garage not moving, while simply pushing Close Sunroof button. If this had happened on the highway, it could have ripped off and killed somebody. Dealer says common problem, as soon as I brought the car in they said “sunroof warranty job” but the car is actual... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2021
The engine cradle is rooting out from the AC unit is draining on it and it about to brake because of the way Honda did it I hope the recall is made on it
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2003) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jun 28, 2022
Incident date: Mar 30, 2022
bought truck 3/2/22 from Gold cAuto In troy NY. 3/7/22 went to take kids to school 2.5 inches of water set in my weather guard mats. seats soaked console everything in front cab reversed to pull out spot and water starting pouring on my and my kids from sides in pass sides front and the front windshield area omgand the sun roof was worst.kids had to go in myslef too it was snow still out.so that... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2022
My 4runner was purchased from a dealership and serviced there for rust related problems several times but was never told I had a serious rust problem. The problem is the frame has prematurely rusted and now the car is unsafe to drive due to the control arm rusting off the frame
Incident date: Jun 28, 2022
My vehicle is has the issues mentioned in NHTSA id#10201603. This is an issue where the spot welds have broken on the front left door check arm. Also the issue with the spot welds is causing issues with using my Drivers side window. My vehicle was taken to an authorized Ford Dealership. Was advised by the service department to seek advice from the body shop due to the welds being broken. Attached ... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2019) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jun 28, 2022
Incident date: Jun 19, 2020
I have found out there is a recall for pathfinder 13-16 models about the hood latch, and that the hood might fly open at certain speeds. I have a 2019 pathfinder and since day 1 of the owner ship i ha e noticed that on a highway at high speed the hood is catching allot of air where the hood is literally flattering so to say. At one point i have mentioned it to my local nissa dealer which they che... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2022
The frame has rusted and broke behind the cab
Incident date: Jun 26, 2022
The windshield Carrier (frame) that the windshield sits in rusts out causing the windshield to NOT remain secure the carrier. This can be inspected upon request. I have found online, Many complaints about this issue. The safety factor is, the windshield could become loose or crack while traveling. I am not aware if this has been confirmed by a dealer. At this point, I have not had it inspected bu... Read more
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jun 27, 2022
Incident date: Feb 18, 2022
When driving at a speed of 40 MPH or higher the hood flutters really bad. It looks like the hood is going to fly open.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
Child got hand smashed in rear sliding door. There is no pressure sensor to avoid the door closing on hands or fingers.
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 27, 2022
There is either no sensor, or one that is too weak/defective, in the sliding doors to stop it if a person’s (particularly a child’s) fingers, hands, arms, or other body parts were in the way. Anything in the way would just get crushed by the door! This is not just my vehicle. All Carnivals seem to have a very weak or defective sensor and it’s a serious safety hazard, particularly considerin... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2019
1. The component/system that failed, malfunctioned, or is defective is unknown. The clinking/rattling noise appears to be coming from the cabin and the right side of the vehicle. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. My safety is put at risk each time I drive the vehicle. The noise sounds like a loose component or system; consumer does not feel comfortable driving the vehi... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2022
As I was pulling out of Zip's Car into a parking spot to vacuum truck. I was barely moving when the truck accelerated at a high rate of speed and hit the wall in front of me. It was like the truck had a mind of its own. I just knew I wasn't doing it. If someone had been walking in front of me it would have killed them. My air bag did not come out. My chest hit the steering wheel very hard. The pol... Read more
Crash
1 injured
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2016) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jun 27, 2022
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
The passenger side sliding door fails to lock leaving people and property at risk. It is available for inspection. The dealership service department indicated it is the latch system. It had been buzzing on lock prior to failing altogether, this is similar to other issues listed online so I believe the actuator may be involved as well. This appears to be a common problem related to a design flaw.
Incident date: Jun 23, 2022
Water leaks on roof that stain interior head liner over rear window that also may affect rear curtain air bags.
Incident date: Jun 24, 2022
REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK/OPEN. CANNOT BE UNLOCKED BY ANY SWITCH. FROM INFO I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FIND THIS COULD BE A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I HAVE NOT BEEN TO THE DEALER OR CONTACTED THE MANUFACTUER. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR ALARMS HAVE BEEN ACTIVATED BY THE VEHICLE.O6/
Incident date: Jun 26, 2022
LED lights are loose and rattle and flash all over the place. While driving over 40+mph or going over any bumps on the road . This only affects TRD PRO tundra’s with factory Ridgid lights . Toyota does not have a toyota approved repair even after going to dealership multiple times and calling toyota USA . They will not do anything for this safety issue besides offer lemon law options . Toyota ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
Paint is chipped and peeling. Snow white pearl.
MERCEDES-BENZ
AMG GLC43
(2018) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jun 25, 2022
Incident date: Jun 25, 2022
Panoramic Sunroof exploded while driving out of the blue. No other cars in front of me or near me. Nothing hit it.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2022
While driving on the interstate, the panoramic sunroof exploded. Pieces of glass flew off my car. The explosive sound was very loud and startling, but I was able to maintain control of my vehicle. Vehicles behind me were potentially impacted by flying pieces of glass. I took my vehicle directly to the dealer, (Nalley Hyundai) who confirmed the glass shattered. There was no evidence of any forei... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2014
Unknown. Both rear wheel wells are rusting away. Chunks of this falls off while I’m driving. I do believe that falling rusty chunks of metal may harm another driver that will either run over it and flatten a tire. Or that someone may swerve to miss a piece and cause an accident.
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2014) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jun 24, 2022
Incident date: Jun 13, 2022
Right sliding door would not open, electrically or manually. Passengers where trapped inside until another door was opened for them to exit. The problem has been inspected and repaired by an authorized Chrysler dealer. There were no warnings of failure.
Incident date: Jun 24, 2022
Extreme Rusting on the frame undercarriage of the vehicle. Our mechanic found it today - said it must have been rusting for years & that this is a common problem with 03 - 05 Toyota 4Runners.
Incident date: Jun 17, 2022
The front passenger door does not open even when it is unlocked. The power locks will make the noise as if the door is unlocked but the latch is stuck. Even if you manually unlock the door, it will not open. This is a safety issue because you can not safely exit the vehicle if you were in the passenger seat. There were no warnings before this problem presented itself.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2022
SIDE IMPACTED BY 52 YEAR OLD JEEP. BOTH DRIVER SIDE DOORS CAVED IN, WINDOWS SHATTERED, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY
Crash
Incident date: Jun 23, 2022
Fabric lining or insulation below dashboard is coming out of the seam between the dash and pillars on both sides.
Incident date: Jun 24, 2022
Frame prematurely rotting out in critical areas near fuel tank/middle of vehicle frame
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2011) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jun 23, 2022
Incident date: Jun 23, 2022
Can poke through frame with a screw driver- frame is severely compromised. Afraid truck will buckle or if hit lightly will collapse. Truck has been well maintained with only 100,000 miles. Power train and parts all in excellent condition.
Incident date: Jun 23, 2022
The power tailgate opened and dropped down, on its own, while driving the truck, approximately 45mph.
Incident date: May 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the brakes was being serviced by an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that the engine cradle frame was fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
Incident date: May 31, 2022
Liftgate trunk won’t open with key fob or button most times and my things are stuck in there sometimes overnight until it will just magically open.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2022
The front drivers door latch. When the door is shut their is an alarm stating that the door is ajar. Per Ford their is a Customer Satisfaction Program 19N09 for it. I bought this vechicle Monday June 20, 2022. Per Ford they notified me of this issue as well but they will not fix it as it is past the 84,000 miles/7 years as well as the 120,000 miles and July 31, 2020. This vechile per the records h... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2022
Car has failed to turn over/start on numerous occasions. It will take multiple times to turn over before it fires up. Car has also been very jerky in 1st gear aka going slow. Rough jerking spasms at 10mph or such. Car has also lost power numerous times while driving at high speeds.