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: Apr 15, 2022
I received my car with tailgate misaligned, it could not be adjusted. There are some more out there like mine. I feel this is a safety problem that the area of the body where the hinges attach is not stiff or strong enough to open/close the heavy unbalanced tailgate when the car is not completely level causing damage to the area of the body part of the tailgate and tailgate safety switch not allow... Read more
LIVIN LITE
TRAIL TRAILER
(2015) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jun 14, 2022
Incident date: May 25, 2022
The problem with the vehicle is severe failure of the frame axle brackets. These brackets were discovered to have serious failure during a frame inspection in May 2022. The brackets are L-shaped aluminum which the steel axles bolt onto. The brackets are all failing in the same way: stress cracks in the 90-degree bend in the aluminum frame bracket. 3 of the 4 brackets have failed (half of each brac... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2020
My Tailgate Came Open Unexpectedly, while my trailer was hooked up. I was in a development going around a turn very shortly after pulling off from my starting point. The tailgate crushed on the jack, causing significant tailgate damage. I have been In contacts with Turnersville Dodge, and they directed me to Maple Shade NJ Alfa Romeo/ Fiat. I have been on the phone with Them numerous times, a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2022
Currently have paid off my WHITE TOYOTA COROLLA 2017, and is been a while since i notice the paint was pealing off and take it to the body shop, they told me to check my car for a recall since toyota has extended warranty for this matter (which i found here that does not have a recall), and that it was too soon for the car paint to be this bad, the top is also star to roasted and i just paid it o... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2022
My vsa light came on when I was on the freeway and made my vehicle jerk almost pushing me into the next lane. It has been coming on and turns off when I restart the car and other cars of my same modal and year have recalls for this same issue but my vin yields no results for a recall.
MERCEDES-BENZ
S550
(2017) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jun 14, 2022
Incident date: Jun 14, 2022
The vehicle panoramic sunroof came across a discrepancy that can damage the owner and other innocent vehicles on the road. Since it has been stuck on one side it can possibly break and fly off. The vehicle has been recalled, unfortunately my vehicles vin number was not chosen although it has the similar problems that the recall vehicles had. The front roof panel located between the windshield and ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2022
Paint pealing/chipping near edges of both driver and passenger side window.
Incident date: May 21, 2022
The doors sensors do not work. I am 200+ lbs and have to push with force to get it to stop closing. My 2 year old last minute stuck her hand into the car while the door was closing to get a blanket and it CRUSHED her fingers. These doors are extremely unsafe. Then we took it to Kia and they said “just keep the kids away from the doors” which is INSANE when you’re talking about little kids.
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 5, 2022
On Sunday June 5, 2022, I had to remove my 2019 Porsche Macan S right rear tire because it had a screw in it. I ahd to do it that day because its leaking had increased and it went totally flat, while I had been waiting many days for my purchased tire and road hazard service. I removed the tire and put in a temporary plug so it could be taken to the servicing dealer, Porsche Silver Spring, MD, o... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2022
The latch on the driver door is stuck and I am unable to close my door. My car is a 2015 and I bought it used. I have not received a recall on this. I saw that there was a recall for this reason but it does not cover my year. What do I do?
Incident date: Apr 27, 2022
Hood flew open on interstate. After driving around town running errands I drove onto the interstate got like a mile down the road. I was in the left lane going about 60 mph the hood flew open. Smashing directly into the windshield. I thankfully was able to hit my four ways and get to a stop without any collision. I couldn’t say exactly when the hood had been opened last but certainly was not rec... Read more
JAYCO FIFTH WHEEL
PINNACLE
(2017) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jun 11, 2022
Incident date: Sep 5, 2020
Jayco 5th wheel trailers Lippert (LCI Industries) RV Frames have a significant engineering flaw resulting in excessive flex in the front section incorporating the hitch/pinbox, which results in cracked frames, stress cracking in sidewalls and seam separation at joints causing further damage from water intrusion. It is also noted in their own report, that the bolts supporting the fiberglass sidewa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2022
I have a 2003 Toyota Tacoma 2 wheel drive The frame is rotted With only a 140000 miles on itAnd the manufacturer won't help me anymore so I don't know what to do with this vehicle now.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2022
June 4, 2022, 2018 Volvo XC60 - Right rear door lock engaged and would not release from either inside or outside door handle with all doors electronically unlocked. No other doors were affected. The door remained locked until Volvo technician removed inside door panel and made temporary repair on June 6. Replacement lock assembly was not available until Friday, June 10 when it was replaced by t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2021
Severe rust on frame and undercarriage. Other 2008 Toyota models were recalled due to the same rust issues. Unsure of when rust first started.
Incident date: Nov 19, 2021
While driving my 2015 Ford Mustang 70 mph, my passenger side door opened. I had to reach across to pull it closed and nearly lost control of my vehicle. If I had lost control of my vehicle, other motorists would have been harmed. This has happened multiple times since owning the vehicle. I took it to Ford to get it looked at & found out there were 3 safety recalls; 20S30, 15S16, & 16S30. These r... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2022
The entire chassis is rusted underneath. This vehicle is only 14 years old and the brake lines are completely rusted, the rear bumper cross arm that holds the frame from side to side is rusted. Multiple parts under the rear are having to be replaced due to the rust!
Incident date: Jun 1, 2020
My paint is pealing in a number of locations on my car. Trunk, hood rails and hood. Car has been very we’ll maintained. I am aware of many others having this same issue.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2022
The tailgate opens without warning and no warning is given when it opens. The tailgate opens without warning while driving, parked and not running. This has opened on me several time causing numerous safety issues to include contents of my bed falling out on the roadway while driving. The tailgate has opened as my young daughter was walking by and it nearly striking her in the head. As I left the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2022
Noticed the frame on the passenger side of the vehicle is rusting and I’m concerned about a safety issue. I know there was a rust-related class action on earlier model Toyota’s. The rust is most prevalent on the solder joints, which has me concerned about driving safety.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Newmar Bay Star Motorhome built on a 2019 Ford F53 chassis. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the front windshield started moving side-to-side. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the motorhome to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the front of the motorhome to be repaired. The motorhome was not repaired... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2022
The chassis is completely rusted/rotten, 1" Holes throughout the chassis and was told that it won't pass inspection.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
I have noticed cracks on both sides of the front bumper on my 2016 Mazda CX-9. Mazda has issued a TSB 09-022-20-3720, however, the cracks recently appeared and my car is no longer under the manufacturer's warranty.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2022
Unaware of frame rusting issues to vehicle.. Observed rust through carpet on driver side. Upon research safety is a concern. Due to high volume of this type of issuing occurring a safety recall should be issued. It was not verbalized at time of purchase the make and model of vehicle have these type of issues. Especially, when this issues had been occurring prior to purchase of this vehicle.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2022
There is a structural issue where the hinges from the tailgate attaches to the body. I believe my tailgate alignment issue happened during assembly and has happened to others. More important if the tailgate is opened when car is not completely level when try to close the tailgate shifts and reopens since it cannot close as designed. I have informed Kia America in Irvine, Ca with a letter to the CE... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2011) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jun 9, 2022
Incident date: Jun 8, 2022
I recently noticed a noise coming from the left rear side os the car when I would go over the slightest bumps. I was scheduled to have my breaks replaced and when the auto was on the lift, the mechanic noticed that the frame was cracked. The auto has never been involved in any serious accidents. I did some searching on Mercedes Benz forums and there are several references of similar occurrences. T... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2022
There is significant rust on the frame of this 2008 Tundra. I am located in North Central WA State and they use compounds on the roads in the winter here similar to what is used in the northeast US. The rust is also on the steering mechanism and spare tire. I just had a flat tire and had to use the spare tire temporarily. This is a common problem reported on Tundra forums online and this truck ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while placing groceries into his vehicle, an abnormal noise began to emit from the rear liftgate. As the contact moved out of the way, the liftgate slammed down independently without warning. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V415000 (Structure) which he linked to the failure. The contact called the ma... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2018
ON MY 2014 KIA SORENTO , THE PAINT HAS PEELED, IS PEELING SO BAD, THAT IT IS EMBARASSING TO EVEN DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THIS STARTED ABOUT 4 YEARS AGO . AT THAT TIME, IT STARTED ON THE HOOD, OVER THE DRIVERS SIDE. TOOK IT TO THE KIA PLACE, AND THEY TRIED TO SAY IT WAS BECAUSE THE VANITY LIGHT MIRROR HAD BEEN LEFT ON OVER NIGHT. THE NEXT VISIT WAS WHEN IT WAS PEELING ALL OVER THE CAR. THEY OF COUR... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2022
no one was hurt. just a finder binder to my car only. the other drivrr had a truck and it didnt do any damage to back bumper.
Crash
MERCEDES-BENZ
ML320
(2009) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jun 9, 2022
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
Rear coil springs rusted through and broke resulting in greatly diminished vehicle stability, especially in emergency maneuvers. Have had numerous repair facilities evaluate, including the dealer. All have refused to replace rear springs due to safety risk
Incident date: Jun 8, 2016
Paint is faulty and peeling rapidly.
SHORELAND'R
1000U
(2008) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jun 9, 2022
Incident date: Jun 4, 2022
The contact stated that while pulling their 2008 Shorland'r Boat Trailer (frame id LUB40TABBXLW) i9i9with their 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 at approximately 10 mph when the frame of the trailer behind the safety chain fractured in half. The contact had to pull over to ensure no damage would be done however the boat that was being held by the trailer ended up crashing into their vehicle making a dent in t... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 3, 2022
Rotted Subframe on Dodge Caliber I was driving home after picking my kids up from school and my front tires would not steer and were wobbling while driving, losing control of my vehicle. I had to pull over on the side of the road so I did not crash with my children in the car. I called a tow company and had it towed to the closest independent service center. Yes, the problem was reproduced by a lo... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Coachmen Mirada Motorhome built on a 2016 Ford F53 Motorhome chassis. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the carbon monoxide alarm alerted him that there were carbon monoxide fumes inside the RV. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that there was a hole in the firewall caused by exposed engine wires that were not sealed. The dealer was made awar... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2022
Vehicle has less than 100,000 miles (strictly highway miles) and rear sub frame has completely rusted through causing back alignment to be drastically out, and fish tailing, which also causes hazardous steering control on dry and especially wet roads. Rapid wear and replacement of tires on rear end. I have researched and found this to be a consistent problem on multiple sites and forums.
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER
(2007) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jun 9, 2022
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
The rear subframe is corodedbut no other part is. It is available to see if needed it won’t pass state inspection and it could break while driving
Incident date: May 3, 2022
Car electrical system is very glitchy at times worse when it rains. Side mirror falls off if road debris hits outside of assembly. Timeline to replace battery taking too long. Car was sent to dealership ahead of schedule and sold with known battery issue.
Incident date: Dec 17, 2021
I have a pearl white 2013 Kia Sorento and the paint keeps peeling off. I had the roof repaired and now it is on the top of the doors
Incident date: Feb 16, 2022
Rear lift gate falls, will not stay up on its own. Appears to be a 2016 recall on other models of the same year that did not include my vin, however I am having the same issue of the lift gate falling on my head.
Incident date: May 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that water was entering the trunk of the vehicle and filling up the wheel well. The contact stated that the water was entering through the driver’s side rear taillight housing. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA to file ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2022
Paint peeling on roof and right front pillar.
Incident date: May 15, 2022
Rear window frame cracked causing water leak. Concerns of having the rear window popping out.
Incident date: Jun 7, 2022
Left rear passenger door will not open. Door is jammed. This will not allow rear passengers to quickly exit vehicle if pinned in due to crash or fire.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that while driving approximately 80 MPH, the side rail roof rack detached from the vehicle. Additionally, the oil warning light was illuminated. There were no reported injuries. The contact's personal property was damaged during the failure. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact calle... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2022
I have a Pearl White 2014 Kia Sorrento that I bought used with approximately 50,000 miles from Rick Case Kia in Sunrise, Florida. It has 117,000 miles on it today and multiple parts of the paint that is peeling on the hood and roof. I noticed the first paint defect when I bought it, which was on the roof (This is where to largest peel is now). I didn't think too much about it because it was small... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2020
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while parked or while driving during inclement weather, water would enter the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the rain caused an electrical failure in the vehicle that caused the radio, windows, and other electrical equipment to not function properly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The c... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2022
My rear doors are locked and will only open from the inside. This is very frustrating and I believe very dangerous
Incident date: Jun 7, 2022
In July 2015 with 25k miles, the interior of the vehicle was leaking water from the sun visor as well as under the glove box. When I made a left turn I could hear water swishing from one side to the other, then saw water coming out from under the glove box area. Water also dripped from the drivers sun visor. I took it to the dealer in Troy MI and they blamed me for having dirty drain holes in the ... Read more
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER SPORT
(2015) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jun 7, 2022
Incident date: Jun 7, 2022
Door latch came unlatched while driving.