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: Jan 29, 2026
Over time, the trunk became increasingly difficult to open, progressing from what appeared to be a hands-free sensor issue to requiring a little manual force to open. It can be inspected upon request. The vehicle is not even one year since purchase and has around 8000 miles driven. The dealership has reproduced the issues and states it is an alignment issue between the trunk and the car's body but... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
In cold weather all four vehicle doors would open randomly when driving, forcing occupants to manually hold them shut. Owner found recall 18N03 was active for vehicle and took the vehicle to Ford dealership for service of recall. The issue continued after service and the owner inspected vehicle following the recall procedure distribution from NHTSA to discover the dealership partially and incorrec... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request: *Drivers side airbag component malfunctioned *Yes the vehicle is available for inspection How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? *The drivers side airbag component has been ruptured since 2024 and given that the bag could deploy and kill me the driver along with others in the car ... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2015) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Feb 5, 2026
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
The front door panel that sits between the front window and back sliding door flew off the vehicle while driving down the road. This happened on both the driver and passenger side at different times/days. The drivers side was fixed by the dealer (eide) under warranty prior to the passenger side flying off. The passenger side panel is still missing/not fixed. You can possibly inspect it, depending ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
Spontaneous shatter of rear passenger tempered glass. No prior damage to window.
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
I received TWO safety recalls that my dealer has never fixed. One for the ABS System R61/NHTSA 15V-675 and one for the beauty cover R32/NHTSA 15V-431. I was supposed to be contacted when the parts were available and never was. My beauty cover has come off and my ABS system randomly turns off. I am not sure who reported that these repairs for the recalls were completed but they were not. I woul... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
Both pilars flew off, right and left. There is a recall and i went to Ford in San Bruno and Fullerton, both were giving me the run around and supposedly in late 2024 parts were available and its now 2026 and i am still waiting for both to be replaced. I need this case to be expedited from Ford. Thank you
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
Exterior driver side door handle will not open the door causing issues with ingress into vehicle.
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
I wrote several months ago about my 2021 tesla model 3 that the rear doors do not have any mechanical door handle release and is a big safety concern also how can a manufacturer get away with this and also not informing the consumer that anyone sat in the back may perish if involved in a accident and can't get out.
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
Window regulator and motor have failed due to plastic gears stripping out. I have replaced my two front windows in 2024 at $1063 a window. This week I had both rear windows fail allowing the windows to drop down unexpectedly. I was able to manually pull the windows up and tape them. I was supposed to receive a call from Hyundai twice this week about getting these covered under a recall since a... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
We have had several problems with our 2021 Nissan Kicks, all of which are safety concerns, and all of which have have occurred at well under 100,000 miles. We purchased the vehicle from a Nissan dealer in January of 2022. 1 - Rust is bubbling up from under the paint. I am told this is perforating rust that could easily spread to or originate from the frame of the vehicle. This could cause the enti... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2017) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Aug 23, 2025
There was a recall for the frame rusting out prematurely. Toyota had the recall until 2012. I did not own the truck then and it did not get fixed. Now I have a rusted out frame. Toyota is claiming they are not able to fix the frame due to it being 14 years later. They would however be able to keep the recall open if it is a safety recall. I don't know how a rusted out frame wouldn't be anyth... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2022
A recall was issued in Jan 2024 - notice 24S02/NHTSA Recall 24V031. In the fall, maybe September 2024, we had still been unable to schedule an inspection by the dealership. We were driving on the interstate, and part of the exterior A-pillar trim detached and flew off of the car into traffic, where it could have potentially caused an accident, had there been more traffic at the time. We finally go... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2025
On [XXX], after placing my young child in my Tesla and closing the door, the 12V battery failed suddenly and the vehicle became inaccessible. I was unable to unlock or enter the car. I did not receive any warning or alert that the 12V battery was about to fail. The vehicle was in my garage, and the window automatically cracked, which allowed me to monitor my child while I sought help. I called Te... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Nov 26, 2025
Since March of 2024, this vehicle has been waiting on parts to correct Ford recall 24S02. The dealerships are even frustrated with dealing with customers. They started telling us there is nothing they can do and send us on our way only saying our name is on a list. In the summer of 2024, the A pillar trim dislodged and nearly hit another car at highway speed but luckily did not cause an accident. ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
The 2016-2022 White double cab Toyota Tacomas have a known paint flaking/peeling issue. On 2/1/2026 while drying my truck after its wash, on the driver’s rear door by the window rubber trim my paint was flaking off. On 2/2/26 I spoke with an agent at Toyota Corporation (but she was on the Lexus side) about my issue and was told my VIN was not part of the Customer Support Program 23TE08 and she d... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2023) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Feb 3, 2026
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
My 2023 VW ID4 has experienced multiple system failures/malfunctions (e.g., display, backup camera, climate controls, & speedometer failed) beginning in late November 2025. The following is a summary & an approximate timeline: Nov 4, 2025: “OUE7 – Software Update” email; dealer unable to complete (OTA update). Nov 7 & Nov 21, 2025: Weatherstrip repairs; maintenance inspections performed. ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLC300
(2017) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Feb 3, 2026
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
The front cab over is getting loose and separating worried it will fall off, have huge water leak coming into the cab from the top through auxiliary buttons and driver side. Have been reading forums and lots of people have the same issues this is very concerning that it's not being taken seriously.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
Sunroof cover has detached. When uncovering sunroof, panel droops and blocks rear window. This happened while driving and can pose a serious safety hazard. Component has been inspected by dealership and diagnostics include taking entire top panel apart which is quoted at 2.5k. This is a recurring problem with Ford Escape vehicles. There was no warning that this was broken, I realized while driving... Read more
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER
(2013) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Feb 3, 2026
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
Failure of the rear hatch power struts. Door not opening or closing properly.
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
This report details a suspected major structural frame failure on my 2023 Grand Design Solitude 391DL. The issues, which are progressive and worsening, indicate a severe loss of structural integrity in the front gooseneck and upper deck area of the fifth wheel. Key observations and symptoms include: Interior Wall Deformation: Interior wall panels in the front bedroom are visibly buckling and war... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
I can have the vehicle available for inspection. I have to hold the truck door shut while driving it when the issue happens. There has been no confirmation of the issue by a dealer or independent service center. There has been no inspection of the problem by the insurance company, manufacture, police or others. This year during cold weather the issue started. I bought the vehicle used. ---------... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
Subject Safety Defect Complaint Recall Repair Refusal and Manufacturer Delay Nissan Altima 2016 My 2016 Nissan Altima is subject to a safety recall related to the hood latch cover The hood latch cover on my vehicle is defective and stuck which caused the hood to become completely locked shut This defect creates a serious safety hazard because the hood could unexpectedly open while driving putting... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2026
Pearl white paint has begun flaking, and peeling.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
2025 Nissan Ariya We were driving on the highway with no cars in front of us. The moonroof shattered with a loud bang. No rocks were observed since there were no cars in front of us and a tree line between the traffic in the opposite direction. Moon roof did not crack but rather exploded into thousands of tiny pieces covering the driver's face, hair, hands and body. Passenger seat was unoccupied b... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
My rear view window shattered with no impact or anything to cause it. I was backing out of my garage rear end first, and it was a loud bam!
Incident date: Oct 22, 2025
Factory paint on my 2015 Toyota Corolla is delaminating and peeling in sheets down to primer on multiple body panels (hood, fender, and door area). There is no impact damage, scratches, or external cause. This appears to be a factory paint adhesion failure. Exposed metal creates corrosion risk and loss of vehicle value. The condition has been confirmed visually by a Toyota dealership, but Toyota c... Read more
TOYOTA
RAV4 PRIME
(2023) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Feb 2, 2026
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
Took my 2020 Escape into dealer due to recall #23B56/23V502 . Dealer stated that the door needs replacement , this was on Oct 22 ,2025. As of Jan 30 , 2026 Ford has yet to send part. I contacted Ford Customer Service on Jan 26 , 2026 and again on Feb 2, 2026 . They can't give me a date as to when part will arrive .
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
In June 2025, I bought a new 2025 Ford Expedition King Ranch. While washing my SUV by hand, I discovered a manufacturing defect on the roof—Ford Manufacturing had left exposed welding and rivets. The issue is quite noticeable, with depressions around the rivets and welds so deep they could hold golf balls. More than two dozen of these rivet welds are visible and exposed. I contacted my local dea... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
The spoiler on my liftgate fell off when driving 40mph
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2025) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Feb 2, 2026
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
Trunk has stopped working. It loudly beeps and will not open on its own. Trunk has to be manually opened and shut with great force to be used.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
The paint along the windshield columnS and rear tailgate are flaking off in large sections. This is causing premature rusting which is left to a consumer to absorb the cost of an entire paintjob, can lead to lack of action causing structural integrity issues.
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
This car is consistently garaged. It was pulled out one morning and a large sheet of paint peeled off roof while it was sitting in the driveway. This is a major concern as I don't feel comfortable driving the car for fear more will come off, affecting another driver on the highway. I've had to borrow a car until it can be fixed. Spoke to ACURA and this is a KNOWN issue for this color paint but t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2026
Recall R10342 Power Operated Tailgate (POT) Drive Unit separation was not remedied by dealer prior to delivery of new vehicle. While performing research on this vehicle for another issue, NHTSA's stite provided an unrepaired recall on the vehicle in question. Upon further research, Volvo was aware of this issue and had already reported it to NHTSA prior to the date of vehicle delivery. See atta... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
Drive chain guard mount broke off while uninstall chain guard for chain maintenance as specified. Simple small threaded bolt into threaded frame mounted bolt boss. Purpose to secure plastic chain guard. Small part factory welded to major component (swingarm) thus can't be replaced separate of entire swingarm. Fasteners were uninstalled and reinstalled three times with hand tool only hand tightened... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GTI
(2019) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jan 30, 2026
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
While simply driving 75mph (speed limit during time of incident) on the highway, i heard a loud explosion sound and the sunroof had completely shattered and was blown upwards. Glass began and continued to fly off, creating a large hole, while trying to get to a stopping point. The was only very little shards of debris that had gotten inside the vehicle while driving, but had potential to put me ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
About 2 years after the 9/30/2019 purchase (new), the paint on the front engine hood began peeling & cracking. Calls to Parks Toyota were ineffective. Now the entire hood has pervasive cracks. The hood needs to be removed, sanded & painted with a more substantial, long-lasting paint. The paint used is supposed to contain an additional clear coat for protection.
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2023) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jan 30, 2026
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
This vehicle was involved in a rear end collision in late 2025. The vehicle was just sold at auction with a clean title even though it has frame damage that is more than 100% of the cost of this vehicle. It is sold with a clean title and I am worried that a used car dealership will try to sell it with no accident history and clean title to an unsuspecting person.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
On Friday, January 23, 2026, at approximately 6:41AM, I was going to Starbucks located at 5378 W. Rosecrans Ave Hawthorne, CA 90250. My partner and I were talking, I was just about to exit to get my coffee then we heard a loud “pop” like a gun shot, and then the sound of shattering glass. We jumped, frighted, startled by the sound, immediately looking over at the back seat of my car window. We... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
My truck had a recall for the door locks freezing, which my truck had an issue with. The dealer performed the recall and 1 of the doors continued to freeze. The door will not latch and it will open when driving down the road. I took it back to the dealer and they charged me to diagnose and confirm it's still doing it. They will not repair it again, they said the recall repair was inadequate and i... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2025
2021 Subaru Ascent (VIN#***). Water found dripping down both second row seatbelts on multiple occasions during or following heavy rain, accumulated into mold growth on the carpet in front of second row seats to the front of the 3rd row seats (cargo area dry, front footwells dry). Authorized Subaru dealer technician report (dated 10/29/25 and 12/3/25 copy pasted into email) explicitly documents 'co... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2025
I am the original owner of a 2010 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport, 4 door, 4WD, with a 6' bed, VIN # [XXX] , with 215902 miles. During the replacement of the leaf springs on 1/27/26, under recall #14V-604, I was informed by the Toyota dealership that installed the leaf springs that there was extensive corrosion on various points on the frame to the point where it was unsafe to drive. The frame has develop... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2026
The vehicle has experienced premature and widespread paint peeling and clear coat failure on multiple body panels. The paint began deteriorating without impact, collision, or environmental damage and has progressively worsened over time. This condition is consistent with a known manufacturing defect affecting certain Toyota vehicles, which Toyota acknowledged through a Customer Support Program. T... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
I recently purchase my 2024 EV9 from Carvana with 9578 miles listed on 12/12/25. Doing my 7 days to purchase this SUV. I had some concerns about the violent wobble when I drove over a bump. With some concerns about this SUV, I google to see if anyone else had this same issue. To my surprise I founded a lot of complaints and ways to resolved the issue. One consumer stated he had his EV9 aligned and... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
Frame flex, front walls came loose when welds broke, walls were bowing out, repair shop said it shouldn’t be on the roud
HYUNDAI
SANTA CRUZ
(2023) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jan 28, 2026
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
Front bumper is detaching on driver and passenger side.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
The vehicle caught fire while driving along the interstate. It's a total loss.
Fire
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Two issues: 1. The paint on my rooftop in front of the sunroof began peeling off three months ago. I’ve read and MANY owners of the same model within a two year timeframe have had the exact same issue and we realized it’s a manufacturer’s problem. The manufacturer however, is saying it’s out of warranty and that’s absurd because now we all have to pay $2000+ to have our entire roof repai... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
Campaign 11701038 - Warping of door panels and driving shaft area. Worried this will affect airbag deployment.
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER
(2017) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jan 27, 2026
Incident date: Jan 22, 2026
I have been informed by my dealer's service unit that the rear subframe of my car (2015 Mercedes C class) is rusted with holes. My understanding is that this can affect the integrity of the structure and cause problems while driving. According to your website [XXX] ) , this should be covered under a warranty extension. However, Mercedes says that my car is not, and to fill out this form if I bel... Read more