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
FREEDOM TRAILERS
FREEDOM TRAILERS
(2019) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 27, 2022
Incident date: Mar 10, 2022
I purchased a 7x16’ trailer with two 5200# axles in Feb 2019 (VIN # [XXX]). I have been the only user of the trailer (business use) and I do not abuse equipment I own. I have been experiencing frame failure, and noticed it for the first time around March 10, 2022. I first noticed that they rear back axle hangers were ripped off from the frame (leaving a hole in the frame where they had been w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2022
The driver's side door handle broke on my 2016 Nissan LEAF. Investigating the issue online, I found that many owners have had this issue, and the fix often breaks again. It's a safety issue for owner or emergency responders wouldn't be able to get the driver's door open without breaking the glass.
Incident date: May 15, 2022
My paint is peeling. KIA SORENTO SNOW WHITE PAINT PEELING CHIPPING AND DELAMINATION
Incident date: May 6, 2022
Driving down the road and my 2018 Cadillac XT5 started on fire for no reason and no engine lights came on. I loss all driving control power steering in the matter of seconds and was trapped in the car waiting for cars to clear so I can run out. The car is with my insurance company the car is now a total loss and I don't think they will investigate. I called GM to make a complaint. The fireman s... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 26, 2022
My Jeep will not pass inspection because of excessive rust/rot on the front and rear sub frame. To have both front and rear sub frames repaired will cost me approximately $3,000 dollars, which I do not have. This should have been recalled and covered by manufacturer long before this time. What am I suppose to do know with no usable vehicle ???
Incident date: May 25, 2022
My rear driver side door hatch malfunctioned and had a mechanical fail as confirmed by Auffenberg KIA, he stated “he see’s this all the time”, in O’Fallon, IL. I can not open the door from the inside or outside. Child lock is not active. Just a mechanical fail. This is not safe! What if there had been a car accident and my children needed to vacate the car! There were no warning lamps or o... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2022
I took my vehicle into the Toyota Dealer after mechanic told my frame was rusting. The dealership confirm the frame is rusted. The frame of the vehicle should not be rusting out.
Incident date: May 24, 2022
While driving on a surface street at approximately 35 MPH on a 100+ degree afternoon, the glass moonroof suddenly exploded. I did not observe any object striking the car or the roof. The shade was closed, so glass did not enter the cabin. However, driving the car above 30mph became impossible due to air impinging on the shade and making it more likely that the shade would open and glass would ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2022
I noticed a Crack in the lower part of the windshield on the driver's side. I was told by Safelite there was rust around the windshield and they would not replace the windshield unless the rust was repaired.
Incident date: Mar 17, 2022
Paint is peeling while driving obstructing my view and potentially other drivers
Incident date: May 23, 2022
VERY BAD DESIGN OF MUFFLER. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. THE MUFFLER HAS A HOLE ON TOP. THAT HEAT EFFECT THE BATTOM TRUNCK, THE HOOD GET MELTED, HEAT SHEILD GET BURNED AND THE ROAD ASSISTANT TIRE GET MELTED AS WELL. I WAS LUCKY I WAS ABLE TO SMELL IT. ALSO ALL BODY GET VERY RUSTED AND LOOK HOURRIBLE.
Fire
Incident date: May 20, 2022
Subframe on passenger side is rusted through creating a safety hazard. I was unaware of this issue on 1999-2002 Honda Accords but when researching for the cause of a noise coming from the front end found plenty of articles but no corrective action from Honda.
Incident date: May 23, 2022
Driver's door handle does not function. When car is unlocked, the door handle pops out BUT the door will not open. I had this same issue two years ago with the front passenger door handle and see that this is a recall item on my model (S) for vehicles starting in year 2016. Don't know why the 2014 sedan is not included in this recall, as it should be. It is a safety concern.
Incident date: May 22, 2022
While performing maintenance on the car, I found that the left (drivers) rear mounting bracket which is a part of the frame/body, and hold the right rear trailing arm - holding the rear axle was severely rusted and cracking apart from corrosion. The right (passenger) bracket showed no rust damage. This problem has been reported by others, and Canada has found the same issues and issued a recall ... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2022
Purchased brand new 392 Jeep Wrangler with second set of factory doors. Unfortunately, water will come through when it rains. This is a hazard for electronics, mold, etc. Took to dealer, who was unable to fix, but acknowledged defect.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2018
Paint has been peeling for at least 3 years and body shop told me Honda has major issues with paint on many years of vehicles. My vehicle has been serviced many times at the dealer where was purchased and no one, not dealer or Honda themselves have notified me of such re-call or warranty of this particular issue.
Incident date: Apr 12, 2021
The car has a power assisted hatchback. When it fails to latch, the power is completely drained from the car, and there is zero indication of this happening, until the next day when an attempt is made to start the car. We've been stranded twice in our car and twice on the road. It's all due to the robotics not getting a signal to stop trying to keep it open. We notified the dealer twice by April ... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2022
Front Windshield has a straight line crack running down from the top to the middle. I just got the car for 3 months with 2k miles. It was parked in my garage overnight and this morning I found a straight line crack about a 2 feet wide across the windshield. I know there's a class action lawsuit and this issue is very common. I hope we can win this fight. This is unacceptable.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2019
The paint is delaminating and peeling in the section just above the windshield. This started in 2019 and has steadily getting worse. My car color is "Snow White Pearl". I have attached pictures. I had assumed that this was due to the age of the car until I started looking for solutions to fix it and keep it from getting worse. I have found that this is apparently an issue with the paint and is not... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2022
The fuel door hinge has separated from the fuel door. The fuel door now opens partially and can impede the proper function of the power sliding door as it opens or attempt to close.
TOYOTA
FJ CRUISER
(2012) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 23, 2022
Incident date: Jan 1, 2017
Frame and undercarriage compromised by excessive rust on 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser. Substandard materials/process used in manufacturing by Toyota on the FJ cruiser undercarriage and frame, causing excessive rust damage. Widespread problem in the United States with excessive rust compromising the stability and safety of the vehicles. Toyota authorized Dealerships are no help. Expect consumers to pa... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2022
Unspecific event. I hope this report, without my having an incident myself is looked into enough to apply a standard across all manufacturers to make sure the public aren’t so unknowingly put at risk. All because of an ill thought through design. My vehicle has no easy access to exit rear seats if there is any kind of electrical failure. My rear passengers will not be able to exit the vehicle.... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2022
The rear window in my F150 has rear defrost with a power sliding window. The glass panel on the drivers side has spontaneously shattered two time. Once in October 2020 and again in April 2022. On both occasions the glass was spiderwebbed but had not fallen out. There was no indication that the glass had any physical damage from the exterior or interior. Also, the vehicle had been parked the fi... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2022
I recently bought this Tacoma used and just found out from my local mechanic that the frame is severely rusted and likely unsafe to drive. I immediately scheduled a frame inspection with Toyota. They confirmed that it was very unsafe to drive and gave me a quote of $14,711 to fix it. This is more than the value of the truck. Although Toyota acknowledged that there was a service campaign for rust i... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2022
The paint is peeling off 6 months After I bought the car.South shore honda and American honda are not doing anything. I spoke with the manager at South shore honda,,willie Mejia who referred me to American Honda and American Honda referred me back to the dealer.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2013) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 21, 2022
Incident date: May 9, 2022
Started noticing strange chassis behavior when braking. Braking hard would result in car leaning left, then leaning right when foot taken off the brake. Car appeared to "sway" on braking. Hard to control direction of vehicle on braking. Consulted local mechanic who put the car up on a lift. Discovered rotten rear subframe on left side. No substantial rust or rot on any other structural components.... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
About three months ago the liftgate on my 2015 Toyota RAV4 SUV, suddenly started not wanting to close properly as if the door shock absorbers had slipped out of place. I clarify that at no time has my vehicle been impacted, forced or stolen. The moment I opened the door with the button, once I went to close it, it stayed open, causing my vehicle to get wet inside every time it rains. I can not par... Read more
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER SPORT
(2011) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 20, 2022
Incident date: Jan 1, 2017
The contact owns a 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle had been flooded from the driver's side, passenger’s side, and the sunroof. The contact stated that there was water running throughout the vehicle. The vehicle had an abnormal odor. The contact called the local dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2022
On Saturday, May 14, 2022, my vehicle burned. and has since been totaled. The car had been trouble-free since I bought it in 2018. I was so pleased with it that I had just paid off the balance on the loan the week before because I wanted to keep it for 10 years. Prior to it burning, I had just driven it a couple miles for the first time in 2 weeks (it had been parked in a friend's garage). There ... Read more
Fire
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2010) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 20, 2022
Incident date: May 20, 2022
I brought my car into the dealer to have my annual state required inspection, and was told by the dealer that the rear subframe had severe rot and corrosion, to an extent that they would not allow the car to pass inspection as it was hazardous to drive, and if the subframe cracked, for instance, by driving over a bump or pothole, I would endanger myself, passengers, and other cars on the road. I ... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2020) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 19, 2022
Incident date: Apr 16, 2022
In April 2022, the sunroof on our 2020 Highlander Hybrid spontaneously exploded (without impact) while driving on the freeway. It was like a loud shotgun went off in the cab of our SUV. We were showered with glass and small cut to my wife's hand. Thankfully there was no traffic otherwise it could have easily caused an accident, putting us and others at risk. The local Toyota Dealership (where ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2022
The Rambox door randomly pops open fully while going down the road allowing items stored in the Rambox to come out of the compartment while traveling down the road. This poses a severe risk to the vehicles following behind my vehicle. I brought the truck in for service and was told that this is not a safety recall, which is incredulous to me. I was told that the cause of the failure was a remot... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2022
The panoramic sunroof shade blind has become detached due to failing adhesive. The consequence of this failure renders the vehicle difficult to drive and impacts safety of occupants and non occupants. To illustrate this issue, it is easier to quote the incident. On driving the vehicle the sunroof shade became unattached from its rail (right side). A natural thing to do is attempt to open the shade... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the spoiler detached from the vehicle without warning. The contact stated that no cars were damaged and no one was injured due to the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were both notified of the failure and both informed her that the failure was not covered under recall or warranty. The contact took the v... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that she noticed that the papers on her sun visor were significantly moist and the headliner was stained. The contact later noticed that the carpet was soaked and that the water stains had extended from the headliner to the interior door liner. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised the contact to vacuum the water out of the carpet.... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2022
While going about 60 mph in a highway curve, the rear passenger door partially opened (unlatched). The driver dashboard immediately started flashing warning triangle and door opened picture. After stopping on a shoulder, I went outside and saw the door partially opened. After opening/closing the door no more errors occured.
Incident date: Apr 19, 2022
The paint on my 2016 Kia Sorento it's peeling off. I went to the dealer where I purchased it and still owe $10,000 they do not want to help me.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2012) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 18, 2022
Incident date: May 18, 2022
The frame of my truck is very badly rusted. Parts such as shock, body and engine mounts are very rusted and can't be as strong as necessary. Pieces of rust 1/16th thick are coming off in many places. I have not taken it to a dealership yet to see it because i have only just recently really looked at it because i was working on the trailer hitch and was under the truck for a while.
Incident date: May 12, 2022
On May 12, 2022, when I got in my vehicle and closed the driver's side door, I heard a crackling sound. When I looked in the rearview mirror, I could see a gaping hole in the rear windshield and glass falling everywhere. I got out of the vehicle to inspect it. The rear windshield had not been impacted by anything; it just spontaneously cracked. I house the vehicle in my garage, and that's where th... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2022
I have had to repair the rear window for leaking water through 2x. It is still a factory window but significant amounts of water was leaking. I had it repaired 2x, re-glued. But it is similar to the recall for the side door for the rogue. The water leaking caused electrical problems (doors lock/unlock on own, etc) but must've stopped once it was dry. The date listed is for the last repair but was ... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2022
I bought a new car in 2021. It is 21 Toyota RAV4 . The mileage is about 3900 . Now, Its windshield is cracked . one day I parked my at outdoor parking lot. The second day I found the windshield had a long crack. After few days I drove my car to dealership, then they said that was not a quality issues and the basic warranty not covering the windshield. I am so upset now.
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2016) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 17, 2022
Incident date: Aug 10, 2021
Passenger side rear door is making a buzzing noise! will cost over $500 to fix. After researching multiple other van owners are having this same issue this should be recalled this vehicle is only 6 years old !!
Incident date: Dec 11, 2020
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Mustang. The contact noticed a blister on the hood of the vehicle. The contact called the local dealer and sent photos of the fractured hood via email. The dealer called back to inform the cause of the blister was the corrosion. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact was referred to a collision shop. The vehicle was taken to the collision shop a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2021
Leaking water when it rains under the drivers side floor board.
Incident date: May 15, 2022
White paint is peeling off the roof in large sections. Massive adhesion failure.
TOYOTA
FJ CRUISER
(2008) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 17, 2022
Incident date: May 17, 2022
After buying my vehicle I have began to notice a growing rust problem that is not due to salt water or other environmental conditions, but clearly a defect in manufacturing. After joining a few Facebook groups with other FJ owners I’ve found countless other people have had the same problem and that without massive trust removal my vehicle is expected to have failures in the frame and suspension ... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2022
Received an alert through the Tesla App that my car alarm was going off. When I stepped outside my house I saw smoke coming out of the windows. I opened the rear passenger door and saw the floor on fire. I went inside and called the fire department. By the time they arrived the entire car had been destroyed.
Fire
Incident date: May 16, 2022
The hood has opened 3 different times with no warning while driving down the road.
FOREST RIVER
ROCKWOOD
(2020) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 16, 2022
Incident date: May 11, 2022
This trailer has twelve bolts and nuts that retain the body of the trailer to the trailer frame. I had three of the nuts completely fall off while the remaining nine were only finger tight. Additionally there are two brackets that retain the LP gas line that connect to an outlet on the side of the trailer. These brackets are held in place by self threading screws. Both screws on my trailer have fa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
There was a recall for the front K-frame (Sub-frame) due to excessive corrosion. However the rear also has the same issue and loses structural integrity because of it. The rear control arms can snap through the frame where they are mounted, resulting in an increased likelihood of losing control.