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
FOREST RIVER
XLR TOYHAULER
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 16, 2022
Incident date: Mar 7, 2022
Electrical breakers continue to trip. Trim issues throughout along with floor bulking in kitchen. Both slides on on right side of camper leak when it rains. First trip out landing jacks did not work to level unit and one of the back glasses in the toy hauler scattered going down the road which was replaced with warranty. We have been trying to get the slide issue looked into for a couple of mont... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2022
The paint on my car is just falling off. I cant even wash my car because its peeling off so easily.
Incident date: May 9, 2022
On May 9, 2022, sometime during my drive on the HE Bailey Turnpike from Lawton Oklahoma to Oklahoma City, the driver side Pillar Trim of my 2017 Explorer came off; I was driving 70-75 miles per hour, and it was very windy. During the drive, I heard a noise but didn't think much about it until I got out of the car in Oklahoma City. Thats when I noticed the driver Pillar Trim missing. Traffic was... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2015) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 15, 2022
Incident date: May 11, 2022
Problem with Panoramic Moonroof. One side will not close. Mercedes is aware of the issue. Price to fix is $2,500. Roof will not close or seal.
Incident date: Aug 18, 2018
As we were getting the highway the breaks had failed and then we some were able to get off the highway but the steering wheel cruise control decided it was gonna work by itself it was a very accident. And not only that my identity has been affected so bad because of the situation with mission and the dealership that I’m unable to use my name for anything anymore my credits ruined and now they wa... Read more
Crash
5 injured
TOYOTA
FJ CRUISER
(2007) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 14, 2022
Incident date: May 14, 2022
While working on car notice extreme rust and broken frame welds
Incident date: May 14, 2022
I was driving on the freeway in clear weather, no traffic, and smooth driving. Suddenly, the rear spoiler made a loud sound and broke free from the vehicle. While it was falling, it also broke off a large portion of the rear wiper, and both rear wiper and rear spoiler crashed onto the freeway behind me. All I could see was a small hose and a wire hanging out the back. I pulled off the freeway ... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2022
My vehicle trunk randomly unlatches and opens. The trunk does both while driving and when parked. The key fob button to open the trunk is not pressed or in range during these incidents. This is a safety concern in that if can block my rearward view. It is also an inconvenience since it can lead to theft of contents and the car.
Incident date: May 11, 2022
The frame is rusted through on this 4Runner. Same frame as the tacomas that were recalled and I’m wondering why Toyota wouldn’t recall THE SAME EXACT FRAME WITH MAJOR RUST ISSUES on a different platform. This truck is not abused so it’s very frustrating to see it falling apart at the frame when everything else is intact and solid. The rot on this frame is inevitable. I’m going to be very u... Read more
FOREST RIVER
FORESTER
(2016) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 12, 2022
Incident date: May 9, 2022
The Maxxair fan is a component that sits on the roof of the RV. Looking at the install instructions, the unit is installed by attaching the flange to the roof. What failed was that the 'top' portion of the fan, where the motor and and the cover attachments are, flew off at speed, on the highway. Fortunately, I pulled over right away, and found the unit still attached by the power wires. The ... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2017
Snow White Pearl exterior paint coming off in chunks, progressively getting worse and worse along top roof where front windshield is and along the bottom where the rear windshield is. It literally bubbles up and flakes completely off exposing the body. This has been continually going on for years without resolve and there is no way to stop the issue.
Incident date: May 11, 2022
I purchased my 2014 BMW i3 from Canada in 2019. It was imported from the U.S and still is registered in the U.S. I brought it into the BMW dealership in Vancouver BC shortly after to do a vehicle inspection. At that time, the dealer printed out a list of defect codes/recalls. It also said that they were done and marked "yes" completed. Fast forward to 2022, I bring my car into the same dealer and ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
The moonroof area has rattling noise at speeds exceeding 60 mph. A similar rattling noise is also noted from the driver side A pillar of the car at all driving speeds.
Incident date: May 8, 2022
On the new Honda Ridgeline HPD there are small front fender flairs. At the bottom they are fastened with screws but at the top they are fastened with 3M tape. My Vehicle has 2K miles so I decided to take it on the interstate. Going about 75 MPH the wind resistance the tape gave away and the flair flipped right back into the tire. I thought my tire had blown as there was pulling and a loud noise... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2017) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 12, 2022
Incident date: May 11, 2022
The sliding door on the passenger side will not open at all. It is due to a failing actuator. It is a well known issue and a great safety concern.
Incident date: May 10, 2022
Water is leaking apparently trough the bed underneath the carpet below the backseat area, and this could lead to corrosion of the wires below the carpet. Or something worst.
Incident date: Feb 11, 2022
Windshield Molding broke off while driving on road. Causing the vehicle behind me to swerve off the road. Damages were done to the other vehicles windshield.
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2014) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 11, 2022
Incident date: May 11, 2022
Passenger side sliding door malfunctions when the temperature is above ~80 degrees F. It refuses to latch and cycles open-shut, open-shut, indefinitely, sometimes while the vehicle is in motion. Discovered that by pressing hard on the body panel behind the malfunctioning door, the cycle can be disrupted. Has been an issue for 3+ years. Local Chrysler dealer will fix it for $1000 + and acknowle... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2022
The rear right passenger door is stuck in a locked state. It's not possible to open that door from the interior or the exterior. Locking and unlocking the doors does not solve the problem. Activating and deactivating the child lock system does not solve the problem either. Turning the engine on and off does not solve the problem. This is extremely unsafe in case of a collision where the passenger ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2021
Front bumper (black) is peeling. Local repair shop said the bumper was not properly primed before they (KIA) painted them. Peeling started 9/15/2021
Incident date: May 7, 2022
The driver door won't lock. The latch on the door is not locking causing the driver door to remain open presenting a safety issue. If the door swings opened because it is not closed properly a accident could occur. Other vehicles in that are the same make, model, and year is under recall. The problem first occurred on Saturday, May 7, 2022. I was driving the vehicle and there was no warning that ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2019
Dashboard and door panels are melting to the point that (short) nails get stuck every time we drive. Car is parked under a roof and it’s still melting. Poor visibility due to shine.
Incident date: May 10, 2022
The frame of the car has been rusting at a significant rate in the last 4 years. Mechanic identified major rust issues that would make the vehicle not safe in case of an accident.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated the door locks were inoperative. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the subframe needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact was informed that the driveshaft was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired.... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2022
The back driver side child safety lock is stuck between on and off and the door will not open. I am an Uber driver. If there was an accident a passenger might get trapped inside.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2010) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 10, 2022
Incident date: Apr 17, 2022
The rear sub-frame of my car has almost rusted in half. While driving on 95 I had to brake rather quickly and it felt as if the whole car was twisting. I called my mechanic the next day, drove in and put it on the lift only to find out that the sub-frame was almost detached from the car. Had this happened at 70 MPH it could have been disastrous. Mercedes knows about the design flaw but refuses... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2021
The suspension rod that lifts and holds the liftgate open snapped at the bolt and broke. The liftgate can only be opened and close manually now. It has fallen on my arm and caused bruises multiple times. I fear it can fall on my head or my children's. I haven't taken it to get repaired as I'm sure it will be costly and money is very tight. I only had this vehicle for 4 years when this happened and... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: May 9, 2022
There is VERY advanced rust on the bottom of the drivers side passenger door, I did some searches online and it looks like this is common on escapes from this year. I think Ford must have had a manufacturing issue because I have never seen rust develop this quickly on vehicle that is not that old and wonder if it's developing other places I can't see. Very disappointed, there is clearly and issue ... Read more
THOR MOTOR COACH
ARIA
(2020) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 9, 2022
Incident date: Apr 19, 2022
THE FRESH WATER TANK, WHICH WAS ONLY HALF FULL OF WATER, BROKE THROUGH THE FLOOR ALLOWING THE TANK TO DROP DOWN TO THE ROAD. I WAS PULLING INTO A GAS STATION TO FILL UP WITH FUEL. LUCKILY IT HAPPENED BEFORE I GOT ON THE INTERSTATE AND WOULD HAVE BEEN TRAVELING AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED. THE TANK IS LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE REAR DUAL TIRES ON THE PASENGER SIDE OF THE MOTORHOME. AT A HIGHER SPE... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
My dashboard has been melted for some time now and it’s a safety hazard. When I drive at night, the light reflects on the dashboard and it makes it difficult to see, which is very dangerous with my kids in the car. I thought I could clean the dashboard but it’s very sticky. Apparently this is a common issue with certain models of cars because I saw a news report on it.
Incident date: Apr 11, 2022
The frame on my newly purchased 2004 Toyota Tundra is rotted through. The consumer protections Toyota claims to have taken to correct this, in this instance, the application of water seal to the frame in 2014 has trapped moisture and caused extensive corrosion rendering the vehicle unsafe. I have visited multiple Toyota locations received the same message. Toyota claims no responsibility for this... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2022
I purchased this vehicle on Mar 4 2020 at Al Spitzer Ford in Cuyahoga Falls, OH with only 11,800 miles.I am getting the run around with their service department. The vehicle does not have a hoodliner insulator installed. It's needed to control temperature, protect paint and reduce engine fires. This is Ford's way along with the dealership to cut costs. The vehicle is covered under warranty and is ... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2022
While driving on I-95 on 5/4, the RH windshield moulding broke off suddenly and flew off behind the car, fortunately not hitting another vehicle, although that could easily have happened. I took the car to Mullinex Ford in New Smyrna Beach, FL on 5/9; they said the exterior moulding (which broke off) and the underlying RH A pillar moulding needed to be replaced (costing me $432, since it wasn't c... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2022
I noticed a crack in my front windshield for no reason, it looked like it had come up from under the hood on the drivers side and bent over to the passenger side. I had not hit any construction debris etc. within 4 days of a full replacement my front windshield was shattered again! When the car was just sitting in the driveway. This crack spread out into three “legs” and got large and I had ba... Read more
FOREST RIVER
FLAGSTAFF
(2019) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 8, 2022
Incident date: Apr 30, 2022
Two of the Frame Bolts underneath the front of our E-Pro 19FBS camper are partly rusted and missing a nut (one on driver side and one on passenger side). The bolt on the passenger side is out of the metal frame hole it should be in, and the metal frame is slightly bent. Both bolts are at a slight angle. The other 10 Frame Bolts are not visibly rusted and there is a nut on each one but a few are lo... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2022
Sliding passenger side door fell off of the track, pulling part of the exterior off of the car. Door was left hanging from the car.
Incident date: May 7, 2022
Hi. A couple months ago I bought a certified 2019 Toyota rav4 adventure. I'm happy with the purchase however there is an issue that I'm concerned about and is a leak that comes from the roof. I checked my rav4 and I did notice some stains in the roof, by the roof pillars. I love my rav4 and I've subscribed to different rav4 chat forums and I noticed that many people especially the one's who own ... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2022
Paint on hood is coming up.
EAST TO WEST
DELLA TERRA
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 6, 2022
Incident date: May 2, 2022
There is a CURRENT recall campaign for this issue. I believe it should be expanded. There has been no issue YET, but there WILL be if not repaired. Pictures will show bad/failed/failing welds where the safety chains are secured to my hitch coupler on my travel trailer. Manufacturer told me based on my VIN and date of manufacture, my unit was not included. This unit was purchased about one mon... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2021
Door panel is peeling off. It’s look like poor manufacturing quality.
Incident date: May 4, 2022
The rear frame rusted so bad the bumper fell off and the frame actually cracked. This is a common issue with the late 1990s & early 2000s Ford Ranger, I do not understand why this isn't a recall yet as is it very dangerous. This happened on the highway. The front end frame, engine and all the components work flawlessly while the rear frame is just crumbling in rust.
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE HYBRID
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 5, 2022
Incident date: Mar 15, 2022
This car is equipped with a panoramic roof that opens both all the way and tilts for ventilation. While driving 70 MPH (posted speed limit) on I-95 in North Carolina in March, we had the roof tilted open. The sky was sunny, and the temperature was about 70 degrees. The roof spontaneously exploded, sending glass particles through out the inside of the car. The car did not collide with any objec... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2022
Hood latch recall. Inspected & partially repaired by Classic Honda of Midland, TX on 02/08/2022. There are cracks around the hood striker, & I have pictures. It says on invoice that it was submitted to DPSM. I have called the dealership service department several times & the advisor has not returned my calls about the results of DPSM. I called Honda customer service & she told me they can do nothi... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2022
Today, May 5th approximately 9am travelling on 287 East (Westchester County, NY) I was startled by what sounded like an explosion - I literally ducked in the driver's seat. Sounded like it came from overhead and then I observed that no other car seemed to have slowed or was affected. I put on my hazard lights and drove a 1/2 mile or so until I could safely pull over. As I'm driving I can hear ov... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2022
Trunk latch has failed and is impossible to open the trunk. The risk of not being able to change a flat tire or having someone locked in the trunk. There is a recall for same generation of Sonata but recall is not available for the 2015 model.
Incident date: May 3, 2022
In 2017 my Sedona was leaking water In the rear well. South Austin Kia accused my 135 lb dog of peeing in the rear well. He will not fit back there. After many attempts to get them to fix it and contacting corporate I was told "if I can prove it is leaking they will try to fix it". I went through a carwash climbed into the back and videotaped it. Took it back to Kia of South Austin and the r... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2022
Delamination of the Snow White Pearl Paint due to faulty factory primer appearing at multiple spots including front and rear pillars, hood and doors. Confirmed by 2 Auto Body Shops - Triangle Collision and Carolinas Collison. Rust has began appearing in said spots and the paint strips are getting worse overtime.
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2018) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 3, 2022
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
When getting things out of the Rear Cargo area the Lift Gate has come down unexpectedly and hit Me in the head. Several times the Rear Lift gate randomly opens when exiting or entering the car. Has hit my spouse and has come close to hitting other person walking in back of the vehicle. The Lift Gate came open barely missing the vehicle parked behind it. Would of damaged both vehicles Renega... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2015
The dashboard in my 2010 Mazda 3 has melted significantly throughout the years. It has become hazardous and tough to operate this vehicle. The dashboard is glossy, sticky, and believe a slight odor. I tried to slow its deterioration by using a sunshade when parked. It not only did not help, the dashboard just ruined each shade with a sticky, tar-like, black residue. No dealership has offered to he... Read more