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 20, 2022
My paint has been chipping really bad. Also I had a few recalls taken care of at modesto Kia once I got my vehicle back and drove it back home (about an hour and a half away) I started smelling something burning, I looked under the hood and couldn't find anything wrong so then a few days later I smelled the same thing but this time I heard a loud pop I got out and noticed my fog light had shattere... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2011) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 20, 2022
Incident date: Apr 6, 2022
This car was taken to a local Mercedes Benz dealership for repairs. Upon inspection, the dealer ship stated that the rear subframe was rusted on the vehicle and it was not safe to drive. Typically, frames do not rust out in 11 years and 110,000 miles on the car. I called Mercedes Benz to ask about this problem and their customer service representative immediately asked if this was the rear subfram... Read more
FORD
TRANSIT CONNECT
(2016) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 20, 2022
Incident date: Apr 9, 2022
Driver-side cargo door does not latch correctly and will open while the vehicle is in motion. This happens at speeds below 20 mph as well as highway speeds. Because of the repeated pressure of the door flying open, the rail is now bent and the door will fall off when opened or closed. Not only is the cargo door opening a safety issue to others driving around me as things may fall out, but the ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2021
My paint is coming off in pieces on the hood. It starting doing this at 97,800 miles.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2022
The truck has had a complete body frame failure. The entire frame is rusted through with large holes. I am unable to put it on a jack to change the tires. It has failed inspections and has not been inspected since 2019. I have a 1992 ford truck that has NO rust issue on the frame. This year is a complete design failure where they used substandard steel or other garbage. It is a safety hazard.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2016) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 20, 2022
Incident date: Apr 20, 2022
exterior fixed front roof panel cracking and causes potential roadway dangerous situation if pulls off roof while driving
Incident date: Feb 12, 2022
Both of the back sliding doors Do not want to close all the way And sometimes the doors open when going down the road My sister is having the same problem with her doors not closing all the way
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2018) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 20, 2022
Incident date: Apr 20, 2022
Sliding side door on drivers side is locked and unable to get in or out of door. Carry 4 grand children in back and they could not be removed from side door in an emergency. Cannot unlock by key fob or manually. Vehicle has 46000 miles on it
Incident date: Apr 11, 2022
Regardless of activating device - key FOB, dashboard switch, foot or trunk latch - trunk closes by itself halfway after opening, impacting operator in the head causing injuries. Dealer refuses to investigate without $150 service charge for the obvious software defect.
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 6, 2022
The front windshield developed a crack for no reason.
Incident date: Apr 19, 2022
The dashboard in this vehicle similar to other Nissan models that have already been recalled is cracked, sticky, shiny and glossy. It’s dangerous to have cracks in the dashboard in case of airbag deployment. The glossy shiny dashboard creates a blinding glare and is extremely dangerous while driving. It creates a glare that makes the front windshield appear black and unable to see through.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
A complete failure of the electrical system due to a design flaw where a main electrical wire harness inside the firewall on the drivers side fills up with water over time and soaks the wire harness causing a complete failure of the car to operate. This leading to a breakdown in traffic and dangerous necessity to get out into traffic to escape electrical smoke.
Fire
Incident date: Apr 16, 2022
-The vehicles front subframe failed to support the vehicles stability, structure, weight, and momentum, during normal driving ,braking, acceleration from a stop, etc. -The corroded and complete 'rusted thru metal' subframe is available for visual/safety inspection, and photo's are attached. - Safety was severely compromised while driving, as the "Subframe to main channel frame" fastening bolt wa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2022
Passenger rear door will not open from inside or outside. no damage or accident has occurred. door just quit opening.
Incident date: Mar 3, 2022
Took the trailer to have the fender rewelded, the weld had broken. That afternoon received a call from the dealer saying there were 20 points on the trailer that were broken and the trailer was unsafe to use. He had notified Aluma and had sent them pictures. The dealer, I had taken it to was 4 Corners Trailers, 39894 US-160, Bayfield, Co 81122, (970)884-2828. The person I talked with at 4Corners ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
I own a 2017 Hyundai Elantra Pearl White color. The car has around 40,000 miles on it, and I have paint peeling issues on the hood and the roof. I don't think car paints should peel off this easily. Considering the amount of peeling, I don't think this is natural wear and tear issue. I heard from someone that Hyundai's water based paints had some issues, but since the company is not speaking up fo... Read more
TOYOTA
FJ CRUISER
(2007) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 19, 2022
Incident date: Apr 17, 2022
The SUV frame rails are prematurely rusted completely through from within the frame rails at a minimum of four know locations while other areas of the frame still appears solid (a further deeper inspection will be performed and repairs will be made after documenting the rust failures). We were at risk of the frame rail failing completely under load due to the size/length of rusted our areas which... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2022
Water leaking into roof from unknown source. Creating musty smell (mold). Concerns are: 1. Mold risk to consumer health. 2. Airbags/sensors being affected by water infiltration. 3. Potential electrical hazards associated with water infiltration.
FOREST RIVER
WILDWOOD
(2018) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 18, 2022
Incident date: Nov 17, 2021
Shortly after purchasing our RV, we noticed one of the trailer exterior doors would not stay closed. We inspected the rig and saw what looked like a small rubber seam separation. Called ins and filed a claim but they said keep moving and keep an eye on it as it was a small separation. The trailer was back on the road about 30 miles when my Husband noticed it sagging and almost resting on our truck... Read more
TIFFIN
ALLEGRO OPEN ROAD
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 18, 2022
Incident date: Feb 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Tiffin RV built on a 2020 Ford F-53 Chassis. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side living room slide out inadvertently extended to 2-3 inches. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving and while the RV was parked. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and in... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2022
While into a road trip from Florida to Tennessee on I-75 the sunroof spontaneously exploded. The interior sunshade was closed. Otherwise the glass shards would have entered the interior. The glass most likely would have caused cut injuries to the driver (my wife) and I. Also, it may well have caused her to lose control of the vehicle resulting in a very serious accident while driving at 75 mph. M... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2021
I have a 2015 Kia Optima and the paint (Pearl White) is starting to peel of. It started on the front left of the windshield last December (2021) There is now the back right of the vehicle, the top of the trunk and the hood. After research on line, it looks like it is common on this paint type on the Kia models. I am seeking out some help to resolve this problem for everyone. I talked to my car dea... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2022
Since March of 2022 I have noticed a sloshing sound from the driver's side door and both rear doors. The sound continues, especially when I break and when I open the doors. The vehicle has not been in any accident at all. I made an appointment specifically to get that looked at on April 11th, however, the Toyota dealership in Woodbridge, VA completely ignored my request and instead did an oil ch... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2021
driver side door lock does not open using the arm rest switch. wife was in the car could reach the switch but not the unlatch lever . Car was overheating with Ac on with keys in the ignition . Had to have her roll down the passenger door window to manually open the rear passenger side door . From the rear seat I could reach the lever and unlock the door. If I could not it would have been a fire ha... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
Driving this vehicle in snow and ice collects in my wheel wells because of the material used in them. It is felt like heavily textured that the snow and ice sticks to like glue. So, in lots of snow and slush on the road it quickly collects to its limit of area between tire and wheel well and then makes turning or steering the car difficult. It does NOT slide off easily even when going to the ca... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2022
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System module failed which also disabled the key fob remotes. I had the TPMS module replaced 3 times. The first occurrence was on August 26th 2021 and was confirmed by the dealership Subaru Service Center. During the failure and malfunction of the module, the dashboard warned about not to drive because there is problems with the tires and key fob not working. This worr... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2022
I own a 2005 Toyota four runner. The frame under the truck is completely rusted out everywhere. The car started swaying and I felt as though my vehicle was going to go out from under me. It felt like it was collapsing or melting underneath. This is my family vehicle. It was a dangerous situation and my entire family was in the vehicle. My spouse a children. I took it to a independent shop. The mec... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 14, 2022
Subframe rusted front and rear Was driving tire axel/rod broke entire underneath rusted rotted
Incident date: Apr 14, 2022
Subframe rust so bad that the car has subsequently been deemed unsafe to drive. It is available for inspection. Safety put at risk due to insufficient support of frame at contact points of steering and stability mechanisms. Presently, vehicle has. Not been inspected by anyone other than myself and personal mechanic. There was absolutely no safety light, warnings or otherwise to indicate a problem... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2022
I have the white paint and abt 2 months ago it started chopping off in large chunks.
THOR MOTOR COACH
OUTLAW
(2020) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 14, 2022
Incident date: Nov 30, 2021
Hello We took the RV on our trip in Nov 2021 and noticed cold air entering the cabin near the driver and passenger feet. After pulling the 45degress trim that covers sits between the floor and wall I noticed that is a gap and I could see the road. Upon further investigation it looks like the side wall has separated from the floor of RV. Upon further research, it appears the entire length of the s... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2020
I have has consistent problems with the braking system. It will brake and/or show the warning when nothing is there. The jerking of this has caused me to get in an accident June 2020 while moving to a new duty station. It was raining and there were no other cars on this highway thankfully. It was scary and I was even going below the speed limit. This caused my car to become nearly uncontrollable. ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 14, 2022
Front subframe has multiple holes due to excessive engine heat. The front subframe rots prematurely and causes paint to flake off so rust forms.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2022
The Electronic Throttle Body has failed 3 times in 3 years. Each time it caused issued with the traction control, stability control, and precrash systems and others that require torque management, causing us to pull and making it unsafe to drive. . 2014 Jeep Patriot bought: 1/10/2015 | Electronic Throttle Body Assembly (Chrysler) first replaced/purchased: $385 1/19/2021 | Warranty replacement: Au... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that he noticed corrosion underneath the vehicle and on the lug nuts. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer who was unable to locate any failure on the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to second local dealer, Clearwater Toyota (21799 US Hwy 19 N, Clearwater, FL 33765: (800) 667-9051) and the vehicle was diagnosed with needi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2022
My coworker and myself we on the highway, we heard a loud boom and the door swung open. I called the dealership Freddy Kia on the gulf frwy. They said they could not do anything about it, I have to call the service department. I called told the girl what happened she put me on hold after 1hr I hung up. I called again she put me on hold again. I didn’t call back. I need this checked out what c... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2017
I'm experiencing major frame rust mainly at the crossbeams and all over the frame. Metal is literally crumbling away if I touch if. I don't even want to remove the rust to prepare for anti-rust coating since there may not be much metal left. Its only at 150k miles and shouldnt be crumbling away this fast. Just recently had to replace muffler and tailpipe since the muffle connection literally rust... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2022
I took my car to be inspected for yearly registration. I was told by the repair shop that I have parts of the subframe and suspension that are excessively rusted, to the point where they are a safety concern and have to be replaced. Other model years of the first generation Jeep Compass have been issued extended warranties on those parts, and I believe it should be extended to the entire first gen... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2022
Loss of “E” clips on retaining pins for passenger pegs, retaining pins vibrate out of holes causing loss of passenger pegs while riding. Potentially causing serious road debris and loss of passengers footing could cause accident or serious bodily injuries to self or others Cause is normal riding. Dealer acknowledged problem as a common issue and replaced “E” clips but have no actual soluti... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2022
Loss of “E” clips for windshield retaining pins, causing excessive shaking of the windshield and disrupting visibility and creating the potential for the windshield to fly back into the rider.
Incident date: Mar 22, 2022
I received a Recall Notice #21V-932 per Honda Service Bulletin 21-086 and took my 2020 Honda Ridgeline in on March 22, 2022. The recall notice specifies that gaps between Hood Seal and Grill allow for air entry that leads to hood vibration allowing the hood latch to break loose and hood to open while driving. I have such an air gap and to make matters worse this gap also allows elements to ente... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2022
My front stabilizer bar broke off from the frame the frame is rusting through in several places. I found this when my power steering started making noise and I was losing fluids took it to mechanic and a line on my rack and pinion had started leaking could not get just the line had to buy the whole rack and pinion when he was replacing it he found the stabilizer ba... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2022
Mechanic had the truck on the lift raised up to check the brakes for squeaking and while under the truck the mechanic inspected the frame because he noticed a lot of rust and called me to come look at it and pointed out that the frame has rotted to the point that he should not be driven and could break in half and cause major problems for the safety of the occupants and other drivers on the road. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2022
I was driving down the highway with no other vehicles around, and the moon roof suddenly exploded!!?
Incident date: Apr 8, 2022
Lots of people including me are having issues with 2019 or newer Toyota RAV4 the roof guard rails seals start letting water in on both the driver side and passenger side near the airbag. This a YouTube link that explained it well. https://youtu.be/DbKHfLtI2Sc . I am worried my air bags will not function since they might be getting wet.
Incident date: Mar 26, 2022
A-Pillar exterior windshield trim became detached from the passenger side at highway speeds without warning and no prior indication of damage. This appears to be a very common issue with this generation of models based on a simple internet search, and I am shocked that Ford Motor Co. is doing nothing to resolve this. The loose piece becomes a hazard to other motor vehicle operators where it could ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2022
On the highway I can see the hood is vibrating and air is getting under it. I had a recall for the hood latch and believe I completed that service but am concerned that it’s still not safe.
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 9, 2022
Incident date: Jan 31, 2022
The day I purchased the vehicle I had to get on the interstate to drive home. I was going 65-70 and I thought the hood would fly up. It vibrates like crazy and flutters. It’s a serious safety distraction as you are looking at the hood constantly to make sure it stays down. I called the dealership and they said they had never heard of this and would have the service department reach out. They did... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2018) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 9, 2022
Incident date: Mar 29, 2022
Door Actuator Failure Left Rear Door, Symptoms are the door doesnt lock and unlock from the switch or keyless, when this problem presents it self the door fails to open from the inside. like child safety is on/when it is not engaged, this could be a safety risk to someone trying to exit the vehicle quickly and not know that they have a problem. After inspection I found there was a broken pin in t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2022
Tesla model 3 2022 rear side windows shattered all of a sudden with no other accidents. My 6 year old girl was sitting in the car next to it and we are all in a shock . We are trying to find the right way to report to Tesla . We checked online and saw more blog posts with same issue . Please help.