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 2, 2022
The entire outside of this truck is rusting. The frame is completely rusted as is the outside of the vehicle and the bed which you can see the ground when looking down. This is ridiculous. It looks like the area that hold the gas is also rusted and is dangerous to drive.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2015) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 8, 2022
Incident date: Dec 2, 2021
I’ve only owned my 2015 Chevy Silverado 1500 for 8 months now and I’ve been noticing my paint starting to bubble and I popped one and water came pouring out I have also had to change my left rear turn signal twice my top light socket keeps melting and you can just buy a pig tail you have to get all three light sockets and they are 136.89 and the sound in the truck don’t also work if the truc... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2021
Pearl white paint is peeling bad especially above windshield. Now it’s starting to rust. Several other spots on car body. Started out small now it has gotten worse
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 8, 2022
Incident date: Apr 8, 2022
My problem is the flapping of the hood of my vehicle, this happens on the highway and in the city, this starts at speeds of 60mph or on roads in poor condition, with strong winds this gets worse it looks like it is going to fly away, I already visited 2 times my local dealer where i bought it but couldn't fix it.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
I've had the vehicle for nearly 3 years and have come to realize that the driver side door panel as well as the passenger side door panel make squeaking noises when temperatures rise from 55 degrees and above. I've brought the vehicle in for service numerous times and the squeaking issue has not been able to be fixed. I have come to understand that whatever interior lining/plastic etc. Installed w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that there was air noises coming into the vehicle from the vents of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated that they believed the noises were coming from near the mirrors of the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.
THOR MOTOR COACH
MAGNITUDE
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 7, 2022
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
Screws that hold the rv body together at the corners are breaking off and /or backing out. If all these screws come out which they are known to the body could fall apart going down the highway. I’ve read forums where everyone that has submitted complaints are experiencing this problem on all Thor Motorcoach models, Omni and Magnitude. Thor is totally aware of this problem. The only way to tell t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
Screws that hold the rv body together at the corners are breaking off and /or backing out. If all these screws come out which they are known to the body could fall apart going down the highway. I’ve read forums where everyone that has submitted complaints are experiencing this problem on all Thor Motorcoach models, Omni and Magnitude. Thor is totally aware of this problem. The only way to tell t... Read more
TIFFIN
ALLEGRO OPEN ROAD
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 7, 2022
Incident date: Sep 27, 2021
Both the passenger side and drivers side "Slide" creep out about 3" to 6". This happens when RV is parked as well as traveling. On our way back from Hilton Head Island, SC to Williamsburg, VA I had to stop 4 times to pull the slides back in. they creeped out at least 6"! I have taken our Tiffin to the selling dealer several times so they can repair this issue. I am told that both Tiffin and Lippe... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2022
2016 Lexus ES350 with the 2nd row sunroof. While driving the car the front sunroof shattered without cause, sending glass pieces into the cabin creating a very dangerous situation. This appears to be a problem that has happened many times before as there are many people that have talked about this issue. Lexus denied fault.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2020
The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that all 4 door panels of the vehicle seemed as though they were peeling on the inside of the door, as well as, bubbling towards the top of the door. The center control touch screen began delaminating causing the vehicle to activate certain buttons control different features on the vehicle unintentionally known as phantom inputs. The contac... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2022
I was driving down the highway at 70 mph and it was windy at the same time. Out of no where my sunroof window exploded shattering the glass. Luckily I usually keep the cover close. It sounded a gun shot that went off. There was nothing around me that would come down and break the window of the sunroof. It just happened out of no where.
TOYOTA
FJ CRUISER
(2012) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 7, 2022
Incident date: Apr 4, 2022
Noticed rust on suv/frame confirmed by Faulkner Toyota Dealership, mechanic informed too address this problem soon.
Incident date: Apr 3, 2022
As I’m approaching a steeper hill I go from 25 to 20MPH as I try to turn the corner of the hill I feel the speed of the vehicle picking up as I’m trying to slow down without slamming on the brakes the vehicle takes off hits the curb then a utility pole before coming to a complete stop
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the 3-piece hard-top was uneven and he could hear outdoor wind while driving. The contact took the vehicle multiple times to the local dealer to be inspected however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact replaced two of the hard-top pieces but continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer h... Read more
TOYOTA
FJ CRUISER
(2014) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 6, 2022
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
Notable frame rust and corrosion. Available for inspection upon request. Safety risk if any parts of frame are rusted through and vehicle has no structural support. Confirmed by independent service center. Inspected during each Toyota service, including one done in March 2021 prior to purchasing vehicle. Documentation does not mention frame/structural rust anywhere. Initial photographs of frame... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2022
i SEEN WHERE THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE ROOF RACK COVERS ON EXPLORERS. MINE ON MY PASSENGER SIDE BLEW OFF IN THE WIND. SHOULD MY VEHICLE HAVE BEEN IN THIS RECALL. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Incident date: Oct 26, 2021
The vehicle first started having a cigarette residual smoke smell in it during the summer of 2019. It was right after a good rainfall, but we didn't know what to attribute it to. We called the local Chevrolet dealership and they weren't sure what it might be either. The odor would come and go over the last couple of years, but we couldn't figure out what it was from as none of my family members... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2014) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 6, 2022
Incident date: Apr 6, 2022
During rainy days, we get water in the car through the roof mounting. I was told at the dealership that it's from the manufactory I need a new roof mounting kit.
Incident date: Nov 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front side of the roof connected to the upper center of the windshield was severely corroded. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist unless the part was perforated. The contact stated that as the roof became perforated, the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnos... Read more
TIFFIN
ALLEGRO OPEN ROAD
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 6, 2022
Incident date: Apr 6, 2022
The 2022 Open Road RV has hydraulic slides and jacks manufactured by Lippert (owned by LCI). Since taking delivery of the RV in August 2021 we have had issues with the hydraulic slide "creeping out". This means that when the slide is closed, it should stay closed until you extend it. The slide extends on its own - even while driving down the highway. We are at the Tiffin RV Service Center to h... Read more
TOYOTA
FJ CRUISER
(2007) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 6, 2022
Incident date: Apr 6, 2022
Major frame issues due to poor quality steel.
Incident date: Apr 3, 2022
The Hyundai was started, feint knocking was heard. Progressed louder as vehicle accelerated, engine then stalled, check engine light and oil pressure light turned on and traction control disengaged as the vehicle erupted into a rolling blaze
Fire
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2016) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 6, 2022
Incident date: Apr 6, 2022
The left side passenger door stopped working and is stuck in the lock position. It will not unlock even manually. At first I assumed this was just something with my van but after checking online I now see this is a massive problem that has affected many people. This issue is a huge safety problem as someone will not be able to exit the van in an emergency. People have said they have complained to ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2021
Cadillac ATS is sold with a faulty driver console. The console is known as the Cadillac User Experience (CUE). Faulty-console is a serious safety issue for the following reasons: 1. Driver distractions: loss of navigation and unexpected changes in radio and air-conditioning are constant distractions. These distractions take the driver's attention away from the roadway. They also force driver's to... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
CLA250
(2014) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 5, 2022
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
The vehicle had been previously serviced in 2019 by a Mercedes-Benz dealership. The panel between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof was replaced due to paint issues. While driving down the highway, I heard a constant noise but was unable to locate it when driving above 60 mph, after a few minutes the panel ripped off the car onto traffic behind. Thankfully the car behind me was able to bra... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was receiving routine maintenance by an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that underneath the rear of the vehicle was rusted. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 121,000.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2022
While driving during clear weather and around no highway overpasses, the sunroof on our Honda CRV spontaneously shattered. No evidence of an object or projectile were found.
Incident date: Mar 29, 2022
The liftgate on my vehicle has stopped working. After researching this online I see that Cadillac/GM was sued concerning this issue. Please look into this for me. This repair would be very costly and it is unthinkable for a car that is less than 7 years old has this kind of body failure.
FOREST RIVER
CHEROKEE
(2021) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 5, 2022
Incident date: Apr 5, 2022
Mounting nuts from body to frame are loose after only 2 years of use.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2022
Doors won't latch in below freezing temperatures even after recall preformed in February 2021. Dealer says there's nothing to be done at this point since the recall has already been preformed. The majority of the time when the temperatures drop below freezing you must drive holding doors closed till it will eventually latch. On several occasions the passenger rear door appeared to latch corr... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 4, 2022
Incident date: Jan 26, 2021
The passenger door is attached properly, when the truck reach 70 mph or higher and little cross wind, there is really loud noise like the brakes sticking. I was afraid the door might flew off while I'm driving and I have infant in the back. I took the truck in to the dealership where I purchased and the problem was never fixed. when I took the truck back the 2nd time, the dealership told me to tak... Read more
FOREST RIVER
CHEROKEE
(2021) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 4, 2022
Incident date: Mar 28, 2022
On my camper, there are bolts from the body through the frame to hold the two together. While inspecting my camper nearly all the bolts could be unscrewed by hand, with a few having a noticeable gap where they had backed away. There were only 3 bolts on the entire camper that were tight. If these bolts had continued to loosen it is possible the body could separate from the frame while driving. I ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2022
Vehicle (SUV) floor board and truck had standing water from unknown source. Suspect rear hatch and/or glass roof design allows for environmental contamination to enter. Water travels down to floor and pools. For example, spare tire was found to be submerged. Rear seat and trunk carpeting were moist (saturated) to the touch. Concern: If water in the vehicle is undetected and is allowed to pool fo... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2022
After driving in highway about 1 hour, The driver side door HALF OPENED BY ITSELF. Car has ~60K miles, this incident is happening for the first time. Before driving door was closed as usual. The car speed was ~ 77 mph during the incident, It was windy day, road quality was ideal.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2020
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH, he noticed that the front end of the vehicle was vibrating. A bystander informed the contact that a part had detached and was dragging underneath the front end of the vehicle. The contact veered to the side of the road and noticed that the skid plate or engine splash guard had detached. The vehicle was taken to the de... Read more
LAND ROVER
DISCOVERY
(2017) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 4, 2022
Incident date: Mar 23, 2022
Back rear door latch gave out. Opened back door closed it and started driving. No bells and or warnings letting me know it wasn’t closed. Came to stop and door flew open without warning. At this point car told ne door was open. Me thinking I maybe didn’t close all the way re closed it and started driving. At 35mph around a corner and the door flew fully open again then alarms started going off... Read more
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER SPORT
(2014) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 4, 2022
Incident date: Apr 4, 2022
The passenger front door opened by itself while the vehicle was moving. Speed was fairly slow 20-25kmphs an hour. The door almost struck another car in the right lane. The door locks were engaged and no light or warning was on the dash. I pulled over and closed the door and it closed as normal. Not sure what part of the door failed and caused it to open but I’m assuming the door latch? I call... Read more
FOREST RIVER
CHEROKEE
(2017) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 4, 2022
Incident date: Feb 1, 2019
All the bolts holding camper on frame were loose & 2 we're missing... Screws around slide out loose. Causing the side to split.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2022
Driving at about 60-70mph the hood vibrates or shimmy's. The movement is enough to warrant slowing down in case is opened suddenly. There are no warning lights or messages when it happens. It occurs frequently. I have not visited the Honda dealer yet.
Incident date: Apr 3, 2022
While driving on the highway the sunroof spontaneously exploded outwards sending glass shards behind the vehicle and also down into the cabin. There was no impact with any objects and the vehicle was not passing under any structures. It was moderate temperature day ~60F so the roof was not especially hot or cold. There is dashcam footage available showing nothing abnormal happened at the time of g... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
Vehicle is an Odyssey and is painted White and has peeling paint in front of moon roof and on the rear lift gate in two spots. Honda Co first agreed to pay for half of the repair paint job and on reconsideration said they refuse to pay for anything. The 2014 Odyssey is covered by a TSB which pays for a repair paint job. Our 2015 Odyssey is not covered and has the exact same paint defect.
Incident date: Apr 3, 2022
2014 pearl white Kia sorrento is peeling paint everywhere. It shouldn’t be doing that and it’s an inferior paint that seems to be a major problem.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2020
Door would open while driving, warning lamp would then appear "door ajar". Happens to both passenger and drivers side. Has happened 48 times, since June 2020. It happens at different speeds, anything from 70 mph, to pulling into a parking stall (2 mph). Dealer looked at it, they said they consulted Ford, and there is nothing they could do. (Today, (4/1/22), it happened 3 times in 1 day, passenger ... Read more
TOYOTA
FJ CRUISER
(2007) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 2, 2022
Incident date: Apr 2, 2022
Possible structural frame rust. Just like every other FJ cruiser Toyota has built. I’m making this complaint in hopes that the NHTSA will force Toyota to recall FJ cruiser frames due to the amount of FJ cruisers that have the same frame rust issue.
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
I have two 2003 Toyotas, a tundra and 4runner. The 4Runners frame is rusting out everywhere including the welds. My mechanic said it was getting to the point that it’s dangerous to drive and if it was in a wreck the frame would likely fail under the stress. My tundra frame from the same year is immaculate. I believe the are similar frames. This is obviously a defect in the production based on m... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
The paint is peeling off down to the metal. On the roof (front and back) and on the hood.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
The paint is peeling off down to the metal. On the roof (front and back) and on the hood.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2019
PCM/ECM SOFTWARE INADEQUATE TO DETECT A STUCK OPEN CANISTER PURGE VALVE(CPV) YES IT IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION UPON REQUEST. AFTER RECALL SERVICE WAS PERFORMED THE 2012 FORD FOCUS SE SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR.THE CAR STALLED.THE VEHICLE STOPPED COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. THE VEHICHLE SHOOT HAD NO POWER.THE MESSAGE CENTER DISPLAY SAID ENGINE MALFUNCTION,TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND STARTING SYSTE... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2022
1. Dealer confirmed the car frame is rusted and a safety issue 2. Dealer confirmed the car frame is a safety issue due to the frame could separate 3. Yes dealer has confirmed the rusted frame is a safety issue 4. Yes the dealer has inspected this car and confirmed the frame is a safety issue 5. No lights or messages