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: Mar 16, 2022
Left Front Door will not open all the way. Only opens 1/4, and window only goes down half way.
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
19ft factory installed awning detached from RV rendering RV undriveable. Mobile repair shop manufactured parts to securely and properly reattach awning. Shop reported factory install was very substandard. Additionally shop reported they had never seen an awning arm installed crossing over a window. Detachment fortunately occurred while RV was stopped. On the road the detachment would have most... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2021
The car was purchased new in 2016. Paint began peeling above the passenger door August 27, 2021 at the dealer service center carwash after a routine oil change. Its been peeling more since then. We have read of other owners having very serious paint peeling on there Sorentos. Estimates to repaint the panel are up to $1000. The car has 71,000 miles on it.
Incident date: Mar 23, 2022
I started having noise problems with my car and also had inspection due so I brought it into a mechanic and he was horrified to see that my front cross member was so rusted that my sway bar came out and he said lucky my wheels didn’t come off and that a car accident would be horrible as it is that rusted , and he also stayed the back cross member is the same . This is a huge safety concern speci... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2019
Paint is chipping everywhere. Snow White pearl
Incident date: Jan 10, 2022
Paint chipping off. According to 2 different body shops, this is a factory issue with improper priming. Honda of North America is refusing to acknowledge and repair the car.
Incident date: Mar 22, 2022
The passenger rear plastic wheel trim fell off with no incident/ damage
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2016) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 22, 2022
Incident date: Mar 20, 2022
Both driver’s and passenger’s side sliding doors have failed automatic locking mechanisms. Sliding doors on both sides have locked and have been unable to open either manually or by using push-buttons in the vehicle or on the key fob. A technician told me this is caused by a failed actuator. I managed to get the doors open, but now they buzz when opening the doors and the locks don’t seem to... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2021
Premature sub-frame corrosion front and rear due to road salt and poor part finishing affecting most underbody components. All exposed stamped structural sub-frame components rusting at weld locations. Critical parts with severe rust and imminent failure: Lower Rear Control Arms (Left & Right), Rear Stabilizer Links (Left & Right). Potentially hazardous corrosion on Front Lower Control Arms. Rear ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2016
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated upon purchasing the vehicle at the used car dealer, he noticed that the dashboard of the vehicle was cracked and the crack was extending towards the front passenger's side air bag location. There was no warning light illuminated. The used dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that it was a known failure; however ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2017) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 22, 2022
Incident date: Mar 22, 2022
On 9/11/2017 i purchased this 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500 Custom double cab truck. I owned it for over 7 years. (46000 miles) And garage kept since day 1. I noticed a lot of rust on frame and Spair tire a lot . Also the paint on the body is chipping a lot. I did not have any problems with the lifter issue yet. But i feel as soon as it goes out of warranty I will have to deal with rebuilding... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2021
The rear control arm broke while I was driving causing me to swerve uncontrollably and almost causing a collision
HONDA
ACCORD HYBRID
(2018) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 22, 2022
Incident date: Mar 21, 2022
Report is for a potential incident. Should the hood not be fully closed and only be held by the hood release lever at the front of the hood, the vehicle will not notify the driver of the potential danger even though the vehicle utilizes a sensor for the hood. Driving around with the hood not fully closed could result in an accident should the hood lever fail. This is on at least two different H... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
Hood latch is not working appropriately. Loose, rattling and lifting over 35 mph.
Incident date: Mar 20, 2022
Passenger front and rear door handles will not open the doors. Nothing is wrong with the vehicles, and the lock system functions properly. By reading online, I can tell this is a VERY common problem and poses an extremem problem when it comes to possibly needing saved in a wreck.
Incident date: Mar 8, 2022
The trunk does not stay open leading to sudden closing on body and head for anyone trying to use the trunk. Leading to a concussion and multiple injuries. Dealership said to place a complaint as there has not yet been a recall for this issue. There is no warning prior to this issue occurring.
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Ram 1500. The side step detached from the vehicle's driver side of the vehicle while the contact was attempting to enter the vehicle. The bolts that were attaching the component had completely rusted through causing the failure. As a result, the contact sustained a injured knee during their fall. Medical attention was not sought. The dealer was contacted but had not i... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 12, 2021
Door lock and trunk lock actuator have both failed. The FOB does not unlock door or trunk. You also cannot unlock either from inside the vehicle.
Incident date: Mar 14, 2022
Passenger door lock failed and does not allow the door to be opened in an emergency. The door is designed to be unlocked by the first pull of the door handle then unlatched with the second pull of the handle, however after the first handle pull the lock immediately locks again preventing the second pull from unlatching the door. The system would be available for inspection. This problem has been... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2019
Rear passenger door on left side of vehicle fills with water everytime it rains or vehicle is washed. This is causing the body to prematurely rust and it's also sloshing onto electrical components in door which I fear can cause unpredictable and unforseen components to fail. Also beginning to cause an odor on the interior of vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealership from which it was purcha... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLS 450
(2018) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 21, 2022
Incident date: Mar 5, 2022
While driving our 2018 Mercedes GLS 450 down Highway 80 just outside Sacramento, CA, the stationary glass panel of our panoramic sunroof spontaneously explpoded. There was no impact by any outside force, it just shattered with the sound similar to a gunshot. Fortunately I did not lose control of the vehicle, and thankfully the sun shade was closed otherwise broken glass would have showered down in... Read more
OLDSMOBILE
BRAVADA
(2002) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 21, 2022
Incident date: Mar 18, 2022
Front Control arm broke at the frame. There is a recall for this control arm issue for a 2002 Bravada but, my vin was not included. 01V126000 is the NHTSA. The control arms fractured causing separation from the frame. Bravada is at service shop and they have confirmed the frame separation from control arm. This is very dangerous and has caused it to be unsafe and deadly.
Incident date: Mar 20, 2022
While there is no specific incident, the hood latch does not open the hood of the car. I noticed this for the first time on 3/19/2022 when I tried to fill the car with windshield washer fluid. I'm also not confident that the hood is latched safely. Please advise!!
Incident date: Sep 19, 2019
When leaving a gas station with a slight dip in the pavement, I inched my vehicle forward as slowly as I could as to not “bottom out.” This 2015 Impreza model has an overall design flaw; it sits too low to the ground therefore compromising the entire structure of the body. The Impreza in fact bottomed out and my entire front end cracked and fell off as well as the side panel on the front of th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2022
In the 2016 Ford Explorer, both the driver and passenger side window trim has blown off while driving. The plastic clips break and cause the trim to fly off. It happened to me, and two other owners with the 2016 Ford Explorer that we bought at the same time. I have also seen it on many other Ford Explorers on the road.
Incident date: Mar 20, 2022
Driving down the highway at around 60 mph and the hood became unlatched. Hood started to vibrate excessively. Hood had to be re-seated when it was safe to do so. - Hood latch/striker malfunctioned. Component is still on vehicle. Vehicle can be inspected if required. - Issue has not been reviewed with dealer or independent service center. However, there is a recall on other Honda vehicles fo... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2022
I was driving down the highway and my door locking latch and cable failed. The door came open going 75 MPH.The defective dealership part I found out is the subject of recalls on other Ford Focus year models but my model was left off the recall. This is a huge safety concern as my door is unable to lock at all times including highway driving.
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2017) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 19, 2022
Incident date: Mar 12, 2022
Drivers side sliding door locked after passenger entered vehicle. Door would not unlock both electrically and manually. Passengers needed to exit vehicle thru passenger side. What would the result have been if vehicle were in an accident? This could still happen. I called dealer and was informed this is a common problem. A Technical Service Bulletin has been issued, but is not a covered repair. Co... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2022
Vehicle purchased two years ago developed a failure of the mechanism that opens and supports the rear hatch with no warning. This led to cracking of hinges and brackets, and mis-alignment of the hatch which prevented it from closing and latching. The original estimate for repairs would have made the owner liable for thousands of dollars. After reviewing evidence that this was not due to an acci... Read more
GRAND DESIGN
MOMENTUM
(2020) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 18, 2022
Incident date: Feb 22, 2022
The front area where the pin box connects to the truck has multiple welds are breaking on the structural frame causing these trailers over flex while driving down road. There has been multiple cases of the front deflection being out of spec on multiple trailer. With these welds broken it can cause the trailer to separate where the truck would hook up to the trailer and if the concern is not addres... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2022
I'm writing to you to relay a serious safety issue that started with the 2021 Explorer ST manufacturing processes. When Ford designed the new Explorer ST, the rear subframe was engineered to allow the rear differential to be attached with four bolts (Attachment-A). This was needed to properly secure the differential in light of the ST motor putting out more horsepower than their other models. My 2... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2021
Under body has severe frame damage from rust.
Incident date: Mar 18, 2022
Tailgate keeps dropping and unlatching. Have taken the truck multiple times. Dealer Larson Ram Puyallup has replaced tailgate latch once but tailgate still unlatches and drops intermittently both parked and while vehicle is in motion. Have called them multiple times but they concluded that they could not replicate issue when truck is in the shop.
Incident date: Mar 7, 2022
I am getting a this message “passenger restraint system malfunction. a lot of people are getting the same message. I find out the reason for that is Water is getting inside the car every time is raining from the passenger side and moisture buildup causing that. Every time I have to use a space heater to dry the car and is cleared it. But I am afraid the airbag not work properly if this keep hap... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2022
Rear passenger door opened while driving on the highway. I was the only occupant, car doors were locked when this happened
Incident date: Mar 17, 2022
Paint chipping off on various spots of the vehicle
MERCEDES-BENZ
GL450
(2015) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 17, 2022
Incident date: Dec 24, 2021
The rubber sealing around the lift gate failed on the vehicle and water seeped inside the vehicle and entire bottom of the vehicle underneath the floor board thereby damaging the electronic components, engine wire harness and headliner thereby rendering the vehicle was beyond repair. This issue led to mold to grow on the roof liner inside and on the seats which caused breathing issues for me and m... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2022
Paint Peeling Off - It's a 2017 Hyudai Sonata. It has about 55K miles. All of a sudden the paint started peeling off. The car is white. I did a bit of research and there a numerous complaints about the paint. Here is a reference of one of the websites that report the issue. https://www.hyundai-forums.com/threads/2017-sonata-paint-chipping.646195/
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2011) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 16, 2022
Incident date: Mar 16, 2022
Frame is completely rusted on both sides, big holes. I use the truck for light duty use not a daily driver. Bought used with some known rust on the wheel wells. Had no idea rust would be this bad on frame. Have only had the truck for 3 years. Still owe on it and it seems unfit to drive.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2016) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 16, 2022
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
Gas smell while driving.Not reported
Incident date: Jun 10, 2021
In the early summer of 2021, I started to hear a snapping noise in the driver’s door. I thought it might be the hinge, but it appeared to be coming from the middle of the door. It got continually worse. When I put the window down it would come back up and catch my arm and then go back down. Eventually I was only opening the door a short distance so it would not snap. It made it very difficul... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2022
Spoiler lift spring brackets on both sides are broken allowing the springs to get in the way of the normal performance of the spoiler. This could impede the deployment of the spoiler or the successful retraction of the spoiler, creating a reduction in downforce (grip) or creating a safety hazard of a non-fully retracted spoiler. This was identified by a third-party repair shop during maintenance... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2022
The side mirrors opened unexpectedly while backing out of the garage causing damage to the Right side mirror. The side mirrors typically opens after we have driven a few feet from our house. I reported the issue to Tesla with date and time of the incident, Tesla representative confirmed that the car computer gave a command to open the mirror but unable to explain any further root cause analysis a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
When driving at above 60-70mph in windy conditions, the car makes a squeaking noise that appears to come from the front left side of the car-- near the driver side window/mirror region. That is quite scary as it coincides with the sideward movement caused by the wind and gives a sense of losing control of the car. Mazda Europe has reported something similar but Mazda USA has not done anything abou... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2022
Front driver and passenger side rust and corrosion under the car
Incident date: Oct 5, 2020
I was not able to open the model X with the keyfob, The Central body Controller Module failed.
Incident date: Nov 26, 2021
The trailing arm bracket rotten through the frame. This is due to premature rusting/rotting of the frame. Apparently Chevy has had this problem, every I spoke to kept saying "check with Chevy for recall" The dealer tried to fix the problem by (modifying the trailer arm? not sure what that means) but approximately two weeks later it went through the frame again. Took it back to dealer but they ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2022
Rear subframe rusted to failure. Vehicle has 143,000 miles. Dealer service manager says the vehicle is unsafe to drive due to the posibility of the rear wheels detaching from the vehicle. This is the third vehicle with the same condition the service department has seen in the last two weeks
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER EVOQUE
(2014) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 14, 2022
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
The front door will not open on the driver's side from the outside. It will only open from the inside due to the door handle.
Incident date: Feb 16, 2022
My trunk iced over and I accidentally hit the key fob to release the trunk. Next time I go to access the trunk, to my surprise, it does not open. I tried the key release, dash release, manual key unlock, and interior emergency trunk release - none worked. There was no way the to access the trunk. I had to wait a few weeks to take it to the dealer and I’m now sitting here waiting for the re... Read more