Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 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 2,245,377 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 49,687 complaints - component: STRUCTURE:BODY
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
Sunroof mechanism failure in May 2025. Had sunroof repaired and paid out of pocket at KIA dealership. The sunroof was off track therefore the roof was exposed to elements. March 2026 sunroof mechanism has broken again. Sunroof has not been operated since repair in May 2025 for fear of getting stuck open again.
Incident date: Jan 31, 2026
Door is making a popping noise when opening and closing the door. Does not close smoothly. Appears to be a known issue with spot welds that go bad.
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS CROSS SPORT
(2024) - STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 21, 2026
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
I bought the car with 9 miles on it, and when I tried to use the windshield washer, it didn't work! I took it to the dealer, and they refused to fix it! They said the car was infested with mice and that it was my problem!!! The car is made with defective materials! All hoses and foam in the car are made from soy beans!! That is rat and mouse food!!!
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
Similar to NHTSA Recall Number 24V031, driver's "B-pillar" trim (top edge) has detached and loose, and is only secured in-place by remaining anchors/attachments. In inspecting underlying substrate, it appears that a mechanical anchor is missing AND adhesive exhibits cohesive failure (remainder adhesive on both supporting/underlying substrate and backside of trim.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2026
While driving at an undisclosed speed, I noticed an abnormal buzzing sound coming from the windshield. I have noticed that there have been several complaints regarding that issue. Also, there was a strange smell coming inside the vehicle.
Incident date: Jan 21, 2026
The left‑side roof rail trim detached from the vehicle while driving, creating a road hazard that could have struck another vehicle or pedestrian. The remaining right‑side trim is now lifting and is likely to detach as well. Ford has previously issued safety recalls (21S22, 24S02) for roof rail and pillar trim detachment on other models (e.g., Explorer) because loose trim can fly off and caus... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
The grill deflector flew off the truck doing 80mph on hwy130 in Austin, Texas.
Incident date: Jan 25, 2026
My drivers side seatbelt broke in a minor fender bender and was replaced.
Crash
JEEP
WRANGLER 4XE
(2024) - STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 20, 2026
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
Reporting a stress fracture in the front windhsield of my model 3 tesla. Looking online and speaking to attorney its a very common problem. Mine resulted simply from a heat wave it crack down the middle in a c shape emanating from the top edge of the windshield. No contact evidence and no contact or accident occurred. It’s now unsafe to drive my vehicle and tesla will not cover it under warran... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2016) - STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 20, 2026
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
The drivers side door on my 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid EX-L sounds hollow when closing the door, the other three doors do not sound that way. I took it to the Honda dealership and compared it to another Honda Hybrid 2024 model and the door also sounded this way, when closing. Makes the car feel and sound cheaply made. This seems like a defect that Honda should repair. Apparently they left out some i... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2026
While driving 65mph in my 2024 GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate on Interstate 270 in Hilliard, Ohio my chrome grill deflector just flew off and hit my windshield. It then went over my truck and almost caused a major accident with the cars and semi-trucks behind me. I was lucky to maintain control of my own vehicle! It appears to me that the mounting fractured and it looks like manufacturing defect. Loo... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
We purchased our 2024 Acadia in June 2025. Since we have had the vehicle, it has been in the shop going on 6 times. First the sunroof seal came off, then the antenna cover fell off, the driver side rear panel had to be replaced because it was coming off. Once all this was done then the vehicle started leaking transmission fluid, took it to the dealer to get fixed, once we get it back the coolant s... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
The paint is chipping and cracking and just falling off. It started on the hood now it’s going to around the windows seals and part of the roof.
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
The dashboard of our 2011 Lexus IS has begun to "melt," for lack of better words. We have owned the car since 2011 and it has approximately 162000 miles now. The problem has arisen over the last two years or so and is a known issue for cars of that period. Lexus claims they had an enhanced warranty program for this issue, but we were never contacted and the issue was not an issue then, but clea... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
I am reporting a life-threatening incident involving my 2020 Ford Fusion PHEV. On December 5, 2025, while my wife was driving on a public street, the vehicle suffered a sudden, complete engine failure followed by smoke and fire originating from the high-voltage battery pack in the trunk. There were no prior warning signs or dashboard alerts before the incident. This vehicle was sold via IAAI aucti... Read more
Fire
1 injured
LAND ROVER
DISCOVERY SPORT
(2015) - STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 18, 2026
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
The roof trim panel separates from the vehicle while driving. Depending on the car's speed the metal, plastic and rubber strip is lifted up and off the car and into the slip stream behind the vehicle creating a serious hazard for cars behind us. We examined the strip and determined the plastic clips that hold this panel in place do not function as intended, or fail to adequately hold this large ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
I have noticed visible rust forming on the roof, specifically the front drivers side adjacent to the inside edge of the roof rail that runs forward to aft on the vehicle. The same stated rust spot is near where the roof meets the windshield. It is available for inspection upon request. My 2019 Toyota Rav4 along with several other 5th generation Rav4 owners online are experiencing rust in the same ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
I was getting back into the car, shut the door (at a normal level) and heard a loud bang coming from above me then heard the glass falling onto the cover. Got out and realized it was a spontaneous rupture of the sun roof.
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
The power liftgate opens, but then closes unexpectedly. It will open fully, dip down a couple inches, open back up fully and then close quickly. It does not stop closing when it meets moderate resistance, only stops when the button is pressed. I was unloading groceries into the back and it came down on me. Luckily, I was able to reach and press the button. Had it been my children I'm afraid it wou... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2025
The pillers where in inspected by the dealership and determined that they need to be replaced and one of the recalls have been for over 2 years and the other is for over 8 months. I called Ford and they just told me the parts are still not availabe as the dealer Walker Ford in Clearwater also claims.
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
Since 2024 I have been trying to fix recall 24S02/ 24V031 - EXTERIOR A-PILLAR TRIM but the dealer always has the same answer. We don't have the parts available, we will call you, but they never call back and show no signs of progress. Explorer 2015 [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
The power window on our 2022 Ford Escape will remain down after being rolled down and cannot be raised. This issue has occurred three separate times. When it happens, the vehicle cannot be secured and is exposed to weather and theft. The failure appears to be intermittent but recurring, indicating a possible design or electrical defect rather than misuse. This creates a safety and security risk, e... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2025
While lowering the convertible top on my Mini Cooper Convertible, the trunk partition was not fully in place. Normally, the vehicle will prevent the roof from operating or provide a notification if the partition is not correctly positioned. In this case, the safety interlock system failed to warn me or stop the roof from lowering. While the roof was folding, the rear glass shattered, causing $6,00... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
EQB 300 4MATIC
(2023) - STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 17, 2026
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
testung
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
Fuel filler door hinges continues to break and the consumer has to pay for a new housing unit. The hinges can break at anytime and the fuel door can become a potential issue while driving. It can break all the way off and hit another vehicle while traveling on the road/ Highway. The problem has been confirmed by the dealerships as they always have back-stock of new units to replace. There is no wa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
While driving on Intestate I-95 in the Express Lane at high speed in my 2022 Tesla Model Y, the hood (frunk) suddenly flew open, smashed into the windshield and remained in the upright position. Luckily I was able to slow down and ease blindly into the emergency lane without causing further damage to myself or others. I lost entire visibility at high speed and my windshield was smashed on the hig... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
The rear subframe completely rusted out on both sides causing the car to swerve very dangerously to the left when braking. The subframe was diagnosed by the dealer. There was a " collision prevention assist+ inoperative" warning a week prior the the car noticeably swerving when braking
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
Charge port door on vehicle will not open regardless of what you do.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
Tailgate unexpectedly opened when driving. Switch on and off when parked and drained battery
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
Severe clear coat and paint fading on hood, roof and sides of truck.
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
Fuel system 1. I don't know what failed because the dealership didn't do anything to repair it. It is available for inspection upon request 2. Intensely strong fuel odor at the front of the car, inside and out. Strong exhaust odor at the back of the car. It is not safe to operate a car if it smells like fuel. 3. Dealership had it for 3 weeks and said there is nothing wrong. Now they are ig... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2026
On 03/13/2026, while driving my 2020 Tesla Model X at approximately 65 mph on a freeway, the front hood (frunk lid) suddenly flew open without warning and slammed into the windshield. The hood rotated upward violently and struck the windshield completely blocking the driver’s forward visibility. This created an immediate safety hazard while traveling at highway speed. Prior to the incident there... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2025
On 10/29/25 I brought the vehicle in to Richard Lucas Chevrolet due to the alert from my insurance co that there was a recall with parking brake system. The dealership checked the car and told me they had to order the part that was needed due to the recall. Prior I also made the dealer aware that the car had recently stalled on me in the middle of the street, I was told by the dealership that this... Read more
Crash
1 injured
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2016) - STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 16, 2026
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
Vehicle: 2017 Nissan Rogue VIN: [XXX] Issue: Hood latch / safety latch failure Description of the problem: While opening the fuel door, I accidentally pulled the interior hood‑release lever. The primary hood latch released, but the hood remained mostly closed. I did not realize the hood was unlatched. When I began driving, the hood suddenly flew open. This indicates that the secondary safety l... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
There is water coming into the vehicles cab via the rear window and is getting electrical components under the rear window wet. Took vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed. Concluded water coming into cab of vehicle from top of rear glass. Frame of window is likely culprit. General concern 05CHZ-01 THIS IS A VERY KNOWN ISSUE
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
I purchased a new 2025 Tesla Model 3. During normal driving conditions, the rear bumper detached without any collision or impact. The bumper became loose while the vehicle was moving, creating a potential safety hazard. Tesla Service inspected the vehicle but declined warranty coverage and refused to properly repair the issue. The bumper was only temporarily reattached and remains misaligned. Ad... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2026
the paint, it is flaking and rusting underneath. yes it is avail for inspection the paint flakes off in sheets while driving down the road it has been seen by the local dealership i first started noticing it when i was washing the vehicle.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
The vehicle is exhibiting symptoms that are identical to those described in NHTSA Recall 25V556 — water intrusion through the windshield and A-pillar area. The recall documents that improperly sealed windshields can allow water to enter the power distribution box and electronic control unit, leading to a short circuit and, in extreme cases, a thermal event even when the ignition is off.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2026
Drivers door latch takes a long time to unlatch/latch there have been numerous times where the door won’t close and stay closed. My door has also had to be left open as it won’t latch. This is a serious safety hazard there was a recall but my vin was not included.
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
The driverside manually operated sliding door will not open. If person's riding in the rear or middle seats they would only have on egress door in an emergency situation. This vehicle has not been involved in any type of wreck and there were/are no warning lights. This happened about 1 week ago and I found out it is not covered under my extended warranty
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
Friday, March 13, 2025, at approximately 11:50 AM PST while driving on Interstate 5 northbound, heard a loud explosion like a gunshot, with no vehicles in close proximity, then hearing the rush of wind, opened the interior sunroof cover, discovered the sunroof glass shattered.
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
Previous recall for my vehicle seemed to have been reported as fixed with out an actual fix. My locks/handles are getting water in them and when the weather gets below freezing it causes them not to lock. I asked one of my local dealerships to fix while I was able to see active recall on my app and they were unable to because they said the issue had to be occurring when I brought it in. Since the ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
Roof rail on passenger side flew off. Clips were broken but some clips still in place. This part is in a recall for other 2016 Explorers but was excluded on models with the chrome roof rail. The rail is the same plastic as the recalled vehicles and should have been included. See Ford 21S22 / 20N11. The chrome is not structural. The drivers side will eventually detach too as it is loose. It... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
B-Pillar trim molding on passenger side fell off while going through car wash.
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
A recall was issued for a roof leak defect that allowed water intrusion into my vehicle. The recall repair was performed at Autonation Toyota of Weston dealership, where the roof was replaced due to water staining. However, water intrusion which led to black mold growth into the interior carpeting and floor board remained after the repair. The dealership stated that the remaining water intrusion a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
The outside passenger front door handle stopped working and no longer allows the door to be opened from the outside. The handle does present and retract but does not respond when you pull it. This handle has been replaced once before by Tesla. Now, when the vehicle goes from being locked to unlocked the passenger front door pops open without any user interaction whatsoever.
Incident date: Dec 17, 2024
Excessive oil consumption, a sticky dash and power window switch
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
The door jam and hatchback seals are letting dust and emission fumes inside the vehicle. When driving down a dirt road the seats are covered with dust. The dealership says that the seals are properly installed they said to the cabin fan on high to pressurize the vehicle which has not helped. When sitting stopped in traffic you can smell the exhaust fumes. This has been an ongoing issue since th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
Timeline of events: Day 1 – Delivery March 13, 2026 • Drove about 10 miles after delivery. • The driver-side window suddenly rolled fully down by itself while I was driving. • Returned immediately to the Tesla service center. They said they cleaned the window and recalibrated it. Later the same day • Drove another ~10 miles. • The window dropped fully again while driving. ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
Panaramic glass roof exploded while traveling on highway sending glass all over the car and highway. Sounded like a gun shot right above my head. Fortunately the sunshade was closed at the time and I was able to safely exit the highway to clean up the mess and no one was injured but it could have been very dangerous!