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: Nov 20, 2024
The computer modular or engine control module yes, it is available for inspection. I can be at risk because my lights flicker off and, on my turn, signals do not work, and it will not go into drive I have to start my car 30 minutes before I can leave for work at 5:30am in the morning. I had a security update on my car and ever since that took place, I had this issue. I just had the P1326 code come... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2025
The door belt molding trim detached. It is available for inspection. If not caught before it completely detached it would have caused a road hazard. Models from 2023-2025 have already been recalled but not my 2021 model which has the same issue. The vehicle was inspected by the dealership I bought it from but they were unwilling to take responsibility since the recall didn't encompass my 2021 mode... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2023
I had my two Teslas parked in the garage. The model X was charging at about 1:30 AM. We heard explosions coming out of the garage. Went to check only to see my model X in flames. We evacuated and called 911 eventually a fire investigation report was made Showing the fire started within the vehicle outward. The battery pack was on fire. We had lithium contamination all over the house and this fire ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
It's a known quality defect covered under CSP ZKG. Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. These reports indicate that vehicles with these specific paint colors, applied during the vehicle manufacturing process, may experience paint peeling on exterior metal body panels. The Customer Support Pr... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2025
Standard Vehicle Components failed. My 2008 Tundra [VIN [XXX] ] was inspected in Nov 2017 under HOF/WEP, passed with CRC applied, but now has a 2-finger-wide perforation in the frame and rusted through the gas tank support—a clear safety defect in a salt state like Maryland. The undercoating failed prematurely; I need goodwill frame replacement or buyback per the $3.4B settlement’s spirit.” ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2025
I've owned my 2014 Lexus IS 250 for over 10 years. I've almost always kept my car covered in a garage at work and at home, and I've never had a problem with the dashboard until now. Just last month (October 2025), my dashboard started melting and getting extremely shiny and sticky during the day - so much so that I can't see out my front windshield because of the glare from the shiny dashboard, ma... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2025
Two separate issues: The variable valve timing control (VTC) actuator is defective. There is a Honda service bulletin on this issue that has impacted many years of Honda Fits and has proven to be a defective unit. Service Bulletin 16-088. This repair should be covered as this defective part can cause severe damage to the engine costing the consumer thousands of dollars to repair. A simple search ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2025
Dashboard not attached to frame. Clips intended to attach dashboard to frame are defective (cracked in half). Air bags may be affected (either won't deploy or will deploy on their own). Service Dept. at Ford dealership says this is the first case they've seen and repairing it would cost $$$. This vehicle has been regularly maintained and has 0 history of accidents. It is unknown if this defec... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
Vehicle: 2017 Ford Explorer Issue: Hood paint peeling / paint delamination Component: Exterior / Structure / Body / Paint Safety Concern: Corrosion risk and impaired visibility Description: The paint on the hood of my 2017 Ford Explorer is peeling and delaminating down to the bare aluminum, starting at the front edge and spreading across the hood. This is a known and widespread issue on 2013–20... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Nov 18, 2025
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
My rear back window is leaking into the cab. Water comes in around the rear headliner and down onto the seats. This is a known issue on 2019+ Ram trucks with the same backlite design — cracked upper frame and failed seal causing water intrusion.
Incident date: Nov 18, 2025
In addition to the recall for the C-pillar appliques and window division bars (NHTSA ID Number: 25V407000), the chrome trim piece directly below the window also suffers from insufficient adhesive bonding. See the photo below. It came lose while driving at high speeds.
Incident date: Nov 18, 2025
There is a module that should connect to the hatch door to open. That module in no longer available. Without the hatch door opening, in case of side impact and being pushed into something else, there is no way to get out of the car. This poses a serious safety hazard. I have contacted the Mazda dealership and I am told that the part is "retired" and there is no replacement part at this time.
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER SPORT
(2020) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Nov 17, 2025
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
External Handles made of plastic continue to break and do not allow access to open car doors
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
The rear windshield of my 2023 Honda HRV shattered and broke randomly. There was no collision, tampering with, or theft attempts. No one was around the car. The rear windshield simply shattered - less than 48 hours after I purchased the car.
DODGE
CHALLENGER
(2013) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Nov 17, 2025
Incident date: Nov 15, 2025
On Saturday 1:20am 11/15/25 DRIVING 27 MILES FROM DISTANCE VEHICLE STARTED TO MALFUNCTION ELECTRICALLY WITH INTERNAL LIGHTS QUICKLY POWER OUTAGES ON AND OFF INTERIOR LIGHTIN. dim headlights, or issues with electrical components. 11/15/25 A vehicle fire occurred, and preliminary investigations suggest a battery malfunction as the probable cause. The malfunction led to an uncontrolled thermal event ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
My rear subframe rusted thru and has holes in it. It is too dangerous to drive and mazda won't recall the rear like the front subframe knowing that a lot of people are suffering from the same issue. A subframe should last a long time. My mechanic inspected the car and feels like it's not safe to drive.
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
The original Telluride muffler developed a hole in the rear wall, hidden by the exhaust pipes. Within a week of the noise being noticeable I visited a car wash, afterwards someone asked me what I'd done to my rear bumper? I hadn't hit anything. When I looked, I was shocked. About 15" of the silver trimwork was torn off, still attached. Today I had the muffler replaced at Midas here in Toledo( (... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2025
The power sliding door on the driver’s side failed and will not open, even manually. The mechanism engages and stops after about an inch. This creates a significant safety risk because passengers cannot exit through the door in an emergency. This appears to be a widespread defect in 2018–2020 Honda Odyssey models. Repair cost is approximately $1,000. Honda needs to address this as a safety iss... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2025
I was alerted today November 2025 that the fuel tank bracket support strap was unable to be reattached to the frame due to a rusted frame body where it was supposed to attach to. Luckily, it didn't come completely off and allow the fuel tank to drop to the ground while I was driving with my 2 young children in the truck causing a massive fatal accident. I spoke with the dealership regarding any ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2021) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Nov 16, 2025
Incident date: Nov 16, 2025
Vehicle Sudden Unintended Acceleration – Safety Complaint Vehicle: 2022 Dodge Durango Weather: Rain Situation: The vehicle was at an almost complete stop at a red light and in a 5 feet distance from the car in front. Without pressing the accelerator, the car suddenly surged forward at significant force and hit the vehicle in front of us. There was no driver input on the accelerator. The in... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
Grille deflector was torn off the vehicle while driving at highway speeds.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2025
Driver side rear sliding door will not open even when the automatic release button is disengaged. Some could be trapped in an emergency or I am worried that if it opens I will not be able to get it closed.
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
During the installation of the rear frame bracket (recommended from the 2011 recall), it was determined the vehicle is unsafe. The frame brace recall not designed for the 2012 CRV would not fit the vehicle. Notified customer of the condition of the left control arm. Not safe for the road. Recommended not to drive this vehicle.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
The Hood is peeling the clear coat. The upper cab on both drivers side and passengers side from front to back is down to bare metal. Top of the pickup box is down to the bare metal along both sides. Tailgate top is down to bare metal. These spots are clearly do to the prep and paint work.
Incident date: Sep 14, 2025
The paint on the hood is flaking off. There is no reason other than the paint being defective for this to happen in this manner. We just noticed it today. 11/14/25
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2021) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Nov 13, 2025
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
Mechanical trunk lid emergency release will not release from the rear of the vehicle. The locking mechanism failed and lid will not open.
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
Bought a 2024 Chevy Colorado in Dec 2024. Going through a car wash, the air blower put dent in top of the truck. Found out there is a technical service bulletin 23-NA-209 where Chevy admits there is structural issue with bracing of the roof. The TSB also shows where five additional braces are to be added to the roof to give structural integrity. Worried about safety of truck should there be a rol... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
I am writing to file a complaint regarding my 2023 Kia Telluride (VIN: [insert VIN here]) which has two active safety recalls: 1.SC303 / NHTSA 24V214 – Intermediate shaft/driveshaft may not be fully engaged, causing the vehicle to potentially roll away while in Park. The remedy is available but has not yet been scheduled for my vehicle. 2.SC347 / NHTSA 25V494 – Door belt molding trim may delam... Read more
KTM
390 ADVENTURE R
(2025) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Nov 13, 2025
Incident date: Nov 8, 2025
I called ford about this recall in December of last year. The dealer in Chico CA. I submitted a request to get it done and they keep saying ford isn’t making them yet. I lost my piller and my car looks ugly an I just want it fixed
Incident date: Oct 24, 2025
The 3rd generation Tacomas rear cabin vents (2 vents) allow water to enter the cabin because they are not tight to the body or sealed properly. The water leaks down the back wall and forward onto the floor soaking the carpet and padding underneath. The water in the carpet/padding has yielded mildew/mold throughout (water goes all the way to the front of the truck). The water also leaks through a f... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
locked the car as most people do, then went to unlock the car heard it unlock but the door would not open. I could hear the door sound like it was locking/unlocking like it was stuck. I tried to climb through the passenger side to open the door from the inside and it will not open. The door appears to be "unlocked" but it is not and will not open creating a hazard if in an accident there is no way... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2025
This is the second time I’ve had this incident. I was driving in the middle of nowhere Texas, no other cars or pedestrians were present. There were no overpasses or construction and out of nowhere. My sunroof exploded at 50 miles an hour. The weather was fair around 60°. This being the second time it had happened. I knew it was a sunroof and did not open the cover to inspect. I pulled over, got... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2025
The power driver liftgate strut exploded and hit the top of the hatchback, snapping the bolt in half and damaging the threads which attach the stud bolt to the hatch.
Incident date: Oct 14, 2025
Power Tailgate Problem is going off repeatedly while car is on. Power tailgate does not open with remote or button inside car. There seems to be water leaking in tailgate seams. The constant beeping of problem popping up is startling and distracting to driver.
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2019) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Nov 12, 2025
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
The driver side door lock is malfunctioning. Not unlocking or locking consistently from either the keyfob (Changed battery) or when in car. It is a safety issue that I can not lock doors with door lock when in car. Initially driver door effected and now both driver and passenger doors are effected. I am having difficult time getting it fixed. The mechanic is having difficulty fixing the safety pr... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2020) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Nov 12, 2025
Incident date: Dec 17, 2024
Rear power window has been replaced multiple times, each time it develops cracks and leaks water causing possible mold in the truck cabin.
Incident date: Dec 11, 2021
The panel between the windshield and the sunroof shattered with cracks going the full width of the roof at the top and bottom of the glass panel.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2025
The paint on my 2020 Toyota RAV4 (Blueprint color) is peeling and deteriorating prematurely, on the hood. The vehicle has been properly maintained and has not been in any accidents. The paint started peeling without any external cause. I’ve noticed similar complaints from other 2020 Toyota RAV4 owners, especially those with the Blueprint color, reporting the same issue. This suggests a widespr... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2025
Electrical mechanical malfunction to Breaking and steering wheel issues, along with vehicle stalling performance issues. Notified Honda multiple times, unable to resolve issue that led to an accident on December 20th 2024, was told it was due to AWS system and camera components were replaced. Continue Reoccurring issues to vehicle required a diagnosis Honda unable to diagnose vehicle while still u... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
The Airbag recall on select Toyota Camry. The manufacturer of the airbags in Japan are said to be defective. I have not received new sensors that are on back order. Seatbelt sensors continue to go off, unless they are clicked in all seats. I already had the car fixed twice, they won’t lean to fix the car again. It’s all political financially. The onboard Safety SOS may also be defective in the... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
On 11/02/2025 with the cruise at 55mph all glass closed. Heater on with no vehicles around, the sunroof exploded. It pushed up from the inside. With less than 9k miles on the vehicle. It took my dealer 8 days to look at it then Toyota denied the warranty. Then Quoted me over $2,100 to replace. This vehicle isn't safe to drive as told to me from the dealer.
Incident date: Aug 8, 2025
Roof rail brackets (snap pieces) broke off of both left and right side and roof rails fell off of car while driving.
Incident date: Nov 8, 2025
2022 Kia Telluride Issues: 1. **Sunroof:** Completely broken. 2. **Exterior Window Moldings:** Fading and discoloration. 3. **Axel Boots:** Need replacement with less than 60,000 miles on the odometer. 4. **Child Lock:** Malfunctioning. -
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
LaFontaine Ford Birch Run MI falsified recalls on my 2016 f150. They claimed they were done, however i have had several other Ford dealers state that there is missing parts and it was obvious it was not completed. This recall is for my door cables freezing up making it unsafe for me to commute when cold. I have held my door shut all the way to work multiple times because it would not latch. Other ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
The firewall on the passenger side was not sealed correctly causing water to enter behind the glove box affecting the blower motor and causing water to enter the vehicle. Causing mold under the carpet. The leak was confirmed at the Ford dealership
Incident date: Jul 30, 2025
My electronic tailgate latches failed while I was driving down the road, I was towing a trailer, the tailgate got pinned between the tongue of the trailer and the jack, below I will provide pictures of both my damaged tailgate and trailer, i know there was a recall on this problem, that problem has already been addressed prior to this incident by the dealer, I believe this is a very unsafe problem... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Nov 10, 2025
Incident date: Nov 8, 2025
On [XXX], my 2022 Volkswagen I.D. 4 burst into flames and exploded while it was parked in my apartment complex parking structure ([XXX] ). My car was completely engulfed in flames, nearby cars as well as the parking structure experienced heat damage. My life and others were put in danger because even though my car was electric, it was parked in a resident garage near other cars who are gas operate... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 T & B Welding and Trailers Big Ox trailer. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH and towing the trailer with a 2022 Ford F-350 hauling an 11,000 lbs. load, the front axle pulled the vehicle sideways, causing the trailer to sway left to right while driving straight. The trailer swayed towards the left, crossing the center line due to the front axle becoming detached.... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2025
COMBINED FORMAL & SUPPLEMENTAL COMPLAINT – UPDATED WITH VIDEO EVIDENCE DISCLOSURE To: Florida Division of Motorist Services – Consumer Complaint Division Attn: Dealer Licensing & Compliance Section [XXX] Via Online Portal: [XXX] Date: November 09, 2025 Re: Misrepresentation in Sale of 2024 Tesla Model 3 by Braman Cadillac, Miami, FL VIN: [XXX] Purchased: [XXX] | Price Paid: $42,000.05 Deale... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
Hi, I think that this vehicle is major safety issue for both me and others, since bought new it tends to pull to the right , hard to steer or keep it in lane straight without wondering away! Pre mature Tire wear and tear vehicle inspected by different Honda dealerships multiple times with multiple alignments correction done and parts replaced under warranty to it with no remedy or resolution, file... Read more