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 1, 2025
I am the owner of a 2017 Honda HR-V with paint code NH-788P (White Orchid Pearl). Over time, I began to notice significant paint peeling and flaking, primarily on the roof, hood, and upper panels. This defect progressed despite routine washing and care. Based on my research, this is a well-documented and widespread issue affecting many Honda vehicles with this specific paint code. Honda issued a ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
Left/drivers side automatic door actuator failed, door would not open and actuator had to be replaced. Mechanic notes available upon request. Safety risk as door could not be accessed for evacuating the vehicle in the event of an emergency. Notification was issued from the manufacturer that this has been a concern in this model, but manufacturer did not replace it. The vehicle was independently in... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2025
Roof Rack Trim departed vehicle while driving presenting hazard to other vehicles on the road. This item was part of recall 21S22 and completed on Mar/2021. The recall repair of placing adhesive was ineffective at preventing the hazard. Current recall repair procedure is to drill holes in the trim piece and utilize retaining plugs to prevent the trim piece from departing the vehicle. Ford refu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
The passenger automatic sliding door closed on my arm and required a lot of effort to push it back open. I’d it was my child standing there he would have been seriously injured. The problem has been reproduced, but I’m terrified to actually leave my arm there to see if it will close on it again. Nothing was inspected and there were no warnings prior to this happening.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
I am reporting multiple safety-related problems with my 2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0 that have become progressively worse and may pose a serious danger. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning light starts blinking during startup, then remains solidly illuminated while driving. This indicates a persistent fault in the stability system. The car also frequently slows down or brakes on its ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
Had water leaking into cab of truck. First incident they stated it was a rear window seal and it was "repaired" under warranty. Second incident I was advised it was body panel separation where the cab roof and side body seam was leaking. It was repaired by sealing with "body seam sealer." I later read these repairs should have been welded. This was after the warranty expired and I had to pay fo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2022
The white paint on my car (Snow White Pearl) has been chipping and peeling off near the windshield and rails on the side as well the hood. This is a known problem for KIA's with this particular white colored paint and KIA should really address is. Touching up just the locations it's happening in is not a fix ... The car needs to be properly repainted to fix the issue. KIA has not addressed this fo... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2015) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 22, 2025
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
Driving into sun, very strong glare off the dashboard that is lined (not solid), so visibility is highly reduced. Nearly crashed into a pedestrian in a crosswalk because they were not visible through the windshield.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
I’m reporting a serious safety issue with my 2024 Hyundai Sonata. After a routine service at Koons Hyundai of Woodbridge in late February, the under-engine splash shield detached and dragged under the vehicle while I was driving on the highway. Upon inspection, it was clear that the splash shield was not secured with any screws or clips — it was either improperly installed during service or n... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
The driver’s door lock will not lock or cycles up and down when trying to unlock the door. This is a 2010 Honda CR-V. There is a recall on the same part for the 2007 to 2009 Honda CR-V (Honda Service Bulletin 14-083). The recall needs to be extended to the 2010 Honda CR-V vehicle.
Incident date: Apr 21, 2025
Passenger side slider won’t shut, Driver’s side slider won’t latch. Driver side door suddenly opens when driving!!!! Honda dealer Tech found worn bushing on passenger side center rollers, faulty, driver side, sliding door rear latch, passenger side, outer handle cable popped out. Check installed cable for passenger side outer handle recommended replaced driver side sliding door rear latch a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2025
Front passenger door failed to latch properly. The door will not close when pushed shut. Door is available for inspection upon request. Multiple family members ride in the front passenger seat and this door failing to close and latch properly does cause a serious concern for their safety. I avoid putting any passenger in the front passenger seat because it's is completely random if the door will l... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
There were three recalls listed on your site that are no longer active which perfectly describe what is going on with my car at the moment we have had major electrical problems with it we have had problems with the tailgate not latching and opening while driving down the road also overheating when stopped at a light all of a sudden the air conditioner starts blowing hot air and it shoots up and ov... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2007) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 22, 2025
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
Side trim with door unlock pad on it detached and blew of into the wind and almost flew into a vehicle behind me when I was Traveling down the interstate at about 70 mph, the posted speed limit. Luckily it did not strike the driver behind me but it was to close for comfort. They are put on the same way practically as the a trim that there already is a recall on.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
The passenger side door trim that goes alongside the window broke off while driving down the highway. This is a safety hazard for other drivers. The A Pillar trim did the same thing a few months ago which is under recall. Not sure why this trim would not also be under recall.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
I was driving with no other cars around, and i heard what sounded to be an explosion, come to find out my sunroof had exploded. I had glass fly all over the back windshield, and onto the road behind me. This could have caused an accident or damage to other vehicles if someone was around me.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2023
Got the car with many problems . Last recent problems purge cvavle, leak in emission, air make loud sounds . Now it’s my door was making popping noises when closing or opening, now the door doesn’t shut at all. No incident happen, just happen by itself
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
At about 40000 miles on about [XXX] I noticed my paint starting to peel and fade from my roof as time passed it went to my hood and trunk faded and clear coat peeling I took my car to Toyota in Brownsville Tx and there was no recall on paint defect on roof but the associate told me they had 2 Toyota Corollas being fix on recall for same defect as my Red toyota Corolla but those cars are white I d... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2025
while installing new shocks my mechanic saw that the frame is rusted to the point of being unsafe to drive, some of the connections of the truck bed and cab we so rusted they were disconnected. there were holes 1-2" in diameter in the main frame. took the truck to local dealer which inspected it ask said the frame needed to be changed, when I asked if the truck was safe to drive the service rep di... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2025
exterior a-pillar trim it came lose and almost hit a car behind me .I spoke to the dealer since it is assumed that there would be parts for that problem no later than mid -2024.
Incident date: Apr 11, 2025
On approximately the 12th of May 2023 i was driving home, and while i was driving the TieRod from the passenger side came loose and caused me to lose control and this was due to the crossmember being rusty as per the recall, description.
Incident date: Apr 18, 2025
I have been trying to get our car repaired for a year now. As of Nov 2024, I was told by 2) ford dealers they expected the parts soon. We have taken the car to these dealers, had pictures taken, and the issue confirmed. Getting it repaired is a whole different matter and we keep getting brushed off, being told "they are trying to source the parts". The pillar trim is loose & rattling, and ready t... Read more
TOYOTA
GRAND HIGHLANDER
(2024) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 20, 2025
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
The door weld just broke.
Incident date: Apr 19, 2025
Body paint on 2018 Kia Forte: Delamination of Snow White Pearl paint is causing peeling and bubbling on the car. Specific to the hood and driver car door at this time. It is available for inspection. This issue has been confirmed by an independent service center. Per the car dealer they were unaware of an issue or recall. The vehicle was inspected by the Collision shop. There were no prior warning... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2025
On Friday, April 18, I opened my panoramic sunroof on my car. When I did, the wind deflector became detached from the sunroof mechanism. So I attempted to close the sunroof and when I did, the would not close all the way and the sunroof appeared to become off track. No the roof will not close all the way leaving it popped open about an inch. I called a couple of Hyundai dealers and they both said ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
Purchased my 2 tacoma in 11/24 second party learned of leaf spring tested and failed sent me home in rent a car demanding it back 2 min upon my arrival home due to the frame was damaged. Said they put it up on lift but didn't it was too dangerous. Had to he my vehicle out of their shop Saturday morning without the fix. Driving it off the lot from toyota Pittsfield Massachusetts. Called another... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
Bubbling and painting chipping on the driver door, passenger driver's side door, at the top roof at all doors, around the front mirror, and passenger and back passenger door. Pearl white paint. I believe the ENTIRE kia needs to repainted and fixing one spot is not the solution!! This includes the top of the car and racks on top if your car has them.
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE HYBRID
(2024) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 18, 2025
Incident date: Apr 18, 2025
I am reporting a serious paint peeling and delamination issue on my 2006 Lexus GX470, painted in Blizzard Pearl (paint code 070). The clear coat and base coat are separating from the body, especially on the hood, roof, and other exposed panels. The paint is flaking off in large sections and continues to deteriorate. Lexus and Toyota have acknowledged this as a known manufacturing defect for sever... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2022
To whom it may concern, I own a 2021 chevrolet blazer I have been noticing a very large amount of water on the front floor boards since this discovery the windows being moist in the mornings make sence l. The windshield has been replaced several times with no obvious leaks at this location. There is no visible leaks during heavy rain or car washing, the biggest concern i have it if there's moistur... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 18, 2025
Incident date: Apr 16, 2025
I have bought a seadoo switch first gen, the only trailer available to me was the painted steel. I live in South Florida, after a short few years and only a few trips to the ramp the trailer completely fell apart, major rust holes, and it is currently bent out of shape.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
Above the windshield on the driver's side, paint is progressively peeling away with regular operation of my pearl-white 2017 Kia Sorento. What began as a very small and barely noticeable chip in the paint has progressed to a large paint-less spot. On the hood and surrounding areas, paint chips are appearing as well. According to the auto body repair shop I received an estimate from, this is referr... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2017) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 18, 2025
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
Driver's door actuator/plunger jammed in the extended position and would not allow the door to be closed. Could not close the door to drive the car. Vehicle has not been inspected yet. Found a temporary solution by searching online, which said to push hard on the door to close it. This worked to get the door closed but likely will not prevent the problem from reoccurring.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2017) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 18, 2025
Incident date: Jun 16, 2017
I had my Ford Explorer inspected by my Ford dealership in early August of 2024. They stated a repair would be made by the end of 2024. One of the A pillars had already come off while driving on the interstate and I have been told by the dealership the other one needs to be replaced. I'm assuming there was not a wreck caused because of the piece flying off my car. We pulled over because we had no i... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2023
Sliding mini van doors fail to latch when closing. This is a well known and documented problem. The NHTSA has issued remedies for the previous year but not this one.
Incident date: Mar 2, 2025
On March 2, 2025, while driving my BMW i4 with my daughter, the vehicle suddenly spun out twice into oncoming freeway traffic during a routine lane change, violently crashing into an embankment. Thankfully, we weren’t physically hurt, but my daughter was deeply traumatized. We brought the car to Stevens Creek BMW immediately. What followed only made things worse. Rather than investigate the seri... Read more
Crash
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 17, 2025
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
All of a sudden , the right rear door will not open either from outside or inside. Similar problem was a recall on S60 Volvos.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
The D-pillar clips are flimsy and break easily resulting in a soft top back panel that is no longer water proof and could fall apart.
FORD
F-150 LIGHTNING BEV
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 16, 2025
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
Owned car for 4 years. Car has a panoramic sunroof in two sections. rear section is glass and does not move. Front section is glass and does actuate. On [XXX]. All was fine. Driving on smooth highway, [XXX (at XXX]. No other vehicles within site behind or in front around me). Sunroof was 100% closed the entire trip. Suddenly my front (moveable segment) of the sunroof literally exploded, raining... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2025
The drivers door power door lock fails to operate either to unlock the vehicle or to lock it. This is a safety risk as the power door lock should automatically lock the door once the vehicle reaches a certain speed to help doors remain shut in roll over accidents. Automatically locking the door also provides some security to occupants for carjacking. This problem first started when the door lo... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2025
The paint on the front of vehicle is peeling on both sides under the hood. The color is Glacial white
Incident date: Nov 10, 2023
Rear passenger door will not open. Lincoln has active recalls on other VINs but mine is not included. I ask that mine be included. My door will occasionally pop open, but the most common problem is the handle will not engage from the outside. My Lincoln has the door handle on the trim piece. This is a common recall but my car is not included. It needs to be as not being able to open a door or it r... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2025
Terrible wind noise when driving at speeds over 30 miles an hour. This can cause distractions while driving as it’s very noticeable.
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
The drivers and passenger smart door handles have failed this year. It caused parasitic battery drain over 3 days and the doors would unlock automatically just by walking within 5 feet of the car. I have disconnected them for now because 800 in parts only is rediculous. Very dissapointed the reliability of the 2016 CRV.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
The tempered glass covering the interior electric fireplace exploded randomly, sending shards of glass throughout the trailer. There was no warning, and we were simply sitting in the trailer enjoying the day. The fireplace was not turned on, and there was no power to the trailer. Battery was turned off, and the temperature inside the trailer was 70 degrees. There were no weak spots, dings, chips,... Read more
2 injured
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
Rear sliding door actuators prematurely fails causing loud noises and door to not operate properly. This makes it unsafe to drive with children in the vehicle. Dodge refuses to reimburse extended warranty claim.
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
Both A Pilar Trim pieces are currently loose on my 2014 Ford Explorer. This is now a recall from Ford as of February 2024 from the notice I received in the mail. I have been trying to have these trim pieces replaced on my car since March of 2024 but the part has not been available. Prior to this recall, this piece has already been repaired on my car once on August 4, 2020. The trim piece flew off... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2025
These models were recalled on March 9, 2009 NHTSA CAMPAIGN 09v076000. my vin number apparently did not fall within the selected vin numbers. However my auto even though it is the same year as the recall has this same exact defect and condition and is deemed to be a fire hazard. what are my options.
Incident date: Apr 12, 2025
Tailgate opens by itself. This happened 3 times in 2 hours while the vehicle was parked. I tow a 5th-wheel trailer. If this happens when towing it can cause a catastrophe.
Incident date: Apr 13, 2025
The latch on the gate on the rear patio failed to remain secure, and the gate swung open multiple times driving down the freeway. We had to pull over and secure the latch manually.