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: Dec 4, 2024
I have noticed that the engine light on my BMW X7 keeps turning on after long rides but then disappears after some time. Upon inspection, I was informed that the issue is related to the active grille shutter, which is located in the front part of the body. While researching to see if others have experienced the same issue, I discovered that many BMW X5 and X7 owners have reported similar problems... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
Our 2016 MDX starting peeling paint off the roof. Acura said they extended the warranty for this known defect for an 8 year period. Since this problem just happened we are outside the 8 year extension. The internet is full of similar stories of people like us who have the paint peeling after the bogus 8 year extension. Acura said they aren't responsible. This isn't right.
Incident date: Dec 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Chrysler Town And Country. The contact stated that while driving on a highway at 45 MPH, the driver's side door caught on fire from the vent window switch. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that she proceeded to drive the vehicle to the residence. The contact was able to reach her residence in time to exit the vehicle, and to call her husband who quickl... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 22, 2023
Cracked glass roof panel between windshield and sunroof. Wind blow sound a little louder for several days and it cracked today when I drive on highway. It maybe dangerous if the entire panel fly away and hit cars behind.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2024) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 9, 2024
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request: My drivere side door fails to open every time. The cold weather feature in the tesla app claims to pop open the door so you can grab the door to fully open only to get stuck closed. This also happens when attempting to exit the tesla. The passenger side drivers door also does not open every time. Ha... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
This unit is suffering from frame failure. Cargo doors have started opening on the freeway, cabinets are rubbing the wallpaper from frame flex, the forward floor has started squeaking, the forward lower exterior trim panel on the drivers' side is buckling, the forward walls have started creaking and popping when hitching up/unhitching and the pin-box "sinks" more than it ever did in the past when ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
The doors on my truck have been freezing and wont let me latch the door shut. this was apparently resolved early this year using 18N03. however in Wisconsin it hasnt happened now till winter. first day below freezing, i could not close them. i have 2 young kids and this is a huge safety concern. as an adult its not a big deal. i am terrified to drive my truck due to putting my kids at risk with a ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2022
The paint on my vehicle is peeling off- roof, around all windows and expanding. I went to a Toyota Dealership Part Counter to get touch-up paint and they told me that color had a paint recall. (Every time I wash the vehicle it gets worse.) I asked to speak with a service manager at Toyota, 11/2024 and was informed that the paint color (0070 Blizzard Pearl) had a recall for peeling off. Their... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
The paint on my vehicle is peeling off- roof, around all windows and expanding. I went to a Toyota Dealership Part Counter to get touch-up paint and they told me that color had a paint recall. (Every time I wash the vehicle it gets worse.) I asked to speak with a service manager at Toyota, 11/2024 and was informed that the paint color (0070 Blizzard Pearl) had a recall for peeling off. Their re... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2024
The paint on my vehicle is peeling off- roof, around all windows and expanding. I went to a Toyota Dealership Part Counter to get touch-up paint and they told me that color had a paint recall. (Every time I wash the vehicle it gets worse.) I asked to speak with a service manager at Toyota, 11/2024 and was informed that the paint color (0070 Blizzard Pearl) had a recall for peeling off. Their re... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
The rear sliding doors do not open. Dodge sent me an extended warranty to fix the rear door actuators which fail that cause this issue. But 2 dealerships want $1600 to $2000 to replace the covered part! I cannot afford to fix this extremely hazardous situation of the rear doors not opening. As I have talked to other owners this is a major repaired part that dodge will not repair on their own and a... Read more
HONDA
CR-V HYBRID
(2023) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 9, 2024
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
The sliding door closed on my child's hand cutting the top of his finger off down to his finger bone.
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
seatbelt indicator lights and warning sounds malfunction - indicating passengers are in need of buckle even if they are buckled. intermittent functionality. vision at night is incredibly reduced. headlights of other drivers are hazy and auralike - and i often have to put windows down in order to see (WHICH leads to the shaking and vibrating of vehicle in prior complaint|)
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 2500
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 8, 2024
Incident date: Dec 7, 2024
when in motion, the backseat windows can be lowered and the entire car is subject to the loudest WOOFWOOFWOOF combined with shaking, and excessive vibrating
Incident date: Oct 26, 2024
The passenger door will not open. Has occurred on 2 occasions. Could trap someone inside the car in an accident or emergency.
Incident date: Feb 22, 2024
After taking my vehicle for the hard braking recall, the rear liftgate no longer opens. The door latch is released and I can manually open the door. Once open the door does respond and closes with FOB or close button.
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
The vehicle hood has an angled section near the windshield that causes sunlight to beam intensely, directly into the drivers eyes when driving with the sun in front of the vehicle.
Incident date: Nov 28, 2024
I bought my car 2 months ago. I took it for oil change they found the front sub frame need replacement. They Stat that the cat has been in a accident
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
On September, 21 2024 I scheduled an appointment with the Tesla Service Center for the “Front Row Curtain Airbag” recall to be performed. October 30th, I took my 2022 Model X Plaid to the Tesla Service Center for the recall work to be performed. During the repair, their service technician BROKE-OFF an anchor nut that secures the airbag to the A-pillar. The advisor said in order to “fix” i... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C250
(2012) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 7, 2024
Incident date: May 1, 2024
I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding a manufacturing defect in my vehicle and the refusal by Toyota to honor its responsibilities for repair despite clear acknowledgment of the issue. In October 2024, I discovered a small water leak from the roof of my vehicle. I attempted to schedule an appointment with the nearest Toyota dealer, but the timing of their available appointments confli... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2018
I was in Albemarle, NC on Nov 24-25 and my car was parked outside. My mirror was not cracked when I parked it Sunday night and there was not a vehicle parked next to me. It was 36 degrees outside that morning and there was frost on the car. I drove my car approximately 2 miles and it was cracked. There is no other damage to the car or mirror. I contacted my local Honda dealer to have them fix the... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2024
The arm felt on the driver side while I’m driving. Also, there is issue with the camera and the screen electrical problem.
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
My car frame floods every time it rains. This flooding includes my sunroof drain clogging. As a result of the water retention in my car’s frame, my cars safety system controller units are being corroded and thus I DO NOT have any reliable safety monitoring system. I have looked into this and this a COMMON complaint for Toyota 2019-2021 Rav4 sunroof cars. I have had the sunroof drain cleared mult... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2023) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 6, 2024
Incident date: Feb 6, 2024
Back in 2018 toyota did the undercoat to my 2006 Toyota sequoia frame to prevent rust. Now my frame is completely rotted out to the point i can’t drive my vehicle.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
Upper trim piece of grill broke off while traveling down roar at 60mph. Part struck my windshield and flew over cab of vehicle and impacted the vehicle traveling behind me. Could've caused a much more serious accident!
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
My car is leaking into my interior. It has come out of the electrical component areas. I worry it has infiltrated airbags & what could happen if they get wet (go off due to damage or not go off when supposed to). Have taken to dealership 3 times with no resolution
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
On multiple occasions, my tailgate has opened while driving causing a loss of cargo.
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
While driving home from work, on the highway. Travelling 68 mph. The upper moulding on the front grille blew off, struck my windshield and landed on the highway behind me. Vehicles behind me had to swerve and slow as a result. I waited for a safe time to pull over and turn around to go back and retrieve the piece. Once retrieved, I could see the plastic clips had broken. Some are still missin... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
Recently had routine service done on my 2010 Toyota Tacoma. Mechanic noted a lot of corrosion of the frame, including where leaf springs and axles are connected. He said that he had difficulty putting the vehicle on the lift for service due to the amount of corrosion and that he could not assure me that the vehicle is safe to drive.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
Unknown I pulled up to a gas station filled up my car coming back frome work like usual i finish I take off not even 1 mile and it started lacking the batteries got drained and it turned off I try to turn it back on and all it does is give me a message telling me to check charging system
BRIDGESTONE
DRIVEGUARD PLUS
(9999) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 5, 2024
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
I took my car in to Tesla to have the tires replaced, during the service appointment my frunk was opened and closed by the technicians. Within ten miles of leaving the dealership my hood/frunk flew open and broke my windshield and frunk hood
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Upper trim on front grille fly off while driving. All clips were broken, very thin plastic. This piece of trim nearly hit the vehicle behind me while driving 45-50mph. I've noticed there are many owners experiencing the same issue. The trim piece is separate from the grille but GM will only sell the full grille replacement. The upper piece needs to be redesigned for safety purposes and replaced on... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
The rear passenger door sensors are not working on my vehicle as delivered from the factory/dealer. Upon opening the rear doors, there is no indication on the instrument panel/dome illumination as is present for the front passenger doors. With 4 independent doors it would appear to be a possible safety concern as the rear doors could unknowingly be open while driving. This issue has been disc... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
Nissan had improperly installed the roof rail mounts on the 2021 Nissan Rogue causing leaks to occur into the vehicle. These leaks lead to mold accumulation on the interior and quickly becomes a health hazard. Nissan had released a Technical Services Bulletin for this issue; however, they have not yet issued a recall for this. We took our vehicle in for a mold issue and provided the TSB details ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2023) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 4, 2024
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
Pearl white paint pealed between sunroof and windshield, which could lead to rusting of the roof. The symptom looks exactly like the extended warranty issue in Acura Service Bulletin 19-029, which only covers models until 2016.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
Tailgate releases on its own while parked, without the use of the switch. Tailgate released on its own with my trailer attached while parked on many occasions. The result of the Tailgate releasing caused damage to the upper section of the Tailgate, the "kicker speaker system" in the Tailgate and Tailgate switch located on the upper section of the Tailgate. There also have been multiple times when ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
This trailer has a dangerous design flaw. This trailer is called a "Tilt Trailer," and the bed of trailer tilts to allow machines to drive onto the ramp. The design flaw is the location of the tie-down rings. The "D-rings" are welded to the bed, and not the frame of the trailer. This allows the bed of the trailer to bounce. When a machine is on the trailer, the bed will continue to bounce and... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
Rivian has a 'kneel' option that uses the powered air suspension to lower the vehicle to make entry and exiting the vehicle easier for users. Yes, this can be turned off or on. When on, the function stops if a main door (driver/passenger) is open and left open the car will not continue to kneel for safety purposes. However, it does NOT stop if you are using the rear hatch to access anything. T... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2017) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 4, 2024
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
My 2020 Kia Soul is not even five years old yet and under 20k miles and I noticed that the paint has started to lift and this should not happen. I have heard that other Kia models with the same paint, Snow White Pearl, have had the same reported issue over the past few years. The paint started bubbling/lifting on the side of the back passenger door.
Incident date: Jan 14, 2021
On [XXX] We were driving our 2025 Gle350 fourmatic west on [XXX] between [XXX] and [XXX] @ 7:30 pm, driving at 70 mph in the right lane the panoramic sunroof exploded into shards of glass and rained down on the driver and passenger, it sounded like a gun went off as the front moveable roof panel blew apart. The vehicle had approximately 650 miles on the odometer. Nothing struck the car, no for... Read more
2 injured
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
How was your safety or the safety o others put at risk? On [XXX], I bought a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. Unfortunately, I fell into the bad and abusive practice of buying a car as is since at no time did that used car dealer in Raleigh inform about the correction and rust that is underneath the car. If they had said so, I would not buy the car since it cannot be fixed and at the Subaru dealer where I... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
Top Grill piece attached to hood blew off in the wind.
Incident date: Jul 31, 2024
Exterior A- Left pillar become detached on the interstate and was a hazard to the cars behind, almost caused a crash. Exterior A-Right pillar is loose. I have attempted to get the recall repair completed at a dealership, but have been unsuccessful.
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
My car was parked in a Garage untouched for hours I turned on remote start and came back to find my back window completely shattered. I looked inside the vehicle to see maybe if someone through a rock or anything but i found nothing and the way it cracked shows it came from the defroster.I have seen multiple complaints about Acura RDXs back window randomly shattering after using the rear defroster... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
While driving on a busy highway, facing early morning sun, I lowered the driver side sun visor to help keep the sun out of my eyes. A few minutes later, the sun visor came loose at the left-hand side and fell onto my hands as they were positioned on the steering wheel. This startled me, caused me to be blinded momentarily by the sun in my eyes, and caused me to have to move the visor out of my way... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2019) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 2, 2024
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
The keyless entry panel on driver's side next to driver's window is poorly put on and is starting to come off and could tear off on freeway and cause a safety risk to others. We took the vehicle into a Ford dealership for repairs on some other trim that had a recall and when we received our vehicle back we heard a whistling noise on drivers side and saw the keyless entry panel trim piece was comin... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
Cross member holding file tank rusted through causing the fule tank to not be supported and shock mounts no longer support the shocks to frame causing shocks to bounce around with possibility to puncher fule tank or lines Also rear cross member that holders electrical components rusts off Excessive rust on top of fule tank causing a inability to make repairs without replacing fule tank in en... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2020) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 2, 2024
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
CARVANA - SOLD ME A 2ND LEMON. Vehicle has significant oil leak. Front of engine as well as underside of engine is covered in oil. Alternator is saturated in oil. (Eventually burning out the alternator) Serpentine belt is also saturated in oil making it swell and becoming soft. Also makes the belt slippery and outside edge of belt is damaged. Right rear tire is about to come apart very soon. The... Read more