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
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2017) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Aug 11, 2024
Incident date: Aug 11, 2024
Hinge rust on fuel door causing it to break and not let rear passenger door auto open (because switch won't make up) hinge is very weakly built
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
I've had this thing less than 6 months, I've already had the engine rebuilt with 34 parts a month and a half in and the drivers side rear door handle replaced during this time because it would not open from the outside and only the inside despite being unlocked. All of this occurred at the beginning of May 2024 and it sat for 3 months due to the engine being basically rebuilt with most parts being... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
Years back there was a recall in regard to the frame. I brought the truck into Colonial Toyota in Milford CT for the recall. I was advised that the frame was fine and did not need to be replaced. Recently when i brought the truck in for an oil change the owner advised me that the gas straps attached to the frame had rusted out. He demanded that I remove the vehicle from his facility ASAP du... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
Upper center brake light leaked allowing moisture and mildew to accumulate. Safety issue in how it affects my severe asthma.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2024
The side view mirror motors/gears malfunction and intermittently fail to hold the mirrors in position when driving after the have been folded in them back out, either manually or electronically.
Incident date: Jul 31, 2024
Dear NHTSA Team, My Honda Odyssey 2018 EX has been having issues with my Driver side Sliding door opening/closing using the Auto power. It was randomly sometimes not fully closing (kept reopening). Then it would get fixed automatically . This was happening for 3+ years . I had got the open recalls done over the years. This week it just stopped opening suddenly . And it was not getting resolved ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
My 2008 Nissan Altima's dash is degrading and has caused a sticky residue to form on it. This stickiness is very shiny and causes a glare to occur on the windshield. I live in Kentucky and when the sun is shining, and actually basically anytime driving, the glare makes it nearly impossible to see. I almost hit another vehicle because I could not see but instead went off the road to avoid a collisi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
50cc motorbikes sold by powersportsmax (and their 3rd party affiliates) and [XXX] known as 'Taotao" are known to these sellers to have issues with electrical dash system which controls all street legal components (blinkers, speedometer, odometer, breaks, electrical starts - powersports. confirmed in NJ civil court-passaic county) Issues reported to seller (killermotor) are given what amount to bo... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
While driving home from work, traveling on a state route at 55 mph, the cover under the engine just snapped off on the passenger side of the vehicle. It just started making a loud noise like I had blown a tire! I pulled over and noticed it was hanging down on the road. I had not hit anything, the bracket had it fully broken, it could have caused me to wreck or put any other drivers at risk for an ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
I've had the vehicle for 7 years and after inspection performed by the dealer, there is so much subframe rot that my car will not pass the next inspection due in April. I've contacted Mitsubishi and they said there is nothing they can do as there isn't any recall. This model of Mitsubishi has had recalls on many different previous years, such as 2005, 2010 and many online reports of 2014 with th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Sep 2, 2023
The rear passenger door got stuck and did not open while we were inside. My son tried to open it and it was just stuck. The other 3 doors in the car opened fine. I locked and unlocked/turned the child locks on and off/ turned the car on and off and nothing would open the door from the interior. My son was stuck. I recorded 3 minutes of all these things going on. Finally, I could open the door from... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Paint peeling off for no reason. Car has zero damage, no wrecks, no issues of any kind. Paint started coming off the hood and it’s a known issue with the color of my car. Snow Pearl White. One spot is already rusting and it can lead to body damage and frame issues in the long run.
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
Paint peeling off for no reason. Car has zero damage, no wrecks, no issues of any kind. Paint started coming off the hood and it’s a known issue with the color of my car. Snow Pearl White. One spot is already rusting and it can lead to body damage and frame issues in the long run.
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
Vehicle was purchased from carmax, there is a crack on the trim ar the d-pillar around the window on the driver side and passenger side. My wife bought a 2014 Ford Explorer about a week prior to mine from the same place and there is a crack in the same exact spot on the driver and passenger side. Causes water to leak into the interior of the vehicle. In the summer months it's causes a musty smell ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2024
The seal around the sunroof on the driver front side is compromised causing air to flow aggressively through it when going above 40+ MPH. Its affecting the car's overall performance and safety, especially on highways, and the wind makes in very noisy in the vehicle. I have an appointment with MBUSA dealership on Monday, August 12th to have it further inspected. I do see that there was a simil... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2024
I am writing to file a formal complaint against Hyundai Motor America regarding a significant defect in the paint quality of my 2018 Hyundai vehicle and the company's lack of response to my attempts to resolve this issue.I am the owner of a 2018 Hyundai [Model], which I purchased from priority Hyundai in dec 2017. Over the past few months, the paint on my white Hyundai has started to peel signific... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was not properly aligned, and the tires were worn. The dashboard leather had detached. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the windshield wipers became inoperable. Additionally, after it had rained, the contact noticed there was water moving around in the engine bay. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact compl... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2024
Issue number one the dashboard the steering wheel and the clutch handle for automatic or manual melts it gets extremely hot and slippery it burns no matter if you cover your car or anything it melts and the glare from it is very dangerous when the Sun hits the windshield while driving it makes it look like a mirror form I'm not the only one who complains about this issue because why does the dashb... Read more
Crash
TOYOTA
SEQUOIA HYBRID
(2024) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Aug 8, 2024
Incident date: Aug 8, 2024
The entire exterior body clear coat is peeling off. This started about 1.5 years ago on the tailgate. It has now spread to the hood and the top of the vehicle. I called Toyota customer care, and they indicated this a known widespread problem with this vehicle make and model. So far, only the pearl white color has been recalled as the result of numerous consumer complaints. My vehicle color is... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2024
Body paint has started peeling. Local Kia dealership acknowledged frequency of defect however corporate denied claim due to being outside of original warranty. Advised to pay for new paint with possibility of reimbursement.
Incident date: Aug 7, 2024
Airbag. No open recalls. Spinal injury in head-on collision. Unknown Crash Champions at Windsor Mills in Baltimore, MD (auto body shop for Progressive) No warnings
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
There is mold and water leak in the sunroof and the roof next to the windows. When it rains There is water leak in my car from where you put your sun glass. It drips on my gear sticks. My car was completely wet and its smell and molding in the sun rooftop. The water stains and mold has been there for quite some time and this morning I literally got into the car and water was dripping in the car,... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2024
The left sliding door of the van has an issue which started immediately after my last service more than a year ago (Around april 12, 2023) at Glendale CA Dodge. Initially the door wouldnt unlock and lock. I reported it to them but got no response. I had to manually unlock and lock to make it work and fixed the issue. Since then, it makes a lod buzzing noise whenever it's locked and unlocked. So, t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
There is paint just falling off the drive door in large chucks, and still getting worse.
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
The power window switches have a chrome trim piece that has cracked causing a severe cut hazard. This was an issue in 2020 models that was addressed but is still present in my 2022 model.
Incident date: Jul 26, 2024
THE DASHBOARD IS MELTING CAUSING SEVERE SHINNY GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD WHICH IS OBSCURING MY VISION AND CREATING A HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITION TO VEHICLES AND PEDESTRIANS.
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
The affected part that is part of the current recall, the plastic pillar piece came flying off my car tonight on my way home from work while I was on the interstate. Luckily there were no cars around me but it could have been a safety issue if there had been. I was unable to go retrieve the piece.
Incident date: Aug 4, 2024
Clear coat failing on roof and paint chipping bubbling away from body on tailgate without evidence of rust. Reported to dealer and was told to contact American Honda Corp directly.
Incident date: Jul 29, 2024
On the door, the brace to control the stability of the door has broken off on the inside of the door. This is very annoying that this is not considered a recall as this is something that can only be fix by replacing the entire door. That is not a convenient amount of money to just spend.
Incident date: May 27, 2024
The overhead console fell down and was hanging by the cables connected to it which control the sunroof motor, SOS system, Info button, rear interior lights and driver/passenger dome lights. It hangs between driver and passenger at roughly 4 inches from the roof and obscures peripheral vision and usage of the rear-view mirror. Finally, if it occurred while driving it could easily have caused an ac... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2019) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Aug 5, 2024
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
I had a car accident in Mexico while I was driving inside the beach
Crash
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
While backing in camper to my driveway after a 3.5 hr return trip, the back part of the frame which holds the rear bumper and the trailer hitch let go from a rusted frame. See attached pic. I inquired with a Toyota dealer who said my vehicle is out of warranty for the CSP from Toyota for rusting frames. They indicated there was a recall that wasn't repaired on my vehicle but I don't recall s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2024
The vehicle's charging system keeps failing and turning off the charger. The rear doors do not open from the inside of the vehicle (intermittently).
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
Door latch is not locking door in place, yes it is available for inspection. Our safety is at risk due to the door will always be open and it is unlatched if driven. There is a potential hazard to other vehicles on streets and the highway due to this problem. Contacted dealer in San Antonio Texas to report the problem they indicated no recalls and they did not seem interested in the matter. The p... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2018
Just purchased the 2024 Kia Carnival LX seat package 2 months ago. My wife and I noticed the floor of the Kia in the 2nd row up until the 3rd row gets so hot that it is unable to be touched. The railing system that the seats slide on get so hot that it will burn you. My children cannot stand on it or touch it or it will burn them. Very high risk for causing a fire. We cannot put any belongings on ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
Component failed: while traveling at 65 mph on [XXX] the black tank (waste tank) fell from its mounting brackets and hitting the road way. At the time approximately 10 gallons on clean water was in the tank. No warning or way to know it dislodged from its brackets. I was flagged down by a passing motorist. How was your safety at risk: Routed under the waste tank there are approximately 12 pow... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The side mirrors plastic is melted so is the plastic on the roof and the plastic between the rear and the front door is melted
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
Rear passenger door does not drain and holds water. This is a potential mold issue which is a health problem. This will also cause the doors to rust.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding a serious safety concern involving the Honda Element model years 2003 through 2011. Specifically, this issue pertains to the rear trailing arm mounting area, which has been observed to rust through on numerous vehicles, including my own 2008 Honda Element. The rusting of the rear trailing arm mounting area poses a significant safety risk, as it... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2024
on 1 occasion the front trunk opened on its own, on 2 occasions the rear trunk opened on its own. The last occasion was on August 3. all these events occurred with in 3 weeks. The car was brought to a service center where the problem was misdiagnosed since the incident on August 3 was after the service call.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
I noticed in March of 2024 that the lower part of my bumper was starting to detach. So I brought my car in to get inspected while I was getting my car serviced. Their was a recall issues in 2023. When the dealership looked at my car they said their was no remedy for the recall that I would have to wait until their is one. They said they can not fix the car even though the lower bumper was already ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2024
The passenger side frame rusted through. The bolt holding the frame collapsed through the rusted frame while I was driving on the highway and I lost control of my car as I was entering an exit off the highway. My mechanic said the air conditioning system drips on this area of the frame causing the rust and failure of the frame to hold the bolt. There were no warnings prior to the incident excep... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
Windows have detached from the vehicle while driving on two occasions. One was recovered on the shoulder of the highway, another quite large window was lost on the interstate and could have hit another vehicle. The Lippert windows are already the subject of a NHTSA safety recall (21V-522); however, even though the windows have experienced an adhesive failure and detached from the vehicle while d... Read more
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2023) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Aug 3, 2024
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
My tesla frunk has opened twice without warning or command on, [XXX] and [XXX]. This is after the 2024.20.3 update that was supposed to fix it. Jason from roadside assistance had me do a soft reboot and hopes it won't open in the future. Thankfully both incidents occurred in the parking lot. Conclusion is that Tesla did NOT fix the issue and there will be severe accidents in the near future. INFO... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2024
I am writing to file a claim regarding a safety issue with my Tesla vehicle, which is subject to the recall identified as NHTSA Recall Number 24V554. The recall involves a potential defect in the hood latch assembly, which may not detect an open condition. As a result, this defect can cause the front hood to unintentionally open while driving, potentially obstructing the driver’s view and increa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The chrome trim around the center console where cup holders, gearbox are located has peeled. When driving and going to pickup something off the console, the chrome that is peeling is very sharp and has cut myself and my husband. This is a known issue with people with the same vehicle. It’s distracting while driving as you get a shock and do not expect that which can cause a motor vehicle acci... Read more
TOYOTA
SEQUOIA HYBRID
(2024) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Aug 1, 2024
Incident date: Jul 30, 2024
*car shakes as it brakes *coolant leaks (i see in the ford escape recalls there is one for coolant leaking) *upon opening doors it feel a slight stuck before opening. the doors don’t feel intact properly. *rubbers around windows appear loose. windows may not be secured.