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 16, 2023
I have a 2015 kia that is snow/pearl white paint and it has been chipping since a year after I bought it new.
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
The driver side indoor handle keeps breaking. I have repaired mine 4 times but still keep breaking. The connector attached to the handle is so fragile it cant withstand regular use. why hasnt this been recalled by mercedes? One repair costs 1400 dollars.
HYUNDAI
SONATA HYBRID
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 31, 2024
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
I HAVE TO KEEP PRESSING THE GAS HANDLE TO PUT GAS IN MY CAR BECAUSE THE [XXX] CARBON SENSOR [XXX] THINGY IS BROKE. also the door keeps clicking and TikTok says it’s going to fly off. Now that’s just dangerous. The clicky thingy is from something that is welded into the door keeps coming off of the car. Now that’s [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA)... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2024
The passenger door suddenly did not close. It was open when driving.
Crash
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
This is a 43 foot fifth wheel RV. The frame near the front of the RV is showing signs of "frame-flex," or frame cracking. The attached pictures illustrate where the walls are shifting and creating wear marks; this is consistent with other RV owners experiences the same problem. This issue could contribute in further frame cracking that may result in significant property damage or even death. ... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2024
I have developed a severe case of Frame Flex in my RV. When the RV is put on the hitch and the weight of the RV is transferred to the truck, there is a lot of flex in the upper deck of the RV. This flex is outside of the suggested tolerance of the manufacturer. This could be a result of frame failure inside the upper deck.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 30, 2024
Incident date: May 30, 2024
1. the component that failed was the front stationary sunroof panel, and what failed on it was the adhesive which leads to it leaking water, and the potential of even falling off while driving 2. it could lead to falling off on the highway which could lead to damages to it or other vehicles around it 3. Unknown 4. Yes it was inspected at a nearby dealer ship in which they stated that the glue was ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
METRIS
(2016) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 30, 2024
Incident date: May 1, 2024
I took my car into Hyundai due to the recall sent out to car owners. I had my ABS and Brake light that went on randomly around September. I scheduled an appointment and took it in to get it checked. Hyundai sent me away stating there were no parts to fix the issue and told me to pay for a diagnostic if I needed it looked at and to wait until the recall is remedied. Two months later my car exploded... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 4, 2023
Paint is peeling around doors on both sides of the vehicle. Both front and rear doors of the cab. Common known issue.
Incident date: May 29, 2024
The frame has failed and is well beyond unsafe for the road due to the amount of rust and decay. The vehicle was part of the 'Corrosion Resistance Compound Application to Vehicle Frame' recall. I will bring the vehicle for inspection ASAP, if requested. There is absolutely nothing safe when a vehicle has a faulty structural issue. When I purchased the vehicle there were step rails and spray painte... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2015) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 29, 2024
Incident date: May 28, 2024
Tailgate on 2019 Honda Odyssey model(s) without power lift gate function open to only a dangerously low height. Five undocumented head injuries have occured on a single vehicle within one year. Upon more research, tailgate height for these models have caused several head injuries some requiring medical attention. No warning labels or preventative equipment attached to the tailgate to warn of serio... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: May 29, 2024
Passenger Side Cowl Seal Failure. The passenger side cowl seal fails. When this happens water can enter the vehicle and pour into the BCM (Body Control Module). Once water enters the BCM, it creates corrosion and will needs to be replaced along with the reprograming of all the keys. This is available upon request. My safety and the safety of others is put at risk because when water enters th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
I am experiencing what I believe to be a frame issue. When I take the weight of the 5th wheel off the landing gear and transfer to the 5th wheel pin I see lots of movement and hear a lot of popping and cracking noise. My floor above the 5th wheel hitch is now squeaking badly and there is a nail that has pushed through the flooring. I have broken screw in my slide out and the sealant is showing sig... Read more
ALLIANCE RV
DELTA
(2024) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 29, 2024
Incident date: May 21, 2024
Just told by car repair shop; dealer; and frame and body shop that the 2010 Silverado truck we paid $20, 000 for 2-1/2 years ago has a frame that is rotted. All professionals mentioned it is a design flaw GM was aware of. The 2010, however, was not part of their recall. What can we do to seek restitution for this vehicle that now is worth $800 to a scrap yard?
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
The complaint is about the sunroof which has an open recall with all warning signs and risks exactly identical to my make, year and model (2016 mercedes benz c300). More than 15,000 vehicles have been affected by this problem and the warning signs suddenly appear with the vehicle. Mercedes Benz after their investigation after several reports were filed, later found that the sunroof glass panels w... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2024
When traveling out of town on the interstate approximately 70/75mph. Part of our hood/trimming deluged scraping our hood and nearly Colliding with two other vehicles. Not something that is common and seems to me a manufacture defect that GM is trying to wipe their hands of and I will not stand for that. I have been trying for about a month to get GM to repair this odd phenomenon. However they c... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
The frame is rusted and flaking to pieces. Have replaced tailgate latches twice due to rust.
Incident date: May 27, 2024
1) A panel on the roof of my vehicle fully detached as it was not appropriately secured in place by the manufacturer (Mercedes Benz). The part is not available for inspection as it flew off of my vehicle on the highway, but I have pictures available. 2) The panel flew off my vehicle at high speed and increased the risk of a crash or injury for other drivers. 3) I have confirmed with my local M... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2024
While driving on the interstate, the sunroof exploded. There was no warning, no objects seen that could have hit it, good weather. The glass from the sunroof hit the car behind me and cracked their windshield. Thankfully our sun shade was closed so no shattered glass came into the car and no one was hurt.
Incident date: May 25, 2024
Rust got to the back end of this car it is completely detached this car is not safe in any shale or form. The backend could fall apart at any moment and completely make the tires and everything else fall right off. It has only been inspected by me and I am 100%sure it is rusted through and through. Just don't wanna see someone get hurt. The car vibrates on the highway.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
This GM vehicle presents a safety risk to the public. The frame of the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has prematutely rusted and corroded. GM fully understands and acknowledges this public safety risk only through a "Technical Service Bullitin" (service bulletin number 19-NA-255) which states that GM is aware of the lack of application of protective coating on this year and model. This "technical"... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2022
I was pulling into a parking spot in a parking garage. My foot was off the accretor ready to brake and then the car self accelerated and hit the cement wall. The red brake light came on and I slammed on the brake but the damage was done. The front bumper was cracked on the left side and dented on the right side. There whole front end was scraped and scratched. The collision sensor is damaged
Incident date: May 16, 2024
We are victims of frame failure. First sign was a creaky floor in the bedroom. Screws worked their way out of the wood flooring and pushed up underneath the linoleum. The movement of the nose cap pushed screws out of the trim and seal piece on the underside of the front cap. We reseated screws, upgraded screws, resealed this at least 5 times and now use gorilla tape to avoid water intrusion. The u... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
I have contacted 2 dealerships about fixing the recall and nobody will call me back to schedule to fix. All they say is they will talk to the shop manager, and I never hear back. Now the hood is constantly stuck or not opening.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
Door latch assembly failed and will not allow driver side door to be opened after locking. Door must be opened from inside to get in. Both rear doors were already repaired several years ago for same issue under warranty but that has now expired.
Incident date: May 14, 2024
the front frame of my rv is broken in the pin box area
JEEP
WRANGLER 4XE
(2024) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 28, 2024
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
Large paint chips on hood and passenger door frame near windshield. Smaller paint chips along hood. Looks almost like an eggshell cracking and just started happening in the last couple of months.
Incident date: May 28, 2024
The door has separated and will not close properly. I’m concerned the door could potentially open while in operation. My wife should not have to climb through the passenger side of the car to drive somewhere because the driver door has come apart.
Incident date: May 26, 2024
Unable to open driver’s door from the inside of the vehicle. To exit the car I have to climb over and exit through passenger door or roll down the window and open the door from the outside handle. This is a potential safety concern of not be able to get out of the car in an emergency or injuring myself when I have to climb over the console to exit through passenger door. This issue has bot been... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2024
The paint on the roof of my 2016 Acura MDX is peeling, as described in Acura Service Bulletin 19-029 in August 28, 2019. The paint code NH-603P matched the service bulletin but Acura is denying me of any warranty because of VIN. This is a known problem for 2014 - 2016 Honda and Acura White Diamond or Pearl White paint NH-603P many people have the same issues based from a quick search on Google b... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2024
Vehicle has hands free liftgate operation by waving feet under bumper. The liftgate will also close if you are loading cargo toward front of compartment and your feet inadvertently trigger sensor. The closing tone is weak and cannot be heard if there is any outside noise. Liftgate has closed on my back at least 4 times and my wife at least 3 times in the 4 weeks we have had the vehicle. If a s... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2024
My grand design had the have frame flex fixed twice and it’s still not fixed correctly. None of the aluminum behind the cap was fixed as grand design didn’t want to fix it and lippert would on touch the steal frame.
Incident date: May 13, 2024
The dealership has declared frame failure and failure of the pin box flexing up to 3-4 inches just picking it up with a forklift. Lag bolts are missing and/or backed out. Dealer has deemed it not safe for use. They will not move it out of their bay. Fist signs were wall separation throughout the RV. Doors not closing because door opening was out of square. Floor squeaking in multiple location. Cen... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The trailer frame can not support the weight of the boat. I’m hauling my boat on the trailer going down a divided highway when I notice the trailer side marker light on passenger moving all around through my side mirror. The whole front of the fender broke off and was jammed on my trailer tire nearly causing a blow out or flying off and causing a wreck. I immediately pulled over and luckily i... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2022
An independent service center noted the integrity of my frame is compromised due to severe rust. The rear passenger side area of the frame near the gas tank is falling off and holes can be poked thru it. My safety is put at risk if I were to get in an accident or even minor collision. Potential for parts to abruptly break due to the rust/corrosion. No warning lamps or messages have appeared.
Incident date: May 18, 2024
The interior of the updated 2022+ Silverado 1500 and 2024+ HD Silverado has multiple chrome surfaces lining various components of the dash and center console. When operating the vehicle during daylight hours, the reflectivity of the chrome reflects sunlight and directs glaring light into your eyes at various angles. This glaring and dazzling light reflection causes a direct blinding irritation to ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
I was just recently in an accident where I was T-boned by another driver. My side air bags did not deploy. There is structural damage and my front passenger tire is laid in this this wasn't a light tap on my car.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 24, 2024
I got this by gift from my boyfriend [XXX] for my early birthday. And two police of two time stop me to that Scooter is stolen but I told them I got from gift bday and they told me all good and need me register. I did register to dmv. But I dunno if dmv did get my online register form. Like this here register and need plate license register . And also parts need repaired . As emerg is where I stu... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2017) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 27, 2024
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
The driver’s side sliding door was closing and crushed my wife between the door and B pillar. It did not retract upon encountering the resistance of my wife’s body, and continued to close. She has bruising on her arm, and shoulder pain. When submitting this report on the NHTSA website, there is a recall for this exact issue. We have not had the vehicle examined as it is a holiday weekend, and ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: May 26, 2024
For about a year now the back hatch has not opened or closed properly. It sometimes stops just after the latch releases and will not go up. Sometimes it will not come down when you use the switch or it only comes down a few inches and stops. Recently the rear hatch is not aligned with the door opening and does not shut properly. When the rear hatch is closed, you can see that it is not seated in t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
Tailgate randomly opened while in park. This is a problem for multiple reasons. When hauling a travel trailer when you put the truck in park the tailgate falls into the jack denting the tailgate and scratching the paint. On some trailers it would be possible for the tailgate to fall onto the jack switches causing the jack to go down unexpectedly. The only way to get the trailer off is not put the... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
I have a 2013 Nissan Rogue that is heavily rusted underneath, which makes driving unsafe. Additionally, both the catalytic converter and the transmission are in poor condition. I think Japan should ban Nissan from making more bad cars like this car.
Incident date: May 23, 2024
Driving the car home at 6pm on a highway, and heard a loud pop sound, but there were no rocks or objects hitting the vehicle. It turn out that the sunroof glass had exploded from the center for no reason. I am only glad the sunroof was not in use/open at the time, otherwise, the shattered glass will definitely lead to some serious consequences.
Incident date: May 12, 2024
While traveling on NHS CA 99 about 80 miles before taking exit 97, there were pieces of tire debri on the center lane. It couldn’t be spotted and my vehicle drove over it making a big thud sound. It shaked my vehicle and left my family scared. It could have been really dangerous if there was a vehicle right ahead or behind my car. This incident broke the front bumper and caused big dent on my r... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2024
Mounting bolts from frame to Rv front sidewall are in 3/8” lag bolt mounted in pine wood (all are striped, won’t tighten). This allows the complete front Rv wall to move allowing further frame issues. Holes in frame rail are 1/2” , grand design installed smaller lag bolts 3/8” this has caused the bolts to eventually fail. This is happening on approximately 30% or more of Grand Design RVs. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
Ford edge as far as I’m aware, have many complaints with a cracked rear taillight which builds up with water and condensation. My 2015 Ford Edge SEL has had this problem. I was told by an auto body repair shop many customers encounter this problem, it is a manufacturer defect and ford won’t hold responsibility and announce this as a recall.
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2015) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 26, 2024
Incident date: May 5, 2024
my back window exploded at a stop light, literally out of nowhere
Incident date: May 26, 2024
When jacking car to change tire, the lift point crumbled due to corrosion causing the car to fall back to the ground. There was no obvious evidence of extreme corrosion; it rusted from the inside. It is unknown how much more structural rust is inside the unibody but the car may no longer be safe for the road.
Incident date: May 18, 2024
Paint bubbling concerns on carbon fiber roof of i3.