9 Cars That Get the Most Complaints
A recent study reveals which car models Americans grumble about the most—but context matters.
When shopping for a new car, doing your homework pays off, including reading up on top makes and models to determine which ones offer the best value for your money. One of the biggest factors shoppers consider is vehicle reliability, and while safety and maintenance costs also matter, you want to feel confident that your car will start reliably and get you where you need to go every time you turn the key. A recent study by experts at Tires Easy analyzed more than 600,000 vehicle complaints from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA to identify the most complained about vehicle models in the US from 2015 to 2024, offering insights into what they found and what it could mean for consumers currently in the market for a new vehicle.
Cars with the most complaints
Ford dominated the top 10 list of most complained-about vehicles. Even though Ford is one of the top-selling brands for American drivers, its models occupied seven of the top 10 spots in the study. In fact, the Hyundai Sonata and Honda CR-V were the only foreign vehicle models that registered in the top 10 at all.
| Make & Model | # of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Ford Fusion | 16,335 |
| Ford F-150 | 15,378 |
| Ford Escape | 14,940 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 12,248 |
| Ford Explorer | 11,037 |
| Hyundai Sonata | 10,170 |
| Honda CR-V | 10,016 |
| Ford Edge | 9,871 |
| Chevy Malibu | 9,273 |
Methodology: Data from NHTSA spreadsheets regarding the years 2015-2024 were analyzed. Duplicate complaints were removed using the NHTSA’s internal reference number. Complaints were then counted with specific figures, established vehicle models and makes, and the states and towns from which they were made.
Automakers with the most complaints
· Ford — 110,011 complaints, accounting for 17.6% of total complaints filed with NHTSA between 2015 and 2024
· Chevrolet — 61,307 complaints, making up 9.8% of total complaints
· Toyota — 41,465 complaints, representing 6.6% of total complaints
· Honda — Included among the top 10 most complained-about automakers
· Nissan — Included among the top 10 most complained-about automakers
· Hyundai — Included among the top 10 most complained-about automakers
· Kia — Included among the top 10 most complained-about automakers
What this study doesn’t address
There’s a long-standing perception that American-made vehicles are more prone to quality issues—things such as inconsistent fit and finish. While those beliefs are often based on personal experience or reputation, they’re rarely presented in clear data-driven terms the way they are in this study. Still, before we jump to conclusions about US manufacturers, it’s worth considering a few things the Tires Easy study doesn’t account for.
Vehicle sales volume
It’s true that eight of the top 10 most complained-about vehicle models come from American manufacturers. However, these automakers also dominate US sales. It stands to reason that companies selling more vehicles would also receive more complaints simply due to volume. So, using raw complaint numbers alone to gauge vehicle reliability can be misleading.
Limitations of NHTSA data
The study relies on complaints filed with the NHTSA, but that data isn’t without flaws. A 2023 report from the US Department of Transportation highlighted concerns with how the agency collects and maintains information. Among its findings: NHTSA “does not consistently document information used for investigating and identifying potential defects and unsafe motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment” in its records. This raises the possibility that the database includes duplicate entries, inaccuracies, or unrelated issues—potentially skewing the results.
Severity of complaints
One major limitation of the NHTSA’s complaint database is that it fails to differentiate between severity of reported issues. A minor inconvenience—such as a faulty infotainment system—is counted the same as a serious safety concern, such as brake failure. This lack of nuance can give a skewed impression of a vehicle’s overall reliability and safety, potentially painting manufacturers in an unfair light.
Model years
The study weighs all model years equally, which doesn’t reflect the ongoing efforts manufacturers make to improve vehicle quality from year to year. Automakers often redesign and refresh popular models, and those changes can significantly impact reliability and performance from year to year. By combining complaint data across nine model years, the study fails to accurately account for performance and reliability improvements.
. . . . .
While the number of complaints tied to specific vehicle makes and models is worth considering when shopping for your next car or truck, no savvy buyer should rely on those metrics alone. Take the time to research the vehicles you’re considering; read in-depth reviews on vehicle reliability, safety, and maintenance costs; and prioritize models that perform well in the areas that matter most to your lifestyle and safety needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cars appeared most often in the complaints study?
Tires Easy’s analysis shows several Ford models among the top complaint counts, including the Fusion, F-150, Escape, Explorer, and Edge. Other commonly reported models include the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Hyundai Sonata, Honda CR-V, and Chevy Malibu. High complaint totals can reflect both widespread issues and high sales volume.
How can you check complaints for a specific car?
Use NHTSA’s vehicle complaint tool by searching make, model, and year or entering a VIN for more precision. Look for recurring issues, then cross-check with owner forums, CarComplaints, recalls, technical service bulletins (TSBs), and reliability reports from sources like Consumer Reports.
Do car complaints mean a vehicle will be recalled?
No. A recall is issued only when a confirmed defect poses a safety risk. Many complaints involve minor or isolated issues that do not meet recall criteria, although complaints can sometimes lead to investigations and eventual recalls.
Should complaint data influence what kind of car you buy?
Yes, but it should be one factor among many. Use complaint data to identify repeated or safety-related issues, then weigh it alongside reliability ratings, repair costs, vehicle history, and a professional inspection.
How should you use NHTSA complaint data when shopping?
Look for repeated patterns such as the same issue appearing in the same model year. Determine whether problems involve safety systems or minor components, and compare complaint counts with total vehicles sold. Cross-check findings with recalls and TSBs before making a decision.
Are NHTSA complaint counts a reliable measure of safety or defect trends?
They are a useful signal but have limitations. Complaint counts may include duplicates, don’t always reflect severity, and aren’t adjusted for how many vehicles were sold. Use them as a starting point and verify with recalls, TSBs, and independent reliability data.
Where else should you look to research a specific model or year?
Combine NHTSA data with sources like Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, CarComplaints, owner forums, and dealer service records. Also review manufacturer recall pages and technical service bulletins to understand known issues and fixes.
If you find many complaints for a particular model year, what practical steps should you take before buying?
Check for open recalls and relevant TSBs, request the vehicle’s service history, and have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection. Consider repair costs, parts availability, and whether a different model year or trim resolves the issues.
Should you avoid any model that appears high on the complaint list?
Not necessarily. High complaint counts can result from large sales volumes or minor recurring issues. Treat them as a signal to investigate further, focusing on severity, patterns, and potential ownership costs before deciding.