Rankings
Every list below is computed directly from NHTSA complaint, recall, and investigation records — no editorial scoring.
- The Most Complained-About Model Years
Ranked by total consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, these are the individual model years with the worst records on file.
- The Most Complained-About Vehicles of All Time
Summed across every model year, these vehicles have drawn the most NHTSA complaints overall.
- The Most Recalled Vehicles
These models have accumulated the most distinct NHTSA recall campaigns across their production runs.
- Model Years With the Most Recalls
Ranked by distinct NHTSA recall campaigns affecting a single model year.
- Vehicles With the Most Transmission Complaints
These model years have the highest number of transmission and powertrain complaints filed with NHTSA since 1995, ranked by report volume.
- Vehicles With the Most Engine Complaints
These model years have the highest number of engine complaints filed with NHTSA since 1995, ranked by report volume.
- Vehicles With the Most Electrical System Complaints
These model years have the highest number of electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA since 1995, ranked by report volume.
- Vehicles With the Most Brake Complaints
These model years have the highest number of brake complaints filed with NHTSA since 1995, ranked by report volume.
- Vehicles With the Most Airbag Complaints
These model years have the highest number of airbag complaints filed with NHTSA since 1995, ranked by report volume.
- Vehicles With the Most Steering Complaints
These model years have the highest number of steering complaints filed with NHTSA since 1995, ranked by report volume.
- Vehicles With the Most Suspension Complaints
These model years have the highest number of suspension complaints filed with NHTSA since 1995, ranked by report volume.
- Vehicles With the Most Fuel System Complaints
These model years have the highest number of fuel system complaints filed with NHTSA since 1995, ranked by report volume.
- Vehicles With the Most Fire Reports
Model years ranked by the number of NHTSA complaints reporting a vehicle fire.
- Vehicles With the Most Crash-Involved Complaints
Model years ranked by NHTSA complaints where the reported failure involved a crash.
- The Most Investigated Vehicles
Models ranked by the number of NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation actions opened against them.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.