The most complained-about cars in the US — see if your model made the list
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LOS ANGELES - A recent study analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and uncovered the vehicle makes and models that have drawn the most complaints from U.S. drivers since 2015. The research highlights the vehicles owners have reported the most issues with, shedding light on potential reliability concerns.
From major brands to specific models, some cars consistently attract more complaints than others. Whether it's mechanical failures, safety concerns, or recurring malfunctions, the data reveals the vehicles drivers are most frustrated with.
As the study shows, one automaker stands out with a significant share of complaints: Ford.
Ford accounts for 17.6% of all complaints in the NHTSA’s database, with a total of 110,011 complaints. This includes issues with popular models like the Fusion, F-150, and Escape, which are also among the top three most complained-about vehicles.
Which car brands get the most complaints?
Ford leads the list with over 110,000 complaints. Chevrolet comes in second with 61,307 complaints, accounting for 9.82% of the total. Toyota ranks third, with 41,465 complaints, which makes up 6.64% of all vehicle-related complaints since 2015.
Other notable brands include Honda (6.56%) and Jeep (6.49%), both of which round out the top five most complained-about car manufacturers.
People line up in their cars for fuel at a gas station ahead of Hurricane Milton's expected landfall in Lakeland, Florida on October 8, 2024. (Photo by MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty Images)
What are the most complained-about car models?
The Ford Fusion tops the list of the most complained-about vehicle models, with 16,335 complaints, making up 2.63% of the total complaints. Close behind are two other Ford models: the F-150 and the Escape, which received 15,378 and 14,940 complaints, respectively.
In fourth place is the Jeep Grand Cherokee, with 12,248 complaints, followed by the Ford Explorer and Focus. Hyundai’s Sonata and Honda’s CR-V also make the list, along with the Chevrolet Malibu.
Here are the top 10 most complained-about vehicle models:
- Ford Fusion (16,335 complaints)
- Ford F-150 (15,378 complaints)
- Ford Escape (14,940 complaints)
- Jeep Grand Cherokee (12,248 complaints)
- Ford Explorer (11,037 complaints)
- Ford Focus (11,013 complaints)
- Hyundai Sonata (10,170 complaints)
- Honda CR-V (10,016 complaints)
- Ford Edge (9,871 complaints)
- Chevrolet Malibu (9,273 complaints)
Why are there so many complaints?
The data reflects common frustrations among vehicle owners, often citing persistent mechanical or safety issues. While many of the models listed are popular and sell in large numbers, some owners report repeated problems that drive complaints. For example, the Ford Fusion and F-150 have been the subject of numerous recalls over the years, contributing to their high complaint counts.
Gary Davis of Tires Easy, the organization behind the study, noted that while the volume of sales for these vehicles should be taken into account, "owners tend to submit complaints when dealing with ongoing, unresolved issues."
What should you do if your vehicle is on this list?
If you own a vehicle that appears on this list, it’s important to stay up to date on recalls and routine maintenance. Many issues leading to complaints can be addressed with timely repairs or safety updates from manufacturers.
Checking the NHTSA database can provide insight into any recalls or reported issues with your vehicle model.