What It Means
Complaint rate is the second-largest factor (30%) in the Safety Score. It measures how often owners report safety issues. Higher complaint counts generally indicate more widespread problems, though popular vehicles naturally receive more complaints simply because more are on the road. The score normalizes for this by comparing against similar vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Complaint Rate" mean?
The frequency of consumer safety complaints filed with NHTSA for a specific vehicle make/model/year.
Why does Complaint Rate matter for vehicle safety?
Complaint rate is the second-largest factor (30%) in the Safety Score. It measures how often owners report safety issues. Higher complaint counts generally indicate more widespread problems, though popular vehicles naturally receive more complaints simply because more are on the road. The score norm...
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About This Data
Definitions based on NHTSA standards, the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, and federal enforcement guidance. See our privacy policy.