Body & Exterior Problems
26,387 owner complaints · 137 model lines · median failure at 62,000 miles
Among 26,387 owner complaints for body & exterior problems across 137 model lines, the most-reported vehicle is the 2017 Ford Explorer (632 complaints, typically failing near 77,303 miles). Across all vehicles the median failure mileage is 62,000 miles and the typical repair estimate is $1,500.
Key numbers
| Total complaints (NHTSA) | 26,387 |
|---|---|
| Model lines affected | 137 from 27 makes |
| Median failure mileage | 62,000 mi |
| Typical repair estimate | $1,500 |
| Severity mix | 286 severe · 268 moderate · 0 minor (of 565 vehicle-year patterns) |
| Related serious reports | 270 alleged fires, 1,597 alleged injuries, 878 alleged crashes |
Worst vehicles for body & exterior problems
| Vehicle | Complaints | Typical failure mileage | Repair est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Ford Explorer | 632 | 77,303 mi | $1,500 |
| 2020 Ford Escape | 561 | 45,000 mi | $1,500 |
| 2016 Ford Explorer | 559 | 83,000 mi | $1,500 |
| 2005 Toyota Sienna | 450 | 64,000 mi | $1,500 |
| 2007 Toyota Camry | 406 | 65,000 mi | $1,500 |
| 2013 Ford Explorer | 389 | 79,693 mi | $1,500 |
| 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 384 | 74,320 mi | $1,500 |
| 2015 Ford Explorer | 380 | 90,000 mi | $1,500 |
| 2005 Nissan Altima | 338 | 104,704 mi | $1,500 |
| 2012 Ford Focus | 295 | 61,590 mi | $1,500 |
| 2008 Nissan Altima | 284 | 65,000 mi | $1,500 |
| 2018 Ford Explorer | 272 | 65,000 mi | $1,500 |
| 2005 Chrysler Pacifica | 268 | 118,000 mi | $1,500 |
| 2014 Ford Explorer | 258 | 99,000 mi | $1,500 |
| 2011 Kia Sorento | 242 | 89,549 mi | $1,500 |
People also ask
What is the most common body & exterior problem?
Based on 26,387 owner complaints in the NHTSA database, the most-reported failure pattern in this category appears on the 2017 Ford Explorer. Complaint volume reflects how many owners filed reports, not proof of a defect rate.
At what mileage do body & exterior problems start?
The median failure mileage across vehicles in this category is 62,000 miles, but the range is wide — the 25th to 75th percentile on individual model lines can span tens of thousands of miles. Individual vehicles fail earlier or later depending on use.
How much does it cost to fix?
The typical repair estimate in this category is $1,500, with significant spread between model lines — complex components on luxury vehicles can cost several times more than the same repair on a mainstream car.
Are these complaints verified defects?
No. Owner complaints filed with NHTSA are unverified first-person reports. A high complaint count signals a pattern worth checking (open recalls, TSBs, investigations) — not a confirmed defect.
Other component categories
electrical · engine · powertrain / transmission · steering · airbags & restraints · brakes · cruise control · visibility / wipers · lighting · fuel system · suspension · tires · wheels · seat belts · equipment / accessories
Checking a specific car? Decode its VIN to see the exact build, open safety recalls and crash-test ratings — free, no registration.
Source: ProblemsByVin (CC BY 4.0), aggregated from public NHTSA complaint and recall data. Owner complaints are unverified; volume reflects reporting, not per-vehicle defect rates. See Data Sources & Methodology.