NEW YORK (VINnews) — Complaints about potholes across New York City have climbed sharply this year following heavy winter storms, with nearly half of the reports coming from Queens, according to city 311 data analyzed by the New York Post.

More than 11,000 pothole complaints have been filed so far in 2026, representing about a 33% increase compared with the same period last year.

Queens accounts for the largest share of the complaints, with over 5,000 reports, far more than any other borough. Brooklyn follows with just over 2,000 complaints, while Staten Island has reported about 1,500, Manhattan around 1,400, and the Bronx roughly 1,200, the newspaper reported.

Several major roadways in Queens have generated the highest number of complaints, including Northern Boulevard, Rockaway Boulevard, and Union Turnpike.

Drivers have also taken to social media to complain about road conditions, with one user saying the potholes were so widespread that their “tires are literally crying.”

Transportation officials say potholes typically form when water seeps into pavement and expands as it freezes, weakening the asphalt and causing it to break apart during repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

The city’s Department of Transportation says it typically repairs potholes within about two days after a complaint is filed, though a review of city data cited by the Post found that more than a quarter of reports filed this year were still open or pending as of recent days.

Officials say winter conditions — including snow, road salt and heavy traffic — accelerate damage to road surfaces. The city says it fills roughly 170,000 potholes each year and is increasing repair efforts following this winter’s storms.