Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 deaths.
What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?
A consumer complaint is a free-form report filed by a vehicle owner directly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describing a safety concern about their vehicle. NHTSA collects these reports through its Vehicle Owner Defect Report (VOQ) system and publishes them publicly. Each complaint includes the affected component, the date and circumstances of the incident, whether the failure caused a crash or fire, and any reported injuries or deaths. The owner's full narrative description is included verbatim — NHTSA does not edit or moderate the descriptions.
The database below contains over 2,215,138 individual complaints. NHTSA's investigators monitor it for clusters of similar reports — when enough owners describe the same failure mode on the same vehicle, NHTSA may open a Preliminary Evaluation that can lead to a recall. Many of the largest recalls in U.S. history, including the Takata airbag recall and the Hyundai/Kia engine fire recalls, started as patterns visible in this complaint database years before they became formal recalls.
How to interpret what you read
A few principles for reading consumer complaints usefully:
- One complaint is anecdote; a hundred similar complaints is data. NHTSA does not investigate the truthfulness of any individual report — that's the job of the Office of Defects Investigation, which looks at the full pattern. When evaluating a vehicle, look for whether multiple owners describe the same chain of events.
- Crash, fire, injury, and death flags are owner-set. They are not verified by NHTSA. They are still useful as a filter, because owners who tick those boxes are typically reporting more serious incidents than those who don't.
- Component categories are NHTSA-assigned, not owner-assigned. NHTSA standardizes the component field so that complaints can be aggregated. The owner narrative often goes into more detail than the component category captures.
- Complaint volume scales with sales volume. A best-selling model will accumulate more raw complaints than a niche model even at the same defect rate. To compare across vehicles, look at complaints per 100,000 units sold, not raw counts.
If you've experienced a defect
File a complaint. NHTSA's investigators rely on this database to detect emerging defects, and useful complaints — specific, concrete, with dates and mileage and clear descriptions of what happened — feed directly into the agency's pattern detection. The form takes about 10 minutes and is at nhtsa.gov/recalls under "Report a Safety Problem." Your complaint becomes part of the same public record that this page is built from. Owners filing detailed VOQs are how recalls get triggered.
Read more from our blog
Showing 1,278 complaints for GENESIS
Incident date: Aug 14, 2025
The message “Consider taking a coffee break” will pop up just 15 minutes into a trip. This message beeps prior to flashing on the screen which causes us to take our eyes off the road to determine what is beeping and continues to “alert” us often during our travels. Hyundai has not provided a way for this warning to be deactivated. Hyundai has way too many messages beeping and appearing on... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Kia K5. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased from the Kia dealer as a brand-new vehicle. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle on the online vehicle rental site Turo the following day, the contact became aware that the VIN was included in a recall. The contact stated that the dealer had sold and delivered a brand-new vehicle that was ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
I am writing to file a formal complaint against Hyundai Motor America and the Freehold Hyundai dealership located in New Jersey, regarding the ongoing engine oil consumption issues in my Hyundai Sonata. I purchased a 2019 Hyundai Sonata and its now 90,000 miles, I began noticing extreme oil loss, far more than a quart per thousand miles, with no visible leaks, no smoke, and no warning lights. I b... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
On [XXX] the engine light went on my 2023 Hyundai palisade SUV. Immediately I drove over the Hyundai dealership to try to find out what the problem was. On my way there, the light remained on, and the car kept making movements as if it was going to turn off, I could barely make the speed increase as I was driving. I went to Healey Hyundai located at 794 Route 52 Fishkill Ny 12524 phone number 845 ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
On [XXX] the engine light went on my 2023 Hyundai palisade SUV. Immediately I drove over the Hyundai dealership to try to find out what the problem was. On my way there, the light remained on, and the car kept making movements as if it was going to turn off, I could barely make the speed increase as I was driving. I went to Healey Hyundai located at 794 Route 52 Fishkill Ny 12524 phone number 845 ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
I was driving at 65 mph (legal speed limit on Express Lanes) and entire front console went black. I was on Bluetooth call which dropped. I could not see speedometer or any of the gauges on the dashboard and could not see any of the radio/entertainment options. Everything was jet black. I pulled over at the first exit, turned off the engine and restarted the car. The services slowly reloaded and ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle at a slow speed in the driveway, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration, lurched forward, and crashed into a tree before coming to a stop. The contact was unable to stop the vehicle during the sudden unintended acceleration. During the failure the vehicle sustained front end damages, ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle skipped gears, decelerated unintendedly and lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had progressively increased. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe on cold starts and while driving at various speeds. The check engine warning light and the low coolant warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinders through a cracked engine block. The... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the messages "Temperature High" and "Pull Over Safely" were displayed. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the coolant was leaking... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
After the air bag recall i went and had them do it and 3 days later is still coming on. Saying service air bag. And alot of people is having issues with tighen gas cap light. I have replaced everything it could be and still does it. Now i believe its a bigger problem and there is alot of ppl having the same issues. I dont remember the exact date either. This is the absolute worst vehicle ever.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
Component: Engine / Turbocharger / Oil Line / Fire Risk Vehicle Problem: For the past five months, my oil light has been coming on and off sporadically (not flickering), even though mechanics and oil shops said there was no issue. A few days ago, the car started smoking out of nowhere, though it wasn’t overheating and there were no visible signs of leakage. I took it to the shop, and they diagn... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
After the air bag recall i went and had them do it and 3 days later is still coming on. Saying service air bag. And alot of people is having issues with tighen gas cap light. I have replaced everything it could be and still does it. Now i believe its a bigger problem and there is alot of ppl having the same issues. I dont remember the exact date either. This is the absolute worst vehicle ever.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
I purchased a used and well serviced, one owner, BMW 2020 X5 on [XXX] from Acura of West Chester, PA. After driving the vehicle for a week the car began jerking and shuttering forward. I live in Philadelphia where space is limited and pedestrians, children included walk close to cars at stop lights and stop signs. I almost had an accident while just parking the car due of the shuttering and add... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving 35-65 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle was slow to respond and to stop. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard. The contact stated that the engine, traction control, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the front windshield was cracked. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle was scheduled for the front windshield replacement. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approxi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
Shifting shudder
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
** Component/system that failed: The engine and catalytic converter. An independent mechanic confirmed the catalytic converter is clogged due to engine oil burning and entering the exhaust system. The component is still in the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. ** Safety risk: The car struggles to accelerate, especially from a stop or uphill, and cannot reliably reach or maintain... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the message "Service Shifter" was displayed and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that upon turning off and restarting the vehicle, only the check engine warning light remained illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while driving on a back road at 25 MPH, the windshie... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000(Power Train); however, the part to do the repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a fai... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2025
Coolant leaking into cylinder 2, misfire (P0302), overheating, and white smoke from exhaust. Mechanic diagnosed potential head gasket or coolant intrusion issue. Vehicle is out of warranty. This seems related to known issues on EcoBoost engines, including TSB 19-2208 for later models, but no recall exists for the 2015 model. Major safety concern and potential engine failure
Incident date: Jul 4, 2025
I am reporting a safety concern involving the airbag system of my 2025 Lucid Air (VIN: [XXX] ). I brought the vehicle to Lucid’s Tysons, VA service center due to a thumping sensation in the steering wheel while turning. On [XXX] Lucid diagnosed the issue as internal play in the bracket that mounts the driver airbag. Instead of replacing the bracket or steering wheel assembly, the technician appl... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
I was using the self driving in about 65 miles per hour this was little bit under speed limit in highway in Florida. Suddenly the car started to do zig zags and cycles alone and when I tried to control the car and drive my self the car didn’t respond to me and self driving couldn’t be stopped I couldn’t switch to regular driver this was self driving malfunction and could cause big accident i... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
Description of the Problem: The fuel pump housing on my 2016 Volkswagen Passat (1.8L TSI) developed visible cracks, which caused a persistent fuel vapor smell around the vehicle, especially after refueling. The failed component — the plastic fuel pump assembly manufactured by Continental — is available for inspection and has been photographed. Safety Risk: The cracks allowed gasoline vapors ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2025
Upper control arms wear out and start making sounds
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
I took my vehicle to the dealer after receiving the first recall notice. They inspected it and informed me that my car was not part of the recall, so they returned it to me. However, I continued to receive recall letters and communications from attorneys regarding the issue. According to the dealer, my car was in good condition. Despite this, I recently noticed unusual movement in the steering whe... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
Transmission failure, skipping, and stalling. It can be inspected. My family and Is safety was put at risk when the transmission started stalling out while leaving the exit ramp to turn onto a busy road with constant traffic. As soon as the acceleration pedal was pressed after leaving the stop sign stalling occurred and again at the following stop light upon acceleration. Yes the problem has been ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
Vehicle experienced water intrusion through sunroof drainage system during rainfall, causing saturation of interior components and electrical malfunctions. Water accumulated in cup holders, dashboard areas, and saturated headliner materials. Following water exposure, vehicle developed multiple safety-critical electrical failures including: false forward collision avoidance system activation causin... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2025
My MMI system is routinely shutting down. I cant use my garage opener, rear backup, warning collision effects and have to routinely reset while driving.
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The rear crossmember of the Honda Ridgeline 2013 RTL where the trailer hitch is attached is rusted through which could break when towing or driving causing an accident. I think Honda should weld a plate onto the crossmember beam and undercoat it. Thank you
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended and the contact heard a chugging sound coming from the engine. The dealer was contacted. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road awaiting towing assistance. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and de... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while in reverse, the brake pedal was depressed, and the brake pedal went to the floorboard. The brake and parking brake warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and inspected. The contact stated that there was no brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir. The contact stated that brake fluid was added... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
CAR COME OUT OF ALLIGNMENT CAUSE ECCESIVE WEAR ON INSIDE OF REAR TIRES. CAUSED BLOWOUT ON THE INTERSTATE THAT ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. BLOWOUT THEN CAUSED DAMAGE TO WHEEL SENSOR THAT CAUSED CAR TO LOOSE POWER STEERING. REPAIR COST IS ESTIMATED A $9000.00 REPAIR. I GET OIL CHANGE & SERVICE INSPECTION BY GENISIS HAD ALIGNEMENT DONE BY DEALERSHIP AND & REPLACED TIRES 2 TIMES BEFORE BLOWOUT. MAJOR... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the sunroof glass shattered. The contact was unaware of what caused the glass to shatter. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,900.
Incident date: Jun 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the exterior A-pillar trim had detached. The dealer was made aware of the failure bu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2023
Transmission making whining noise that increases with speed. Concerned about safety if transmission fails while driving Diagnostic done at Toyota and confirmed transmission is failing and needs new replacement. There are no warning lamps. Noise has increased intensity over short period of time
Incident date: Aug 23, 2023
I took my truck to the dealership of Toyota in Riverside, CA and the staff there told me there was no recall for my vehicle. Can you please verify if my vehicle is under warranty? I also went to the smog inspection and told them about my situation and they said my vehicle may not be under recall since sometimes certain vehicles under the same year are grouped together with a specific recall.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2023
Component that failed: Driver-side mirror actuator on my 2019 Genesis G70 3.3T (power-folding, auto-dimming mirror). It intermittently malfunctions by tilting completely up or down without input, making it impossible to see out of the mirror while driving. Safety risk: Yes — this defect significantly compromises visibility on the driver’s side, especially when changing lanes or merging. It ha... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
Fuel pump failure. Resulted in car losing speed and power and car coming to a halt. Car went into park. Had to be towed from the road but the car had to be dragged onto the flatbed due to no parking selector release accessible from the side of the road. Resulting in total destruction of the front differential resulting in $10000 repair bill.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
My rear driver side door electric harness failed only two years after owning vehicle. This disables everything, including the side airbag putting passengers at risk. Most recently (2024), my radio harness failed causing ALL functions regarding infotainment system to be obsolete. Multiple electric issues and no recalls to be seen.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the exterior A-pillar trim had detached. The dealer was made aware of the failure bu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
Recently , I stated seeing CMBC failure in my 2021 Honda Pilot 2wd. My car has 41500 miles in it. I took car to dealer ship and dealer ship says they are no recalls i need to change my camera. i am not understanding it's like brand new car and not driven many miles. i research on google and there are so many pilot owners having same problems. Can this be recall?
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The contact heard an abnormal sound and after arriving to the residence, her husband noticed that the A-pill... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
This car is equipped with four wheel steering. The actuators that control the real wheels activate when the steering wheel has not turned. This occurs when the car has completed a turn and is moving in a straight line.
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
This car is equipped with four wheel steering. The actuators that control the real wheels activate when the steering wheel has not turned. This occurs when the car has completed a turn and is moving in a straight line.
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
Airbags failed to deploy after pre-collision system did not activate nor did the emergency breaking activate. I struck a larger SUV while traveling ~35 mph broadside and there was no assistance from the vehicle safety features. It is unknown to me if any of the components have been adequately assessed since. I am concerned that the vehicle may be resold without proper inspection and has to potenti... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: May 27, 2025
The incident occurred during a journey from Sacramento, CA, to Winchester, CA, a distance of approximately 486 miles in my 2022 GMC Sierra AT4, equipped with the recalled 6.2L V8 engine, which has accumulated around 61,000 miles. I was driving when a loud bang caught my attention over the music. After that, I heard swooshing sounds three times before the engine lost power. I was able to move over ... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufa... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
This vehicle had been in the shop for over a month due to the emergency brake system freezing up causing my rear wheels to lock up, to smoke and rotors become damaged. Dealership could not find anything wrong as could not duplicate the issue. They did say that the EBS did engage while driving down the interstate at 70+ MPH. No reason why. Not normal! It was returned to me. Then 1 week afte... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
I purchased a 2015 Kia Optima 2.4L GDI (VIN: [XXX] ) with a blown engine, which is covered under Kia’s extended engine warranty. I contacted Jim Butler Kia in Chesterfield, MO, where the last service was performed, and requested the free engine replacement under warranty. They acknowledged that the car is covered, but refused to perform the repair because the vehicle is not yet registered. I ex... Read more