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 76,133 complaints for HYUNDAI
Incident date: May 14, 2026
The vehicle has experienced repeated transmission-related failures beginning at approximately 5,000 miles. The dashboard warning “Transmission System Error – Check Transmission Oil Immediately” first appeared while driving and was accompanied by sudden loss of power. When this occurs, the vehicle loses acceleration and drivability while in motion, creating a safety risk in traffic. The only ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
My forward collision warning activates without cause. My automatic braking systems will engage.
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
My forward collision warning activates without cause. My automatic braking systems will engage.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The rear seat belt is stuck. The vehicle was only 3 months old when it was noticed. Originally, I thought the constant beeping about the rear seat belts was due to this error, but it is 2 separate issues.
Incident date: May 8, 2026
Timing gears/camshaft issues. dealer mechanic stated that the pin on camshaft broke and timing jumping. dealership stated this is a known issue with Elantra's but Hyundai has done nothing to address this issue. This repair costs over 4000 dollars for a known issue
Incident date: May 3, 2026
I have experienced the Emergency Braking System Warning and Sudden Application of my Brakes when traveling at highway speeds for what seems to be no apparent reason. I thought it had to be a glitch related to just my car; However, this has happened twice in the past month and it is an unnerving experience. As I just read about this same problem occurring in later models of my car I want to docu... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
The issue involves the second and third-row power folding seat control system in my 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid following Recall 296. Before the recall update, the vehicle included driver-controlled power folding seat functions through infotainment screen controls and one-touch seat folding operation. After Recall 296 was performed, Hyundai disabled or significantly altered these fun... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
I was driving on a busy highway at a high but legal speed. For a few seconds the vehicle appeared to reset. I lost control and the screen went blank. It was a miracle I did not hit another vehicle. I contacted the dealer and they stated unless it was happening frequently - there is nothing they could do. I spent hours on the phone with the dealer attempting to schedule an appointment, they st... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
I was driving on a busy highway at a high but legal speed. For a few seconds the vehicle appeared to reset. I lost control and the screen went blank. It was a miracle I did not hit another vehicle. I contacted the dealer and they stated unless it was happening frequently - there is nothing they could do. I spent hours on the phone with the dealer attempting to schedule an appointment, they st... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
I was driving on a busy highway at a high but legal speed. For a few seconds the vehicle appeared to reset. I lost control and the screen went blank. It was a miracle I did not hit another vehicle. I contacted the dealer and they stated unless it was happening frequently - there is nothing they could do. I spent hours on the phone with the dealer attempting to schedule an appointment, they st... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2026
I took my vehicle in to the dealership on April 24, 2026 for a software update after receiving notice in the mail. The update changed my auto stop/start so that it is on whenever the vehicle is started. When removing my foot from the brake the car surges forward without me touching the gas peddle. I took my Hyandai back in to the dealership on May 4, 2026, and was told that the auto stop/start w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
Brakes failed and daughter rear ended car in front of her.
Crash
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
Brakes failed and daughter rear ended car in front of her.
Crash
Incident date: May 19, 2026
The lower corner of the driver's side door has an extremely sharp edge that caused a laceration to my lower leg during normal exit from the vehicle. No unusual movement or action was taken — I was simply closing the door after exiting. The sharp edge at the bottom corner of the door made contact with my leg, resulting in a bleeding laceration with surrounding bruising and ecchymosis requiring wo... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: May 8, 2026
The vehicle will not get to highway speed causing it to impede traffic and presenting a safety risk for collision.
Incident date: May 22, 2026
I was driving on the freeway no where near an overpass going about 65mph when the front panel on my panaromaic sunroof exploded and glass went everywhere. There is no signs that a rock could have possibly hit it. My safety was at risk because I could have crashed and broken glass rained down on me. There were no warning signs and the vehicle has not been inspected yet, but it will be.
Incident date: May 22, 2026
I was driving on the freeway no where near an overpass going about 65mph when the front panel on my panaromaic sunroof exploded and glass went everywhere. There is no signs that a rock could have possibly hit it. My safety was at risk because I could have crashed and broken glass rained down on me. There were no warning signs and the vehicle has not been inspected yet, but it will be.
Incident date: May 22, 2026
I was driving on the freeway no where near an overpass going about 65mph when the front panel on my panaromaic sunroof exploded and glass went everywhere. There is no signs that a rock could have possibly hit it. My safety was at risk because I could have crashed and broken glass rained down on me. There were no warning signs and the vehicle has not been inspected yet, but it will be.
Incident date: May 22, 2026
About once a month on average my Tucson's emergency system braking comes on without an emergency. It seems to occur mostly when taking an exit on the highway, but a few times it has been completely random. All of these instances have had no other vehicles around or any roadway barriers present. When it activated, lighting comes up on my dash telling me the emergency braking is activating. Someti... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2026
While driving my 2024 Hyundai Kona on the freeway on May 22, 2026, at approximately 9:30 AM, traveling around 75 mph, my vehicle suddenly displayed a forward collision warning on the dashboard even though there was no vehicle, object, or road hazard in front of me that would justify emergency braking. Immediately after the warning appeared, the vehicle’s automatic emergency braking / forward col... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2026
While driving my 2024 Hyundai Kona on the freeway on May 22, 2026, at approximately 9:30 AM, traveling around 75 mph, my vehicle suddenly displayed a forward collision warning on the dashboard even though there was no vehicle, object, or road hazard in front of me that would justify emergency braking. Immediately after the warning appeared, the vehicle’s automatic emergency braking / forward col... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2026
While driving my 2024 Hyundai Kona on the freeway on May 22, 2026, at approximately 9:30 AM, traveling around 75 mph, my vehicle suddenly displayed a forward collision warning on the dashboard even though there was no vehicle, object, or road hazard in front of me that would justify emergency braking. Immediately after the warning appeared, the vehicle’s automatic emergency braking / forward col... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2026
Was slowing down for traffic in front of me and my brakes were applied automatically from the crash impact sensor and I was rear ended
Crash
Incident date: May 7, 2026
Was slowing down for traffic in front of me and my brakes were applied automatically from the crash impact sensor and I was rear ended
Crash
Incident date: May 22, 2026
The power window motor and regulator on the drivers side failed to roll up the window. It was raining and made it stessful driving home . The window was stuck down and the rain was soaking the inside of the car. Very distracting while driving.
Incident date: May 22, 2026
Car indicated 12v battery was critically low and that I should stop safely. I was just starting it in a parking lot. This is a classic ICCU failure and the car is up to date on all recall updates. The car requires manual key unlocking for outside access at this point, and the rear hatch is only unlockable using the manual release mechanism which is recessed into the rear hatch and needs the ke... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2026
Car indicated 12v battery was critically low and that I should stop safely. I was just starting it in a parking lot. This is a classic ICCU failure and the car is up to date on all recall updates. The car requires manual key unlocking for outside access at this point, and the rear hatch is only unlockable using the manual release mechanism which is recessed into the rear hatch and needs the ke... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2026
Car indicated 12v battery was critically low and that I should stop safely. I was just starting it in a parking lot. This is a classic ICCU failure and the car is up to date on all recall updates. The car requires manual key unlocking for outside access at this point, and the rear hatch is only unlockable using the manual release mechanism which is recessed into the rear hatch and needs the ke... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2026
I feel that the recent hyundai Tucson recall should be expanded to 2024 palisades. My sensors often go off when it is unnecessary on my palisade. Additionally, I feel like recall NHTSA Recall Number 25V607000 has not been corrected in a timely manner. I've requested to my local dealership to fix this recall multiple times and each time have been told they don't have the parts and its "slow movin... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2026
I feel that the recent hyundai Tucson recall should be expanded to 2024 palisades. My sensors often go off when it is unnecessary on my palisade. Additionally, I feel like recall NHTSA Recall Number 25V607000 has not been corrected in a timely manner. I've requested to my local dealership to fix this recall multiple times and each time have been told they don't have the parts and its "slow movin... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2026
While driving over a bumpy service road to enter a highway, the ABS and traction control systems reacted and applied braking which caused me to have no control of my brakes and I was unable to stop my car and entered the highway without the ability to stop at the stop sign. Fortunately, there were no cars coming, had there been, myself and others could have been injured and my vehicle and others w... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
Multiple DTC codes on car at 25,120 miles,32,344, 34,324, 47,484, 51,853, 53,521, Consistent Fuel Injector failing under warranty, prior to 60,000 miles and not replaced correctly, as I have had to see dealership 4 times for ineffective fuel injector replacement and consistent problem. First DTC code reading @ 25,120 miles as stated on DTC coding Reports through Hyundai/Bluelink app. SEVERE Fue... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
Multiple DTC codes on car at 25,120 miles,32,344, 34,324, 47,484, 51,853, 53,521, Consistent Fuel Injector failing under warranty, prior to 60,000 miles and not replaced correctly, as I have had to see dealership 4 times for ineffective fuel injector replacement and consistent problem. First DTC code reading @ 25,120 miles as stated on DTC coding Reports through Hyundai/Bluelink app. SEVERE Fue... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
Multiple DTC codes on car at 25,120 miles,32,344, 34,324, 47,484, 51,853, 53,521, Consistent Fuel Injector failing under warranty, prior to 60,000 miles and not replaced correctly, as I have had to see dealership 4 times for ineffective fuel injector replacement and consistent problem. First DTC code reading @ 25,120 miles as stated on DTC coding Reports through Hyundai/Bluelink app. SEVERE Fue... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2026
Before I owned this car, I used to get so frustrated whenever I was driving behind this type of vehicle because the rear blinkers are mounted so incredibly low in the bottom bumper that you can't see what the driver is doing. Now that I actually own a Hyundai Tucson, I feel completely responsible for the drivers behind me. Because I know how low my blinkers and reverse lights are, I have to tur... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
The engine failed on a 2015 Hyundai Elantra with approximately 71,000 miles. The vehicle has an open, unresolved safety recall (Recall 251, NHTSA #23V651000) for an ABS module brake fluid leak that Hyundai has acknowledged but has not provided a remedy for. The vehicle is currently at an independent repair facility and is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle repeatedly shut off witho... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
The engine failed on a 2015 Hyundai Elantra with approximately 71,000 miles. The vehicle has an open, unresolved safety recall (Recall 251, NHTSA #23V651000) for an ABS module brake fluid leak that Hyundai has acknowledged but has not provided a remedy for. The vehicle is currently at an independent repair facility and is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle repeatedly shut off witho... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
The engine failed on a 2015 Hyundai Elantra with approximately 71,000 miles. The vehicle has an open, unresolved safety recall (Recall 251, NHTSA #23V651000) for an ABS module brake fluid leak that Hyundai has acknowledged but has not provided a remedy for. The vehicle is currently at an independent repair facility and is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle repeatedly shut off witho... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The ignition coil in my 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited has failed multiple times over the past several years. This recurring issue has caused the vehicle to malfunction unexpectedly, creating safety concerns due to reduced engine performance, mi... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2017) — ENGINE
May 22, 2026
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
NO power till car warms up for 5 minutes. It will be jerky on highway. The gas mileage is going down drastically, I was doing 32 miles to gallon and now it's 22mpg. All this is after the recall we just had performed. I have no power trying to avoid accidents, taking off from stopping. Car smells weird now.
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2017) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
May 22, 2026
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
NO power till car warms up for 5 minutes. It will be jerky on highway. The gas mileage is going down drastically, I was doing 32 miles to gallon and now it's 22mpg. All this is after the recall we just had performed. I have no power trying to avoid accidents, taking off from stopping. Car smells weird now.
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2017) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 22, 2026
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
NO power till car warms up for 5 minutes. It will be jerky on highway. The gas mileage is going down drastically, I was doing 32 miles to gallon and now it's 22mpg. All this is after the recall we just had performed. I have no power trying to avoid accidents, taking off from stopping. Car smells weird now.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
Engine has consumed an alarming rate of oil for years. I brought to a mechanic and they performed a $2,600 repair on engine. It ran fine for while and got much worse with oil consumption to the point that I needing to add oil monthly. It has been difficult to keep up on keeping enough oil in car and engine has now sustained damaged. There is no ticking or noise, but there is a loss of power and so... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2026
Driving to work at 0730 on 20 may, i put my foot down to accelerate from 40mph and nothing happened, i tried again thinking foot placement and the engine died. All ligjts went out, engine turned off and i free coasted for 100 -150yards. Once stopped i mangaed to get the hazard lights on, and get out the vehicle. I was 30yards from traffic lights on a 3 lane road. Once pushed from the road, the ca... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
I bought a 2020 Hyundai Elantra in 2024 with 67k miles on it. After driving 22k miles the check engine light went on and when it was brought in to get it checked the transmission went out. I did not buy a warranty so I understood it would not be covered. The issue I had was it was very hard to get information on the condition of the car that was sold to me. What I found out was that the transmissi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact observed excessive oil consumption, which has progressively caused the vehicle to stall 2 to 3 times per week. While the engine can be restarted, it idles and runs roughly immediately afterward. Additionally, the contact noted a distinct smell of burning oil exiting from the exhaust system. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (E... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA CRUZ
(2026) — STEERING
May 22, 2026
Incident date: May 21, 2026
The lake keep assist safety feature works inconsistently. Many times, the system has allowed my vehicle to cross the yellow or white lines, when it shouldn't have. Even worse, during wintertime, the vehicle gets confused as to what is road and what is not, jerking the vehicle in directions that it shouldn't be going (either off the road, or into incoming traffic). This is quite a violent jerk, so,... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA CRUZ
(2026) — LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
May 22, 2026
Incident date: May 21, 2026
The lake keep assist safety feature works inconsistently. Many times, the system has allowed my vehicle to cross the yellow or white lines, when it shouldn't have. Even worse, during wintertime, the vehicle gets confused as to what is road and what is not, jerking the vehicle in directions that it shouldn't be going (either off the road, or into incoming traffic). This is quite a violent jerk, so,... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA CRUZ
(2026) — VISIBILITY/WIPER
May 22, 2026
Incident date: May 21, 2026
The windshield washer fluid dispensing nozzles do not effectively cover the windshield. Almost all of the "spray" is in a very concentrated area of the lower windshield. The fluid squirts onto the two locations on the windshield and gets wiped away by the wipers as soon as they move. The rest of the windshield gets virtually no fluid applied. This causes a significant safety hazard under many cond... Read more
HYUNDAI
SONATA HYBRID
(2021) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 22, 2026
Incident date: May 22, 2026
The vehicle’s 12-volt electrical system repeatedly loses power within about 1 hour of sitting. The car becomes completely unresponsive (cannot unlock or start) and requires use of the built-in 12V battery reset button to restore power. This occurs frequently and makes the vehicle unreliable and potentially unsafe, as the car may become inoperable without warning. This appears to be an electri... Read more