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: Nov 15, 2025
Something is wrong with the front windshield. Since I bought this SUV the last year, I've noticed that the wipers are very noisy and the windshield gets dirty very frequently. The last week, the windshield cracked for no apparent reason. I called the dealer and their response was that it's not covered by the warranty and I have to claim it from my car insurance. They also have no explanation for t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
Around June 2025 under normal driving my truck displayed engine oil low which I promptly checked the oil to find that it was in range. The light later went off but I still brought it to the dealership to which they could find no issues. From there over the next month or so the truck developed a low end popping sound on start up and at my next oil change at the dealership in August of 25 I asked th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
The steering wheel locks briefly when the Idle Stop and Go (ISG) system restarts the vehicle. This happens intermittently, about 50% of the time. It has affected the ability to steer the vehicle properly when turning at a traffic light after the ISG system has initiated an engine shutdown and subsequent restart. This issue has been reported to our local dealership, but the technicians were not abl... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
The steering wheel locks briefly when the Idle Stop and Go (ISG) system restarts the vehicle. This happens intermittently, about 50% of the time. It has affected the ability to steer the vehicle properly when turning at a traffic light after the ISG system has initiated an engine shutdown and subsequent restart. This issue has been reported to our local dealership, but the technicians were not abl... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
Control arm on the left side fell off while parking
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
Engine has a timing belt issue since 70,000 miles where it will rattle when it starts Transmission is going out BEFORE 100,000 miles
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
Axle, driveshaft, and differential concern. The 4x4 warning light came on the dash and the four-wheel-drive system stopped functioning properly. Dealer diagnosed a failing PTU (Power Transfer Unit) and recommended installing an SOP PTU unit. Symptoms included grinding, vibration, and inconsistent 4x4 engagement, creating a safety concern during normal driving. Mileage at time of replacement (light... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2025
While driving, the entire dashboard and instrument cluster intermittently go completely blank, disabling visibility of speed, gear position, warning lights, turn signals, and other critical information. The failure occurs suddenly and without warning. The cluster then goes through multiple reboot cycles, sometimes several times in a row. In many cases, normal operation does not return until the ve... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2025
We were driving on I4 in stop and go traffic. Our speed was under 25 mph and we were over a full car length back from the vehicle in front of us. I was actively braking to come to a stop due to traffic and the forward collision / emergency braking kicked in and stopped us immediately. This caused a car behind us to almost hit us and cause an accident due to sudden stopping. This happened 3 separat... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
I bought the vehicle and have had major mechanical issues with it I have replaced the motor and the full exhaust system I am having powertrain issues as well. I feel as though ford she be held accountable for all of the issues the ford edges have being they all have the same issues this should not be legal. I got this vehicle to help me build my credit and now it's hurting my credit because I can'... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
Air conditioner, have short circuit, it works at liveral. A wired is coming out from box underneath steering wheel. And the worst problem is the tires were totally unsafe to drive, found out this problem on Nov. 14, 2025 (bought car on September 27,2025) when took car to tire center. Right rear tire was a explosion to happen, was bold and bumped, after inspection was performed.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
I am submitting a formal complaint regarding ongoing and severe engine issues with my 2018 Hyundai Sonata SE. Despite proper maintenance, the vehicle has developed extreme oil consumption and misfire problems that have made the car unreliable, unsafe, and financially burdensome. Beginning around 118,000 miles, the vehicle started consuming oil so rapidly that I was forced to completely replace th... Read more
HYUNDAI
SONATA HYBRID
(2016) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nov 22, 2025
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
1. Failed/Malfunctioned Component: March 2025 - Air Conditioning (A/C) control valve, May 2025 - A/C line and seals. 2. Safety Risk: I heard an explosion underneath the vehicle shortly after parking the vehicle in a shopping center. Upon quick inspection, I did not initially observe any obvious broken parts, components, nor any warning lamps, messages or symptoms. The following day while charging... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
For the past 16 months I have been experiencing a fuel odor in my vehicle cabin while idling or when in slow moving traffic. Knowing this likely is due to a fuel leak, I have taken it to the dealership 6 times to find the leak and remedy it. The dealership always finds something to repair/replace under warranty, however, the fuel smell persists. Over the past 16 months, this has increased in how s... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
Electric Horn is not working Horn issue Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 25-BE-005H published on Hyundai Tech Info under Hyundaidealer.com but it does not include 2019; It includes 2020 -2022 model years
Incident date: Mar 16, 2024
My Jeep will accelerate forward when breaking, stall at a red light and roll back, massive humming and grinding on the peddle, start/stop failure and failure to start. I've been able to avoid two crashes so far and used my own scanner to detect the problem. Nothing comes up. I bought this shady vehicle oct/3/25. dates of incidents include oct 3rd- November 10th.
Incident date: Mar 16, 2024
When driving over bumps, potholes, or railroad tracks with the breaks being pressed, the brakes would pulsate and causing vehicle to stop at a further distance. Due to taking longer time to slow down and stop, I almost hit another vehicle in front of me.
Incident date: Nov 19, 2025
Head gasket blown at very low mileage. Roughly a little more than 80,000 miles on them and head gasket was blown. Car went to Limp mode and caused a safety concern while trying to get to a safe location. The problem has been confirmed by a mechanic and all the lights on the dash lit up at once
Incident date: Nov 18, 2025
The CRV is exhibiting enormous heat reflection when driving in the Sun with temperatures at 80F. The windshield has issues with light streaks when it rains a little. Heavy condensation and dirt build up on exterior of the windshield causes driving very difficult and unsafe on the road.The windshield has light distortion or blurry vision. The windshieldwipers do not clean the windshield and leaves ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2025
The ICCU (Integrated Charge Control Unit) failed. The car was in a Hyundai dealer repair shop on November 18, 2025, for an unrelated regular maintenance procedure when (i) the technician noticed a logged ICCU error code generated sometime prior to the shop visit and (ii) after the technician cleared that prior error a second new ICCU error code was generated. The shop replaced the defective ICCU. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2025
The ICCU (Integrated Charge Control Unit) failed. The car was in a Hyundai dealer repair shop on November 18, 2025, for an unrelated regular maintenance procedure when (i) the technician noticed a logged ICCU error code generated sometime prior to the shop visit and (ii) after the technician cleared that prior error a second new ICCU error code was generated. The shop replaced the defective ICCU. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2025
The “Consider Taking a Break” notification while driving is incredibly loud and distracting even when on the lowest setting and can repeat up to every 20’ while driving. While it is helpful to take a break on extended trips, it is not reasonable to stop that frequently. On long drives, this alert becomes nothing more than an irritant and distraction. There is no option to disable or silence ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2025
The “Consider Taking a Break” notification while driving is incredibly loud and distracting even when on the lowest setting and can repeat up to every 20’ while driving. While it is helpful to take a break on extended trips, it is not reasonable to stop that frequently. On long drives, this alert becomes nothing more than an irritant and distraction. There is no option to disable or silence ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Fisker Ocean. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V499000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact had not experienced a failure but had an independent mechanic performed the repairs at the owner's expense. The manufacturer was contacted for reimbursement and mailed a cheque that covered half the... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2025
My Jeep Wrangler 4xe displayed a ‘Service Charging System’ warning immediately after unplugging from charging. I began to drive and noticed the warning right away. I then parked and attempted to restart the vehicle, but it would not start and became completely inoperable. The vehicle had to be towed. The dealer confirmed this issue is related to the current hybrid safety recall, but Stellanti... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at night in the rain at approximately 40-45 MPH, the contact drove over an unavoidable puddle, and the electric power steering assist became inoperable. The advancetrac and the steering warning lights were illuminated, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The water eventually dried up, and the vehic... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
4wd overheating. Owned this Jeep for 8 years and had it in multiple (5x plus) times for service 4wd code. 2 different dealerships cannot fix the issue. Now they are telling me just drive it and not worry about it or trade it in. It smells hot and something burning. I have the life time max care warranty on it. The codes I get are the 4wd is unavailable overheated and service 4wd. They have replac... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. An unknown local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The man... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2025
A few months ago, the engine light came on. Multiple diagnostics confirmed a vapor leak. We were told if we didn’t fix it, it would affect nothing. Now, if we put gas in, the car struggles to start or won’t start. This happens all the time since April 2025. We looked at recalls and there were 2 with the fuel system that were apparently done. We feel that they may have been improperly repaired?... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2025
At stop sign and car with auto start stop on and at the time of releasing the brake, car was not able to start engine. Car had to be shifted to parking position to start engine.
Incident date: Oct 19, 2025
For years I have taken my truck in to see why it is grinding when shifting and was told it was nothing. Now it got so bad my truck completely lost the ability to accelerate at all. The records I had at James Corlew have been lost since they changed to a new owner. I have spent over $7000 to get this fixed
Incident date: Oct 19, 2025
As I was parking my car in a parking spot going about 5 miles or less. My car surged forward at a very accelerated speed, and I ended up running into a brushed and a metal fence, which is what stopped me. There were no warnings that went off on my car. No emergency brakes, nothing.
Crash
Incident date: Oct 19, 2025
As I was parking my car in a parking spot going about 5 miles or less. My car surged forward at a very accelerated speed, and I ended up running into a brushed and a metal fence, which is what stopped me. There were no warnings that went off on my car. No emergency brakes, nothing.
Crash
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
2023 Sprinter van jack was pulled out for the first time to be used last week and found to be unsafe. The jack base is crowned in center, the edges flare upwards and large gouge/groove in metal base, causing the jack to noticeably wobble and rock in manner that it is unsafe to use, fear of jack tilting and dropping van onto user of jack. Jack base has obvious defects and unsafe to use. Have contac... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
The contact owned a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that the "Low Oil" message was displayed monthly, requiring oil to be added to the engine. While driving at approximately 5 MPH, the contact noticed smoke in the cabin near the floor on the passenger’s and driver’s sides, extending towards the dashboard. After stopping and exiting the vehicle, the contact noticed fire underneath t... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
Part(s) Affected: Engine / Engine Control / Stall / Loss of Power Summary: My 2016 Hyundai Tucson (VIN: [XXX] ) has an active P1326 – Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) code, which indicates rod bearing wear and imminent engine failure. The vehicle experiences: •loss of power •inability to accelerate •engine hesitation •risk of stalling while driving These are serious safety risks. ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
The engine was replaced under the customer satisfaction program due to the known broken head gasket issue causing catastrophic engine failure. Now, the flex plate is cracked, also a known issue related to the engine replacement. Two major catastrophic repair issues within 9 months. There were no check engine lights. The safety issue is clear. Ford needs to acknowledge and address the issues to p... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2025
The car has a feature called "curvature assist" that takes control of braking and steering at times when using cruise control. The incidents are at times surprising as there is no curvature present but the braking is suddenly applied. This is a surprise for both the driver and any following traffic. The car would be safer if this feature could be disabled but that is not possible.
Incident date: Nov 14, 2025
hat component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Amplifier How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The amp controls the noises for blind spot sensors, rear cross traffic alerts and all the sound in the vehicle. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or com... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2025
hat component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Amplifier How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The amp controls the noises for blind spot sensors, rear cross traffic alerts and all the sound in the vehicle. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or com... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The local dealer was made aware of the recall and confirmed that parts were available for the recall repair. The contact scheduled an appointment for the repair, and the vehicle was dropped off for service. The vehicle remained with the dealer despite the dealer... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
My 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio experienced a complete electrical failure and will not start at all. The vehicle suddenly lost all functionality and remains fully inoperable. The dealership has had the vehicle for an extended period and has been unable to diagnose or repair the defect. This appears to be related to known electrical issues in 2018 Stelvio models, including BCM (Body Control Module) fai... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
While driving my car to Virginia to see my daughter, the oil light came on in the middle of a highway, where the speed limit was 70, The car slowed down and I had to pull off to the shoulder as the car lost all acceleration, making it very dangerous on a highway I waited for about 2 hours for a tow truck I waited for almost 2 months to get my car back and it happened again after having ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
While driving my car to Virginia to see my daughter, the oil light came on in the middle of a highway, where the speed limit was 70, The car slowed down and I had to pull off to the shoulder as the car lost all acceleration, making it very dangerous on a highway I waited for about 2 hours for a tow truck I waited for almost 2 months to get my car back and it happened again after having ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2025
Purchased 5 years ago aprox 100k miles.kept oil changed regularly. Of course parts kept coming off, monk safety clips etc. It's a dime store matcbox wannabe. Then the abs and engine light came on. The computer was acting up and it would do crazy things. Lock and unlock, go into that slow drive as i was pulling into a road. Etc. These would self correct, all but the abs in a matter of minutes. Oh ... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2016) — SUSPENSION
Nov 21, 2025
Incident date: Nov 19, 2025
The front shocks are leaking and not operating properly. This is a similar known issue with the rear shocks. This is a similar part on the front and Ford is not acknowledging the issue. Loss of vehicle control could occur if they continue to leak and degrade in performance.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
The engine seized up on the highway with no warning signs or alerts and lost all power to the vehicle putting family at risk on the highway speed. Mechanic confirmed engine seized and metal debris after draining oil. Oil changes are done on timely basis within 5000 miles. Most recent where synthetic oil used and was just at 5000 mark. There was no oil warning at all and regular oil change was sche... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
Sensors something to do with the motor and not sure where the other sensors is related to could be the motor as well. The safety was not good due to it shut off in the middle of traffic and making wraddling noise. I took the vehicle to the dealership where purchase from. They have done nothing besides fixed one thing that I know of supposed to been the surpension. But the other problems was not fi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
Sensors something to do with the motor and not sure where the other sensors is related to could be the motor as well. The safety was not good due to it shut off in the middle of traffic and making wraddling noise. I took the vehicle to the dealership where purchase from. They have done nothing besides fixed one thing that I know of supposed to been the surpension. But the other problems was not fi... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE XL
(2019) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nov 21, 2025
Incident date: Mar 24, 2025
Sensors something to do with the motor and not sure where the other sensors is related to could be the motor as well. The safety was not good due to it shut off in the middle of traffic and making wraddling noise. I took the vehicle to the dealership where purchase from. They have done nothing besides fixed one thing that I know of supposed to been the surpension. But the other problems was not fi... Read more