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 21, 2026
updated software. The vehicle stated that while driving, there was a vehicle in from, the vehicle was slowing down, the contacts vehicle unexpectedly stopped with causing the collision alert to prematurely activate and the vehicle behind rear ended. The incident occurred in bumper to bumper traffic. The bumper, trunk door broke and glass of back windshield was completely shattered due to the ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
On March 17, 2026, the sunroof of our Hyundai Sante Fe 2021 exploded. The driver and two passengers were not hurt because the sunroof was closed and the liner in place when the explosion took place. The incident occurred on an open country highway on a sunny afternoon with no other vehicles or flying objects sighted.
Incident date: May 20, 2026
I have had the car in twice to the mechanic within the last 6 months for check engine light. He said I keep loosing oil, but there is no leak and it's something with the Engine. Hyundai will not recall the engine, but I see so many people are having the same issue. On a 2020 vehicle, you should not have engine issues. At what point do they have a recall on this issue, as so many are reporting ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
I took my car to dealer to repair recall. Dealer told me if it failed they would keep car and report stolen if I tried to take it. They failed it. I didn't trust them based on their report it stolen statement. I had the police get my car back. I took it to another dealer where it passed recall easily. I believe they wanted my car for a customer, and tried to get away with this ruse.
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
I have had to replace tires 5 times since I got the vehicle. The mechanic said there may be a balance issue with the car and it is wearing on the rims/tires prematurely. Currently 63000 miles on car.
Incident date: May 21, 2026
Forward collision assist is dangerous. It engages when not necessary and has almost caused several wrecks by slamming on the brakes. There needs to be a way to permanently disable and not have to pick through a series of menus every time. Also, lately I feel like I’m fighting the lane keep assist when I’m on the highway, and it tries to move when not necessary.
Incident date: May 21, 2026
Forward collision assist is dangerous. It engages when not necessary and has almost caused several wrecks by slamming on the brakes. There needs to be a way to permanently disable and not have to pick through a series of menus every time. Also, lately I feel like I’m fighting the lane keep assist when I’m on the highway, and it tries to move when not necessary.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
Hyundai has failed to provide replacement of recalled seatbelts in a timely manner. The dealership has been unable to provide the replacement parts due to back order and lack of supplies from Hyundai and this is unacceptable. Hyundai has repeatedly shown poor quality in their safety, testing, and products and the consumer is the one taking the fall with death traps for vehicles. This vehicle has h... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2026
Air bags didn’t deploy on a front crash. Safety of my entire family in car was put at risk without airbags deploying. The problem has not been confirmed. The vehicle has not been inspected, a first responder on scene of crash said we should check into why our air bags didn’t deploy. No warnings signs
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: May 16, 2026
The panoramic sunroof/front movable glass panel on my Hyundai Sonata N Line appeared to spontaneously shatter while driving on the highway. Weather conditions were clear and normal at the time of the incident. There was no traffic around the vehicle, no bridges or overhead objects nearby, and I did not observe any object strike the roof before the glass failed. The vehicle has approximately 20,00... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2026
I experienced forward collision warning active three timeseven when the car before it's far more mine and one time it used automated emergency braking
Incident date: May 20, 2026
I experienced forward collision warning active three timeseven when the car before it's far more mine and one time it used automated emergency braking
Incident date: Apr 29, 2026
My parked, unoccupied 2013 Hyundai Accent spontaneously caught fire while turned off in my driveway. This vehicle is included in Hyundai Safety Recall 251 (NHTSA Campaign Number 23V651000) for a defective Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module that causes an electrical short circuit and engine compartment fires when parked. The local fire department responded to extinguish the blaze. The vehicle is a... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 29, 2026
I am writing to formally log a safety defect complaint regarding a severe mechanical failure in my 2014 Hyundai Elantra, equipped with the Nu 1.8L engine. The vehicle has been professionally diagnosed with severe internal engine knocking stemming from catastrophic piston slap, a manufacturing defect inherent to this engine family block that causes premature cylinder wall scuffing, piston ring degr... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2025
Vehicle: 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe, VIN [XXX] , exterior Quartz White Pearl. Component: Exterior factory paint (paint/trim). Complaint: This vehicle exhibits a systemic, progressive factory paint defect — excessive peeling and bubbling of the white finish that spreads from one body panel to the next. This is a known defect across this vehicle generation; Hyundai acknowledged it by issuing Warranty... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 HYUNDAI Kona. The contact stated while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, he noticed he had an engine knock, and noticed that the engine was consuming a good amount of oil with no warning lights or oil leaks. The contact pulled over to the side when the knock started and noticed the vehicle was starving of oil although a recent oil change shows it was recent. The ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 HYUNDAI Kona. The contact stated while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, he noticed he had an engine knock, and noticed that the engine was consuming a good amount of oil with no warning lights or oil leaks. The contact pulled over to the side when the knock started and noticed the vehicle was starving of oil although a recent oil change shows it was recent. The ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
My 2026 Hyundai Tucson is experiencing a stuck update loop for the 2nd time since I purchased it new from a Hyundai dealer on February 2, 2026. The first stuck update occurred about Feb 18, 2026. A case was opened with Bluelink and it was taken to the deal for diagnosis on March 26, 2026. The update loop was cleared by the dealer’s service department in mid April. The second stuck update occurre... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2025
I am writing regarding a serious vehicle safety issue involving my 2023 Hyundai Tucson Limited purchased from on [XXX] with approximately 61,000 miles. About one month after purchase, during a drive from Pennsylvania to Florida in October 2025, the vehicle experienced multiple dangerous steering and collision-assist malfunctions in clear highway conditions. The first incident occurred in Virginia... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2025
I am writing regarding a serious vehicle safety issue involving my 2023 Hyundai Tucson Limited purchased from on [XXX] with approximately 61,000 miles. About one month after purchase, during a drive from Pennsylvania to Florida in October 2025, the vehicle experienced multiple dangerous steering and collision-assist malfunctions in clear highway conditions. The first incident occurred in Virginia... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2025
I am writing regarding a serious vehicle safety issue involving my 2023 Hyundai Tucson Limited purchased from on [XXX] with approximately 61,000 miles. About one month after purchase, during a drive from Pennsylvania to Florida in October 2025, the vehicle experienced multiple dangerous steering and collision-assist malfunctions in clear highway conditions. The first incident occurred in Virginia... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2026 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that they discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 18. It was later discovered upon checking the Title that the mileage was 2,664.
Incident date: May 12, 2026
The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for repairs unrelated to a recall but recall repairs were completed unbeknownst to the contact for NHTSA Campaign Number 25V893000 (Trailer Hitches). The dealer removed the wiring harness which rendered the tow hitch inoperable. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and informed the contact that the removal of the wiring harness wa... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2026
purchased a vehicle that has experienced ongoing mechanical and safety-related defects, including excessive oil consumption, seat belt malfunctions, and unresolved injector recall issues. Despite multiple repair attempts by the dealership, the problems continue to persist and have not been permanently corrected. These defects substantially affect the vehicle’s safety, reliability, value, and eve... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2026
purchased a vehicle that has experienced ongoing mechanical and safety-related defects, including excessive oil consumption, seat belt malfunctions, and unresolved injector recall issues. Despite multiple repair attempts by the dealership, the problems continue to persist and have not been permanently corrected. These defects substantially affect the vehicle’s safety, reliability, value, and eve... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
While operating the vehicle on the highway at speeds around 55 to 60 mph, without warning, the engine suffered a sudden, catastrophic internal mechanical engine failure that resulted in an immediate and complete loss of motive power, rendering the vehicle entirely undriveable. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Hyundai dealership for a formal tear-down and diagnosis. They Hyundai dealership ... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
While operating the vehicle on the highway at speeds around 55 to 60 mph, without warning, the engine suffered a sudden, catastrophic internal mechanical engine failure that resulted in an immediate and complete loss of motive power, rendering the vehicle entirely undriveable. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Hyundai dealership for a formal tear-down and diagnosis. They Hyundai dealership ... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2026
The Driver Attention Warning system fails every time I put the car in Cruise Control. I have adjusted my seat and the steering column but no relief. I have removed my hat and sunglasses with no relief. I have my hands at 8 and 4. The DAW IR tracking causes a visual warning in the dashboard and then a horrific cacophony if I try to ignore the warning. Two weeks ago an OTA was downloaded which purpo... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
While driving, the sunroof glass of the vehicle exploded/shattered with no known trigger, force or debris striking the glass. At the time no risk to myself as the sunroof shade was closed. I am in the process of getting this inspected and repaired.
Incident date: May 21, 2026
Driving SB on I-35 in Texas, going 70 MPH, no trucks or other cars passing, or following behind and the sunroof glass exploded. Nothing hit it. The screen was closed, so no glass fell down into the vehicle interior.
Incident date: May 21, 2026
The forward collision automatic braking happens randomly and for no reason causing immediate and complete stops in the middle of traffic. It whips the head forward as if a crash had occurred and causes drivers to the rear to have to suddenly brake to avoid collision. Ive had it occur multiple times since purchase with the most recent being this morning in the middle of a roundabout. I know I can d... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
I was driving on the highway at 70 mph approximately with my young daughter in the backseat. All of a sudden, the front display on my Hyundai Ioniq 9 went completely black and said "no signal." I lost all dashboard information about my speed, gas gauge, horsepower etc. The only thing I could do was see how fast I was going because I was on google maps and my audiovisual screen in the center was s... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
I was driving on the highway at 70 mph approximately with my young daughter in the backseat. All of a sudden, the front display on my Hyundai Ioniq 9 went completely black and said "no signal." I lost all dashboard information about my speed, gas gauge, horsepower etc. The only thing I could do was see how fast I was going because I was on google maps and my audiovisual screen in the center was s... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
I was driving on the highway at 70 mph approximately with my young daughter in the backseat. All of a sudden, the front display on my Hyundai Ioniq 9 went completely black and said "no signal." I lost all dashboard information about my speed, gas gauge, horsepower etc. The only thing I could do was see how fast I was going because I was on google maps and my audiovisual screen in the center was s... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
I received a recall notice on 3/19/2026 which stated my 2023 Palisade failed to meet safety standards due to "ejection mitigation." I called Hyundai directly for information after the dealership I purchased the car from had no information for me. Hyundai's customer service representative told me the third row was not safe for occupants and that I should not use it because in a roll over it could ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
I received a recall notice on 3/19/2026 which stated my 2023 Palisade failed to meet safety standards due to "ejection mitigation." I called Hyundai directly for information after the dealership I purchased the car from had no information for me. Hyundai's customer service representative told me the third row was not safe for occupants and that I should not use it because in a roll over it could ... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2026
I am submitting a complaint regarding a 2017 Hyundai Tucson Ultimate AWD equipped with the 1.6L Turbo Gamma GDI engine. My vehicle currently has approximately 127,000 miles and has experienced sudden engine knocking consistent with rod bearing failure and/or catastrophic internal engine damage. The vehicle has been properly maintained, including regular oil changes. However, the engine began cons... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2026
Premature engine fail. Excessive oil consumption due to piston ring failure. Maintenance has been done on car on regular basis. No check engine light. Carson was services at dealership 4 months ago.
Incident date: May 19, 2026
Premature engine fail. Excessive oil consumption due to piston ring failure. Maintenance has been done on car on regular basis. No check engine light. Carson was services at dealership 4 months ago.
Incident date: May 7, 2026
*The mechanic diagnosed internal engine failure (May 14, 2026). The vehicle is at the second mechanic's shop. *The car stalled twice. The first time, over 20 miles, the air conditioning stopped, followed by the radio, and then acceleration. I pulled over and the acceleration returned but only for a minute. The second time, a clacking noise got louder and faster, and three miles later the engine s... Read more
HYUNDAI
VELOSTER N
(2022) — LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
May 20, 2026
Incident date: May 8, 2026
The steering system failed while driving down the highway on two different ocassions. I got a warning message saying the driver att warning sys had malfunctioned (it wasn't on a the time) then after that message disappeared, I had a red light in the "steering column" symbol in the dash. The steering lost all power and it was really hard to drive the car as it felt like a car with no power steering... Read more
HYUNDAI
VELOSTER N
(2022) — STEERING
May 20, 2026
Incident date: May 8, 2026
The steering system failed while driving down the highway on two different ocassions. I got a warning message saying the driver att warning sys had malfunctioned (it wasn't on a the time) then after that message disappeared, I had a red light in the "steering column" symbol in the dash. The steering lost all power and it was really hard to drive the car as it felt like a car with no power steering... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact stated that while entering the vehicle, the contact noticed an unusual burned spot on the back rest of the front passenger's seat. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximate... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact stated that while entering the vehicle, the contact noticed an unusual burned spot on the back rest of the front passenger's seat. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximate... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2013) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
May 20, 2026
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that occasionally, while driving at various speeds, an abnormal knocking sound was heard coming from under the hood while the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the steering wheel would shudder. The Check engine oil warning light illuminated. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHSTA Campaign: 17V226000... Read more
HYUNDAI
TUCSON HYBRID
(2024) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
May 20, 2026
Incident date: May 10, 2026
On Sunday evening [XXX] at [XXX] I was returning from Long Beach on the [XXX] home to Los Angeles, when I went under an overpass and my emergency braking system activated with an alarm and red arrow pointing to the left. There was no warning before this event. Then my lane assist stopped me from going over the line into traffic. A few minutes later the same thing happened again. INFORMATION REDA... Read more
HYUNDAI
TUCSON HYBRID
(2024) — SERVICE BRAKES
May 20, 2026
Incident date: May 10, 2026
On Sunday evening [XXX] at [XXX] I was returning from Long Beach on the [XXX] home to Los Angeles, when I went under an overpass and my emergency braking system activated with an alarm and red arrow pointing to the left. There was no warning before this event. Then my lane assist stopped me from going over the line into traffic. A few minutes later the same thing happened again. INFORMATION REDA... Read more
HYUNDAI
TUCSON HYBRID
(2024) — STEERING
May 20, 2026
Incident date: May 10, 2026
On Sunday evening [XXX] at [XXX] I was returning from Long Beach on the [XXX] home to Los Angeles, when I went under an overpass and my emergency braking system activated with an alarm and red arrow pointing to the left. There was no warning before this event. Then my lane assist stopped me from going over the line into traffic. A few minutes later the same thing happened again. INFORMATION REDA... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
96,247 mi Engine knock and complete oil loss within 3,000 miles of last oil change Symptoms consistent with NHTSA Recall 21V301 (Hyundai Recall 203) and Warranty Extension TXXM coverage
Incident date: May 6, 2026
96,247 mi Engine knock and complete oil loss within 3,000 miles of last oil change Symptoms consistent with NHTSA Recall 21V301 (Hyundai Recall 203) and Warranty Extension TXXM coverage