Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 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 2,245,377 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 78,021 complaints for HYUNDAI
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
Abs control module defective per dealer diagnostics (110 bucks) , abs light on, brake light on, traction control light on , little car on downhill slope, safety issues are driving without brake control and steering, parts on back order alot of people flooding internet with same issue, as well as oil cooler, who puts plastic in the middle of a hot motor and thinks that wont break, that should h... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
The drivers back seat seatbelt failed. My daughter and I were driving, and I had to stop suddenly, her car seat had been secured with the seatbelt and the seatbelt unlatched and sent her car seat flying through the cab of the truck.
Incident date: Nov 19, 2025
2023 Camry xle hybrid.With a full tank of gas I parked call in basement garage to avoid getting snow on vechile.Then a few days latter garage smells like gas.i can smell gas by the gas door. Has happened several times.Took to dealership they said their are no errors showing up.I feel gas fumes in house is a safety concern.car is under warranty and they charged for checking.I see on line post wher... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2025
The entire head unit in the center of the front console went crazy and started going blank, glitching out, and basically made it impossible to use any of the features associated with that screen unit. The 2022 Toyota Highlander's head unit controls infotainment (radio, streaming, navigation, phone) and integrates with vehicle settings for climate (auto AC, seat heaters/ventilators), lighting, d... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle with a transmission fault and that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the transmission failure was caused ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
I have a 2021 GMC Yukon with 74,000 miles I was recently told I need a new transmission.I am am trying to understand why a car that is 5 years with all the services done by Lehman GMC in North Miami would need a new transmission they have been servicing this car and no one mention anything breaking down of need of repair until now. I spoke with the service manager Franklin and he stated to me anot... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
This incident happened to an employee driving a mercedes metris for work. The metris was involved in a multi car accident. The driver reported that the steering wheel "took over" and would not let them maneuver out of the way to avoid a vehicle that had rear ended the vehicle in front of them. This accident took place at about 40mph and included multiple vehicles rear ending the vehicle in front o... Read more
Crash
4 injured
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2018) - POWER TRAIN
Jan 13, 2026
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
My 2022 Ram 1500 is experiencing a "lurching" or "bumping" forward and backwards when moving from park to drive or reverse. The issue is most apparent after coming to a stop and releasing the brake to accelerate. You can feel a "Bump" sensation as the drivetain re-engages. Have taken to dealer and been told this is "normal operation" but I refuse to accept it. Have been researching this a lot la... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
In late 2019 I noticed paint peeling around multiple areas of the car namely on the driver side, including the driver‘s door frame around the gas cap along the trim of the windshield and in areas on the trunk. I called Honda many times including emails include that included pictures of the areas. A local Honda dealership finally agreed to fix the issues of which they fixed all but one, the area ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2025
The system that failed was the brakes, The car is availble for inspection. My saftey and others was put at risk due to not having brakes to stop. The problem has been confirmed by a dealer as a master brake cylinder failer The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer. There were warning lamps, message and other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. They first appearead on December 4 2... Read more
HYUNDAI
ELANTRA GT
(2018) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jan 13, 2026
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while accelerating, the accelerator pedal was depressed to the floorboard, and the vehicle was sluggish and slow to accelerate before responding as needed. There was an abnormal, rotten odor coming from the vehicle. The ABS, engine, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTS... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2026
Since new vehicle vibrates when first started and placed in reverse
Incident date: Jan 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while entering the vehicle and closing the driver’s side door, there was a loud popping sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. Upon inspecting the rear of the vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear glass had shattered. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to TSB: 22-014 (Rear Glass Shattering... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2024
Passenger daytime running lights stop working. Vehicle has low mileage but beyond warranty due to years owned.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
The contact’s father owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. While driving at various speeds and accelerating or while idling, the vehicle bucked or jerked. The vehicle failed to accelerate intermittently, causing the driver to make several attempts to restart the vehicle, depress the accelerator, and allow the engine to cool down for the v... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle became inoperable and could not be restarted, and the vehicle was towed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The dealer stated that the failure was related to a ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Lexus ES 350. The contact stated that while attempting to use the front driver's side seat belt, the seat belt failed to extend as needed, and the contact was unable to use the seat belt. The contact stated that the failure had been occurring intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
Engine with around 107K miles has had regular maintenance done to it. Went out one morning to start my van and there was a knocking noise coming from under the hood. We then had it towed to an engine/transmission repair shop to have it looked at and was told that we needed a new/used engine and the price was thru the roof. this is a very trusted shop so took there advice. To have the engine re... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding failure to complete a federally mandated safety recall and the subsequent release of my vehicle in an unsafe condition after prolonged dealer custody. Vehicle Information provided above Safety Recall Information Recall Type: Federal airbag safety recall Recall Notice Received: 2023 Summary of Safety Concern I delivered my vehicle to authorized Kia dealershi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding failure to complete a federally mandated safety recall and the subsequent release of my vehicle in an unsafe condition after prolonged dealer custody. Vehicle Information provided above Safety Recall Information Recall Type: Federal airbag safety recall Recall Notice Received: 2023 Summary of Safety Concern I delivered my vehicle to authorized Kia dealershi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
The issue I’m having with my vehicle is my transmission. When I drive it doesn’t want to shift smoothly, grinds and whines when accelerating and braking. The safety on my 17 MONTH OLD daughter is the main one that I transport around and this definitely puts her safety at risk as we could be driving down that posts higher speeds or up hill and loose momentum to go and could be struck by another... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2018) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Jan 13, 2026
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
This had happened a year ago. I was driving and my anti collision brake just started to make a beeping noise and was telling me to call a toyota dealer. And before that the anti collision brake would go off when there was nothing in front of me. A few months later my cruise control and lane assist also stopped working. I took it in for a diagnostic and they couldn't tell me the real problem and t... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2018) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Jan 13, 2026
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
This had happened a year ago. I was driving and my anti collision brake just started to make a beeping noise and was telling me to call a toyota dealer. And before that the anti collision brake would go off when there was nothing in front of me. A few months later my cruise control and lane assist also stopped working. I took it in for a diagnostic and they couldn't tell me the real problem and t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2025
The fuel level indication on my 2022 Ford Explorer behaves erratically and inaccurately. The issue occurs regardless of whether the vehicle is parked uphill, or downhill, just any time I’m on an incline, and it happens even when the fuel tank is full. The fuel gauge and/or “miles to empty” reading changes unexpectedly and does not reliably reflect the actual amount of fuel in the tank. This ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
Motor blew going down the road.
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
On the morning of October 15th, the oil light of my 2019 Kia Rio came on, immediately followed by extreme engine noise, just before the engine locked. I had the vehicle towed to a nearby service center. They checked and reported that all oil had leaked out and motor had locked. I then had vehicle towed to Kia dealer and requested a motor replacement. They not only charged me for a diagnostic test ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
On Christmas Day 2025 my Tailgate flies open on its own and I see my cargo flying out and a piece of it bounced off my taillight passenger side braking the taillight and then when attempting to pull over my lane departing feature try’s to correct its self and I hit the median luckily at slower than I was going but enough to make a decent dent on front bumper
Crash
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
Our 2016 Kia Sorento had 86k miles on it, loud knocking began and days later catastrophic engine failure. Rods and bearings are busted on my 3.3 Liter, V6 GDI engine. It died while my wife was driving it to the dealership. Estimated repair is 19k, metal shavings in the oil. It is available for inspection. My wife was driving it on the highway when the engine failed. Dealer confirmed the rods a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
Safety Issue: Absence of Low Windshield Washer Fluid Indicator I am reporting a significant vehicle safety concern involving my 2025 Honda CR-V EX-L, which is not equipped with a low windshield washer fluid level indicator. This omission created a serious safety risk to myself and other motorists during real-world driving conditions. While driving on a Michigan highway during a severe winter sto... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
At about 120,000 miles, my transmission started searching for gears shattering going in limp mode while in drive and then ultimately dying while on the highway. Also, my leaf springs are completely loose. You can just pull them out when you have the truck up on the lift.
Incident date: Dec 25, 2025
There were two recalls on paint chipping off the body of the car. The last one ended in Nov 2025 I think. BUT...there are many of us who had no idea there was a paint recall, me included. I brought my Rav (great car btw, no issues with how it runs at all) thru a car wash over Thanksgiving, and two softball size paint chips came off, probably due to high pressure water. I then researched the pa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
Extreme throttle hesitation, and lag at low speeds. Causes a safety risk when in traffic or starting to stop situations due to the delay between when the driver presses the throttle pedal and when the vehicle moves. Often times the vehicle lunges aggressively. It happens every time you drive it.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
Loss of power engine malfunction on 2022 Honda Accord sport 1.5 T experiencing repeated misfire codes, fuel injector failure, and suspected head gasket coolant intrusion. Vehicle has never overheated and maintenance has been performed as required. A second Honda service center advised, they have repaired multiple Accord Sport 1.5 vehicles with the same failure pattern. Honda Corporate opened case... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
Component/System Failure: The engine experienced catastrophic failure related to Recall N252494000 (NHTSA 25V-274), resulting in complete loss of power and immediate engine shutdown. The original engine was removed and replaced by the Cadillac dealership. The failed engine should be in possession of the dealer or manufacturer and should be available for inspection upon request per manufacturer ret... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the speedometer started malfunctioning, and the check engine warning light was flashing. There was an abnormal burning odor, and there was smoke coming from under the hood. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and allowed the vehicle to cool down for an hour. While attempting to restart the vehicle, severa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
Notified by repair shop that my vehicle is experiencing identical problems with the fuel rail and fuel injector that was recalled for Mercedes in my class and year, but the dealer says my VIN is not applicable currently. Recall campaign number is 2022030003 and NHSTSA ID is 21V961. Was informed by dealer to call customer care at Mercedes, and subsequently informed by Mercedes to fill out this for... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied in the vehicle, there was a rattling sound coming from the front of the vehicle while stationary or while driving. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was determined that the exhaust mounts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
Mazda has a current service alert ("SA", SA-001/23) for issues with their Gen 6 Infotainment Center Display, which covers issues (e.g. ghost touch, surface peeling, spider cracks, and white dots) and defects the occur on the primary display of the car. This display provides the driver with essential car operational information. This service alert applies to may of their vehicles in the 2014-2021 r... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
I have had my car for a few weeks and have almost been rear ended 2 times. The first time I had the forward safety timing set at standard and the second time it was set at late. In both instances I was fully at a safe distance from the car in front of me and was applying the break myself. Upon investigating it seems like this is a common problem. Like it is too sensitive to the break of the car ah... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the driver’s side A-pillar windshield trim began to detach from the vehicle. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while at... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2026
Transmission started to make a whining noise. After a month the sound increased in loudness and took to dealer to check. Came back with needing transmission replaced due to bad bearing. Was replaced with aftermarket warrenty protection.
Incident date: Jan 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact allowed the vehicle to coast to the shoulder of the roadway and shifted into park(P). The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
My Lincoln MKC 2017 is having a recurring problem with a misfire in the 3rd cylinder due to a hood gasket, a crack in the coolant, and leaking on the sparks and coils. I have had my mechanic work on and look at it, and it is a manufacturing defect. When I called, there was no recall listed for my vehicle except the backup camera. However, when you look at Kelly Blue Book, it says there is more th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The back-over prevention camera displayed a distorted image. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who det... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Wagoneer. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal to stop at a stop light, the vehicle lost power and decelerated unintendedly. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. During the failure, the contact's teenage daughter was seated on the passenger’s side of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determine... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2025
MILEAGE: 487,615 27TAWD On [XXX] at [XXX]., the weather was wet from rain. I pushed the reverse button and the car accelerated quickly forward with engine revving. The car kept moving forward while the brake pedal was not responsive for at least 10 times as the car drove through my fence and damaged my neighbor’s garage. The car finally stopped when it hit the garage. Estimate for repairs on... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
ENGINE FIRE UNDER NORMAL OPERATION
Fire
Incident date: Jan 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The 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 manufacture... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2025
TL;DR : Vehicle engages limp home mode without any notification to the driver that it is in limp home mode and doesn’t generate any codes for technicians to identify why the vehicle went into limp home mode. During oil changes, a significant amount of residual oil remains in the engine. When the lube tech fills the oil using the recommended amount, engine is actually over full of oil as indic... Read more