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: Aug 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheating warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the intended destination, which was nearby. The contact stated that the temperature gauge was displayed at 240. The contact stated he went inside the friend's residence, and when the contact walked back outside five minutes lat... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 27, 2025
The back window spontaneously shattered while the vehicle was idling in the driveway. It appears to have cracked aound the edges and left a softball sized hole in the window.
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2018) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 12, 2026
Incident date: Dec 30, 2025
I am reporting a potential safety-related defect involving the high-voltage battery system and associated diagnostic software in a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S AWD. The vehicle has experienced abnormal battery behavior, including accelerated degradation and confirmed system faults affecting battery management, charging, and vehicle communication. An independent EV diagnostic test shows the high-vol... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2018) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jan 12, 2026
Incident date: Dec 30, 2025
Two occurrences where the vehicle stalls when accelerating from a stop, shifts into park, and applies the parking brake. I believe this is the same issue as the PE24018 investigation.
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2018) - ENGINE
Jan 12, 2026
Incident date: Dec 30, 2025
Two occurrences where the vehicle stalls when accelerating from a stop, shifts into park, and applies the parking brake. I believe this is the same issue as the PE24018 investigation.
Incident date: Nov 8, 2025
Low beam Headlights degrading from reflector delamination. Car is unsafe to drive at night. Changing lightbulbs does not improve light quality. Issue has been getting progressively worst each year to a point where the car is not drivable at night
Incident date: Nov 8, 2025
Complaint: Both rear doors and the front passenger door no longer lock or unlock electronically using the key fob or interior switch. The failure began gradually and worsened over time. I recently had the driver door replaced by A Honda dealer as part of the warranty but the passenger and back door were not part of the warranty and dealership has also confirmed the lock failures. This creates ser... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
While driving in Arizona on I 10 at normal speeds, the sunroof glass exploded. No overpasses. No ice. No big trucks close by. The interior cover was closed at the time. Mileage at the time was 6600 approximately. Car was purchased new last summer in Utah. Could not figure out what happened at first until we stopped the car at an exit. Glass was bulged up with the middle missing.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
I was driving and both screens went completely black. Vehicle was charged to over 80%. I could not see speed or any other vehicle information on either screen. After about 5 seconds the screen above the steering wheel started to load back up and then the other screen followed.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
We have had multiple issues with this car. First the pearl white peeling off on hood and above the windshield. Second CV3 axles boots leaking on our vehicle and multiple others at the Kia dealership. Third burnin oil even with good maintenance records. 3rd sunroof won’t open or close now for no reason at all. 4th back seat now attempts to fold at random times. Even with our kids in the seat. 5th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
UNKNOWN: Not had problems since I got it. 66000 miles on it and now it’s losing electrical power at random. I’ll be driving normally, but my dash will go black, all lights go out and the engine will go into neutral. When I let off the throttle and coast, it will come back to life and go back to normal.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
I was driving and went through an intersection when all of a sudden the car automatically shifted into Neutral and lights started flashing and stalled. The engine ceased up. I checked to see if I had oil. I did. Prior to this event on multiple occasions while driving on the HWY and trying to accelerate the engine had problems getting into gear. This vehicle has made me feel unsafe multiple times... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
94b - 3rd complaint 14 Months with no fix. Car actively malfunctions since Jan 2025 e.g. disabled esc. Federally non complaint. Unsafe. It has now been a year since my vehicle started experiencing symptoms. FCA US LLC refuses to communicate with me. Took to dealer 12/16 and now the part is available after a year of nothing available and needs to be ordered supposedly. A month later and I have... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
points: ⸻ While driving, the vehicle displays the warning “Active Brake Assist Functions Limited – See Operator’s Manual.” The message appears during normal driving and does not go away. This warning indicates that the automatic emergency braking / Active Brake Assist system is limited or disabled, reducing a critical safety feature designed to help prevent or mitigate collisions. Thi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2025
Very bad clunnk on driver side when hitting any bump on the road and it's loud.dealer ship sold me the car like that . Electrical issue gauge cluster radio cluster turn signals your first camera anything that works off the instrument cluster of the radio TV screen goes off while I'm driving comes back on hit a bump it comes back on no headlights driving at night time. The dealership sold me the ca... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
I’ve had to replace the puddle lamp bulbs on my Honda Pilot three times so far, and I purchased it brand new less than a year ago. My local dealer would not cover this under the bumper to bumper warranty either. It would seem that this is a prevalent issue with Honda Pilots and other model Honda/Acura vehicles if this forum post is accurate: [XXX] You would think that after a few years Hond... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
Electrical failure. Received the car about 5 months after liquids from the car were leaking on top of the battery, causing corrosion on the battery. Most recently check engine light went on and car began to overheat on its own. Hot air did not work and only cold air would come on. Car continued to say temperature too hot and began to smell like smoke.
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
Its been few months its giving me air bag issue sign in my car.
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
To: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) Subject: Federal Safety & Equipment Complaint: Illegal Modification and Plate Obscuration - Upland, CA Reporting Detail: I am filing an anonymous report regarding two vehicles violating Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and engaging in hazardous operation in Upland, CA. Active Location for Inspection: A White Ford Super Duty (... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2026
Engine lifter spring failure followed by bent valve push rod experienced on or about 11/6/2025. Engine repaired/re-built at independent auto mechanic for a total of $6,450. Parts not available but have pictures. Depending on where this incident could have occurred (freeway, long trips, while towing (boat, horses), etc.) safety concerns include being stranded in traffic or remote areas. Engine l... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
I could hear a loud grinding noise while driving and the rear of the truck felt like it was driving without any type of suspension. Any bump or slight imperfection in the roadway felt like metal banging and a severe thump could be felt inside the vehicle. The front of the vehicle felt fine but the rear felt extremely strange and unstable.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
The brake booster had a recall but it should have never just have been the booster. The brake system on this is dangerous. I had the booster replaced and the valve got stuck in the HCU and cause brakes to fail. This has been a common issue amongst people and yet this is not a recall. The dealership just quoted me $3200. That's absurd for an issue thats obviously a common huge problem for people
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
The brake booster had a recall but it should have never just have been the booster. The brake system on this is dangerous. I had the booster replaced and the valve got stuck in the HCU and cause brakes to fail. This has been a common issue amongst people and yet this is not a recall. The dealership just quoted me $3200. That's absurd for an issue thats obviously a common huge problem for people
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
Thrust bearing failure at 11,945 miles requiring complete engine replacement.
HYUNDAI
SONATA HYBRID
(2014) - ENGINE
Jan 10, 2026
Incident date: Nov 27, 2025
My pickup truck has a Duramax diesel engine with a CP4 diesel injection pump. That pump has not failed yet in my truck. However it has been known to fail in numerous other GM vehicles with Duramax engines and when it does fail the engine comes to a complete stop and cannot be restarted. This is a potentially hazardous even fatal situation. Repair if the pump fails is very expensive - $12,000 to $... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2025
While driving the crankcase sensor malfunctioned and caused my vehicle to stall without warning, this is a safety issue because of you are driving at highway speeds this will prevent the vehicle from being controlled properly to get to the side of the road. This sensor does not give any engine codes suggesting that it needs replaced until it goes out completely. The check engine light did not come... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2025
Safely concerned for passenger as airbag will not activate, light stays illuminated. Front driver seat frame seems loose or broken, seat rocks forward and backwards. Engine exhibiting sluggish and loss of power especially at lower speeds.
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
Repeatedly there has been a cylinder 1 misfire causing the check engine light to activate. The vehicle starts to shake and idling is rough. It has happened repeatedly over the past 3-4 years. In 2025 it happened in August, October and December despite repeated maintenance. Error codes that have popped up due to the issue primarily include cylinder 1 misfires a known and documented issue related ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
I was just driving my foot on the gas pedal got really hot like the heat kicked up and flames were coming out from infront and behind the firewall at this point i was on the highway doing. 70 pulled over and had to run i lost everything cash cards phone medication Licence and worst of all my car
Fire
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
I was just driving my foot on the gas pedal got really hot like the heat kicked up and flames were coming out from infront and behind the firewall at this point i was on the highway doing. 70 pulled over and had to run i lost everything cash cards phone medication Licence and worst of all my car
Fire
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
1. Google Maps does not work in AppleCarPlay like it does in the 2025 models. The car speed bounces between certain numbers and the speed seriously lags speed numbers are not bouncing. This is a safety issue because there is not a single navigation application that works on that CarPlay and I then have to rely on my phone again which can be distracting. 2. The fuel economy is much worse than state... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2025
It’s reading the LDA warning lights, secondary collision break malfunction, pre collision break malfunction, check engine light. Car is misfiring and could possibly cut off in mid traffic. Dealer said that the Motor has a cracked head gasket. There were no problems prior to these issues.
Incident date: Dec 30, 2025
To Whom It May Concern: The purpose of my complaint is to bring to your attention reprehensible policies and misconduct displayed by the automaker, Acura, the premium subsidiary brand of the American Honda Motor Company. On 11/18/2025, I brought in my 2021 Acura TLX Tech w/SH-AWD in for a problem related to the brakes. The front brakes were and continue to make a jarring, very loud, high-pitched s... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Acadia. The vehicle was recently purchased, and at the time of purchase, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the emissions system had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, three days after the vehicle was picked up from the dealer, there was an abnorm... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
My 2025 Toyota Camry XSE (Hybrid) is subject to an open safety recall issued December 16, 2025. The recall involves a serious safety risk, and I was advised by the dealership not to drive the vehicle. At the time of the recall, the vehicle was approximately two months old with about 1,500 miles and in like-new condition. Because there is currently no available remedy, I was required to leave the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
My 2025 Toyota Camry XSE (Hybrid) is subject to an open safety recall issued December 16, 2025. The recall involves a serious safety risk, and I was advised by the dealership not to drive the vehicle. At the time of the recall, the vehicle was approximately two months old with about 1,500 miles and in like-new condition. Because there is currently no available remedy, I was required to leave the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
I am reporting a serious safety issue with my 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, purchased in February 2024. The vehicle experiences repeated drivetrain shutdowns and unsafe operation due to confirmed failures in the transmission control module and valve body, diagnosed by Chrysler Dodge Jeep in North Las Vegas, Nevada. These malfunctions prevent proper gear engagement while driving, creating a significant r... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
I was told that my PTU needs replaced however since it did not throw the proper code it is not covered under the extended warranty that Jeep had out.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
While driving yesterday vehicle lost power steering and almost cause a crash. Upon talking to multiple shops and online researching we all came to a conclusion it was the can bus board (controller area network) shops stated this is a very know problem with jeeps. I feel as this is a safety factor for this. Now I am at the point in fixing it and trading in the vehicle due to my family and trying to... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
While driving yesterday vehicle lost power steering and almost cause a crash. Upon talking to multiple shops and online researching we all came to a conclusion it was the can bus board (controller area network) shops stated this is a very know problem with jeeps. I feel as this is a safety factor for this. Now I am at the point in fixing it and trading in the vehicle due to my family and trying to... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Auto insurance company informed safety regulations due to recalls on this vehicle.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
The transmission has severe shuddering when accelerating up to 40mph. I’ve had the torque converter replaced twice and the issue has remained. Over time the speed of shuddering has expanded up to 40mph before it drives smoothly.
Incident date: Nov 5, 2024
Multiple critical safety defects since January 2024 purchase: TRANSMISSION: Sudden transmission failures with complete loss of power while driving requiring emergency repairs. BATTERY SYSTEM: 4xe hybrid battery system failed multiple times, vehicle inoperable. SIX UNREPAIRED SAFETY RECALLS including URGENT FIRE RISK (NHTSA 25V141000). COMPUTER SYSTEM: Repeated crashes affecting dashboard warnin... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
My horn has been having problems on and off for the last year. It’s a 22 Hyundai Santa Fe. It is currently not working. Which is a safety hazard?
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
I was pulling into a parking space at my church, same place I routinely parked. I was moving forward slowly with foot on brake alternating lifting foot to move forward until I was all the way in. As I lifted my foot from the brake, the car suddenly accelerated forward, going over the cement parking block, on to the grass and sidewalk before it stopped. Two metal handrails along the steps into the ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
The lights on this vehicle are blindingly bright. It's dangerous for other drivers.
Incident date: Dec 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked violently. The driver stated that the vehicle failed to respond as intended while depressing the accelerator or brake pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle stopped jerking while... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2025
Within 1K miles, both CV joints began to "click" when doing low speed turns -- or accelerating while turning. This is a VERY widely documented issue with the Honda Prologue. Just took the car in to my local (Honda Marin) dealership (car now has 5K miles). They verified the issue but stated Honda of America had no fix at this time -- and that it wasn't a safety concern. I'm not sure how this ca... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2025
Just after merging from I-65 North to 264 East at 65 mph in Louisville KY on November 14th, the display indicated to "press start" and the engine stalled. I was only able to get the vehicle about 3 inches off of the left side of the yellow line before running out of inertia. I was stuck there for 2 hours while waiting for a tow truck. The first truck could not lift my vehicle because with the e... Read more