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: Dec 28, 2025
I noticed the vehicle had intermittent hesitation while accelerating to merge onto a freeway on the previous evening. We drove straight home from there and the next morning as we prepared to go somewhere the vehicle lost power in our driveway and now will not start. Trouble code P129F Fault code is being thrown. This seems to be related to the GM issued TSB PIP5964 and the also GM Recall N252516... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2024
The Instrument Cluster, the Speedometer and "NOW" the Odometer are not working--absolutely dead. "NOW" is in caps because to my surprise I noticed just recently that the Odometer is not working. In April 2021, after several weeks of waiting for the repairs to be finished, a Kia dealer, PEAK KIA in Colorado replaced the Instrument Cluster because of the faulty Speedometer. (This repair was done ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2024
The Instrument Cluster, the Speedometer and "NOW" the Odometer are not working--absolutely dead. "NOW" is in caps because to my surprise I noticed just recently that the Odometer is not working. In April 2021, after several weeks of waiting for the repairs to be finished, a Kia dealer, PEAK KIA in Colorado replaced the Instrument Cluster because of the faulty Speedometer. (This repair was done ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
I am reporting a vehicle fire that occurred in June 2025 involving my Kia vehicle. On the day of the incident, I started my car and immediately noticed excessive smoke coming out of the air vents, along with a strong burning smell. I drove only a short distance and pulled into a gas station across the street to stop and check what was wrong. While stopped, my children in the back seat alerted me ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
Car randomly brakes by itself with no obstacle in front, no cars in front, sometimes emergency brake activates when standing on red light. On attached photos you can see messages after incident occures
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
10/27/2023 replaced all spark plugs 12/16/2/24 Engine light and VTM-light and traction control light on, misfire in 1st cylinder, replaced spark plugs and ignition coil 1/9/25 Engine light and VTM-light and traction control light on, misfire in 3rd cylinder. These issues are consistent with many complaints on this year, make and model of Honda Pilot
Incident date: Sep 19, 2025
Owners of affected Mercedes-Benz vehicles were given no meaningful advance warning that core, built-in safety and emergency communication systems would be permanently disabled. No replacement system has been offered, no retrofit path exists, and no alternative emergency solution has been provided. The manufacturer has instead unilaterally orphaned these vehicles by discontinuing backend support re... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
The electric power steering intermittently resists driver input during low-speed maneuvers and near full-lock turns. Steering effort suddenly increases and feels as if assist is being applied against driver input. This behavior matches the failure description in Honda EPS torque sensor magnet recall (2017–2018 Civic / CR-V, campaign C2N / P20). Honda confirmed my VIN is excluded, but the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
I was driving on the CA 405 SB, Long Beach, at about 6 PM 9/19/25. All of a sudden this loud screeching noise started. It was so loud that I pulled off on the left shoulder instead of driving to the first exit. I assumed I was going to find something wrapped around an axle or wheel or dragging from the ground. There was nothing hanging from the car, so I got back onto the freeway and parking the c... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
Recall H009 is exactly what happened to my car I was turning in an intersection when I herd a loud boom and crackling I lost control almost hitting 2 cars and when I finally stopped I look below and my drive shaft had snapped and some of the drive shaft was stuck in the differential. Recall H039 is exactly what happened to my car I was driving my car and it suddenly cut off on me while driving I... Read more
HYUNDAI
IONIQ PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2020) - ENGINE
Jan 8, 2026
Incident date: Dec 21, 2025
Driving uphill at approx 20mph near my home. Loud bang/explosion from engine or front driver-side wheel well. Red alarm flashed on instrument cluster (something like “Front Brake Failure”) and strong odor of fuel or exhaust entered cab. I immediately pulled into a pullout and put vehicle in park when I noticed flames coming from the engine compartment through the gaps in hood and wheel well. I... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
The front suspension lower 'lateral link' bolts that go into the subframe side of the lateral link fell out. One completely fell out of and was only held loosely in place by the undercarriage plastic. The other bolt (there are two holding the lateral link into the subframe) had backed out about two revolutions. This resulted in a very loud banging noise and the us having to stop the vehicle to ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
Nissan has informed Leaf owners that we cannot use DCFC to charge the car, there is a danger of fire from an overheating battery. This poorly designed battery management system severely limits the distance one can travel in the car. It has become an expensive short commute vehicle! Nissan offered to "repurchase" my car. The offer had over $27K deductions for milage and repayment of my $10k lien I... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
Nissan has informed Leaf owners that we cannot use DCFC to charge the car, there is a danger of fire from an overheating battery. This poorly designed battery management system severely limits the distance one can travel in the car. It has become an expensive short commute vehicle! Nissan offered to "repurchase" my car. The offer had over $27K deductions for milage and repayment of my $10k lien I... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
When I turn to the left or right I hear a clicking/popping noise. Took it to the dealer and they said it was the CV axle. So they replaced the driver side. After the repair, it would make the same sound from time to time so I took it back in to the dealer(Northside Toyota in San Antonio, TX) they couldn't recreate the sound and notated my account. This was all when the car had less than 30k miles.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the contact released the brake pedal and depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact believed that the failure was related to the gas saving feature. The vehicle then stalled, but was able to be restarted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mec... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the contact released the brake pedal and depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact believed that the failure was related to the gas saving feature. The vehicle then stalled, but was able to be restarted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mec... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Edge. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V544000 (Service brakes, Hydraulic) and 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System); however, parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The dealer was contacted; however, the parts were still not yet available. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
The Equinox is detecting objects in the rear camera that are not there and automatically applying the automatic emergency breaking. This is causing the car to completely stop and has now caused me to injury my back due to the force of the stop. There is no warning given that the breaks are being applied. I was backing up at 7 miles an hour and the Equinox just stopped dead and there was absolutely... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
I reported issues regarding egress failure and children stuck within the back seat of the van, Electronic Dashboard failing while driving, and no start issues amongst others (11709419). Previously the certified dealer stated the issues just could not be reproduced, despite my videos, however, today they stated a Honda admin level director showed and told them the issues are being reported by other... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
Summary of Safety Defect: While my 16 year old daughter was driving our 2014 Kia Soul in December 2025, the car suddenly lost power in traffic and would not go over 20 mph; the check engine light came on and the vehicle entered limp mode. The sudden drop in power created a high anxiety, hazardous situation for my daughter, who had only had her license for a week, during rush hour traffic. The vehi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
loss of steering likely to wreck because of no power steering. My safety and my family was put at risk during this process. The problem has been reproduced at the car repair shop. Warning light activated and message on dash. 15S18 is the recall number for make and model. I was told Ford will not fix by a customer representative.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
The component that malfunctioned is the engine starter relay, which is subject to an open BMW/NHTSA safety recall (issued September 2025) due to potential corrosion causing overheating, short circuits, and vehicle fire risk. The recall specifically advises parking the vehicle outside and away from structures until repaired. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.My safety and the saf... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
While driving, after a missed downshift that causes engine bogging, the vehicle experiences a loss of engine power. The engine remains running but will not produce usable torque and will not rev above approximately 800 RPM, despite clutch disengagement and selecting the correct gear. Holding the clutch fully depressed does not immediately restore power; instead, after approximately 4 seconds, the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
My Rear axle bolt broke in early October. It has now been over 3 months and I have zero update on when my recall will be addressed. I have a rental, but this is beyond the fair and reasonable time frame to repair a recall. The Service center can provide zero update or status of when this will be resolve. I'm making 4 payment on a vehicle that I don't have. What other recourses do we have. Ca... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the “Service Stabili-trak” message was displayed. The warning light turned on and off, and the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that the vehicle started jerking and rolling while on the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Accord. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly came to a stop without the brake pedal being depressed. The “BRAKE” message was displayed on the instrument panel. The failure occasionally occurred while the cruise control feature was activated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Nu... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2025
This vehicles headlights are too bright and too high up on the vehicle. I am blinded anytime one is in oncoming traffic or behind me. It is a hazard while they are around because I can not see in my mirrors and have lingering spots in my eye sight long after I am away from these vehicles.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost drive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated. There was white smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. The vehicle was first towed to an independent mechanic, but it was not diagnosed. The vehicle was then towed to t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
Driver heated seat shorted out and caused burn to leg. System has not been repaired, will wait to hear from Kia Customer Affairs prior to decision to repair. I was injured by this and have concerns about the safety of the vehicle, will this happen again if a new grid is installed. Kia dealership confirmed that the grid showed high resistivity but also claimed since nothing is melted I couldn't hav... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 30, 2025
As of [XXX] , I witnessed a squealing sound coming from the rear end of my 2018 Denali Yukon XL truck. And it's affecting my braking. And it jerked when I changed my gears on my truck . And there are lights on in my dashboard on my truck. The engine light was blinking on and off and the traction control light was blinking on and off also. But the back driver side of the truck was squealing also. P... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
Windshield cracks with slightest chip Happened twice
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
Chronic water leak from roofline obstructing vision and causing confusion while underway
Incident date: Jan 7, 2023
Incident Description (in my own words): This incident occurred in the parking lot of the [XXX] in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. It was evening after sunset. The parking lot was dark but illuminated by overhead parking lights. My Tesla Model 3 headlights and vehicle lights were fully on. I was reversing slowly out of a tight parking space, traveling approximately 2–3 miles per hour. I was inten... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 7, 2023
Incident Description (in my own words): This incident occurred in the parking lot of the [XXX] in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. It was evening after sunset. The parking lot was dark but illuminated by overhead parking lights. My Tesla Model 3 headlights and vehicle lights were fully on. I was reversing slowly out of a tight parking space, traveling approximately 2–3 miles per hour. I was inten... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V038000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the recall remedy could not be performed because the transmission and axle had failed and required repair and replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manuf... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
There is an “thumping” noise in my dash of my vehicle, as well as a rocking sensation after coming to a stop. I took it to the dealership where they replicated it and determined it to be motor mounts that had failed. It is available if it needs to be inspected by a jeep field inspector. As those motor mounts get worse it could cause major safety issues for motorists I am around at the time of ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
My vehicle sometimes will not start when I press the Start Button and press the brakes at the same time. The dashboard will light up with a message that says “Service ESC” followed by “Engine Power is Reduced”. When it does start, I can drive the vehicle for a moment before it does the Engine Power Reduced mode where the car feels like its pulling more. It has done this several times while... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
My 2022 Hyundai sonata hybrid started blowing white smoke from the exhaust. Took it to the dealership and was advised the valve that controls antifreeze failed and leaking antifreeze in exhaust. This caused the engine to overheat and would cause the engine to blow up. My car has 83,000 and was told the manufacturer warranty only covered to 80,000 and extended warranty would not cover the part. Was... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
The vehicle experiences a Shift-to-Park malfunction in which it does not consistently recognize that it is in Park, despite being physically shifted into the Park position. When this occurs, the vehicle may fail to shut down properly or behaves as if it is not securely in Park. The condition is reproducible and occurs during normal use. The issue first appeared in approximately mid-2024 at an es... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
Dealer has not responded to written requests to perform federally mandated Recall Y78 on my 2019 Ram 2500 (VIN: [XXX] ). I have been told recall work may be declined due to an insurance claim or vehicle history references. No manufacturer directive has been provided. I am requesting NHTSA review of recall nonperformance. Dealership is Hendrick Ram of Cary NC INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FR... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2025
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this letter as a formal complaint regarding an authorized automobile dealer’s refusal to perform an open safety recall on my vehicle. Vehicle information: * Year/Make/Model: 2002 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T GLS * VIN: [XXX] I contacted Platinum Volkswagen, of Hicksville, New York, an authorized Volkswagen dealer, on January 7, 2026, to schedule a repair for... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while coming to a stop while depressing the brake pedal. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact had to apply extra pressure on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that there was an abnormal squeaking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle wa... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving in a parking lot at unknown speeds, the vehicle began jerking and stalled. The battery had become inoperable. The TPMS message was displayed. The failure was linked to Technical Service Bulletin: NTB15-015h. The local dealer was called and informed the contact that the failure was related to the CVT transmission and c... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 1984
There is an issue with mice getting into the front of the car. It smells like urine and is unsafe to breathe. I have cleaned out air filters monthly and find nests every time and have even found a dead mice. My car has nothing that would attract the mice. I have tried everything and spent so much money to prevent this from happening. Apparently with this car it is a known issue, and has not been f... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 1984
The mechanized power liftgate— the rear door, the primary way to access the back of vehicle—fails to open & close as intended. A continuous beeping noise sounds due to the liftgate’s failure to fully open and close. We reported this issue to the dealer multiple times during 2025. The dealer refused to acknowledge or fix the problem.
Incident date: Nov 23, 1984
Unknown Concerning the front passenger steering component. Carfax showed prior accident with minor damage to the front passenger bumper. I purchased the car not long ago and and was hit in the same exact spot. When I looked up the VIN for more information online I came across the safety issue with some other 2023 forte. I'm concerned that my vehicle could possibly have the same issue though it's ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
Complete engine failure with no warning on major road in heavy traffic. Very dangerous situation to pull off safely. Vehicle was towed to dealer and confirmed engine is seized. Unknown cause at this time. Transmission has had valve body replaced prior to engine failure. Transmission still has shudder after valve body replacement and prior to engine failure.