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 2, 2026
From the beginning of my lease, the vehicle experienced repeated malfunctions of its safety and proximity sensor systems, including warning alerts and sensor-related failures. The vehicle was taken multiple times to an authorized Honda dealership for diagnosis and repair. Despite these repeated service visits, the safety sensor issues were never properly repaired or resolved. I later discovered ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
From the beginning of my lease, the vehicle experienced repeated malfunctions of its safety and proximity sensor systems, including warning alerts and sensor-related failures. The vehicle was taken multiple times to an authorized Honda dealership for diagnosis and repair. Despite these repeated service visits, the safety sensor issues were never properly repaired or resolved. I later discovered ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 3, 2026
I am submitting a safety concern regarding airbag non-deployment involving my former vehicle, a 2011 Toyota Corolla LE (VIN: [XXX] ). This vehicle was subject to multiple Takata airbag recalls, including a 2018 front airbag recall and a May 2020 Takata non-deployment and seatbelt pretensioner interim recall. Beginning in Spring 2021, the airbag warning light illuminated intermittently. On May 30, ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 3, 2026
The engine locked up on the vehicle. Thought it was a starter issue, had it towed into a local repair show that I used. Diagnostic test showed that the engine would not turn. There was no warning lights or other symptoms. I understand that there has been a recall on the same engines from GMC from 2021 - 2024 and the case is now reopened to include the 2019 and 2020.
Incident date: Jan 3, 2026
This is related to the class action lawsuit 2:20-cv-01796-DAD-CKD Miller v. Ford Motor Co. Concerning alleged engine defects in Ford vehicles, specifically focusing on issues like excessive oil consumption and premature failure in certain EcoBoost engines. My engine has developed symptoms regarding the known coolant leak into the engine. The engine looses power when accellerating, and produces ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2025
Upon starting the vehicle, it flashed several warning lights that were not on the day before. Including popping codes up on the infotainment system and urging me to schedule a service with KIA. Upon looking up the codes it states HVAC issue, when calling to dealership to schedule a service for it (while it is still barely under warranty) they let me know it might not be covered. That’s when I fo... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2025
With the car only have about 15,000 miles the transmission has failed . I have seen there have been recalls of other models with similar complaints of transmission failure .
Incident date: Dec 29, 2025
Rear sunroof exploded randomly.
Incident date: Dec 29, 2025
Fuel tank strap fell out of the holding slot and came the strap came into contact with drive shaft cutting the rear driveshaft into. causing it to drop and slinging it self under the truck till I got stoped driving down the road this could have caused a gas leak and sparks igniting the fuel or the back half of the drive shaft could had dug into the road causing the lost of control or flipping the... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2025
Fuel tank strap fell out of the holding slot and came the strap came into contact with drive shaft cutting the rear driveshaft into. causing it to drop and slinging it self under the truck till I got stoped driving down the road this could have caused a gas leak and sparks igniting the fuel or the back half of the drive shaft could had dug into the road causing the lost of control or flipping the... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
I am reporting a failed remedy for Recall R1608 (Occupant Classification System). My 2013 Nissan Sentra was serviced at Nissan of Van Nuys for this recall. Despite the dealership marking the recall as completed, the safety defect persists. Specifically, the passenger seatbelt warning light remains illuminated when the passenger seat is empty, indicating the OCS sensor is incorrectly classifying se... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
I had a safety recall V06 performed on my 2018 truck. Three local shops refused to do an alignment saying they can not perform the alignment without having a steering wheel misaligned. I find steering wheel misalignment to be a safety issue. In critical situations you don't have a reference where your wheels are straight. I it hard to comprehend that welding an adjustable part on steering would be... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
Multiple times now at random, car will go from normal temp to overheating on the gauge for a moment. Shuts down in doing so regardless of being driven. Then will instantly think its cooling back down to normal. When it reaches normal it resumes normal driving abilities. While the temp is going up and down on the gauge the center of the cluster tells you "high coolant temperature". No codes or pend... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
Door lock actuator will not function properly, causing my car to “lock” with my keys inside the vehicle. This is available for inspection upon request. This is a safety hazard because my drivers side, and both back doors do not lock properly and can be accidentally opened when driving. Mount Airy Nissan has been notified of this problem and have inspected my vehicle, and agrees there’s an is... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2026
December 26, 2025, while driving, the vehicle shut down, and it went into park. After researching the cause of the issue, the RF module had water in it. Additional research indicates the third brake light leaks into the cabin causing water to enter the module causing corrosion and a short. Vehicle was towed to the dealer for repair. Dealer indicated the RF module did fail. They also stated it may ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2026
Break system failed while driving. Multiple warning lights came on including Break System Failire, Service Steering Column Lock, Service Traction Control, Service ESC and Service Brake Pad Monitor. This happened as I was driving and I could barely stop the truck. I had my wife and kids in the car. Luckily, I was not driving very fast and was not in a congested or had to stop quickly. If I had to s... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2026
Vehicle: 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country Engine: 6.2L L87 V8 Recall: N252494001 – L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion I am submitting this complaint to report a serious safety defect involving my 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country related to NHTSA Safety Recall N252494001 (L87 Engine – Loss of Propulsion). My vehicle experienced a sudden engine failure consistent with the condit... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
my ford EcoSport had to get a new motor due to teh recall issue but since they put a new motor my ac and heater had to be replaced. my battery. my sensors pop on and off. My car won't go over 65 and when it does it jerks. Ford did replace the motor but ive asked for them to buy the car back and they have refused my car has completely shut off and ive taken to ford and they don't know. i have the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2026
Check engine lights came on, and then a warning saying stop safely, the engine will shut down soon, now it will not start. Leaving me stranded. This happened twice, but now the car won’t start and will need to be towed. I have asked several repair shops and done research online, and nobody knows how to fix this issue.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
Our 2015 Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited just caught on fire. I happened to be in my daughter’s bedroom, 20 feet away from where the Jeep was parked. I thought I was seeing flames reflecting from the TV, but I realized that they were real. My next thought was that my husband was building a firepit fire. I thought that was weird because he was doing it in the front yard, but I didn’t think ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
Our 2015 Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited just caught on fire. I happened to be in my daughter’s bedroom, 20 feet away from where the Jeep was parked. I thought I was seeing flames reflecting from the TV, but I realized that they were real. My next thought was that my husband was building a firepit fire. I thought that was weird because he was doing it in the front yard, but I didn’t think ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 15, 2025
Dear Acura, My MDX is showing many lights on the dashboard (LKAS, ACC, Break System, CMBS, RDM) associates with the code U3000-49 and all those features are deactivated due to the failure mentioned. I was searching on the website for this error and found many Acura MDX oweners experiencing the same issue which apparently the Windshield Lane Departure Camera. Honestly, Acura should take a look i... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2025
Onstar module is out. No wifi, speed reporting or maps access.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2025
Daytime Driving Lights Are disabled due to an electrical defect.
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
Steering sticking driving approximately 40 mph when on slight turns. Happens frequently and seems very unsafe. No warning, just happens.
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
i purchased this certified preowned vehicle in the month of 10/2025 from manahwkin jeep. ii drove the vehicle aproximately 1000 mile since i purchased it. i contacted the dealership that the vehicle is hybrid battery not staying charged and that the motor is stalling and losing power when i drive it along with abnormal sounds from the engine . i had to pull over and recycle the ignition nu... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
i purchased this certified preowned vehicle in the month of 10/2025 from manahwkin jeep. ii drove the vehicle aproximately 1000 mile since i purchased it. i contacted the dealership that the vehicle is hybrid battery not staying charged and that the motor is stalling and losing power when i drive it along with abnormal sounds from the engine . i had to pull over and recycle the ignition nu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2025
As I was driving on the freeway 65 mph my car completely lost all Speed and the more I accelerated the more my car decreased speed and eventually it shut itself off as i stopped the car as I pulled over there was no time to make it to a safe area for a safe pull over i was on a bridge calling for help from my insurance. The car did not want to start at first about 45 minutes later my car started ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2026
My front camera sensor light came on stating it was unavailable, then turned back on after a few minutes. About a week later on several occasions, the emergency brake notification came on when I was on the freeway with no vehicles in front of me to cause this. There has been an excessive whirring sound coming from the engine also. With these issues there have been no warning signs including check ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2026
I am filing a complaint against Hyundai Motor America regarding denial of defect coverage for my 2016 Hyundai Sonata (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle is experiencing excessive oil consumption and triggered diagnostic code P1326. The dealer confirmed only one quart of oil remained in the engine and noted a valve cover gasket leak. Hyundai’s Tech Line instructed a gasket replacement and oil consumption ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2025
This vehicle has experienced multiple substantial defects, several of which directly endangered my family, including an infant, and rendered the vehicle unsafe and inoperable for extended periods despite warranty repairs. Summary of defects and failures: 1.Electronic door locking failure The vehicle experienced an electronic malfunction that caused the doors to randomly lock, resulting in my infa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2025
This vehicle has experienced multiple substantial defects, several of which directly endangered my family, including an infant, and rendered the vehicle unsafe and inoperable for extended periods despite warranty repairs. Summary of defects and failures: 1.Electronic door locking failure The vehicle experienced an electronic malfunction that caused the doors to randomly lock, resulting in my infa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2025
My vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of OnStar and telematics functionality during or immediately following a routing/software update. I had taken my vehicle in for my engine recall and noted another software update was required and specifically was told by multiple service members over the phone that the onstar services/telematics module was impacted and this update should resolve ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
I stopped to fill the gas on my road trip and the gas panel would not open. As a single women driving alone this is not ideal. It took 45 min of continuous unlocking/locking with pushing to get it to pop open. There needs to be an alternative/emergency handle to pull so this does not happen again. I was standing in 32 degree weather the entire time! NOT SAFE
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
Check engine light came on and stayed on. When using heat for car it was not heating up well or to temp. Got in to be serviced 12/16/25-12/18/25. Replaced a plastic part in engine and said engine was not heating up like it should. Cost $814. Reset check engine light. On 1/2/26 reversed car out of driveway into street and car came to abrupt stop and would not shift into any other gears. Another veh... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
Hyundai Palisade fails to shift gears from 1st to 2nd or 2nd to 3rd coming from a stop. Engine RPMS continuously shoots up until I put it in park causing a very unsafe environment since I had would be forced to stop in moving traffic. Brought car to Hyundai dealership and upon inspection they found internal transmission failure where they removed and replaced with a refurbished transmission. This ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
Both front half shafts failed and had to be replaced by Tesla. I did research and this part is known to be substandard, was recalled in China, and remains a problem in the US.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Air bags sensors are flagging in the vehicle polestar has failed to provide a adequate solution for faster service. Polestar has 2 locations one in California and the other in Arizona. The issue is I am in Las Vegas and have made several calls to Polestar service advising that my airbag sensors are flagging that they will not deploy in case of a accident. You can not get a service appointment betw... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2022
While in moderate snow attempted to go from backing up to drive and the vehicle stopped, parking brake auto engaged, powertrain (wrench) trouble light illuminated. The trouble light did not shut off after sitting overnight.
Incident date: Dec 31, 2020
While in moderate snow attempted to go from backing up to drive and the vehicle stopped, parking brake auto engaged, powertrain (wrench) trouble light illuminated. The trouble light did not shut off after sitting overnight.
Incident date: Dec 30, 2024
The fuel gauge and mileage display became inoperable. Fuel level could not be determined.
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
Emergency call system - TCB module failure. A Telematics Control Box, is an embedded computer in my X3. It processes, and transmits data wirelessly. it is a hub for my car to connect services like GPS tracking, diagnostics, infotainment, emergency calls (e.g., eCall), and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, enabling real-time monitoring for safety, efficiency, and fleet management. It con... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
Rear windshield spontaneously shattered
Incident date: Jan 3, 2026
There was a safety recall for the rear arm control and excessive rust, Honda said they fixed it back in 2018… out of no where my car lost control and caused me to crash, I brought the car back to Honda and the rear arm bracket broke off due to excessive rust however Honda states it was repaired and there is nothing they can do, they won’t even look at the vehicle.
Crash
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
The engine is burning excessive oil. Down 3 quarts over approx. 3,000 miles. Mechanic verified there are no leaks - it is burning the oil.
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
Engine developed a “ticking” sound, oil consumption has increased and vehicle will periodically stall at low speeds when driving especially towards the end of the oil change interval. All periodic maintenance has been performed since I have owned the car. Previous owner indicated the same. This has the 1.8l engine which I understand can exhibit these same problems but thus far has been at l... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2025
purchased a 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque from Car Choice in Carrollton, Texas in October 2025. Shortly after purchase, I discovered the vehicle was sold in an unsafe and non-roadworthy condition. The vehicle had NO rear brake pads present at the time of sale, creating an immediate and serious safety hazard. In addition, the wheels cannot be removed due to a missing wheel lock key, preventin... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
I had a problem once with the interface module, and since it was still under warranty, the Ford dealership in Fairfield, California replaced it and at 3:32 AM today January 3, 2026. The interface module turned off for a couple seconds and then turned back on which was basically the same problem as it was when I complained and had them replace it.
HYUNDAI
ELANTRA HYBRID
(2023) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 2, 2026
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
The information display that shows fuel level, odometer, oil life, and trip is it displaying correctly. The characters are scrambling and unable to see the available fuel amount. The problem is intermittent and getting worse. This issue is happening with many, many, many owners.
HYUNDAI
ELANTRA HYBRID
(2023) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 2, 2026
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
Go to start the truck and the tailgate comes down and clicking in the harness underneath the dash. This could happen going down the road. Not able to see camera when backing up because tailgate automatically goes down. This drains the battery when the truck is completely turned off. Dealer said corrosion and water got in the harness on a 3 year old truck. I'm left paying $1700 out of pocket on a t... Read more