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 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the center console display intermittently malfunctioned and became inoperable. During the failure, the HVAC system was no longer blowing hot air, and the front windshield could not be defrosted, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. Additionally, the radio had become inoperable, and the audible clickin... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2015) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Dec 22, 2025
Incident date: Sep 22, 2025
The contact owned a 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving forward towards the end of a driveway, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle experienced a sudden and unintended acceleration as if the accelerator pedal was depressed down to the floorboard. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact noticed that there was smoke coming out of the s... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 7, 2025
The eyesight system fails on almost a daily basis. When this happens, multiple safety features shutdown. Lane assist and departure warning stops working. Collision avoidance stops working. Cruise control stops working. Proximity warning alarms stop going off. The local dealership has repeatedly just indicated that this is how it works.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase of the vehicle. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 100,900. It was later discovered upon checking Google that the mileage was 260,000.
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
I am writing to lodge a complaint regarding my brand new vehicle, which has been in the shop for over a 3 months since its purchase on [XXX]. I picked up my 2026 Mercedes GLE 450 from Baker Mercedes Benz in Charleston, and it started malfunctioning about 20 minutes into the trip home. The following day I brought it into my local Mercedes dealership, Myrtle Beach Mercedes Benz, for inspection. The... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2025
I was stationary at a red light, and car traveling behind me at full speed (approximately 50-60 mph) did not stop and crashed into my car (rear-ending me). My airbags did not deploy: not even the side airbags, even though the trunk was crashed/pushed up into the middle of the car, damaging the side supports between the front and back seats. ALSO, the driver's seat reclined fully upon impact! Thi... Read more
Crash
2 injured
HYUNDAI
TUCSON HYBRID
(2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dec 22, 2025
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that after exiting the vehicle and walking away with the keys, the doors of the vehicle automatically locked as designed; however, the rear doors of the vehicle failed to unlock, preventing the contact's sister, who was occupying the rear seat, from exiting the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that upon returning to the vehicle, the... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
Location of wiring from the factory for Blind Spot Warning and Cross Traffic Alert systems is not protected. The wiring has frayed and broken due to the wiring being unprotected, loose and rubbing on the rear bumper, causing the systems to not function. This is a blatant design defect from the factory, causing two safety systems to fail. Reporting now as, to the best of my knowledge, the manufac... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
cruise control difficult to set sometimes. When set, cancel button does not shut cruise control off.Truck continues to keep speed rate going. This has been a continual problem from purchase.
Incident date: Jan 21, 2024
When rolling in to a Round About (rotary) at a slow speed and the applying throttle the truck takes a second or tow before increase forward motion. The lag time is usually around 1.5 seconds and when the time has lapsed it lurches forward. This hesitation in forward motion has put me and my passengers in danger of being T-Boned multiple times. The modes most often used and notice this delay is ECO... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
The engine failed due to excessive oil consumption/internal oil loss. The engine is currently installed in the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. The issue began while the vehicle was under warranty and has progressed to the point where engine replacement has been recommended. Ongoing oil loss and engine malfunction created a risk of sudden engine failure or loss of power while dr... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
It makes false things there is no car but it brakes by self for nothing
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
It makes false things there is no car but it brakes by self for nothing
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
Had to stop urgently, and my truck shut off. I had to shift it into park to get it started again. Was in the middle of a 4 lane section of route one traveling with traffic at the time. I was a sitting duck until I could figure out what happened. (I’m a mechanic, if the average person was dealing with this I don’t know if they would have been able to get moving as quickly.) It acted like the to... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
While using Full Self-Driving, the vehicle accelerated aggressively during a left turn, crossing two lanes of traffic. I believe the system commanded acceleration, not me. I am requesting a review of vehicle logs to determine whether accelerator input came from the driver or from FSD.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
The Legacy (my third one) was about a month old and had about 30 miles on the odometer. I had no warning of any problem with the car. On or about 5:45 PM on Oct 22, 2025 I was driving my Subaru Legacy when the engine stalled. I was in the HOV lane of an interstate highway. Multiple times the starter failed to restart the engine. Traffic was blocked in my lane and diverting around me. It was dusk w... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The Legacy (my third one) was about a month old and had about 30 miles on the odometer. I had no warning of any problem with the car. On or about 5:45 PM on Oct 22, 2025 I was driving my Subaru Legacy when the engine stalled. I was in the HOV lane of an interstate highway. Multiple times the starter failed to restart the engine. Traffic was blocked in my lane and diverting around me. It was dusk w... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE HYBRID
(2023) - SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 21, 2025
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
While attempting to park forward into a handicapped parking space, the car lurched forward approximately 4 feet instead of braking/stopping. The braking system appeared to fail and the electrical/sensors/ADAS warnings did not engage. The vehicle drove over a cement parking block and struck a building shrub, signage and hvac unit.
Crash
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE HYBRID
(2023) - BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
Dec 21, 2025
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
While attempting to park forward into a handicapped parking space, the car lurched forward approximately 4 feet instead of braking/stopping. The braking system appeared to fail and the electrical/sensors/ADAS warnings did not engage. The vehicle drove over a cement parking block and struck a building shrub, signage and hvac unit.
Crash
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE HYBRID
(2023) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Dec 21, 2025
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
This complaint is to clarify and supplement a previous report. The issues began in August 2025, not September. Initially, the vehicle presented abnormal fuel range fluctuations, including while stationary, as well as intermittent “Key Missing” warnings while driving and display black spots. These issues were reported to dealerships and GM without resolution. Over time, the condition has prog... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
My car's original security alarm goes off randomly without any reason. When parked and locked in a parking lot next to a street, the alarm goes off intermittently. After unlocking using FOB, the alarm will turn off and then goes off again in a few minutes. This will go on for hours at a time until it stops for a few days and then reoccurs again! Very stressful and frustrating. The mechanic says ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
On May 28, 2025, a 2023 VW ID.4 spontaneously caught fire while in use. The local Fire Department and County Hazmat responded to the scene. The vehicle was declared a total loss due to thermal runaway and lithium battery fume toxicity. Crucially, the vehicle experienced a secondary ignition/re-fire several days later while in the custody of a towing company, resulting in the total destruction of t... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
There is a recall on this vehicle
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
My 2019 kia sedona showed the exact same symptoms for the oil pressure switch recall red oil light on the dash and a leaking oil pressure switch.2010 to 2018 sedona why was the 2019 model not added to the list
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
2008 MercedesE350 (W211) Driver’s seat heater, ~11:48am Location: Lidl Parking Lot, 2017 St. Joseph’s Dr., Bowie/Upper Marlboro, MD While I was sitting in the driver’s seat with my back fully against it, the seat heater burned through the leather on the left side of the seat. The cabin immediately filled with smoke. The burning stopped only after I turned off the seat‑heater button. I was ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
2008 MercedesE350 (W211) Driver’s seat heater, ~11:48am Location: Lidl Parking Lot, 2017 St. Joseph’s Dr., Bowie/Upper Marlboro, MD While I was sitting in the driver’s seat with my back fully against it, the seat heater burned through the leather on the left side of the seat. The cabin immediately filled with smoke. The burning stopped only after I turned off the seat‑heater button. I was ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
Sunroof glass shattered on I-5 south approx 1215pm just before the Nisqually exit. We looked for cause of the incident but could not find debris/rocks that could've been the cause. Also, there wasn't much glass inside the car, the remnants puckered upwards. The glass shatter seemed to come out of the blue; weather was grey but no rain or sprinkles at the time. We pulled over at the next exit wh... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
The steering wheel locks at 9 and 3 when turning the wheel. It doesn’t spin back like it should when returning straight. Very dangerous!
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
Rear back window shattered without any impact from debris or objects.
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
I have a Kia Soul 2022 and I have been having a lot of different problems with my vehicle that are a serious safety hazard for my family and myself. I was trying to pass 18 wheeler truck one night and I saw white and black smoke coming out from the back of my Kia Soul. I was trying to pass a 18 wheeler on the Interstate and my car shut its self all the way off. I freaked out and lucky there was n... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
The ICCU on my car failed after hearing a loud pop (fuse blown) while driving on the freeway. This was an incredibly dangerous scenario in which I went from 70 mph to 25 mph, in an area with no shoulder. Hyundai is aware of the issues with the ICCU and I believe they should expand the recall to include EVERY Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6. Interestingly, the technician at the dealership states in the summa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
The ICCU on my car failed after hearing a loud pop (fuse blown) while driving on the freeway. This was an incredibly dangerous scenario in which I went from 70 mph to 25 mph, in an area with no shoulder. Hyundai is aware of the issues with the ICCU and I believe they should expand the recall to include EVERY Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6. Interestingly, the technician at the dealership states in the summa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
While driving ~70mph on I-80 in central Wyoming, my truck suddenly and unexpectedly downshifted to a low gear, causing RPMs to spike to 8000+ and making me swerve and nearly go off the road. No warning lights or cautions appeared. I pulled over, turned off the ignition, and checked my engine compartment to see if I could find any issues but everything appeared normal. I resumed driving and everyth... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
While driving down the interstate the engine light started to flash and the engine started to stutter. It would rev up and down. This incident occurred while traveling at approximately 70mph with no prior warning. We exited the highway as soon as possible and towed the vehicle to a Ford dealership. They performed a diagnostic and found that a spark plug had broken and that there was coolant intrus... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
Driving through a parking lot, less than five miles an hour, and suddenly heard a horrible knocking sound. Stopped and looked under the car. Nothing. Drove it very slowly to mechanic less than a mile away. Front drive shaft had collapsed and fallen down, according to the mechanic.
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
Warning lamps for ABS and others and the chiming dings came on while pulling away from the bank drive through and parking for a second. I shut the engine off and turned back on with no success. I was barely able to park in a spot because of difficulties braking. My car had been making an electric noise every 15 seconds or so previously, at different times when parked, but I thought it was the hyb... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
The windshield seal failed at the top of the windshield, allowing significant water intrusion into the vehicle cabin. The windshield had previously been replaced under a manufacturer recall/service action, but that repair failed. Water intrusion caused failure of the Occupant Restraint Control Module (RCM), impairing airbag system functionality. Water also damaged the audio amplifier and other el... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
The windshield seal failed at the top of the windshield, allowing significant water intrusion into the vehicle cabin. The windshield had previously been replaced under a manufacturer recall/service action, but that repair failed. Water intrusion caused failure of the Occupant Restraint Control Module (RCM), impairing airbag system functionality. Water also damaged the audio amplifier and other el... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
Vehicle was parked in my driveway. My wife and I were about 10 feet from it working on another vehicle when we heard a loud pop. We looked over at the vehicle and the sunroof has exploded. It was bubbled upward and completely shattered. I contacted my VW dealer and we slowly drove the car to the shop and left it. The dealer said it probably wasn't covered under dealer warranty because it was glass... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
I have a new 2025 Ford Expedition Max Platinum. I paid for the 8 year Blue Cruise option. The Blue Cruise function has never worked properly even after allowing Ford to service the vehicle on 2 separate occasions - once for almost 2 weeks. When adaptive cruise + lane positioning is selected, the car will go into Blue Cruise and then within 30 second give a watch the road warning (regardless of ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
I have a new 2025 Ford Expedition Max Platinum. I paid for the 8 year Blue Cruise option. The Blue Cruise function has never worked properly even after allowing Ford to service the vehicle on 2 separate occasions - once for almost 2 weeks. When adaptive cruise + lane positioning is selected, the car will go into Blue Cruise and then within 30 second give a watch the road warning (regardless of ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
I'm having an issue my 2022 Toyota Tundra having incredible throttle lag issues involves a delay and sudden surge when accelerating from a stop, creating a safety concern, often described as a "dead pedal". It has caused me to get into numerous situations where i could've gotten hit by other vehicles. It is so dangerous! The dealership is unable to fix it and says to disconnect the battery regula... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2025
Check engine light was on after just sitting in the snow for two days. Dealer is saying that it is a fuel injector and something with the gas. I hope this fixes it.
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
At 56k miles, it failed to start, had it towed to the dealership july 2nd. Told it was the engine and was under warranty and ford would send a new short block with an eta of 7-10 days. It’s been 5, going in 6 months now and no engine. They gave me a loaner but today asked for it back and they don’t have another loaner for me, so I’m on foot now and have to work. 5 going on 6 months is a craz... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2014) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dec 19, 2025
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
Water began leaking into car from front windshield while driving on 11/25/2025. Air whistling noises present also. Safety risk of injury from windshield failure. Repair person says risk for windshield coming off when driving or if involved in collision. Possibly related to recall N221 Land Rover Discovery SE 2018. Had Koch 33 perform assessment and they reproduced water and air leak and deter... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
The front main light on the driver side stopped working after a rain and it continued getting moister in the head lamp every night until a few days ago and as a result the head light assembly does not work at all ,the same thing is happening on the passenger side front head light assembly except it is still working .research showed that this has been a problem on similar Mercedes Benz cars and c... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2025
Coolant bypass value change and they have put 500$ for labour total 656$ for value change
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
I was traveling north on Freeway 57 at approximately 70mph. The dash lit up red with 12v and charging warnings. Power was shut off and car went into Neutral and warned me to pull over. This is an incredibly busy freeway and I was in the far left lane. I barely made it to the shoulder coasting before car started shuttering and jerking and stopped rolling. I could have been killed.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
I was traveling north on Freeway 57 at approximately 70mph. The dash lit up red with 12v and charging warnings. Power was shut off and car went into Neutral and warned me to pull over. This is an incredibly busy freeway and I was in the far left lane. I barely made it to the shoulder coasting before car started shuttering and jerking and stopped rolling. I could have been killed.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
Part number 17127799184 keeps melting. Over the years I have had multiple components under the hood to melt. I’ve replaced hydraulic lines, coolant reservoirs you name it. Most recently part number 17127799184 keeps melting. I’ve replaced this part three times. My car is currently at Bloomfield hill bmw of Michigan. They did a diagnostic but it states they cannot definitively tell me what’s ... Read more