Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 76,133 complaints for HYUNDAI
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
The front passenger seat Active Head Restraint activated while driving on a smooth, rural road, with no traffic, and no impact with anything. My wife was in the passenger seat and was forcefully hit when the headrest deployed. There were no warning lights and no issues which would have warned us of this deployment. The vehicle has been maintained by the dealership since new. I have an appointment... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
The transmission has totally failed at under 69,000 miles while my wife was driving down a 45 MPH road. The vehicle intermittently lost power and she was nearly rear-ended with my child in the car. All warning lamps came on and the engine totally lost power. 2 shops have looked at the car and stated that the transmission failed completely. There were no warning lamps prior to this occurring.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
The contact owned a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop light, he observed smoke emanating from the area of the vehicle between the cab and the bed, prompting him and the other occupants to quickly evacuate. Within moments, the vehicle caught fire and was engulfed in flames. Local emergency services arrived and were able to extinguish the fire. The contac... Read more
Fire
HYUNDAI
SONATA
(2013) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Jun 5, 2025
Incident date: Jun 7, 2017
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with intake manifold r... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
Selling after-market products as car seat inserts on Amazon: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the transmission shifted hard, and the power train warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the tr... Read more
HYUNDAI
TUCSON HYBRID
(2023) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jun 5, 2025
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
There has been a continuous popping noise on the right side of the vehicle near the tire like it’s an axle or something with the suspension. It has been checked and I was told it was normal. The horn will stop working along with the radio and other components in the car. The forward front accident component will say I’ve been in an accident when I have not even been near a vehicle. This has ha... Read more
HYUNDAI
TUCSON HYBRID
(2023) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Jun 5, 2025
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
There has been a continuous popping noise on the right side of the vehicle near the tire like it’s an axle or something with the suspension. It has been checked and I was told it was normal. The horn will stop working along with the radio and other components in the car. The forward front accident component will say I’ve been in an accident when I have not even been near a vehicle. This has ha... Read more
HYUNDAI
TUCSON HYBRID
(2023) — POWER TRAIN
Jun 5, 2025
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
On June 3, 2025, I experienced a terrifying and dangerous incident while driving my 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid on a three-lane road at approximately 50 mph. Without any warning, the gas pedal became completely unresponsive, and the car abruptly decelerated from 50 to 20 mph. This sudden loss of acceleration was incredibly frightening, especially with vehicles close behind me that nearly collided w... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
The brake actuator failed. When the car was diagnosed by the Toyota dealership, they identified the problem as an internal leak within the brake actuator. Luckily, nobody has been hurt attempting to drive the car, but it is still being driven to get it from home to the repair shop so anything is possible. The first symptom I could link to this was in 2023, when the car would not accelerate via the... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2025
My engine light came on about a year ago, then went off rather quickly. This happened again about 6 months ago. At this time I connected a reader and learned that it was due to a cylinder 2 misfire. All coil packs and spark plugs were replaced thinking that would solve the problem. After it did not, I begin to search online and learned about the infamous coolant intrusion issue with my model vehic... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2025
My engine light came on about a year ago, then went off rather quickly. This happened again about 6 months ago. At this time I connected a reader and learned that it was due to a cylinder 2 misfire. All coil packs and spark plugs were replaced thinking that would solve the problem. After it did not, I begin to search online and learned about the infamous coolant intrusion issue with my model vehic... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2025
Multiple critical mechanical and safety issues have occurred with my 2018 Hyundai Sonata Sport. The vehicle has experienced persistent engine misfire, a severe oil leak, emissions system failure, and extensive paint deterioration. A certified technician confirmed an active oil pan leak with no dashboard warning lights, posing a fire and stalling hazard. To prevent further damage, I replaced the en... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
When putting my car in park and turning the car off I get a shift to park message.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
The panel in the car glitches as you’re driving, you can’t use CarPlay because it keeps switching to the radio back and forth randomly. Also while you’re using maps, it turns off your route in the middle of your driving.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
I am the second owner of a 2016 Hyundai Veloster Base, purchased used at approximately 19,976 miles. Since then, the vehicle has experienced multiple major powertrain-related failures. At 49,196 miles, the first catalytic converter failed and was replaced. Later, both the engine and second catalytic converter were replaced by Kearny Mesa Hyundai, a certified Hyundai dealership in San Diego, CA. W... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2025
Transmission no longer has reverse
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the passenger's side front end of the vehicle hit a cow and was significantly damaged. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated after the crash. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained neck and back pain, and bruises on the chest from the seat belt. The contact received medical assistance. The vehicle... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the starter failure message displayed. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was app... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the starter failure message displayed. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was app... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
Front sensor problem. Sensor Check Forward Safety System. ABS, Auto Hold light came up out of no where. No damage to sensor.
Incident date: May 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly hesitated before accelerating. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was n... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2025
While driving my 2017 Honda Accord, I suddenly lost the ability to accelerate when pressing the gas pedal entering the freeway. At the same time, the check engine light flashed along with multiple other warning lights, which caused the car to go into limp mode. This put my safety at risk, as I was unable to speed up in traffic, creating a dangerous situation. Same situation occurred the next day -... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2018) — AIR BAGS
Jun 4, 2025
Incident date: May 30, 2025
No incident my vehicle has a front left malfunction service required light and issues with the passenger seatbelt not proper latching. Upon checking I notice my car had previous recalls done. It seems as if the same issues has come about. NHTSA: 18v177- seat belt not retracting properly. NHTSA: 17V627 is related to the steering column switch replacement of clock spring. So if me or a family mem... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the instrument panel malfunctioned, with the message "Pull Over and Restart the Engine" displayed. The battery was replaced, and failure was resolved. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
- #5 injector failure, no. - Once the injector failed, the vehicle would violently shake when trying to accelerate. - Yes, was not covered under factory warranty but replaced by third-party extended warranty. -Yes, replaced by the dealership. -No warnings prior, once the injector failed warning for brake system check and vehicle mileage limits set in warning.
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
Transmission harsh shifting, jerking, sudden loss of power, and unexpected downshifts. Goes into power saving mode every time I shut vehicle off. Remote start never available.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
I had to get my engine replaced a year after I got it. The vehicle has an overheating issue. The vehicle oil pressure sensor goes off. The emergency break comes on. I don’t know where the engine light flashes the EI had to get my engine replaced a year after I got it. The vehicle has a overheating issue. The vehicle oil pressure sensor goes off. The emergency brake comes on. I don’t know where... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
I had to get my engine replaced a year after I got it. The vehicle has an overheating issue. The vehicle oil pressure sensor goes off. The emergency break comes on. I don’t know where the engine light flashes the EI had to get my engine replaced a year after I got it. The vehicle has a overheating issue. The vehicle oil pressure sensor goes off. The emergency brake comes on. I don’t know where... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
The speedometer occasionally would not work. Typically all other dash features would and I could get speed through digital reading. Today, none of the dash reading work. My speedometer has the dial at 155. The digital reads 0, gas shows E, miles to empty remained at 260 for the over 10 mile drive, ramps as well as coolant didn’t register and were at 0 and C. This is a hazard as it is a safety r... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
The latch for the drivers seatbelt is no longer functioning properly, dealer stated that the hook that holds the buckle in was worn down. Car has 50k miles and is slightly over 5 years old, seems unreasonable that a seatbelt latch would fail that early. In the past, when inserting the buckle into the latch it would not properly latch and immediately fall out, and then once latched again it stayed.... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
Engine making noise and has misfire
Incident date: May 9, 2025
My windshield has small bubbles in the laminate layer between the glass. It is only noticeable in the early morning and sunset when the sun shines directly through the glass windshield. The safety concern is at night when it is raining. When an oncoming car headlights come through the glass it is impossible to see the road. I have to slow down considerably. Hopefully the road is straight at this ... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2025
Safety recall over 5 months ago on ram 3500 truck used solely for pulling 10k camper. NG hydraulic control valve with possible failure of ABS without warning. Contacted dealer in early jan. 2025. They are aware and said they would call when part came in. Called back today after no communication in 6 months. Told no part in stock and no part to order. Asked if it was safe to drive and was told it ... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2025
At 05:58 this morning the garage received a phone call from Roadside assistance regarding a vehicle fire on the unit. Spoke with the operator to verify his safety and inquire as to what happened. He stated he was driving down highway 99 at approx.70mph when he heard a loud pop, reduce engine power light came on, low fuel pressure light came on, smelled diesel, then unit caught fire before he could... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
Traveling [XXX] on [XXX] from flagstaff to phoenix in the far left lane going 80 miles, when a deer ran through the interstate and collided with the vehicle. After impact with animal, pulled off to the emergency lane. No airbags were deployed. Car was undrivable INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The backup camera on my 2019 Honda Pilot stopped showing a clear backup picture. Now when I backup the picture on the screen is green and purple. The picture on the screen is very poor quality.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The entire undercarriage of the vehicle is rusted, allowed for 3 sections is not sufficient as it does not accurately account for the damage. The Fuel Suspension is also affected from the known Corrosion and Rust issue. I have had to make many costly repairs in the last 4 years and I did not know about this issue with the vehicle I have now had for 17years. Had I , I would have done my own repairs... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2025
There is currently a recall on Ram Promasters built in 2022 and onward for an issue with the backup camera. My vehicle was built in the spring of 2021 and has the identical issue, but is not covered under the recall.
Incident date: May 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle was shaking with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant was leaking into the engine, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced.... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2009 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds and making sharp turns, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road and depressed the brake pedal until the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring w... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the vehicle jerked, and white smoke was coming from the exhaust. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with spark plug failure. The contact was informed that th... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the vehicle jerked, and white smoke was coming from the exhaust. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with spark plug failure. The contact was informed that th... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2025
this truck has repeatedly gone in for service over 6 times for multiple issues. The worst issue which they cannot fix is the vehicle going into limp mode while driving . Loosing all acceleration then racing on its own . This is a very dangerous problem when on the highway.hyundai service keeps telling me that the diagnostic is not showing a problem. This can be caused due to many things including ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle was idling rough. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The vehicle was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The co... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE HYBRID
(2025) — STEERING
Jun 3, 2025
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
I've only had my car for about 2 1/2 months, when I started to notice my car moving to the right without me moving it. I figured it needed a front-end alignment. So, I took it to a mechanic. Once he got it up on the stand, he noticed something wrong with the front suspension. He didn't do the alignment, but he told me that my "Rack and pinion" was going out. I then made and appointment with the de... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE HYBRID
(2025) — POWER TRAIN
Jun 3, 2025
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
Car shakes and shutters while shifting between gears, no other warning system came on to let me know about the transmission issues prior to this day.
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE HYBRID
(2025) — ENGINE
Jun 3, 2025
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
I was on a semi residential-commercial street that turns on to a freeway entrance. I was turning right and unavoidably entered the freeway when the sudden loss of power occurred. The car slowed down to about 20 mph and pressing on the gas medal didn't yield any more power. I immediately pulled over to the emergency lane upon entering freeway to let fast moving vehicles pass me on the left side. I ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
I was on a semi residential-commercial street that turns on to a freeway entrance. I was turning right and unavoidably entered the freeway when the sudden loss of power occurred. The car slowed down to about 20 mph and pressing on the gas medal didn't yield any more power. I immediately pulled over to the emergency lane upon entering freeway to let fast moving vehicles pass me on the left side. I ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
I was on a semi residential-commercial street that turns on to a freeway entrance. I was turning right and unavoidably entered the freeway when the sudden loss of power occurred. The car slowed down to about 20 mph and pressing on the gas medal didn't yield any more power. I immediately pulled over to the emergency lane upon entering freeway to let fast moving vehicles pass me on the left side. I ... Read more