Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,192,899 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 137,559 crashes, 55,854 fires, and 8,555 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 2,192,899 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 74,354 complaints for HYUNDAI
Incident date: Nov 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle in freezing weather conditions, the front windshield wiper fluid would not properly spray onto the front window and the window could not be cleaned, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The contact indicated that the failure was present on both the front driver and passenger-side windshield wipers. ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
Engine failure will be caused by shrapnel in the engine (Dealer told me Hyundai is aware it was not vacuumed out properly in this particular batch of engines) leading to ruts being warn in the cylinder causing oil to leak past piston rings. Loses so much oil quickly. Extended warranty may deny due to 3 missed air filter changes
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
Engine has always burned oil and vehicle only has 72,000 miles on it.leaking black liquid/oil out exhaust pipe, blowing out Black clouds of smoke and have to keep adding oil. Whole rear end had to be replaced, timing chain and cover replaced, AC unit replaced, rear camera replaced, climate controls change settings by them selves, leaking gaskets, all this and more has been going on with this vehic... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
Engine has always burned oil and vehicle only has 72,000 miles on it.leaking black liquid/oil out exhaust pipe, blowing out Black clouds of smoke and have to keep adding oil. Whole rear end had to be replaced, timing chain and cover replaced, AC unit replaced, rear camera replaced, climate controls change settings by them selves, leaking gaskets, all this and more has been going on with this vehic... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
Engine has always burned oil and vehicle only has 72,000 miles on it.leaking black liquid/oil out exhaust pipe, blowing out Black clouds of smoke and have to keep adding oil. Whole rear end had to be replaced, timing chain and cover replaced, AC unit replaced, rear camera replaced, climate controls change settings by them selves, leaking gaskets, all this and more has been going on with this vehic... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2024
My wife and I bought a used 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe, and the car has performed admirably over the last 4 to 5 years. Within the last month, the car started having stuttering issues and we took the car to our local shop, where we asked for a quick check and an oil change. The local shop reported that we had a Crank Shaft Advance error code, and that the car did not have much oil in it. We have ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
I’ve gotten my horn replaced for the second straight time in the past year. Currently at the dealership and service advisors here at West Herr Hyundai in Williamsville state many horns go bad as of today they’ve replaced 7 of them.
HYUNDAI
IONIQ ELECTRIC
(2020) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Jan 8, 2025
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
When approaching a turn, I let off the accelerator but the car didn’t stop accelerating. Instead, it gently kept accelerating. I applied the brakes and the car started slowing down but not at the same rate I was applying brake pressure. Therefore I floored the brakes to try coming to a complete stop. Sadly, the cars ABS system did not engage, half of the car hopped over the curb at about 20 mph.... Read more
Crash
HYUNDAI
IONIQ ELECTRIC
(2020) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jan 8, 2025
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
When approaching a turn, I let off the accelerator but the car didn’t stop accelerating. Instead, it gently kept accelerating. I applied the brakes and the car started slowing down but not at the same rate I was applying brake pressure. Therefore I floored the brakes to try coming to a complete stop. Sadly, the cars ABS system did not engage, half of the car hopped over the curb at about 20 mph.... Read more
Crash
HYUNDAI
IONIQ ELECTRIC
(2020) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jan 8, 2025
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
When approaching a turn, I let off the accelerator but the car didn’t stop accelerating. Instead, it gently kept accelerating. I applied the brakes and the car started slowing down but not at the same rate I was applying brake pressure. Therefore I floored the brakes to try coming to a complete stop. Sadly, the cars ABS system did not engage, half of the car hopped over the curb at about 20 mph.... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 3, 2024
Seat belt on front passenger seat randomly comes unlatched while driving. I asked my dealership to review this in May 2024 and then again in 1/2025 as it keeps happening. The seat belt is clicked and suddenly comes loose and then the seatbelt alarms start going off. Dealership has not been able to replicate. I would say this has happened about 6 times since I started noticing it. The dealership ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
The component that failed is acceleration. He came from work at the Frywed when he reduced the speed from 65 to 30 and no longer accelerated .. if an independent service had no warning or failure at that time they were detected
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
The component that failed is acceleration. He came from work at the Frywed when he reduced the speed from 65 to 30 and no longer accelerated .. if an independent service had no warning or failure at that time they were detected
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
The component that failed is acceleration. He came from work at the Frywed when he reduced the speed from 65 to 30 and no longer accelerated .. if an independent service had no warning or failure at that time they were detected
Incident date: Dec 30, 2024
My engine stalls while driving. Now engine is knocking real loud. Then stall again. My safety and others drivers safety because my engine stalls could cause a crash, wreck. Mechanic listened to engine, said engine is knocking and stalling, this is a safety issue. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, or others. No warning lights, symptoms, Monday December 30, 2024.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
Child Safety Lock Failure notice - both parked or driving, I will hear a clicking noise coming from the doors. Sometimes I will receive a Child Safety Lock Failure error message on the dash. This would sporadically continue to happen while driving and even if my vehicle is parked and off and I happen to do something like open the doors. The vehicle has been serviced numerous times by Hyundai dea... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
The back doors will no longer open when unlocked. This poses a safety risk. I was unable to get my child out of his car seat when the locks or locking mechanism went out. I had to climb into the back seat from the front. The door do not open either from the interior or exterior of the vehicle. A mechanic stated that this could be from faulty solenoids. I was unable to get a print out of a quote ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
The back doors will no longer open when unlocked. This poses a safety risk. I was unable to get my child out of his car seat when the locks or locking mechanism went out. I had to climb into the back seat from the front. The door do not open either from the interior or exterior of the vehicle. A mechanic stated that this could be from faulty solenoids. I was unable to get a print out of a quote ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
My second row passenger side sealtbelt unlatched itself without notice when driving on the highway at 50 miles per hour. My grandson was sitting in his booster seat when the seatbelt unlatched! It was a frightening ordeal! We were on an expeessway with limited availability to pull over. The adult passenger in the other second row seat made several attempts to secure my grandson's seat belt after i... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
My Rear view camara has stop working and there is no recall available for my Elantra by vin number. Is the same problem from the 24V879000 campaign. Please inform me if there is a recall for my car because it’s causing problems in visibility for reverse parking.
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
My Rear view camara has stop working and there is no recall available for my Elantra by vin number. Is the same problem from the 24V879000 campaign. Please inform me if there is a recall for my car because it’s causing problems in visibility for reverse parking.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2024
Spontaneous rod knocking, hindered performance which in tern poor acceleration, which could become a safety risk especially when commuting on a freeway. High risk of motor vehicle accidents or could lead to a fatal incident if left stranded on major roadways and railroad crossings.
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
Motor is knocking due to recalls. Was not able to make recall appointment because car car isn’t reliable at this point
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
Motor is knocking due to recalls. Was not able to make recall appointment because car car isn’t reliable at this point
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle lost automotive power and shuddered. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that a Police Officer arrived on the scene and was able to push the vehicle off the roadway. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was info... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle lost automotive power and shuddered. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that a Police Officer arrived on the scene and was able to push the vehicle off the roadway. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was info... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
Breaks fail to operate correctly 4% of the time and when they fail the vehicle aggressive shakes. This has happened multiple times.We have reported this to the dealership upon service.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
Breaks fail to operate correctly 4% of the time and when they fail the vehicle aggressive shakes. This has happened multiple times.We have reported this to the dealership upon service.
Incident date: Dec 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the horn was inoperative. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the horn needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,600.
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON WHILE DRIVING WITH A PASSENGER SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT.
Incident date: Dec 30, 2024
Hyundai service department confirmed the ICCU needs to be replaced but is on back order for 5-6 weeks
Incident date: Dec 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side seat belt unintendedly unlatched with an occupant seated in the seat. The contact stated that the alarm sounded as if the seat belt was not being used while the seat was occupied. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
It started 4 years ago right after purchasing the vehicle. I slammed on my breaks and my child’s seatbelt unbuckled and he came flying forward and hit the back of the seat in front. I reported this to the Hyundai dealership where they reluctantly replaced my seatbelt. It has come unlatched less frequently. Now the seatbelt on the other side continues to come unlatched while driving. It happens a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
The seat belt on the driver’s side 2nd row captains chair and the 3rd row middle seat spontaneously unlatched while driving. This occurred 5 times over 2 days, at different speeds and locations. One in a parking lot, twice while exiting the neighborhood, and twice on the freeway.
Incident date: Nov 21, 2024
oil filter housing cracking and leaking How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? if engine fails due to oil leak (no oil) oil on the road is never a good thing, Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes it has been confirmed. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or othe... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
Air bag warning has come on due to malfunctioning clockspring. Went to dealership and realized it is not under extended 15 year warranty. Even though, 2011-2013 Sonatas, Elantras, and 2011-2014 HYBRID Sonatas are covered. Being so close in years this is disappointing to learn that the warranty was cut off, although it obviously seems to be an ongoing problem.
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
The tail lights won’t stay on even with new bulbs in it. This was a recall and the recall disappeared. This is not safe for my car to be missing a tail light every night. Please help
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH and following a right curve in the roadway, the message "Unit will Turn off" was displayed. The contact was unable to read the rest of the message. The contact stated that the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond as needed and s... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the message "Shifter System Malfunction - Service Immediately" was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into the park or reverse. The contact activated the parking brake and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was n... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
My 2019 Kona seems to have the same o-rings that are in the hybrid model. It keeps stalling and losing oil consistently. This engine is no good and needs to be replaced!
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
Rear passenger door won’t open from inside or outside. Safety concern
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
Rear passenger door won’t open from inside or outside. Safety concern
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
The vehicle has no power whatsoever. Upon approaching the vehicle, it did not unlock. I used the physical key to open the drivers door. I then tried starting the vehicle only to have the gauge and center display flashing on and off with a red warning That the 12v was dead, to pull over and top immediately then the displays turned off. There are no lights or power to the vehicle no whatsoever. It c... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
The vehicle has no power whatsoever. Upon approaching the vehicle, it did not unlock. I used the physical key to open the drivers door. I then tried starting the vehicle only to have the gauge and center display flashing on and off with a red warning That the 12v was dead, to pull over and top immediately then the displays turned off. There are no lights or power to the vehicle no whatsoever. It c... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
Every time I go up a hill the slippery road light comes up. It’s hard to drive straight. I have to drive under the speed limit going up hills. Sometimes it won’t even let me park. I hear rattling when I drive over a certain speed limit. When I brake I feel the brake pad pushing back. And now my wheels are making noise when I turn them.
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
Every time I go up a hill the slippery road light comes up. It’s hard to drive straight. I have to drive under the speed limit going up hills. Sometimes it won’t even let me park. I hear rattling when I drive over a certain speed limit. When I brake I feel the brake pad pushing back. And now my wheels are making noise when I turn them.
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
Every time I go up a hill the slippery road light comes up. It’s hard to drive straight. I have to drive under the speed limit going up hills. Sometimes it won’t even let me park. I hear rattling when I drive over a certain speed limit. When I brake I feel the brake pad pushing back. And now my wheels are making noise when I turn them.
Incident date: Nov 22, 2024
my car broke down and now the car does not pick up speed and rattles when i press the gas pedal.
Incident date: Nov 22, 2024
my car broke down and now the car does not pick up speed and rattles when i press the gas pedal.