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: May 2, 2026
NHTSA Complaint SummaryVehicle: 2017 Ford Escape SEEngine: 1.5L EcoBoostVIN: [XXX] Defect: Engine Block Design Flaw / Coolant IntrusionTechnical Description of the Issue:My vehicle is experiencing a well-documented manufacturing defect specific to the 1.5L EcoBoost engine. The engine block was designed with a "v-groove" between the cylinders that is prone to structural failure. This allows engine... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
Engine coolant control valve needed to be replaced. Special coverage (N252508341) was issued out by GM to fix this problem on 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
I am writing to file a formal vehicle safety complaint regarding recurring, dangerous, and complete electrical system failures in my Hyundai Palisade. These failures have rendered the vehicle undriveable on multiple occasions, created a direct safety hazard for my family — including a young child — and have caused significant financial harm. The manufacturer's and dealership's failure to provi... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2026
When slowing down in traffic or approaching a stop sign vehicle will stall then turn off. This will than cause the vehicle to abruptly stop. Emergency brake is then engaged. It takes 1-3 times to engage vehicle to restart using the push start button. This happens with in 2-4 blocks of a cold start or even after 15 minutes or more of driving. This vehicle has been in the Dodge dealer several time... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
I have only had the vehicle 1 year and 4 months and I am already having to replace the wiper blades a for a second time. The fact that Chevrolet decided to put a wiper blades arm that no one makes adapters for except Chevrolet and the fact that I can’t just walk into an auto parts store and buy new blades is absolutely infuriating.
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
I have a Maverick (24 AWD XLT) and this issue has occurred twice. It happened on my vehicle the first time as I was trying to turn left, up an incline, with oncoming traffic - loss of acceleration. There was simultaneously a service light and power train malfunction message that went to my ford app. The vehicle had 5k miles on it. I took it immediate to the dealer. After testing they said the conn... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
On April 13, 2026, I arrived home and parked the vehicle, engaging the traditional shifter into the "Park" position and turning off the engine. After exiting and standing on the ground to retrieve a purse from the cabin, the vehicle spontaneously and rapidly began reversing. As the vehicle gained momentum, I was struck by the driver-side door, which knocked me down and resulted in the vehicle ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
All of my service lights light up on the dashboard. A few times now, my car has stopped or the gas pedal doesn’t want to work in the middle of the road when the car was already running.
Incident date: May 1, 2026
In October of 2025 the vehicle began to make engine noises. Within a day the vehicle stalled and shut down completely. I had my mechanic examine the car and they advise coolant had leaked into the engine cause damage. The engine had to be replaced. No warranty coverage and 4k later.
Incident date: May 1, 2026
p1326, rod bearing failure and seizure of motor without warning.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
While idling, the engine shuts off completely and requires the vehicle to be shifted into park and restarted before operation can continue. On multiple occasions, the engine has struggled to restart and cranked for several seconds before turning over. Honda of Tomball in Tomball, TX currently has it. This defect creates a significant safety hazard because the vehicle loses power unexpectedly while... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
I was driving on the highway in heavy traffic which was moving relatively slowly (15-30mph). I had plenty of room in front of me and was in the process of braking when the vehicle suddenly applied the breaks automatically, coming to a very abrupt stop. It threw me forward and almost caused an accident. Luckily the truck behind me was leaving enough room as well and was able to swerve out of the w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to shift properly when the accelerator was applied. The contact was unaware of any warning lights illuminated at the time of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit and drivetrain had failed and needed to be replaced.... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
Timeline Summary – 2022 Hyundai Palisade Safety Defects I first reported seatbelt buckles coming unlatched during normal use in early 2025. The issue was documented by the dealership on March 28th, 2025. A recall was later issued confirming a defect in the seatbelt buckle assemblies that may prevent proper latching and increase the risk of injury in a crash. From late 2025 through April 2026, ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
Anti lock beake system warning light. Very hard to press brake pedal. Brought immediately to dealership. Was told Brake vacuum hose Part # MB3Z 2420 L. Part is not covered by any warranty standard or extended. Also told this is a known issue SSM 50472. Safety of driver, passengers and public placed in danger.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
The vehicle suddenly stalled while driving on the highway at normal speed without warning. The engine lost power completely, creating a dangerous situation and a risk of collision with surrounding traffic. The vehicle had to be towed to a repair shop, where the issue was diagnosed as engine failure. There were no warning lights or prior symptoms before the incident. This appears to be a serious ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
Received a safety recall stating "Seat Back Reclinging Assembly May Not Securely Lock". Based on this information, it goes on to state that "a seat back that has not been secured in a locked position may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash at certain speeds." Currently there are no remedies available but it is advised that "no one sit in or us... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
On 4/17/26 McDonalds Hyundai of [XXX] , dealership performed an ECU update for THETA II Emissions logic improvement (Hyundai campaign number 9C2). Ever since that time the vehicle has been lurching during acceleration. This happens particularly when the vehicle has been sitting for several hours. I reported this to the dealership on 4/28/26 (Scott, service manager) and to Hyundai on 4/29/26 (Hyund... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
In January of 2026, I took my 2021 Ford bronco sport Outer Banks to the dealership because my car had a wrench light come on and it went into limp mode. Supposedly it was fixed and now it is April 2026 and my car went into limp mode again, it would not shift in the park and would not start and now the dealership is telling me that there’s transmission issues but from what I’ve read, there is c... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
The panoramic sunroof glass suddenly shattered while the vehicle was being driven on the interstate, with no visible impact, object strike, or prior damage observed. The component involved is the sunroof glass panel, and it has already been removed and replaced through insurance repairs, so it is not available for inspection (however, pictures are available upon request). The incident created a lo... Read more
2 injured
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Drove roughly an hour from Roseville MI to Temperance MI. Car was fine. No issues on the drive. Gauges were all fine. Got to my friend’s house and took my stuff inside. Came back out immediately and saw dark smoke now coming from the hood. Attempted to open, but couldn't unlatch the hood after it was popped. Saw flames and called 911. Entire car burned down to the back seats. Car seat, Reading g... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into park and failed to shut off. There was a shift to a park error message displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a contact issue in the transmission box. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 91,355.
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum, 6.2L V8 L86 engine, under 100,000 miles. Engine seized and was towed to an authorized GM dealership. Teardown confirmed a spun and twisted rod bearing resulting in complete crankshaft seizure, documented by the dealer as non-serviceable per GM, requiring full engine replacement. Component is available for inspection. Prior to seizure, the vehicle experienced a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
Vehicle developed clunking noise in the steering. Was told it was coupler issue. The dealership, Nlorthbay Hyundai, in Petaluma, California, was negligent in the replacement, creating a grinding metal on metal noise, and damaged the steering column as well. The Dealership refused failed to correct the damage and attempted to defraud me over $3,000 for an entirely new steering column, and refuse t... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The tungsten carbide coating on the PSCB (Porsche Surface Coated Brake) rotors has failed at 44,000 miles. This is not normal wear. The Taycan’s regenerative braking system handles the substantial majority of deceleration under normal driving conditions, meaning the mechanical brakes on this vehicle have seen a fraction of the use they would on a comparable internal combustion vehicle at the sam... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V607000 (Seat Belts) and NHTSA Campaign: 26V034000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV - passed Safety Recall N252494001 L87 in August of 2025. March 2026 experienced loss of propulsion (while driving), major noise and violent shaking. Every warning came on. There were no other symptoms Very fortunate no one was behind us as vehicle completely stopped on road. Reported problem to dealer and took into them. Said it was serpentine belt and we were charged to... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
My vehicle is subject to Recall 292 (NHTSA 24V-034). Hyundai has admitted in writing that this vehicle violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 226 because the third-row side curtain airbags fail to meet ejection mitigation requirements. I routinely transport minor children in the third row. Hyundai's official notice confirms this defect increases the risk of injury or death t... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
My vehicle is subject to Recall 292 (NHTSA 24V-034). Hyundai has admitted in writing that this vehicle violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 226 because the third-row side curtain airbags fail to meet ejection mitigation requirements. I routinely transport minor children in the third row. Hyundai's official notice confirms this defect increases the risk of injury or death t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2026
My vehicle is subject to Recall 292 (NHTSA 24V-034). Hyundai has admitted in writing that this vehicle violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 226 because the third-row side curtain airbags fail to meet ejection mitigation requirements. I routinely transport minor children in the third row. Hyundai's official notice confirms this defect increases the risk of injury or death t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
The transmission of the 2021 Suburban failed. While operating the vehicle down a state highway, out of nowhere the power was reduced significantly while in traffic. It would not go over 30 MPH after forcing itself to 30 MPH while driving down the busy highway. After struggling to find a safe place to park, the vehicle would not, and still will not, go into reverse. There were no warning lights of ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
Steering is intermittently difficult, almost as if no power steering. Steering wheel does not return to center after a turn. There were no warning lamps or messages displayed on the vehicle. This is a safety issue in that it could an accident by not responding properly to driver input. Took vehicle to Toyota dealer who diagnosed problem as "Intermediate Steering Shaft Binding." Toyota dealer repl... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
The automatic emergency braking system brakes way too hard causing the car to stop too fast and risks causing a rear end collision. This is not fixed by adjusting settings. It is a common complaint and the system needs to be calibrated to brake more smoothly.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
I have the 2015 Hyundai sonata with the 2.5 GDI engine that eventually will seize due to internal damaged caused by manufacture design flaws. My Hyundai threw a P0010 code which causes my car to idle high and causing low vacuum affecting my brakes. I had a diagnostic test done at a Hyundai dealership that told me it was a cvvt cam sprocket issue and that it was the beginning of the end of the engi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
I have the 2015 Hyundai sonata with the 2.5 GDI engine that eventually will seize due to internal damaged caused by manufacture design flaws. My Hyundai threw a P0010 code which causes my car to idle high and causing low vacuum affecting my brakes. I had a diagnostic test done at a Hyundai dealership that told me it was a cvvt cam sprocket issue and that it was the beginning of the end of the engi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
The backup camera on the trunk of the 2023 Kia Sorrento has fallen out. It is attached only by the wires. Apparently, my specific vehicle is not a part of the initial recall; however, the camera has fallen out and is now hanging. I do not feel as though I should be responsible for this repair as it is due to a manufacturing issue.
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, a fire originated near the dashboard area without warning. The occupants inside the vehicle first noticed an abnormal smoke odor inside the vehicle. Shortly afterwards, the contact and passenger’s eyes started burning and their throats became irritated. The driver opened and then closed the windows and the... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac XTS. The contact stated that several codes will intermittently illuminate on the vehicle, such as code 813, which refers to a transmission communication failure; a malfunction with the Instrument or Cluster (IPC); and code 62, which refers to the Body Control Module (recalls 13 and 158). The Power Steering, Drive Carefully, and Suspension warning lights would ill... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
On April 23, 2026, while driving my 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 , the Automatic Emergency Braking system completely failed to detect an oncoming hazard. The system did not alert me, did not activate, and did not apply emergency braking. I nearly collided with another vehicle as a direct result of this failure. The vehicle has a persistent diagnostic trouble code C28AB87 — CAN time-out for the front rad... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
On April 23, 2026, while driving my 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 , the Automatic Emergency Braking system completely failed to detect an oncoming hazard. The system did not alert me, did not activate, and did not apply emergency braking. I nearly collided with another vehicle as a direct result of this failure. The vehicle has a persistent diagnostic trouble code C28AB87 — CAN time-out for the front rad... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
Despite being only 18 months old with under 26,000 miles, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic failure with no prior dashboard warnings. While driving at highway speeds, loud cracking noises occurred while the engine was running, though we were able to pull off safely. The incident resulted in a burning smell, fumes, and rapid battery drain; subsequent inspection revealed a sheared tensioner spring... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2026
Transmission started shifting erratically, clunking, downshifting from 10th gear to 3rd gear driving at 50 mph. Jumps from 1 to 3 then hesitates every gear after
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
My infotainment unit stoped working after an update that was pushed to the car by Hyundai. My battery was beginning to show signs that it needed replacing (not cranking in the cold temps or needing a few tries to start), so I went to Advance Auto to have the battery replaced. Once back in the car, everything was working fine (radio with sirius XM, back up camera, Navigation, Android and Apple car... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2025
Factory window tint of the back window & the driver/passenger side(s) windows are bubbling and peeling causing visual impairment while operating motor vehicle. Examples of impairment are backing the vehicle and changing lanes & these affected areas are blurry. Panaramic Sunroof does not seal properly when closed. Factory vehicle paint bubbling and peeling causing depreciation of the vehicle.
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
Coolant hose on bypass valve came off. Dumped coolant and engine overheated. Tech said it just came off, service advisor said I “hit a bump”.
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
The tracking number assigned by NHTSA for this issue is 11733456 I am writing to update and escalate my previously filed safety complaint regarding my vehicle. I recently received my car back from the dealership after they informed me that all issues had been repaired and that the vehicle was safe to drive. However, after getting the vehicle back, it is not the same, and it is not safe to opera... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
The tracking number assigned by NHTSA for this issue is 11733456 I am writing to update and escalate my previously filed safety complaint regarding my vehicle. I recently received my car back from the dealership after they informed me that all issues had been repaired and that the vehicle was safe to drive. However, after getting the vehicle back, it is not the same, and it is not safe to opera... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
The tracking number assigned by NHTSA for this issue is 11733456 I am writing to update and escalate my previously filed safety complaint regarding my vehicle. I recently received my car back from the dealership after they informed me that all issues had been repaired and that the vehicle was safe to drive. However, after getting the vehicle back, it is not the same, and it is not safe to opera... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
Had an issue with driver assist radar when in complete control. Until you’re not! Brakes lock up skidding tires and causing seat belts to lock up. It happens so suddenly it scares you to the point of heart attack. This has happened: merely backing out of driveway, when accelerating in your lane with car in turn lane beside you turning right. And most recently on FL Turnpike while in stopp... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
Had an issue with driver assist radar when in complete control. Until you’re not! Brakes lock up skidding tires and causing seat belts to lock up. It happens so suddenly it scares you to the point of heart attack. This has happened: merely backing out of driveway, when accelerating in your lane with car in turn lane beside you turning right. And most recently on FL Turnpike while in stopp... Read more