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: Apr 16, 2026
4/16/2026 at 1:35pm I was traveling north on Hwy 69 traveling +-45mph. Vehicle on my right in his lane and one vehicle in from of me about 50yrds. My vehicle auto applied the brakes and alarm indicating emergency collision to happen. A new minutes later (5 minutes) traveling in same direction same speed but NO cars on either side but one care approximately 100 yds in from and again the emergency ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
Vehicle began flashing check driver assistance for rear sensors repeatedly while traveling out of state on March 30th with an occasional flash of check AWD/4WD. On March 31st the vehicle flashed the warnings along with a variety of others flashing on the infotainment screen rapidly and shut off while driving. I was barely able to restart to get it safely into a parking lot before it shut down comp... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
Vehicle began flashing check driver assistance for rear sensors repeatedly while traveling out of state on March 30th with an occasional flash of check AWD/4WD. On March 31st the vehicle flashed the warnings along with a variety of others flashing on the infotainment screen rapidly and shut off while driving. I was barely able to restart to get it safely into a parking lot before it shut down comp... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
Vehicle began flashing check driver assistance for rear sensors repeatedly while traveling out of state on March 30th with an occasional flash of check AWD/4WD. On March 31st the vehicle flashed the warnings along with a variety of others flashing on the infotainment screen rapidly and shut off while driving. I was barely able to restart to get it safely into a parking lot before it shut down comp... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The engine defected at 82000 i had it for a year can u guys please make it right as a valuable customer
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
Car is stuck in the drive position and won't change into neutral not park even with pushing the shift lock release button. I turned it off and now it won't even start.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
2026 hyundai sonata limited hybrid first owner. The sunroof above the driver's seat exploded while i was driving 70mph on the highway. Sounded like a gunshot. It was completely shattered but thankfully did not rain down on me. Local hyundai dealer inspected it and warranty denied from hyundai due to "caused by an outside influence." I did not see or hear any rocks or debris.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
"Consider Taking a Break" warning comes on every 3-5 minutes after the car has been driving for an hour or so. Even after stopping, taking a break, and switching drivers, the warning comes on repeatedly. This is not a safety feature - it is a SAFETY HAZARD. It is distracting to the point of being dangerous.
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
The vehicle (2020 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2.0T, ~88,500 miles) experienced a sudden engine failure with no warning signs—no oil light, knocking, or overheating. After sitting overnight, the vehicle would not start and was later diagnosed by an independent repair facility as having a seized engine requiring replacement. The failure was unexpected and creates a potential safety risk, as it could have r... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
I have had 3 window motors go out in the last 7 months.
Incident date: Nov 11, 2023
1st Incident: Merging on to the freeway car started to stall but was able to safely make it off the freeway at next exit. Less than 2 miles was unable to accelerate to properly merge on freeway. A slow merge & slow driving on to a freeway is extremely dangerous. 2nd Incident: 6 months later, Nov. 2023. Driving about 65-70 MPH on the freeway with my son, the car started to stall again. I was able t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2023
1st Incident: Merging on to the freeway car started to stall but was able to safely make it off the freeway at next exit. Less than 2 miles was unable to accelerate to properly merge on freeway. A slow merge & slow driving on to a freeway is extremely dangerous. 2nd Incident: 6 months later, Nov. 2023. Driving about 65-70 MPH on the freeway with my son, the car started to stall again. I was able t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the Forward Attention Warning (FAW) system had failed to detect the driver's eyes while wearing sunglasses, causing the cruise control to disengage unintendedly. Several messages advising the driver to pay attention to the road were displayed. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while wearing prescription glasses and whi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
While driving my car with no warning light or any type of sound just cut off engine while driving. I was on busy highway going slightly uphill and was almost rear ended causing car behind me to swerve to avoid hitting me swerving to other lane and almost colliding into another car. I was able to get to middle divider almost but back end of my car sticking out in #2 lane. I was stuck in car for abo... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
Vehicle unexpectedly ceased to work. A loud pop sound then a message to check electrical system. Vehicle reverted to “limp mode” leaving me at a max of 15 mph. Terribly unsafe and extremely, concerningly widespread ICCU failure across Hyundai EV models For 5+ years is unacceptable
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 182,204 - 215,000; and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 152,572.
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that after the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a recall repair, there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle, with white smoke from the tailpipe. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
since i have owned this car they have replaced the knock sensor twice. there is a recall on the engine for crank bearing wear, my car now is burning through 5 quarts of oil every 2 weeks with no oil leak spots on the ground. i would like them to replace the engine as per the recall. the knock sensor should be an indication of the bearings going bad. i have been getting the run around from the deal... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2026
I was driving, the car was making a noise and shaking. No warning lights were on indicating anything wrong. All of a sudden the entire car lost power while I was driving highway speeds. I tried to turn back on and everything was flashing. Turned back off. Turned on and car turned on. Still making noise. No warning lights. Then it happened again while driving. Got the car home parked. It’s lucky ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2025
We think there’s an issue with the abs module and wheel speed sensor because we started having a problem where the brakes wouldn’t work or would stutter. The car would shake real bad it would make an awful grinding sound but normally only when trying to stop at higher speeds or long braking. The only thing that made it stop was to unplug the abs but then other parts of the car stopped working ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2025
We think there’s an issue with the abs module and wheel speed sensor because we started having a problem where the brakes wouldn’t work or would stutter. The car would shake real bad it would make an awful grinding sound but normally only when trying to stop at higher speeds or long braking. The only thing that made it stop was to unplug the abs but then other parts of the car stopped working ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2025
We think there’s an issue with the abs module and wheel speed sensor because we started having a problem where the brakes wouldn’t work or would stutter. The car would shake real bad it would make an awful grinding sound but normally only when trying to stop at higher speeds or long braking. The only thing that made it stop was to unplug the abs but then other parts of the car stopped working ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2025
The vehicle has multiple unresolved safety recalls involving the seatbelt system and the airbag system (ejection mitigation/side curtain airbags). These are critical occupant protection systems that are designed to protect passengers during a crash. There is a risk that seatbelts may not properly restrain occupants and that airbags may not deploy or function correctly. I regularly transport 3–4... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2025
The vehicle has multiple unresolved safety recalls involving the seatbelt system and the airbag system (ejection mitigation/side curtain airbags). These are critical occupant protection systems that are designed to protect passengers during a crash. There is a risk that seatbelts may not properly restrain occupants and that airbags may not deploy or function correctly. I regularly transport 3–4... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
Burns through oil Oil will be black and barely any on the dip stick Cannot make it to recommended oil change miles or date Goes into limp mode
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Horn stopped working. Very dangerous. Poor design where water corrodes interface.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V607000 (Seat Belts); 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle started making an abnormal ticking sound. While accelerating, the sound level increased. The contact stated that the failure was related to the engine warranty extension TXXM. An independent mechanic was contacted and determined that there was an internal failure with the engine. The fluid levels were... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
While driving at approximately 70 mph on a highway under normal conditions, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of engine power. A check engine light illuminated at the time of the failure, and the vehicle was unable to maintain normal acceleration or consistent speed. The loss of power created a hazardous situation in active traffic, as the vehicle could not safely maintain speed with surround... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
While driving at approximately 70 mph on a highway under normal conditions, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of engine power. A check engine light illuminated at the time of the failure, and the vehicle was unable to maintain normal acceleration or consistent speed. The loss of power created a hazardous situation in active traffic, as the vehicle could not safely maintain speed with surround... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
While driving at approximately 70 mph on a highway under normal conditions, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of engine power. A check engine light illuminated at the time of the failure, and the vehicle was unable to maintain normal acceleration or consistent speed. The loss of power created a hazardous situation in active traffic, as the vehicle could not safely maintain speed with surround... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
Our Car is 2016 with 97000 miles with engine failure. Previous driving noticed the Engine will slow down suddenly at times. Preston Hyundai Dealer says bad engine cylinder $6000 is a fire hazzard and needs new engine. I see Hyundai sold 199000 2016 Sonatas and replaced 129000 bad engines. They gave a 120000 mile warranty to the 2016 cars. Hyundai said my car in not on the recall list so they will... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
Seem like there was a recall on the 3.3L engines on the Hyundai Santa Fe starting January 26, 2017, for engine related knocking noise. My Vin is [XXX] according to the Manufacturing plate it was made in Korea released on January 04, 2017. I realize it is a 22-day window on the recall but after an oil change the motor has started knocking the oil is the right viscosity, full to capacity, and oil f... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
On at least three occasions, the emergency braking system has engaged when there was no risk of a collision. The vehicle ahead was moving forward and was a safe distance ahead. This has occurred even when the forward collision system is set to "Late." When the emergency braking system engaged, it stopped the vehicle with such force that it threw items in the back seat forward into the foot well an... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
On at least three occasions, the emergency braking system has engaged when there was no risk of a collision. The vehicle ahead was moving forward and was a safe distance ahead. This has occurred even when the forward collision system is set to "Late." When the emergency braking system engaged, it stopped the vehicle with such force that it threw items in the back seat forward into the foot well an... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
for over 6 months, manufacture has failed to address recall, vehicle was brought to dealer the same week the recall was published and has been in multiple times since then.
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
My 2025 Hyundai Palisade has multiple open safety recalls that have not been repaired and make the vehicle unsafe to operate. The dealership confirmed safety recalls effect my vehicle and my car is currently at the dealership since April 3rd. The first recall 283, involves the seat belts in the 1st and 2nd rows. Parts were ordered on January 20, 2026, but the repair has still not been completed ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
My 2025 Hyundai Palisade has multiple open safety recalls that have not been repaired and make the vehicle unsafe to operate. The dealership confirmed safety recalls effect my vehicle and my car is currently at the dealership since April 3rd. The first recall 283, involves the seat belts in the 1st and 2nd rows. Parts were ordered on January 20, 2026, but the repair has still not been completed ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
Upon delivery of a brand new 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 with 13 miles on the odometer, the washer fluid warning illuminated the next day. Reservoir was refilled on 3/29 and was completely empty by 3/30. Vehicle was brought to the authorized dealer on 3/31. The technician confirmed via repair order that the washer fluid hose was actively spouting directly above the ICCU — Integrated Charging Control Un... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
Upon delivery of a brand new 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 with 13 miles on the odometer, the washer fluid warning illuminated the next day. Reservoir was refilled on 3/29 and was completely empty by 3/30. Vehicle was brought to the authorized dealer on 3/31. The technician confirmed via repair order that the washer fluid hose was actively spouting directly above the ICCU — Integrated Charging Control Un... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
Upon delivery of a brand new 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 with 13 miles on the odometer, the washer fluid warning illuminated the next day. Reservoir was refilled on 3/29 and was completely empty by 3/30. Vehicle was brought to the authorized dealer on 3/31. The technician confirmed via repair order that the washer fluid hose was actively spouting directly above the ICCU — Integrated Charging Control Un... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2026
I was driving on the highway in heavy traffic going about 65 mph. An unusual symbol appeared on the dash in red that I don't know what It was or what it meant but I thought it must be something serious. Then a warning came up saying for me to take a break. Then a different warning came up saying that I should take control of the car immediately, it was about to brake. The car immediately began to... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2026
I was driving on the highway in heavy traffic going about 65 mph. An unusual symbol appeared on the dash in red that I don't know what It was or what it meant but I thought it must be something serious. Then a warning came up saying for me to take a break. Then a different warning came up saying that I should take control of the car immediately, it was about to brake. The car immediately began to... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
When the car is off and in park and you go to turn on the car on by pressing the brake and power button button, the electrical system doesn't register and wont turn the ignition on and the brake gets stuck and you cant start the car. The same thing happens when the cars auto ignition is turned off at a red light then you press the gas to go but it doesnt show the gear is in drive and the ignition ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
When the car is off and in park and you go to turn on the car on by pressing the brake and power button button, the electrical system doesn't register and wont turn the ignition on and the brake gets stuck and you cant start the car. The same thing happens when the cars auto ignition is turned off at a red light then you press the gas to go but it doesnt show the gear is in drive and the ignition ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
When the car is off and in park and you go to turn on the car on by pressing the brake and power button button, the electrical system doesn't register and wont turn the ignition on and the brake gets stuck and you cant start the car. The same thing happens when the cars auto ignition is turned off at a red light then you press the gas to go but it doesnt show the gear is in drive and the ignition ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2026
Every time we drive our brand new Tucson on the highway the driver assistance warning is constantly flashing a coffee cup symbol on the dashboard along with an audible bell dinging and text suggesting we pull over and take a break for no apparent reason other than we're on a highway at highway speed. It's very distracting and upsetting to say the least and there's no way to disable the defective f... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2017) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 19, 2026
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
The vehicle is experiencing a massive paint adhesion failure (white pearl paint), which is peeling off in large sheets from the hood and roof. This is a severe manufacturing defect. At highway speeds, paint flakes fly off, posing a significant safety hazard to other drivers and obstructing visibility. Furthermore, the exposed metal is prone to rapid corrosion, which compromises the structural inte... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2025
Since I bought the car the forward attention warning goes off constantly. I’ve taken it to the dealership multiple times. They took off my eztag, stated it was blocking my camera. This is not the issue. Now there are 56 cars ahead of mine. This will be the 3rd time for the exact same complaint. It affects everything in the car. My cruise control doesn’t work because of this issue. If you turn ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2025
Since I bought the car the forward attention warning goes off constantly. I’ve taken it to the dealership multiple times. They took off my eztag, stated it was blocking my camera. This is not the issue. Now there are 56 cars ahead of mine. This will be the 3rd time for the exact same complaint. It affects everything in the car. My cruise control doesn’t work because of this issue. If you turn ... Read more