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 7, 2026
Over the past four days, my vehicle has repeatedly applied braking unexpectedly without a valid obstacle or need to brake. This has occurred multiple times under normal driving conditions, including: Twice on the freeway in stop-and-go traffic with vehicles at a safe distance ahead Multiple times on regular city streets with vehicles ahead at approximately 15–20 feet Once while turning into my... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2024
The digital screens that contain the gauge cluster and infotainment array intermittently flicker, black out, or go to static. Sometimes it's one side or the other and sometimes it is both. When the gauge cluster screen is affected, the heads-up display on the windshield also turns off. All of this can happen while the vehicle is idle or while driving. Sometimes the displays flicker and sometimes... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving 45-50 MPH, the vehicle experienced phantom braking, causing the brakes to suddenly apply roughly. The contact stated that the failure had persisted and recurred while driving at 35 MPH. The collision light was illuminated. The contact sustained a shoulder injury due to the sudden braking, but the contact did not receive ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving 45-50 MPH, the vehicle experienced phantom braking, causing the brakes to suddenly apply roughly. The contact stated that the failure had persisted and recurred while driving at 35 MPH. The collision light was illuminated. The contact sustained a shoulder injury due to the sudden braking, but the contact did not receive ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that during a regular maintenance visit, the contact was informed that there was a leak coming from the front axle transfer case, which was initially unrepaired. The vehicle was subsequently taken to a dealer in Colorado, where the seal was replaced. However, while an oil change service was being performed later, it was discovered that the f... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V034000(Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
The current no. 226 EJECTION MITIGATION RECALL has me scared to drive the vehicle for it's intended use as a Family car transporting 7 people which are all children. The fix from the manufacturer/dealership is taking to long. We are lucky we have not been in an accident. I believed my Family was safe in this vehicle but now know we are not. What a waste of money I have borrowed for this car. Pay... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE XL
(2019) — ENGINE
Apr 10, 2026
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
Check engine light came on and then vehicle stalled took to shop and said the engine was needing to be replaced. Looked into issue and seen multiple issues with this engine and happening to a lot of Hyundai engines where vehicles need to get complete new engines
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Failure of the ICCU during normal driving conditions. The vehicle was controllable, and driver was able to bring the vehicle to a safe location as vehicle performance deteriorated. The failure left the driver and passenger without power during a storm in an unfamiliar area. After about 45 minutes of waiting for roadside assistance, the vehicle lost all auxiliary power and no functions were availab... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Failure of the ICCU during normal driving conditions. The vehicle was controllable, and driver was able to bring the vehicle to a safe location as vehicle performance deteriorated. The failure left the driver and passenger without power during a storm in an unfamiliar area. After about 45 minutes of waiting for roadside assistance, the vehicle lost all auxiliary power and no functions were availab... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Failure of the ICCU during normal driving conditions. The vehicle was controllable, and driver was able to bring the vehicle to a safe location as vehicle performance deteriorated. The failure left the driver and passenger without power during a storm in an unfamiliar area. After about 45 minutes of waiting for roadside assistance, the vehicle lost all auxiliary power and no functions were availab... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
The vehicle experienced a significant failure of the Body Control Module (BCM). This resulted in multiple electrical malfunctions, including don't detected the Key, Despite the low mileage (12,000 miles), the electronic systems have proven unreliable, and the vehicle is currently undergoing warranty repairs at the dealership. "The sudden failure of electrical components could lead to a crash or ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
The vehicle experienced a significant failure of the Body Control Module (BCM). This resulted in multiple electrical malfunctions, including don't detected the Key, Despite the low mileage (12,000 miles), the electronic systems have proven unreliable, and the vehicle is currently undergoing warranty repairs at the dealership. "The sudden failure of electrical components could lead to a crash or ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
The vehicle experienced a significant failure of the Body Control Module (BCM). This resulted in multiple electrical malfunctions, including don't detected the Key, Despite the low mileage (12,000 miles), the electronic systems have proven unreliable, and the vehicle is currently undergoing warranty repairs at the dealership. "The sudden failure of electrical components could lead to a crash or ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
On XXXXX, while parked at a campsite approximately two hours from my home, the vehicle displayed an “electrical failure” warning on the dashboard. The vehicle had been parked for less than 20 minutes when this issue occurred. I contacted Hyundai customer support that same evening to report the problem (Case #XXXXXX). On April 4, 2026, the vehicle was towed via Hyundai roadside assistance to Wi... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
On XXXXX, while parked at a campsite approximately two hours from my home, the vehicle displayed an “electrical failure” warning on the dashboard. The vehicle had been parked for less than 20 minutes when this issue occurred. I contacted Hyundai customer support that same evening to report the problem (Case #XXXXXX). On April 4, 2026, the vehicle was towed via Hyundai roadside assistance to Wi... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
On XXXXX, while parked at a campsite approximately two hours from my home, the vehicle displayed an “electrical failure” warning on the dashboard. The vehicle had been parked for less than 20 minutes when this issue occurred. I contacted Hyundai customer support that same evening to report the problem (Case #XXXXXX). On April 4, 2026, the vehicle was towed via Hyundai roadside assistance to Wi... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
My vehicle loses power on the highway intermittently. I had my car set on cruise control at 55 and with no other vehicle in front of me the speed decreased to 45. It frequently sputters going up hills. My car has had 4 oil leaks.
Incident date: Jan 4, 2026
The Kona barely wants to accelerate and stalls out while driving. Even though I recently got a oil change there’s oil consumption and the oil is black as if I never got a oil change. I took it to a hyundai dealer ship, i told them what was wrong they said it’s the timing belt. When that’s not the issue. I recently took it to a mechanic to get a third opinion and to see and fix what is wrong... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2026
The Kona barely wants to accelerate and stalls out while driving. Even though I recently got a oil change there’s oil consumption and the oil is black as if I never got a oil change. I took it to a hyundai dealer ship, i told them what was wrong they said it’s the timing belt. When that’s not the issue. I recently took it to a mechanic to get a third opinion and to see and fix what is wrong... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2026
The Kona barely wants to accelerate and stalls out while driving. Even though I recently got a oil change there’s oil consumption and the oil is black as if I never got a oil change. I took it to a hyundai dealer ship, i told them what was wrong they said it’s the timing belt. When that’s not the issue. I recently took it to a mechanic to get a third opinion and to see and fix what is wrong... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE HYBRID
(2025) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Apr 9, 2026
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
Sudden loss of power (multiple incidences in the first 3000 miles, multiple service visits). While driving normally there was a sudden loss of power. Once at an interstate on ramp while attempting to merge, and three times while driving on city streets. The first dealer visit resulted in no action due to no codes and the problem not replicating. When I pulled into the dealer and shut off the car; ... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE HYBRID
(2025) — POWER TRAIN
Apr 9, 2026
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
Sudden loss of power (multiple incidences in the first 3000 miles, multiple service visits). While driving normally there was a sudden loss of power. Once at an interstate on ramp while attempting to merge, and three times while driving on city streets. The first dealer visit resulted in no action due to no codes and the problem not replicating. When I pulled into the dealer and shut off the car; ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2025
THE BACK DOOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOES NOT LATCH PROPERLY. THE DOOR WILL TRY TO CLOSE BUT YOU HAVE TO KEEP SLAMMING THE DOOR UNTIL IT WILL FINALLY LATCH. I ONCE DROVE A FEW FEET AND THE DOOR HAD TO BE HELD SHUT. IT FINALLY CLOSED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS CONTACTED LAST YEAR (2025) ONCE I READ ON REDDIT THAT A TSB/EXTENDED WARRANTY WAS ISSUED. BUT I WAS TOLD THAT IT DIDN'T COVER MY VEHICLE AND IF I ... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2016) — ENGINE
Apr 9, 2026
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
Connecting rod bearing failure, stated a recall was active but it hadn't been assigned to my vehicle. Vehicle went into engine failiure and does not have appropriate measures to prevent engine failiure. No warning messages prior to engine failiure.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
The contact rented a 2025 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH with the cruise control activated, the braking system failed to engage, causing the contact to manually depress the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure had occurred three times. The manufa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
On 3/19/2026. Battery was at 20% SOC. Plugged in my home L2 charger. Car did not start. Took vehicle to dealer the next morning 3/20/2026. It was diagnosed as an ICCU failure. Parts ordered car left at dealer but still waiting on 4/9/2026 for issue to be resolved.
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
My 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe (approx. 153,000 miles) developed a new stalling and engine-dying-at-idle condition immediately following a knock sensor replacement performed by a Hyundai dealership. Prior to this repair, the vehicle ran normally with no stalling or idle issues. The vehicle was originally brought in for diagnosis related to code P1326, which is covered under Hyundai Service Campaign T6G... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
My 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe (approx. 153,000 miles) developed a new stalling and engine-dying-at-idle condition immediately following a knock sensor replacement performed by a Hyundai dealership. Prior to this repair, the vehicle ran normally with no stalling or idle issues. The vehicle was originally brought in for diagnosis related to code P1326, which is covered under Hyundai Service Campaign T6G... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the child in the second-row seat became trapped after the seat belt seized. The seat belt was cut to free the child. Additionally, the contact reported that the infotainment system was inoperable, failed to power on, and malfunctioned while driving, preventing the use of hands-free feature. The... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the child in the second-row seat became trapped after the seat belt seized. The seat belt was cut to free the child. Additionally, the contact reported that the infotainment system was inoperable, failed to power on, and malfunctioned while driving, preventing the use of hands-free feature. The... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
Subject: Vehicle Safety Complaint – Engine Failure – Hyundai To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting a vehicle safety complaint regarding a serious engine failure involving my Hyundai vehicle. The engine experienced a failure significant enough to require replacement. This raises serious safety concerns, as sudden engine failure can result in loss of power while driving, increasing the risk... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while checking all the vehicle features, the second-row passenger seat independently started to fold. The contact believed it was operator’s error since the vehicle was recently purchased. The contact received notification of NTHSA Campaign Number: 26V160000 (Seats). The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the re... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
There was sudden power reduced and turn to the limp mode(Turtle symbol popped up). After pull over my vehicle to highway shoulder, the vehicle became total power loss. Unable to drive anywhere. It was a dangerous situation for my family. We waited tow car and took my vehicle to Hyundai dealership which located close to my house. They diagnosed my car and after a day. They told me it needs to be r... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
There was sudden power reduced and turn to the limp mode(Turtle symbol popped up). After pull over my vehicle to highway shoulder, the vehicle became total power loss. Unable to drive anywhere. It was a dangerous situation for my family. We waited tow car and took my vehicle to Hyundai dealership which located close to my house. They diagnosed my car and after a day. They told me it needs to be r... Read more
HYUNDAI
SONATA HYBRID
(2021) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Apr 9, 2026
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
The automatic emergency braking system has literally locked the brakes up 5 times in the last several months since the car was purchased new from the dealer due to this system thinking we were going to hit the car in front that was not braking hard. One time a car had already turned off the roadway and as we started to accelerate on down the road our car locked the brakes up as it has done 4 othe... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
The automatic emergency braking system has literally locked the brakes up 5 times in the last several months since the car was purchased new from the dealer due to this system thinking we were going to hit the car in front that was not braking hard. One time a car had already turned off the roadway and as we started to accelerate on down the road our car locked the brakes up as it has done 4 othe... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V893000 (Trailer Hitches). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were on back order. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
I have already replaced the transmission out of pocket 7k its began to do the same thing immediately was flushed a 2nd time and told it could be the motor. Also my battery i have bought 2 new batteries in 2 yrs now to find out its a false warning.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
I have already replaced the transmission out of pocket 7k its began to do the same thing immediately was flushed a 2nd time and told it could be the motor. Also my battery i have bought 2 new batteries in 2 yrs now to find out its a false warning.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
I have already replaced the transmission out of pocket 7k its began to do the same thing immediately was flushed a 2nd time and told it could be the motor. Also my battery i have bought 2 new batteries in 2 yrs now to find out its a false warning.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
My mother's vehicle caught fire while in park and it’s listed under a fire-risk recall. Another car got damage with the fire. I want to open a claim.
Fire
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
My mother's vehicle caught fire while in park and it’s listed under a fire-risk recall. Another car got damage with the fire. I want to open a claim.
Fire
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
My mother's vehicle caught fire while in park and it’s listed under a fire-risk recall. Another car got damage with the fire. I want to open a claim.
Fire
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
ABS module/brakes system goes into limp mode randomly, which causes brake malfunction, throwing codes c1233, c1234 and c1236. There was a recall repair performed by Hyundai about two years ago, however there was two options on NHTSA recall 23V651000/campaign 251. One was to replace a safety plug fuse issue, TSB 23-01-054H . That is the recall they performed. The other recall repair which they did ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
A persistent and dangerous safety defect regarding my 2026 Hyundai Tucson. Since February 19, 2026, I have experienced a chemical/burning odor when the heater is in operation. More alarmingly, exposure to these fumes while driving causes me and a passenger to experience severe headaches and dizziness, rendering the vehicle unsafe to operate. To date, I have presented the vehicle for repair on fi... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE HYBRID
(2024) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Apr 8, 2026
Incident date: Nov 15, 2025
Original letter to Hyundai below. The car is currently at a dealer again for repair of the same issue. Fuel pump replaced in Nov 2025 but issue has returned in March 2026. Videos of the issue recently occurring are available. Good morning, We had our 2024 Santa Fe Hybrid lose power while merging onto the freeway in November 2025. I was pressing the accelerator and it did not do anything, just k... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE HYBRID
(2024) — ENGINE
Apr 8, 2026
Incident date: Nov 15, 2025
Original letter to Hyundai below. The car is currently at a dealer again for repair of the same issue. Fuel pump replaced in Nov 2025 but issue has returned in March 2026. Videos of the issue recently occurring are available. Good morning, We had our 2024 Santa Fe Hybrid lose power while merging onto the freeway in November 2025. I was pressing the accelerator and it did not do anything, just k... Read more