Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 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 2,245,377 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 78,021 complaints for HYUNDAI
Incident date: May 19, 2026
Coolant intrusion complete engine failure
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
Incident Description: On [XXX], I took delivery of a brand-new 2026 Harley-Davidson Road Glide from a certified franchise dealership. Within 15 to 20 minutes of departing the dealership, under normal riding conditions on a well-maintained roadway, the motorcycle suffered a sudden, catastrophic mechanical failure. I observed a large cloud of white smoke trailing heavily from the motorcycle. I immed... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
In the rear facing mode when using the seat belt and the snug lock on the car seat the seat become loose and shifts significantly. I have tried many times to reroute and tighten the car seat strap and it stays tight for a half day or so but after a short while the seat becomes loose again. The snug lock is still firmly in place but there is extra slack preventing the seat from sitting securely on ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
The auto start/stop feature will fail at random when I come to a stop. My vehicle will shut off and the parking brake will turn on, leading to delays in traffic and unsafe traffic situations. I have had my battery replaced, so this has occured with new batteries and nothing wrong with my car.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
Engine overheated and performed an emergency shutdown while driving through Atlanta on my way to vacation with my family. We lost propulsion and had to cross 5 lanes of traffic to find a shoulder to pull over to. The engine shut down and we were left stranded 500 miles from home with our 3 children in a boiling car. The vehicle was inspected and passed the recall test 6 weeks prior to this inciden... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
Engine overheated and performed an emergency shutdown while driving through Atlanta on my way to vacation with my family. We lost propulsion and had to cross 5 lanes of traffic to find a shoulder to pull over to. The engine shut down and we were left stranded 500 miles from home with our 3 children in a boiling car. The vehicle was inspected and passed the recall test 6 weeks prior to this inciden... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2026
The infotainment system is experiencing the "ghost touch" problem already identified by Mazda and there has already been a class action lawsuit won regarding this problem. I was not aware of this class action lawsuit or I would have participated to have my system repaired. My infotainment system is completely unusable and I have been told it is over $500 to repair/replace. I am the original o... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
Transmission with known defects failed at 72,000 miles under normal driving circumstances and a vehicle only six years old.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
Right passenger seat in second row alarms that seatbelt is not buckled when it is buckled with a passenger.
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
I purchased this car in April 2023 and in December 2023. I had to get a new battery when I purchased a car. They told me that there was no worries or mishaps with the vehicle they said just only normal wear and tear for is a used vehicle. My car is a 2021 Nissan Altima so the car would’ve been about two years old maybe or on his way to be in two years old when I got the car according to the Carf... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the electronic stability control disabled warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC); ho... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving or while the vehicle was parked, the air bag warning light was intermittently illuminated. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the seat belt warning light was intermittently illuminated while the seat belt was securely buckled. The messages "Service ESC” and “Service Trailer Brake System” we... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2017) - ENGINE
Jun 25, 2026
Incident date: May 10, 2026
The vehicle started loosing engine power. The vehicle stalled while driving 5-6 times, this posed a danger to driver, passengers, and others. A car accident can easily happen when the engines dies. Power to all systems was lost, including steering and brakes. No warning lights or check engine lights appeared at anytime, symptoms started a week before. Vehicle was approx 3 quarts of oil low. It was... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2017) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
Jun 25, 2026
Incident date: May 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the camshaft actuator valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with Special Coverage Program: N232... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over on the right side of the road, exited the vehicle, raised the hood, and became aware that the coolant in the coolant reservoir was low. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, the contact attempted to start the vehicle; however, the instrument panel displayed a blank screen. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The vehi... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2014) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jun 25, 2026
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine sputtered with the check engine warning light illuminated. There was heavy white smoke coming from the tailpipe. Upon arriving at the destination, the vehicle hesitated to restart, and the contact observed a significant loss of coolant. The vehicle stalled while driving at various speeds. Upon... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
approximately 1 year after purchase, we started having the oil light come on. Returned to dealer and they stated it was normal. This continued for approximately 4 or 5 more times. A "comprehensive" test/diagnostic was conducted and they said normal consumption but no issues. Moving now in 2026 with 40k and now out of warranty with age of vehicle, we brought it back to Scott Motors and NOW it's... Read more
HYUNDAI
VELOSTER N
(2022) - ENGINE
Jun 25, 2026
Incident date: Jun 23, 2026
The incident began following a routine maintenance visit on March 16, 2026, and has been a continuous, ongoing safety hazard every single day since. While the vehicle was in for routine brake service and an oil change, the dealership automatically applied an open, manufacturer-mandated ECU S/W Update THETA II (26-01-013H-1) under Service Campaign 9C2 Emissions (Code NP001-SC9C2) without my prior k... Read more
HYUNDAI
VELOSTER N
(2022) - POWER TRAIN
Jun 25, 2026
Incident date: Jun 23, 2026
The incident began following a routine maintenance visit on March 16, 2026, and has been a continuous, ongoing safety hazard every single day since. While the vehicle was in for routine brake service and an oil change, the dealership automatically applied an open, manufacturer-mandated ECU S/W Update THETA II (26-01-013H-1) under Service Campaign 9C2 Emissions (Code NP001-SC9C2) without my prior k... Read more
HYUNDAI
VELOSTER N
(2022) - BACK OVER PREVENTION
Jun 25, 2026
Incident date: Jun 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera was inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V552000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The f... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the front of the vehicle. During the crash, the parking braking activated, and smoke and flames were coming from both the rear wheels. The contact used a bottle of water to extinguish the flames. During the failure, the maintenance icon was displayed. There was no inju... Read more
Crash
Fire
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
Known issue with Ford 1.5L Ecoboost engines, coolant intrusion into cylinders due to faulty short block design. Should be recalled or under a lifetime warranty.
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure had occurred while the contact was driving on a major highway. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that there was no oil in the engine. The contact was informed t... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2026
The power-unlatching tailgate drops open unexpectedly. Opened on freeway at 75mph. Known saftey recall however my VIN isn't listed as an affected vehicle
Incident date: May 24, 2026
Rear passenger suspension failed. Was driving car when I bumped a rut in the road causing failure. No prior warnings prior to incident. Took car to mechanic and the suspension was rusted and nearly snapped in half. Car has received regular maintenance and no issues with suspension had been observed prior.
Incident date: May 4, 2026
The motorcycle unexpectedly shut off while accelerating into an intersection. It appears to be caused by a faulty ignition lock that turns the motorcycle off due to vibration while driving, recorded on video
Incident date: Jun 24, 2026
Driveshaft sensor failure Vehicle stalling while driving dropping to zero rpm vehicle dying completely to zero start at low rpm’s
Incident date: May 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Scion TC. The contact stated that the air bag warning light remained continuously illuminated while operating the vehicle. The contact stated that when the air bag warning light was illuminated, the horn was inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. However, an independent mechanic informed the contact that the failure might be associated with an inoperable clo... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2026
while completly filling the vehicle with gasoline, fuel sprays out of teh filler neck onto the vehicle and ground. This has happened many times, at reputible gas stations (Costco, Sams, walmart, Loaf and Jug). Dealership replaced original filler tube. But problem still exists. Shared video with dealership and they indicated they had no problems Castle Rock Jeep, Castle rock, COlorado
Incident date: May 25, 2026
while driving pulling a trailer with my kid in the car engine began knocking and lost power. upon investigation it was a failed lifter causing bent pushrod
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2017) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 24, 2026
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
When driving the truck the power steering would go out and make the truck almost impossible to turn. This is dangerous when driving as you cannot turn, avoid a collision, etc. I've had vehicles without power steering, and this was like the truck is actively pulling against you when trying to turn. The dealership did a diagnostic and said the power steering rack (electronic) needs to be replaced c... Read more
HYUNDAI
SONATA HYBRID
(2025) - STEERING
Jun 24, 2026
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
When driving the truck the power steering would go out and make the truck almost impossible to turn. This is dangerous when driving as you cannot turn, avoid a collision, etc. I've had vehicles without power steering, and this was like the truck is actively pulling against you when trying to turn. The dealership did a diagnostic and said the power steering rack (electronic) needs to be replaced c... Read more
HYUNDAI
IONIQ HYBRID
(2017) - STEERING
Jun 24, 2026
Incident date: May 13, 2026
Bought my vehicle from a dealership advertised as Ford gold certified. Immediately after taking delivery of the car, the steering had an issue. Above ~30 mph the steering wheel does not reliably return to center on it's own. Forcing the driver to manually re-center the wheel. Meaning that if I take my hands off the wheel while turning, the car continues turning in that directly. Brought to the dea... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I purchased four tires from Belle Tires on April 1, 2026, 14 days ago (note: mileage at accident 10,776 vs mileage at tire purchase 10,360 or 416 miles of wear). On Wednesday, April 15th, I was about to change lanes after entering the Tri-State Expressway (route 294) going southbound from Half-Day Rd... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 20, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I purchased four tires from Belle Tires on April 1, 2026, 14 days ago (note: mileage at accident 10,776 vs mileage at tire purchase 10,360 or 416 miles of wear). On Wednesday, April 15th, I was about to change lanes after entering the Tri-State Expressway (route 294) going southbound from Half-Day Rd... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 20, 2026
Our 2025 Honda Odyssey has now experienced three failures for the same defect, including two starter replacements within two weeks, without resolution. The most recent repair, overseen by Honda Tech Line, happened after the vehicle died June 2 while in traffic and it had to be towed to the local dealership using our insurance. On June 15 the vehicle died again, just five days after I picked it u... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2025
While driving at highway cruising speeds, the vehicle began showing abnormal RPM fluctuation/surging at steady speed. The RPM would repeatedly move up and down even while maintaining a constant speed, including when cruise control was used. There were no warning lights or dashboard messages at the time the symptoms first appeared. The suspected failure is the torque converter/torque converter clu... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
After driving for approximately 30-minutes in a heavy rain i pulled over and the automatic engine shutoff feature activated while i was waiting to go inside for an appointment. When attempting to restart the car, the engine would start but then shut off showing a "low power steering" warning message on my dash. The problem persisted for approximately 15-20 minutes. Eventually after about 10 attemp... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
I started smelling gasoline coming from the rear outside part of the car. I took the car to the local Ford dealership and they found a canister purge valve stuck open. They fixed it and I paid $414. A few days later and still smelling gasoline, I took it to tire place so they can lift it up to check the bottom where the fuel tank is located and the immediately saw fuel/gasoline leaking from the ta... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
I started smelling gasoline coming from the rear outside part of the car. I took the car to the local Ford dealership and they found a canister purge valve stuck open. They fixed it and I paid $414. A few days later and still smelling gasoline, I took it to tire place so they can lift it up to check the bottom where the fuel tank is located and the immediately saw fuel/gasoline leaking from the ta... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2026
The rear occupant seat sensor after an update even if there is nothing on the back or on the seat it continues to activate the horn and advising we received a rear occupant alarm. I even deactivate the option and still goes off constantly. I have to leave the car unlocked to avoid the alarm going off.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
I bought the vehicle used with 98,000 miles. After a few months of driving and reaching 103,000 miles is when the problem occurred. As active duty military I was in the field for 2 days. When I had gotten out of the field I started the car and was sitting there for about 2 minutes and seen the temperature gauge starting to rise. So I turned the heat on full blast and started to drive, then the tem... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving up a ramp at an undisclosed speed, the exhaust system detached after scraping the underside of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. A dealer was contacted, however the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that gas fumes were entering inside the vehicle and exhaust fumes were present while driving the vehicle and while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on several occasions and to several dealers; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The master cylinder was replaced, and the high-p... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2024 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH and making a right turn into an alley with another vehicle approaching, the contact stopped to reverse; however, while using the tap feature, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and crashed into a concrete barrier twice. The vehicle was uncontrollable. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy. The cra... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
At approximately 130,000 miles, vehicle developed and internal coolant leak caused by a failed Exhaust Heat Recovery System (EHRS) in the center muffler assembly, matching TSB 23-EM-009H - a known manufacturing defect documented by Hyundai. Coolant has been slowly leaking internally into the exhaust system. The authorized Hyundai dealership initially failed to diagnose the internal leak and told m... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
I was driving in a line of cars when there was a sudden slowing of all cars ahead of my 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. Car's Forward Collision Avoidance system applied brakes too early and too hard. Car behind me almost collided with my car's rear. My 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid had less than 1,300 miles. I confirmed this early collision avoidance early braking incident to salesman, Stephan, on M... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
I was driving in a line of cars when there was a sudden slowing of all cars ahead of my 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. Car's Forward Collision Avoidance system applied brakes too early and too hard. Car behind me almost collided with my car's rear. My 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid had less than 1,300 miles. I confirmed this early collision avoidance early braking incident to salesman, Stephan, on M... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
When I come to a full stop and the Idle Stop feature engages, sometimes the engine will not restart. I get a message saying to press the button to start the engine, but it does not start after doing that either, so I have to shut the car off and restart it. There are a bunch of lights that flash when this happens.