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: Dec 13, 2025
I am writing regarding the diagnosis provided for my vehicle [XXX] . I was informed today that the engine failure is being attributed to a "water hose failure" rather than the engine defects covered under the active safety recall/settlement regarding Connecting Rod Bearing failure. As there were no coolant leaks before or after the vehicle was towed to your dealership. I am formally requesting a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2025
I am writing regarding the diagnosis provided for my vehicle [XXX] . I was informed today that the engine failure is being attributed to a "water hose failure" rather than the engine defects covered under the active safety recall/settlement regarding Connecting Rod Bearing failure. As there were no coolant leaks before or after the vehicle was towed to your dealership. I am formally requesting a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2025
I am reporting a serious and unresolved safety defect involving a 2024 Jeep Wagoneer Series II 4x4 (VIN: [XXX] ) with approximately 34,000 miles. The vehicle has experienced repeated power steering warnings and functionality issues, and on multiple occasions (approximately three incidents) has unexpectedly shifted itself into park while actively driving. These incidents have occurred since Fall 2... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2025
2019 Chevy Blazer. Car would not turn off the electrical components when parked. Put car in park and walked away and there is a warning note that says, "Shift to Park." But the car was in park. Called Chevy and they know about the issue on the 2019-2023 vehicles. They sent me the Technical Service Bulletin. Back in 2020, the car had the shifting harness and button replaced and we just had to have ... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2018) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
Enterprise car sales sold me this vehicle when it had 3 open recalls on it. The vehicle itself was a problem from the beginning. When I took it in for it's first oil change the mechanic told me it had no oil in it. He said they sold me a car that is notorious for consuming oil and or seizing or blowing up. I had the engine replaced on this car already and I just took it in for it's first oil chang... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2018) — ENGINE
Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
Enterprise car sales sold me this vehicle when it had 3 open recalls on it. The vehicle itself was a problem from the beginning. When I took it in for it's first oil change the mechanic told me it had no oil in it. He said they sold me a car that is notorious for consuming oil and or seizing or blowing up. I had the engine replaced on this car already and I just took it in for it's first oil chang... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2018) — STEERING
Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2007 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the joint bearing ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2026
No warning whatsoever. Car drove like a dream. All maintenance up to date. Oil changes done exactly on time. All recalls completed. Then all of a sudden while on the interstate, car started knocking extremely hard, lights on dash came on and car died. Almost caused several wrecks as I was going 70mph. This happened March 2026. Vehicle is a 2013 with 105,000 miles on it. 1-owner vehicle with clean ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
I am the owner of a 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL Premium, purchased in April 2025, currently at approximately 19,000 miles. I am writing to formally report two open safety recalls on this vehicle for which no remedy is currently available: 1. THIRD-ROW SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG RECALL: Affecting approximately 568,576 Hyundai Palisade vehicles (model years 2020–2025). The third-row side curtain airbags ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
I am the owner of a 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL Premium, purchased in April 2025, currently at approximately 19,000 miles. I am writing to formally report two open safety recalls on this vehicle for which no remedy is currently available: 1. THIRD-ROW SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG RECALL: Affecting approximately 568,576 Hyundai Palisade vehicles (model years 2020–2025). The third-row side curtain airbags ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
vehicle unable to determine when a passenger is seated with seatbelt fastened in 2nd row captains chairs and the ‘one-touch’ tilt-and-slide button is pressed. The seat will keep folding and crushing the passenger. This is a known issue with the Hyundai Palisade at this time and is affecting my vehicle as well. Please have Hyundai issue a recall immediately. My teenage son was in the seat at th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light was frequently illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to various independent mechanics and was informed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer for service, and upon ins... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2013) — ENGINE
Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
I was driving on March 20, 2026 at about 12:00 PM when I suddenly noticed smoke, a strong gasoline smell, an oil smell, and a burning odor coming from the vehicle. I pulled over immediately because I believed the vehicle was unsafe and at risk of fire. The vehicle had to be towed. An independent repair shop later found a fuel leak at the high-pressure fuel line / fuel pump area, a loose ground wi... Read more
Fire
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2013) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
I was driving on March 20, 2026 at about 12:00 PM when I suddenly noticed smoke, a strong gasoline smell, an oil smell, and a burning odor coming from the vehicle. I pulled over immediately because I believed the vehicle was unsafe and at risk of fire. The vehicle had to be towed. An independent repair shop later found a fuel leak at the high-pressure fuel line / fuel pump area, a loose ground wi... Read more
Fire
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2013) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
I was driving on March 20, 2026 at about 12:00 PM when I suddenly noticed smoke, a strong gasoline smell, an oil smell, and a burning odor coming from the vehicle. I pulled over immediately because I believed the vehicle was unsafe and at risk of fire. The vehicle had to be towed. An independent repair shop later found a fuel leak at the high-pressure fuel line / fuel pump area, a loose ground wi... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The rear power-folding seat in my 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy failed to detect my child while closing. The seat continued applying force and did not automatically stop. I had to manually intervene to release her. This created a dangerous situation with risk of serious injury or death. This vehicle is currently under recall for this exact issue, and I have personally experienced the defect.
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V607000 (Seat Belts). The local dealer was made aware of the issue, and an appointment was made for the recall repair. The contact arrived for the appointment and was informed upon arrival that parts were not yet available. The dealer only received a limited amount of parts per week. The manufac... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V607000 (Seat Belts). The local dealer was made aware of the issue, and an appointment was made for the recall repair. The contact arrived for the appointment and was informed upon arrival that parts were not yet available. The dealer only received a limited amount of parts per week. The manufac... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V607000 (SEAT BELTS) and 26V034000 (AIR BAGS); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the r... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V607000 (SEAT BELTS) and 26V034000 (AIR BAGS); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the r... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
Multiple times the vehicles forward collision system has slammed on the brakes almost causing rear end collisions. Usually will occur when vehicle in front begins to brake, but the car will slam on the brakes to a sudden stop rather than coasting to a stop. This will occur even while my foot will be pressing the brakes.
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
While I was driving my car wouldn’t go no higher than 60mph and kept dropping speed but I came to a stop and when I stopped the car was smoking. I heard knocking noise and rumbling noise on the passenger side. It wouldn’t start again
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
While I was driving my car wouldn’t go no higher than 60mph and kept dropping speed but I came to a stop and when I stopped the car was smoking. I heard knocking noise and rumbling noise on the passenger side. It wouldn’t start again
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
I am writing to formally report a safety concern regarding my 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The vehicle has experienced a failure of the heater hose/pipe, which appears to be made of plastic and connected to a metal component. This failure has resulted in a coolant leak, creating a serious risk of engine overheating. This issue is not only inconvenient but also dangerous. A sudden loss of coolant while d... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
I am writing to formally report a safety concern regarding my 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The vehicle has experienced a failure of the heater hose/pipe, which appears to be made of plastic and connected to a metal component. This failure has resulted in a coolant leak, creating a serious risk of engine overheating. This issue is not only inconvenient but also dangerous. A sudden loss of coolant while d... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
March 19, 2026, the car left my 18 y.o. daughter stranded at 10:00pm in a store parking lot. The car was fine when she went into the store. When she went back to the car, it was completely dead. No power at all. I had to pick her up to bring her home and left the car overnight. Called AAA the next morning. I have already previously reported about this car a few months back when it was in the shop... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
Vehicle struggling to accelerate and rolling back when brake is not being used. It stays at a few miles per hour even with full pressure on the gas pedal. A mechanic reviewed and stated the problem was due to low compression in the engine, causing the pistons to misfire. This issue has happened a total of 5 times and has almost caused other vehicles to crash into me due to sudden loss of speed a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
The ICCU unit malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. It occurred while I was driving home and I was lucky enough to make it to my driveway. If it had been on the freeway I would have been stuck.
Incident date: Mar 22, 2026
Suspected ICCU failure. Progressed rapidly to car being immobile. Known issue not being addressed by Hyundai.
Incident date: Mar 22, 2026
Suspected ICCU failure. Progressed rapidly to car being immobile. Known issue not being addressed by Hyundai.
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
I was vacuuming out my car with my children. I was on the passenger side and had the second row seat folded down so I could vacuum behind it. I hit a button on the side of the seat. As I was bent over the seat vacuuming still I didn’t realize it was autocorrecting to the full upright position. It did not detect me there and before I knew it I was being sandwiched between the seat back and side o... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2026
The vehicle developed a progressive engine failure beginning in early 2024, including loud knocking noises at cold start and visible white/gray/black exhaust smoke. The condition worsened over time. In February 2026, the failure escalated to active oil discharge from the exhaust pipe while the engine was running. Oil exiting through the exhaust indicates internal engine failure (such as piston ri... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2026
The vehicle developed a progressive engine failure beginning in early 2024, including loud knocking noises at cold start and visible white/gray/black exhaust smoke. The condition worsened over time. In February 2026, the failure escalated to active oil discharge from the exhaust pipe while the engine was running. Oil exiting through the exhaust indicates internal engine failure (such as piston ri... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2026
The vehicle developed a progressive engine failure beginning in early 2024, including loud knocking noises at cold start and visible white/gray/black exhaust smoke. The condition worsened over time. In February 2026, the failure escalated to active oil discharge from the exhaust pipe while the engine was running. Oil exiting through the exhaust indicates internal engine failure (such as piston ri... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2025
While operating the vehicle, an intermittent audible warning sound occurs without any corresponding alert, message, or notification displayed on the dashboard or infotainment screen. The specific component or system causing the warning is unknown. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This condition puts my safety at risk because the unexplained warning sound occurs while driving ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2025
While operating the vehicle, an intermittent audible warning sound occurs without any corresponding alert, message, or notification displayed on the dashboard or infotainment screen. The specific component or system causing the warning is unknown. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This condition puts my safety at risk because the unexplained warning sound occurs while driving ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2025
While operating the vehicle, an intermittent audible warning sound occurs without any corresponding alert, message, or notification displayed on the dashboard or infotainment screen. The specific component or system causing the warning is unknown. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This condition puts my safety at risk because the unexplained warning sound occurs while driving ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2026
The Forward Collision Assist system applies hard braking when there is no danger. This happened twice today at low speeds (1-2mph) Once in a drive through and once in traffic in a parking lot. Luckily, the truck behind me did not rear end me. My concern is what if it starts doing this at higher speeds? I feel it is dangerous.
Incident date: Mar 21, 2026
I bought a 2018 Hyundai Sonata a few years back. No warranty. Used. 110,000 miles. A few short months after I purchased it, it stopped working. I took it back to the same dealership where I purchased it and they said they had to replace the coil packs and spark plugs and clean something in the engine out because there's a defect in the engine. I paid $500. Fast forward a few months later. Same thi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2026
I bought a 2018 Hyundai Sonata a few years back. No warranty. Used. 110,000 miles. A few short months after I purchased it, it stopped working. I took it back to the same dealership where I purchased it and they said they had to replace the coil packs and spark plugs and clean something in the engine out because there's a defect in the engine. I paid $500. Fast forward a few months later. Same thi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2026
I bought a 2018 Hyundai Sonata a few years back. No warranty. Used. 110,000 miles. A few short months after I purchased it, it stopped working. I took it back to the same dealership where I purchased it and they said they had to replace the coil packs and spark plugs and clean something in the engine out because there's a defect in the engine. I paid $500. Fast forward a few months later. Same thi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2026
I was driving in a parking lot and heard a “pop” sound like a balloon breaking. The Ionic 5 lurched and stopped. A red circle appeared on the dash and said “check electrical system.” I slowly maneuvered the car into a parking spot because there was very little power and turned off the car. I called the Hyundai dealer and they told me to have the car towed to the dealer in Palm Springs, CA... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
The vehicle has 82.000 miles on it, and the engine started to rattle as I entered the street to my house, and the motor quit running. I had the vehicle hauled to a repair garage for analysis, and they said the piston rings failed. The vehicle is in perfect shape except for the broken engine.
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
I was driving in the evening on 2/7/26. The red brake light came on in the dash and seconds later the car went into limp mode. An alarm went off indicating that the hybrid system was not functioning. The braking performance decreased significantly. The car slowed down immediately and could not exceed 15 mph. My safety was extremely compromised. Luckily i was not on a high speed road or interst... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
Car showed electrical problem on the dash. Car would not start.
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
Car showed electrical problem on the dash. Car would not start.
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
Car showed electrical problem on the dash. Car would not start.
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
Got "Check Vehicle Electrical system" message. Car stopped running and got turned off. Couldn't jump start too.
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
Error message Active Air Flap System The vehicle has 1,720 miles and there is no damage or debris that is causing the alarm to go off that is visible. The air flaps get stuck and don't automatically open and close correctly. I've searched forums and there are several other owners with the same error message.
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 displayed a "Check Vehicle Electrical System" warning on the dashboard. The Integrated Charging Control Unit(ICCU) failed, and it rendered the car inoperable. I could not drive it and was left stranded, waiting for a tow truck in below-freezing temperatures as the car completely died. Hyundai has previously recalled the vehicle for this, and my car had been serviced in the rec... Read more