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: Feb 18, 2026
I am writing to express my significant frustration regarding the handling of NHTSA Recall 25V896. I dropped off my vehicle several weeks ago following the recall notice, only to be informed later that the software remedy is not expected until Q2 2026. It is unacceptable to request that customers surrender their vehicles for a recall when the manufacturer is not yet prepared to provide the necessar... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
I am reporting a serious safety issue involving my 2026 Hyundai Palisade with fewer than 5,000 miles. Hyundai has now issued Recall 296 stating that the second and third row power seats may not respond properly when contacting an occupant or object. Prior to receiving the recall notice, I had already taken the vehicle to the dealership three separate times regarding problems with the rear seats a... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
The ABS control module needs replacing. The day it started with issues, my abs light as well as esc light, at first. Later all dash lights came on, loud beeping and eventually lost all power while driving. I understand the "fuse" was replaced during recall, but if the damage was already in the making, why should consumer have to pay? I have had it to two different mechanics, first was hyundai d... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
The ABS control module needs replacing. The day it started with issues, my abs light as well as esc light, at first. Later all dash lights came on, loud beeping and eventually lost all power while driving. I understand the "fuse" was replaced during recall, but if the damage was already in the making, why should consumer have to pay? I have had it to two different mechanics, first was hyundai d... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
The ABS control module needs replacing. The day it started with issues, my abs light as well as esc light, at first. Later all dash lights came on, loud beeping and eventually lost all power while driving. I understand the "fuse" was replaced during recall, but if the damage was already in the making, why should consumer have to pay? I have had it to two different mechanics, first was hyundai d... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
Vehicle: 2017 Nissan Rogue VIN: [XXX] Issue: Hood latch / safety latch failure Description of the problem: While opening the fuel door, I accidentally pulled the interior hood‑release lever. The primary hood latch released, but the hood remained mostly closed. I did not realize the hood was unlatched. When I began driving, the hood suddenly flew open. This indicates that the secondary safety l... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
code P1326 unable to accelerate, drive past 1st gear and knocking noise in engine area engine could stall out or lock up if problem is not fixed 3/14/2026- started engine light blinking warning light also code p1326 has had recalls for this particular car brand
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
Passenger seat capacity sensor fault. Will not activate passenger side air bag. Checked with obd scanner
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
My 2011 Hyundai Sonata experienced sudden engine failure and the engine is now locked up. The vehicle became inoperable and had to be taken to a Hyundai dealership. The dealership confirmed the engine is locked and not drivable. Hyundai denied the engine replacement claim stating the vehicle has A04/A08 branding indicating the engine originates from a scrapped or rebuilt vehicle. However, Hyundai... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's rear door belt molding trim detached. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the parts were on back order. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V49... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
Brandon Hyundai sold me this vehicle with an active stop sale. On February 20, 2026, I purchased a 2025 Hyundai Palisade from the dealership. After taking delivery of the vehicle, I discovered that the VIN associated with the vehicle was subject to an active manufacturer stop-sale related to a safety recall for which no remedy was available at the time of delivery. This critical information was no... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
The contact owned a 2025 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH on the expressway, the traffic came to a stop due to a stalled vehicle in the fast lane. The contact slammed on the brakes to avoid rear-ending the vehicle in front. When the vehicle behind the contact's vehicle could not stop on time and rear-ended the contact's vehicle, from the impact, the contact's vehicle w... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact used a portable diagnostic tester to diagnose the vehicle and retrieved DTC: U0001 and U0402. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact wa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
There have been 2 safety recalls and i find that unacceptable for my family. What are my options for a buy back?
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
Rough idling. Currently unknown reason.
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2013) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 16, 2026
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
While traveling at approximately 80 mph on the highway, my vehicle suddenly lost all response to the accelerator pedal. Despite continued pressure on the gas, the vehicle rapidly decelerated to approximately 40 mph on its own. There were no warning lights, unusual noises, or physical indicators of a problem before, during, or after the event. I was able to safely navigate the vehicle off the highw... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2013) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mar 16, 2026
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
The car locked with the keys inside. This has happened multiple times. My young children were strapped into their car seats outside in the summer heat when the door locked with the keys inside. We had to have firemen/police come help. Thankfully we were able to locate the second set of keys within 15 minutes and the children were wet from swimming and stayed cool because we were parked in the sh... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2025
Battery Management System completely exhausting the 12V battery resulting in the car acting as if it has no power. When this happens, you can't unlock the door or open the trunk. On two separate occasions, I have encountered a complete loss of power in my Sonata Hybrid, preventing me from unlocking the trunk or doors upon returning from extended trips. The first incident occurred after a ten-day... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2025
Toyota has failed to provide a remedy for the recall regarding the 2nd row seat welds. My current vehicle is sitting on a lot, unable to drive for the past 5 months. The safety of my children is at risk, and despite contact with the Toyota corporation, a fix has yet to be completed and no timeline provided.
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V879000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION), but the failure occurred. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera displayed a distorted image or a black screen occasionally while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Volvo EX90. The contact stated that while using the house charger, the breaker tripped. The check connection message was displayed. The vehicle failed to charge at the residence. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer, who was unable to charge the vehicle. The contact eventually used a standalone charging system to charge the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to anoth... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
Loss of power, and knocking from the engine while driving. Check brake system, check srs, check parking brake and check engine light flashing came on at the same time. The problem has been reproduced at a mechanics shop and has been determined that cylinder 6 is dead.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed or while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was unexpectedly illuminated. Additionally, there were several error codes provided through the Mobile App for engine-related failures. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was m... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
REAR SUBFRAME RUSTED OUT AND BROKEN
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
The electric power assist steering system on my 2022 Tesla Model X began displaying a "Steering Assist Reduced / Steering May Require Increased Effort" warning intermittently beginning in approximately May 2024, shortly after I purchased the vehicle. This warning appeared more times than I can count over the following months. In most instances the warning appeared but the steering continued to fun... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2026
It was smoking from the engine, I immediately stopped the vehicle. My safety was put at risk immediately while being in the vehicle when the air bags deployed hitting me in the face and causing my face to swell. The safety of others was put at risk due to others being right next to me and putting others at risk of engine blowing up. Yes, the vehicle has been inspected by police. There were no warn... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Ram Promaster 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V720000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); 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 aware of the issue. The c... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2026
The contact stated that he saw a Tesla Cyber Cab vehicle with one occupant in the front driver-side seat. The contact stated that upon further inspection, the vehicle did not have side-view or rear-view mirrors. The contact stated that his safety and the safety of other drivers were placed at risk because the driver of the self-driving vehicle could not see a nearby vehicle in the blind spots or r... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
Back up camera display went black and issued error. This error is sporadic. please approve replacement.
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
While driving on the highway I received a “SERV 4WD” light and also a traction control unavailable light. Other than that that the car appeared to drive normally other than I could feel the car gears “catching” at starts when I pressed the accelerator. I took the car to the certified dealer and they said it was a transfer case failure and was unsafe to drive as it could have caused the whe... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on three separate occasions, the steering wheel became firm while driving. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, excessive effort was needed to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a defective power steering rack, and the contact was provided an estimate ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while in reverse, the back-over prevention intermittently displayed a black screen. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V900000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
Had safety inspection done when having oil changed on 3/5/26. was informed by dealer that it needed both outer tie rod ends replaced has play in it. this came to a cost of $735.00 with alignment. Of course not covered by vehicle warranty which is useless at this point. I have never had this problem on any vehicles I have owned since starting to drive in 1975. This is a safety and quality issue and... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
Was doing 55-60 mph in left lane of highway. Suddenly and without warning the car is decelerating, cannot accelerate any more, all warning lights suddenly flashing on dashboard. I was able to get over to the far right emergency lane, turn car off and put on hazards and started calling Subaru roadside assistance. While doing so I suddenly saw smoke coming out from under the hood. I got out of the c... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
The rear powered liftgate on a 2014 Buick Enclave unexpectedly fell without warning while the vehicle was parked and the liftgate was fully open. The liftgate suddenly closed and struck the operator on the head. There were no warning lights, messages, or prior indications of a malfunction before the incident. The impact caused a concussion that required emergency medical evaluation, including a C... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
I was driving on 8 east freeway when all of a sudden my car lost complete power. Engine light flashing, and couldn't pick up any speed. The truck in back of me almost hit me cause my car wouldn't go. Prior to this incident, my car was and has been working perfectly. . My mom had it towed back home and got a mechanic to check the code and it gave a P1326 code which is exact code for a previous re... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the brake light failed to turn off. The service, seat belt, brake, and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The buzzer and lights were making a continuous sound. The local dealer was contacted, and the ABS module was replaced. The dealer informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN or the failure. The... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
complete power steering failure upon starting the truck-truck is very difficult to steer warning lamp appeared in dash immediately cruise control doesnt always come on without smacking the backside of button on steering wheel
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the piston rings had failed, causing catastrophic engine damages. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
The engine decided to make some noise and all I heard was Ching Ching Ching, and it just died and I was unable to start it again
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
While driving at approximately 20mph, the front passenger-side steering knuckle suffered a catastrophic structural failure, snapping completely in two. This resulted in an immediate loss of steering and suspension control. Inspection of the fractured part by a mechanic revealed significant orange oxidation (rust) inside the metal cross-section of the break. This internal corrosion on a 2-year-old ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
1. Component or System Malfunction Engine (internal piston/piston ring system) is malfunctioning. The vehicle exhibits clanking noises (“marbles in a can”) and cuts off or stalls unexpectedly while driving. The car is available for inspection by a Kia dealer or independent mechanic. 2. Safety Risk Vehicle loses power while driving, which is extremely dangerous, particularly on highways or in t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
My vehicle has had a recall for seat belt issues for a while. My dealer has been unable to make corrections as hyundai has not/does not have the equipment to repair the issue. Its been months. Now theres another issue with airbags, and rumors of another issue with headrests. They have sold me a lemon and they are not providing a remedy.
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
Since March of 2025 I have identified a critical safety defect with my vehicle. When driving and without warning, the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, experiences a loss of propulsion, and the engine shuts off. This has occurred multiple times in which I narrowly escaped collisions with other vehicles or objects. If this would occur at a high rate of speed, it would certainly result in se... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
Since March of 2025 I have identified a critical safety defect with my vehicle. When driving and without warning, the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, experiences a loss of propulsion, and the engine shuts off. This has occurred multiple times in which I narrowly escaped collisions with other vehicles or objects. If this would occur at a high rate of speed, it would certainly result in se... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
I am reporting a safety concern involving my 2026 Hyundai Palisade Limited involving repeated engine malfunction warning lights and diagnostic trouble code P001600 (camshaft/crankshaft timing correlation fault). This issue has occurred multiple times within the first 60 days of ownership and the vehicle has been taken to a Hyundai dealership twice. The dealer has not been able to determine a perm... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
rear glass window completely shattered for no apparent reason while sitting in parking lot parking car. recent snow and outdoor temps about 26 degrees. had driven the car a quarter mile with rear defroster on.
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
This first occurred on 3/10/2026 and then occurred again on 3/15/2026. When driving the coolant temp warning will randomly come on. This causes the car to lock up. After about 30-60 seconds it goes back to normal. This could very dangerous if I were on the interstate that I take every day to work. I am a mechanic, have hooked it up to a computer and there are no codes. I have tried to research it ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
1 Vehicle fails to start x 6 , dealer unable to fix, falsely identified 2 documented DTCs P31C507 specifically indicates a "possible condition with your Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) / Low DC-DC Converter (LDC)" dealer stated as charger problem when this is often associated with thousands of ICCU problems in this vehicle 2 many ADAS cruise control faults. A vehicle slows and, once stopped, at freeway... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
Airbag recall Recall Engine knock sensors bad