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: Feb 2, 2026
2018 NISSAN ROGUE SPORT Cooling fan sudden stop and causing overheating in engine, warm air through AC, and AC clutch to shut off. Known problem with 2018-2020 NISSAN ROGUE models. Only an issue at lower speeds and when max air and coldest setting fan does not engage.
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2014) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 19, 2026
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
On my 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS, both rear tail lights have melted to the point that the lightbulbs cannot be extracted and the brake and tail lights no longer work. When I looked into this, I found out this is a common issue on 2011 Hyundai Sonatas. It is almost always caused by excessive heat from the standard incandescent bulbs, which damages the wiring harness and deforms the plastic housing. Wh... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2014) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 19, 2026
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
On my 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS, both rear tail lights have melted to the point that the lightbulbs cannot be extracted and the brake and tail lights no longer work. When I looked into this, I found out this is a common issue on 2011 Hyundai Sonatas. It is almost always caused by excessive heat from the standard incandescent bulbs, which damages the wiring harness and deforms the plastic housing. Wh... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
There rear tailgate does not function. I have it in to Ourismon Toyota Chantilly for the third time. The tailgate does not come down. Issues with the tailgate started a week after I bought it in June 2025. It only has 8500 miles and has been in three times for this issue.
Incident date: May 9, 2026
The vehicle previously underwent a sunroof recall repair; however, the repair appears to have been performed improperly. The sunroof seal was never replaced as required, which has resulted in ongoing water intrusion. The vehicle now shows two visible areas on the body with paint bubbling and surface rust consistent with water penetration and moisture retention caused by a failed or defective sunro... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
The rear passenger seat belt warning system in the 2023 Honda Pilot suffers from a critical malfunction. Specifically, the right rear passenger seat belt sensor triggers false, persistent, and loud "unbuckled" audio alarms and visual dashboard alerts while an occupant is sitting in that position with the seat belt securely and properly fastened. According to an official Honda Service Bulletin add... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
A recall from Kia a damage check valve and a fuel tank issue. I have called the manufacture Kia company and they have no result, I have called for over a month now and haven’t had my car for a month and an half now, still waiting for a results or a solution for the Kia K5 GT Line. I have called my case manager as well, every time I call it goes straight to voicemail. I am looking to contact anyo... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
A recall from Kia a damage check valve and a fuel tank issue. I have called the manufacture Kia company and they have no result, I have called for over a month now and haven’t had my car for a month and an half now, still waiting for a results or a solution for the Kia K5 GT Line. I have called my case manager as well, every time I call it goes straight to voicemail. I am looking to contact anyo... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
In the second year of ownership I noticed that occasionally I would get no throttle response from the gas pedal when trying to accelerate. After several occurrences I began to pay close attention as to when this was occurring. I found that this occurs mostly, not exclusively, when I am slowing the vehicle to a near stop, not a full stop and then accelerating to continue, like slowing to round a ... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine shuddered and the engine stalled. In addition, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was seized in the middle of the road. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started. The failure reoccurred. The veh... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine shuddered and the engine stalled. In addition, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was seized in the middle of the road. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started. The failure reoccurred. The veh... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
The steering sometimes feels stiff or sticky when driving. It will stick in a certain position driving straight and the steering wheel feels stuck and a slight jerk is needed to unstick it to maintain safe driving, and the steering wheel sticks to take a curve either right or left. I’ve researched that it could be an EPS, the electric power steering issue. It’s been happening since I purchased... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
loss of power steering when driving almost went into oncoming traffic, Garage says it is the rack and pinion
Incident date: Aug 10, 2025
Unintended acceleration, brakes unable to stop vehicle. Almost hit a car stopped at red light. I was able steer right avoiding hitting the stopped car and quickly put the car in neutral and then applied the brakes again. I was able to drive home another 10 miles. I had the car towed on 5/18/2026 to the car dealership for inspection. This put the car stopped and me and my wife at risk of injur... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2026
For the past several years, this vehicle has experienced a recurring and unresolved engine malfunction that creates a safety hazard. The problem manifests as follows: Symptoms when check engine light illuminates: • Idle RPM elevation to approximately 1500 RPM (normal idle: 800 RPM) • Sudden unintended forward acceleration when foot is removed from brake pedal • Significantly reduced accelera... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2026
For the past several years, this vehicle has experienced a recurring and unresolved engine malfunction that creates a safety hazard. The problem manifests as follows: Symptoms when check engine light illuminates: • Idle RPM elevation to approximately 1500 RPM (normal idle: 800 RPM) • Sudden unintended forward acceleration when foot is removed from brake pedal • Significantly reduced accelera... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
The complaint was filed on behalf of the customer. The contact stated while the customer was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The vehicle was uncontrollable. The customer's vehicle drove on a sidewalk. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed electronic power steering module. In addition, the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
Rear main seal has blown three times since I purchased my vehicle from Carvana. I’ve pulled the engine out myself as I cannot afford another $3,500 at the shop. I’m a single income household that makes too much for financial assistance. The Chevy Equinox was the only vehicle in our price range. That was prior to the seal blowing, again.
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
Bought in Dec 2022, in February engine seized due to oil pressure issues, was told it needed a new engine. In communications with Ford, they were aware of issue, but it was not a recall issue at that time. I believe that if this issue occurred before recall, that they were replacing these parts with ones known to be faulty. Approximately, 60,000 miles later, I am dealing with the same issue that I... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
Our *2025* Hyundai Ioniq 5 experienced a complete failure of the ICCU (Integrated Charging Control Unit). The car displayed numerous warnings including "Check brake system", "Check 12V battery. Stop safely and engage parking brake", and "Check parking distance warning system". The car stopped working completely and would not turn on again. A towing company had to be called as the car was complet... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
The hood release latch cable on my 2021 VW Atlas snapped, making it impossible to access the engine compartment. This happened as I was at the store to change the battery in my vehicle. I had to jump start the vehicle twice earlier that day, as the battery was wearing out. Because the hood would not open, I was unable to change the battery. Luckily, the vehicle started, so I could drive it home, b... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2026
Air bag system i bought the vehicle like that fuel pump and gas tank safety is ben loose brake s car stops driving brake locks
Incident date: May 4, 2026
Air bag system i bought the vehicle like that fuel pump and gas tank safety is ben loose brake s car stops driving brake locks
Incident date: May 4, 2026
The onboard speed sensor (OSS) failed, causing my vehicle to abruptly, and without advanced warning of a problem, to shift from 6th gear at 65mph, to 3rd gear. This caused an immediate deceleration in the middle of a flow of traffic travelling at highway speeds. Several cars behind me were forced to brake hard, nearly causing a multi-vehicle accident, putting those drivers, myself and my passenger... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
The following mandatory software update was performed on my vehicle: ECU SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR THETA II EMISSIONS IMPROVEMENT (SERVICE CAMPAIGN 9C2). After this update my vehicle drivetrain is quite erratic. In particular when the engine is cold it appears to jerk even when in Parking gear position. When cold the drivetrain experiences erratic gear shifts. This provides little confidence when drivin... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact stated that while the wife was driving the electrical systems suddenly malfunction and the vehicle abruptley stopped in the middle of the road. The vehicle was immediately restarted and driven home. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who informed that the ac to dc converter had malfunctioned. The vehicle was not yet repaired ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
The symptoms are shuddering (driving and turning corners), delayed acceleration and bouncing from a stop. This has been recalled and the clutch will never stop performing this way. This is the 3rd time I have had an issue. Researching this online, I have found that it is a federal law that it must be fixed free of charge. Dealership has refused to work with me. WHAT DO I DO NOW?
Incident date: May 13, 2026
Gps module is non functioning after software update 3.8.11 Gps module consistently shows wrong location and speed in addition to constantly pinging the driver visually and audibly which distracts the driver and covers the main display with a message that it is unavailable. It also affects the semi autonomous driving function, making it randomly brake and behave erratically because it doesng kno... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2026
Gps module is non functioning after software update 3.8.11 Gps module consistently shows wrong location and speed in addition to constantly pinging the driver visually and audibly which distracts the driver and covers the main display with a message that it is unavailable. It also affects the semi autonomous driving function, making it randomly brake and behave erratically because it doesng kno... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2026
Front brake caliper became loose, moved away from the rotor, resulted in the caliper grinding against the inner wheel. Inspection by mechanic revealed missing caliper mounting bolts on both driver and passenger side of brakes. Front caliper mounting bolts were replaced with OEM-spec hardware, torqued to spec, with blue Loctite added to threads of fasteners. The mechanic noted many well-document... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormal loud sound. The contact stated that the rear coil spring detached and fell off. In addition, the contact stated that the failure occurred while the contact was entering the contact's residential driveway. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
My 2022 GMC Yukon XL with the 6.2L L87 engine was previously subject to NHTSA Recall 25V-274 / GM Recall N252494000 for L87 engine loss of propulsion. The recall was closed by the dealer as “PicoScope Inspection — Engine Passed / Update Engine Oil Type,” with the oil/cap/filter remedy. The vehicle was later brought back to the dealer for engine noise/knocking, check-engine light, and engine... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
The vehicle showed an error on the dash which stated "Action Required Steering Assist is Reduced Drive with Care" I tool the vehicle to the dealer I purchased it from McClusky Chevy at Kings Auto Mall in Mason Ohio. They informed me that the error code is C0460:58 and GM has a service bulletin 20-NA-215 which advises to replace the Steering Gear due to internal component interference. No one ex... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
I took my car to the dealership because it was leaking oil and coolant. Upon verification, I was informed that my vehicle had a cracked cylinder head. They told me that the repaired will cost me $5500. Unfortunately this is an amount that I do not have. So I reached out to the Mazda Corporate and they told me that there is no repair assistance can be provided and that I should reach out to Mazda D... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2026
My truck violently downshifted randomly and caused me to lose control for a little bit. I was lucky to narrowly avoid a crash. The truck is showing transmission range sensor codes after the truck downshifts harshly. My local Ford dealer did a diagnosis and confirmed that it has a faulty molded lead frame. However, they are refusing to cover the repair and are saying that I either pay them or stop ... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine oil warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and inspected the vehicle. The contact discovered that there was no oil in the engine; however, the vehicle previously had an oil change. The contact added oil to the engine. The failure persisted. Additionally, the vehicle made rattling... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
All warning lamps have been coming on at random times. The dealerships have always said there is no problem. Now, outside of warranty, I am reading that it's possible that the problem is that all of the fuel injectors need to be replaced. Online notes that this is a widespread issue with this particular vehicle. I was informed that I can disconnect the battery and it resets the system and warning... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2026
- the car's automated systems randomly applies severe breaking at improper times - the cars head gasket has blown and in turn has blown the radiator and thermostat
Incident date: May 19, 2026
Steering rack binds and requires extra effort to return to center. Specifically for me, when proceeding on a long curve that requires me to turn my steering wheel left more than like 40 degrees the steering will "stick" in place and won't automatically return to center when releasing the wheel requiring me manually start returning the wheel to center before it will auto center. It happens after h... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the oil pressure sensor light was illuminated. The vehicle was making an abnormal knocking sound. The contact had to add additional oil. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the vehicle was related to the recall. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ca... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
The backup camera stopped working. Vehicle taken to Buckeye Nissan in Ohio and rear hatch cover removed and a significant amount of water discovered in the rear hatch exposing the camera to this water has short circuited the camera disabling it. Tech checked the wire leading to the camera and reports that it has no power. Only option from 2 Nissan dealers is to replace the entire rear hatch at a c... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
Nav Screen randomly goes black for variable amounts of time.
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
Driving home on our road at about 25 miles an hour. My foot was on the gas but it stopped providing acceleration. I hit the brake and the vehicle stopped. Being closed to home, I put the car in neutral and being on an incline was able to coast home. Once home, I put the car in drive and the power had returned. In checking the internet, I read that this car has had issues with the engine shu... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
Tire size 235/40 R20. Both front tires extremely worn in an uneven way with 1 having metal showing. Discout Tire in Lafayette, IN inpected and stated, "Lucky to be alive given how dangerous it is to drive on tires with metal exposed." Ordered new tires. Wouldn't even let us leave the parking lot due to safety. Used spare tire we carry to get home. Michelin denied the warranty claim due to im... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
Tire size 235/40 R20. Both front tires extremely worn in an uneven way with 1 having metal showing. Discout Tire in Lafayette, IN inpected and stated, "Lucky to be alive given how dangerous it is to drive on tires with metal exposed." Ordered new tires. Wouldn't even let us leave the parking lot due to safety. Used spare tire we carry to get home. Michelin denied the warranty claim due to im... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
On 5/14/26 around 8:00am, I just dropped the kids off to school and entered onto the 5 lane freeway, 290, driving into work. Driving 70 miles an hour, the steering light and a warning light came on and then other lights started flashing. The engine shut off, and the steering wheel felt like it locked-up. I managed to exit off the freeway and the car came to a stop. The car would not restart. A tow... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
In two separate instances the Autonomous Emergency Brake system was activated. Luckily there i didn't cause an accident. There was no one in front of me either times. Thats the worst of all the issues the vehicle has.
Incident date: Dec 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while she has a passenger with her, she stated her passenger air bag light goes on and off but most of the times states the airbag is off although someone is on the seat, as well as waring on the instrumental panel, that states service air bag. The vehicle was seen by a independent mechanic but could not come to a diagnosis. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2024
Engine light came on. Fan ran high. Had it towed to the dealership. Has 39,000 miles on it. Needs a new upper radiator hose due to a defective hose. Apparently, after reading online, GM is aware of this issue. Now we have to pay the diagnostic fee and $850 for a new hose and a flush, as well as the tow bill! Now can’t get the part for a week or 8 days and then have to wait on the repair. This is... Read more