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: Jan 16, 2026
I bought my truck new in June 2025. On the night of December 29, 2025, with around 9,300 miles on the odometer, I began to hear a knocking sound coming from the engine while I was driving it back to my house from my mother's house. The sound got progressively louder and louder. The truck eventually displayed a "reduced acceleration drive with care" warning. I thought catastrophic engine failure wa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
Throttle response lag then sudden surge. Occurs occasionally not constant. Press on accelerator and no response, the next it’s wanting to take off. In stop and go traffic, the lag may not let vehicle get up to speed like merging, then with the surge, could accelerate too quickly reducing reaction time and cause an accident.
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
internal mechanical failure of the piston rings and cylinder walls. Misfire on Cylinder #2. Further testing revealed that Cylinder #2 is at 80 PSI, which is significantly below the manufacturer's specification. A subsequent leak-down test showed a 90% loss of pressure with air escaping through the oil filler hole. The issue stated above can cause severe mechanical failure of piston rings and c... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
Transmission jumped out of gear when I turned the corner. 2nd Ford edge I own that has done this. 1st car sitting in driveway waiting to get fixed.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
Was told by mechanic their was a possibility for fire with the starter mechanism.
Incident date: Oct 5, 2025
Was told by mechanic their was a possibility for fire with the starter mechanism.
Incident date: Oct 5, 2025
Oil light appears when at a stop and goes off when accelerating. was told by mechanic this is a sensor problem common to my vehicle.
Incident date: Oct 5, 2025
Oil light appears when at a stop and goes off when accelerating. was told by mechanic this is a sensor problem common to my vehicle.
Incident date: Nov 5, 2025
Carbon fiber hood peeling. This is a safety hazard while driving. This is a common problem among this car. Referenced: LTB01211NAS3 TECHNICAL BULLETIN This was inspected by the manufacturer and they refuse to fix the issue
Incident date: Nov 5, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - It was ultimately diagnosed as an ICCU failure. The part is no longer in my possession. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - Occurred on public street, fortunately a slow moving 25MPH speed limit several blocks from my workplace. I was able to limp the vehicle to a nearby park... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
I have a white pearl 2016 Sorento and Paint started peeling around windshield. Now paint is peeling all over. Recently had windy day and sheets of paint are laying on ground. I take care of my car and this is embarrassing. Kia should be embarrassed as well. Not good for sales I’m sure.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
Cvt transmission fails for no reason on a new car could be very dangerous for us and other on the road i think toyota should be responsible and resolve this issue
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
To my understand, the ICCU keeps shutting down and is causing issues with my car? This is apparently a huge issue with a bunch of Hyundai's from 2022.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), but the failure worsened. The contact stated that after the vehicle was retrieved from the dealer, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, a week after the vehicle was repaired, the traction control warning light, the check en... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
Transmission has been whining. A P27137F Code appeared and the vehicle is only in 2WD mode currently. Concerned to drive vehicle due to further damaging transmission or getting stuck while on the road.
HYUNDAI
ELANTRA GT
(2018) — WHEELS
Jan 16, 2026
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
Component or system that failed or malfunctioned Rear brake rotors and rear brake pads. Both rear rotors have been diagnosed as requiring replacement along with rear brake pads. The front rotors and pads are reported to be in normal condition. The vehicle and all replaced components are available for inspection upon request. Safety risk Degraded rear braking performance increases stopping distanc... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
The windshield washer fluid reservoir cracked along its seam and drains completely after a few hours. This was not due to an accident and I have not done off-roading. I live in a snowy environment and not having an operating windshield washer is a MAJOR safety hazard as road salt quickly builds up on the windshield dramatically reducing forward visibility. It also affects the rear window washer, ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
I was involved in a severe motor vehicle collision in a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The airbags failed to deploy during the crash. I sustained serious injuries and was transported from the scene by EMS. This vehicle has known safety recalls, and I believe the airbag non-deployment may indicate a safety defect.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
I was involved in a severe motor vehicle collision in a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The airbags failed to deploy during the crash. I sustained serious injuries and was transported from the scene by EMS. This vehicle has known safety recalls, and I believe the airbag non-deployment may indicate a safety defect.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
The Car has over the last few years not turn off due to shift to park. This is concerning, due to we cannot turn the car off unless we strike the shifter few times assuming this is the remedy. It doesn't look like there is any type of recall but there should be.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
Alt/Gen failure stopped the truck in the middle of an intersection No transmission power steering lights. Had to walk back home to charge the battery in a driving rain storm leaving the truck in the intersection.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
In a passenger-side front collision at 25mph, no front collision warning was given, and the automatic braking system did not engage. Fire broke out inside the vehicle next to the floorboard beside the front passenger seat (bottom of B-post) almost immediately upon impact. Upon inspection of the vehicle on 1/16, I believe the wiring that powers the passenger side airbags shorted (see photos), resul... Read more
Crash
Fire
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
In a passenger-side front collision at 25mph, no front collision warning was given, and the automatic braking system did not engage. Fire broke out inside the vehicle next to the floorboard beside the front passenger seat (bottom of B-post) almost immediately upon impact. Upon inspection of the vehicle on 1/16, I believe the wiring that powers the passenger side airbags shorted (see photos), resul... Read more
Crash
Fire
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
The malfunction indicator lamp light is on (MIL) with the following fault code stored in the DME: Fault code Control module Fault code text 1B8302 DME LIN bus, communication (EAC sensor): missing Problem verified. Don't know if car will quit on the highway. Mini recall for exact problem and extended warranty to solve the problem only on the "S" model with the exact same engine.
HYUNDAI
SANTA CRUZ
(2025) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jan 16, 2026
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
the Infotainment system is malfunctioning. the screen is delaminating and pressing ghost buttons, flickering between screens or not functioning at all and I am unable to press any buttons on the screen. safety: when making calls hands free with the system, it will mute calls, end calls, or switch calls between the car speaker and the phone speaker. This is problematic if emergency services are e... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2025
The suspected malfunctioning component is the fuel injector(s), part of the fuel system(gasoline). The vehicle is currently in my possession and is available for inspection upon request. An independent mechanic believes the issue is injector-related and consistent with a known injector defect. The vehicle is subject to a fuel injector recall that wards of fuel accumulation on top of the engine, cr... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2025
Vehicle will suddenly shutdown in the middle of the road. This could easily have caused a crash at any time. Several batteries have been replaced due to alternator not charging the battery. Then the battery has to be jumped for emergencies. I have taken the car in for repairs of the recall twice. I was told that the front end would come off and parts would have to be replaced because of the age o... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2025
Vehicle will suddenly shutdown in the middle of the road. This could easily have caused a crash at any time. Several batteries have been replaced due to alternator not charging the battery. Then the battery has to be jumped for emergencies. I have taken the car in for repairs of the recall twice. I was told that the front end would come off and parts would have to be replaced because of the age o... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The power steering failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with STRG shaft torque failure. The contact was informed that the STRG shaft torque needed to be repl... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
Bad hesitation when first depressing the throttle. I drive the truck in the Sport + mode and it does help.
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2017) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Jan 16, 2026
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
Cruise control activates at speeds below 2 mph which frequently happens while turning or parking. The cruise control activates by a toggle on the left spoke of the steering wheel which can be easily bumped while doing low speed maneuvers like parking. When bumping the toggle the cruise indicator shows a set speed of 15mph and the vehicle surges forward trying to attain that speed. Since this oc... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
All factory setup. Vehicle will get death wobble due at highway speeds. There was a recall for steering related issues.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
Collion Warning alarm came on with full application of brakes with no vehicles in front or behind. No onward traffic either. Visibility was clear, and driving conditions good. Driving at 35-40 mph. Informed dealer three times (and three different individuals) on December 31 and despite a bevy of promises they have taken no action. Placed warning on Macan.com and several other (purported) owners cl... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Nissan Maxima. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. The contact stated that the mileage on the title was not available. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 150,000. The vehicle was taken for Texas State Inspection and the VIN was entered on the Inspection Station website a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
Got in my car, closed driver side door and my rear window spontaneously shattered.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the instrument panel flickered before going completely blank. The failure was intermittent, but the instrument panel permanently became blank. The contact called the independent mechanic where the vehicle was purchased and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact then called ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
While driving with my family on a busy freeway at approximately 70 mph, our vehicle suddenly displayed a loud, urgent warning: “Hybrid System Warning – Safely Stop and Do Not Drive!” At the same moment, the car lost the ability to accelerate without any prior signs of trouble. We were extremely fortunate to have enough momentum to coast to the shoulder and shut the vehicle off, unsure of how... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
While driving with my family on a busy freeway at approximately 70 mph, our vehicle suddenly displayed a loud, urgent warning: “Hybrid System Warning – Safely Stop and Do Not Drive!” At the same moment, the car lost the ability to accelerate without any prior signs of trouble. We were extremely fortunate to have enough momentum to coast to the shoulder and shut the vehicle off, unsure of how... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
I am submitting this formal complaint to report a serious and dangerous safety defect involving the auxiliary battery system in the 2019 Jeep Compass. Without sufficient warning, my vehicle suddenly lost power and shut down while driving in traffic due to auxiliary battery failure. This failure caused a loss of propulsion and significantly reduced vehicle control, leaving me vulnerable in active ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
Horns assemblies are Failing repeatedly. Since ownership of the vehicle (2023 and a CPO Platinum Wrap), I have had to replace a single horn, or both horns three times with local Hyundai dealerships. mostly the right horn would fail, then the left. I am currently making efforts to have my vehicle’s horns serviced for the fourth time as they are not working. I have been to my dealership on Dec 16,... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
When at a complete stop, going to pull out, or continue driving, there is a noticable lag to the acceleration. It sometimes does nothing for a few seconds before acceleration. If backing up, then switching to drive,.there is a delay and or a small jerk motion before the vehicle accelerates. This has caused issues when pulling out and vehicles are coming at normal speeds with plenty of time to p... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
Engine hesitation from a stop. Engine takes 1-2 seconds to respond to throttle pedal input. Creates timing safety hazard when attempting to cross oncoming lane to enter roadway. Puts vehicle at risk of not clearing the oncoming lane in time to avoid collision. Intermittent and haven’t been able to reproduce with dealer.
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
Limp mode, knocking , engine light. Only has 62,768 miles on it. I can't fill out campaign 966 or 982 on the official web site for extended coverage.
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
Limp mode, knocking , engine light. Only has 62,768 miles on it. I can't fill out campaign 966 or 982 on the official web site for extended coverage.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
Back up camera problem. I have reported this before. I have difficulty remembering the date, but since I've reported it before, hopefully you'll find the info. Please help!
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
The iccu failed. The car went into check power mode the. Into slow mode then died on the highway. Hard to ah e it jumped to take it to the dealership only to find out the 12v and iccu died
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
All of my ADAS systems were disabled due to a water leak. The repair required the dealership to hire a "leak doctor" and then replace a module in the rear tailgate. My vehicle showed an alert on the dash that each of the ADAS features were disabled, auto high beams were disabled, and I could not turn the vehicle off by pushing the start/stop button once, I had to use a procedure that forced the v... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
to whoever it is that can help, I am reaching out to submit a formal complaint regarding my 2017 Hyundai Elantra due to ongoing mechanical and structural issues that began very shortly after I purchased the vehicle, which have progressively worsened. I made the purchase in January 2024 for approximately $13,000 with 60,000 miles. The vehicle now currently has approximately 108,000 miles. Sin... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
to whoever it is that can help, I am reaching out to submit a formal complaint regarding my 2017 Hyundai Elantra due to ongoing mechanical and structural issues that began very shortly after I purchased the vehicle, which have progressively worsened. I made the purchase in January 2024 for approximately $13,000 with 60,000 miles. The vehicle now currently has approximately 108,000 miles. Sin... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
Jeep death wobble occurs in my 2021 jeep wrangler. Currently recalls are for vehicles up to 2020. While driving at highway speeds and the vehicle rides over a small bump the front end shakes excessively until speed is dramatically lowered.