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 62,191 complaints for KIA
Incident date: Dec 6, 2025
On 2 ocassions the vehicle failed to execute a stop. The first was going down a mild hill at 20 mpg; I applied the brakes and the car started to slow and then the brakes felt like there was a shudder and released, and then engaged again and the car finally did stop. That same day on flat ground the same thing repeated. A second brake problem has occurred multiple times; likely 50 - 60 times... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2025
On 2 ocassions the vehicle failed to execute a stop. The first was going down a mild hill at 20 mpg; I applied the brakes and the car started to slow and then the brakes felt like there was a shudder and released, and then engaged again and the car finally did stop. That same day on flat ground the same thing repeated. A second brake problem has occurred multiple times; likely 50 - 60 times... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
The incident occurred while traveling at 75 mph on the interstate. The car felt like it tried to put itself in park and slammed forward violently, at that time it came up with a shift fault light on the display, it shifted to neutral so there was no movement of the vehicle it was free wheeling, then it slammed itself back in a low gear where the vehicle slammed hard and the car engine was redlined... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
Vehicle consistently exhibits throttle lag from a stop. It is almost like the engine is not responding to the throttle input. This condition is unsafe when pulling into oncoming traffic as the vehicle does not accelerate and then lurches out into traffic as it finally responds to the throttle input
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
I was driving on a busy street with a speed limit of around 45 mph and my torque converter failed causing my transmission to fail and my truck to become disabled in the middle of a busy road. It blocked traffic causing a potential danger to surrounding motorists and required assistance to be moved to a nearby parkin lot and later to be towed to the Chevrolet Dealership. The dealership confirmed t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
My vehicle has an oil consumption problem. I put in 5 quarts of oil last week after changing the oil three weeks before this. I am down today December 19, 2025 2 1/2 quarts when I put in 5 quarts last Friday. Hyundai motor Corp. says I have to pay for the $90 oil change to do the oil consumption test then I have to go back 1000 miles later and pay $600 for an oil combustion cleaning and drive it a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Symptoms started, changing gears while driving, delayed start at lights on a slant, stalled acceleration on interstate from slowspeed ——-took it in and they said the accumulator is bad and has likely messed up the transmission. They recommended a new transmission for $7000+. Researched and found many 2019s had been recalled for this issue, in 2022, but this one was not. I am wondering why... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2023
Coolant bypass value change and they have put 500$ for labour total 656$ for value change
Incident date: Dec 22, 2023
the exterior A-piller trim part is missing, having already detached. I have called Ford 3 times and the customer service once. They keep saying for the last year that the parts are not available. they will not take responsibility to get this fixed. If the other one falls off it could cause other people to get injured.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
Vehicle is showing symptoms similar to common reported problems from people who owned Ford F-150 with Eco-boost. Symptoms such as: Engine had difficulty starting Transmission shifting Rattling noises coming out from the engine compartment Oil leaks coming out the tail pipe Gauge is showing engine is over heating Turbo is having a hard time accelerating
Incident date: Nov 2, 2025
I believe the locks should be recalled my Lock Actuatora on my 2020 Mitsubishi outlander keeps going out……both my passenger front and back are out for a second time. And driver side doesn’t always unlock and lock with the key fob. All have been fixed before and it has been less than a year after being fixed. This is a safety issue and I think they need to put a recall out!
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Rogue. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the engine revved, but the vehicle failed to accelerate over 60 MPH while depressing the accelerator pedal. The failure continued the rest of the drive. The contact stated that two hours later, the contact restarted t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
My vehicle currently has two active manufacturer recalls involving potential fire risk and the possibility of bodily harm. These recalls have been acknowledged by Jeep/Stellantis; however, no effective remedy or repair has been provided to date. Despite the seriousness of these safety risks, Jeep Customer Care has offered no interim solution, no loaner or replacement vehicle, and no alternative t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
My vehicle currently has two active manufacturer recalls involving potential fire risk and the possibility of bodily harm. These recalls have been acknowledged by Jeep/Stellantis; however, no effective remedy or repair has been provided to date. Despite the seriousness of these safety risks, Jeep Customer Care has offered no interim solution, no loaner or replacement vehicle, and no alternative t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the TPMS displayed that the PSI of the tires was low. Additionally, a notification advising that the vehicle was experiencing low voltage and drainage and would shut down was displayed. The contact called towing services. The contact stated that the towing agent who assisted in towing the vehicle inform... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
The top moonroof spontaneously shattered and is in a compressed upward position. Nothing impacted it from beneath and glass fell on my infant daughter who was secured in her car seat.
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
Vehicle failed to accelerate after I attempted to merge onto 3 lane road from a driveway. No chimes, warning or emergency braking occurred but the vehicle had no response for a second or two. I captured the incident on my dash cam. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
Telematics control module failure
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
Vehicle has a known Ford 2.0L EcoBoost coolant intrusion / head gasket defect per multiple complaints on different forums on recently googled searches. At approximately 126,000 miles, vehicle began losing coolant with no visible external leaks, producing white smoke on startup, rough idle/misfires, and check engine light. Vehicle also began overheating intermittently. Heating system stopped wor... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
This 2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid poses an imminent fire and safety hazard due to catastrophic high-voltage system failures. On December 11, 2025 (Mileage: 54,527), the vehicle displayed a "Check Hybrid System" warning. The dealership diagnosed a swollen 12V battery and, critically, a melted power relay assembly and melted power cable. This indicates extreme thermal overload. The dealer stated they... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2024
While making a left turn on a green left turn arrow the vehicle for no reason slammed on the brakes without any notice. Causing the car to come to a violent stop. And almost causing us to be rear ended. The violent stop caused both of us injuries to our backs and necks.
2 injured
Incident date: Apr 11, 2024
While making a left turn on a green left turn arrow the vehicle for no reason slammed on the brakes without any notice. Causing the car to come to a violent stop. And almost causing us to be rear ended. The violent stop caused both of us injuries to our backs and necks.
2 injured
Incident date: Jul 20, 2024
Ford has 3 safety recalls on 2021 ford bronco and they have no remedy to fix any of them yet. My car stalled out 3 times now because of the low pressure fuel pump failure recall. I was pulling out into traffic and it stalled out while a car was coming at me. The only solution Ford had was to put old parts in the car which I refused. I asked for a loaner vehicle and they said they don’t have any.... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2024
Ford has 3 safety recalls on 2021 ford bronco and they have no remedy to fix any of them yet. My car stalled out 3 times now because of the low pressure fuel pump failure recall. I was pulling out into traffic and it stalled out while a car was coming at me. The only solution Ford had was to put old parts in the car which I refused. I asked for a loaner vehicle and they said they don’t have any.... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
The vehicle has ongoing electrical and battery system problems that cause safety and driver-assistance systems to malfunction or shut off unexpectedly. The vehicle has repeatedly been found dead after short periods of non-use, requiring jump starts and battery replacement. These electrical issues appear to affect multiple vehicle systems simultaneously. While driving, advanced safety features suc... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
I am reporting a potential safety-related defect involving premature axle failure on Mazda CX-50 vehicles. The axle appears to be prone to early failure under normal driving conditions, sometimes at relatively low mileage. There are multiple reports from other Mazda CX-50 owners describing similar axle or CV axle failures, including clicking noises, vibration, loss of power to the wheels, and com... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
I am reporting a potential safety-related defect involving premature axle failure on Mazda CX-50 vehicles. The axle appears to be prone to early failure under normal driving conditions, sometimes at relatively low mileage. There are multiple reports from other Mazda CX-50 owners describing similar axle or CV axle failures, including clicking noises, vibration, loss of power to the wheels, and com... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2025
The braking system failed Lane keeping assist stopped working Adaptive cruise control stopped working Forward collision warning stopped working It does not handle as smoothly since the sensors stopped working I parked in the shade I keep the sensors clean but they only will work when it’s cooler then 65 degrees outside
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
I had no issues despite the recall announcement
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
My rear window just shattered without cause. I got into the vehicle this morning, closed the door and then a loud noise occurred. I looked and found that the entire back window had shattered. Very dangerous had this happened on the road!!
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
The rear window shattered when the front passenger door was closed. Research confirms this is a known defect and has occurred with numerous other owners, even while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who refused to repair, stating my vehicle wasn't included in TSB 22-014. The vehicle VIN is included in TSB 22-014. The window was repaired out of pocket with another company. There was no... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had no... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
The passenger occupancy sensor is not working correctly, giving an airbag indicator on the dashboard. It is not recognizing when a person is in the seat. This causes a huge safety risk if airbags don’t deploy in a collision.
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
Vehicle: 2018 Tesla Model X Recall Reference: Tesla eMMC Recall – NHTSA Campaign Number 21V-035 (Recall 21V035000) Defect Description: In March 2021, Tesla notified me by email of a recall involving failure of the eMMC memory chip in the Media Control Unit (MCU). This defect is known to cause loss of vehicle system functionality and safety-related features. Despite this notification, Tesla has r... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
Vehicle: 2018 Tesla Model X Recall Reference: Tesla eMMC Recall – NHTSA Campaign Number 21V-035 (Recall 21V035000) Defect Description: In March 2021, Tesla notified me by email of a recall involving failure of the eMMC memory chip in the Media Control Unit (MCU). This defect is known to cause loss of vehicle system functionality and safety-related features. Despite this notification, Tesla has r... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2025
On multiple occasions while driving this vehicle at various speeds various road conditions the doors will become unlocked and partially open you have to open the door and re-close it in order for the inside lights to go off because they come on when this happens. It also appears in the driver's safety alert that the doors are unlocked this is a very uncomfortable feeling I have spoke to Volvo deal... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
Coolant leaking into the engine and blowing white smoke
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Lexus ES-300H. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
Hondalink cannot stay linked to the car and frequently will not connect at all. Last week, the car locked with my keys inside, and Hondalink could not connect to unlock the car, keeping me locked out with my sleeping child in the car until someone could bring me my spare key to get in. This was terrifying and a huge safety risk.
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Ram ProMaster 3500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact checked under the hood and saw that the cooling fan was making a whirring" sound. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the fan was revolving very slowly, and when the fan was touch... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 70 MPH, the vehicle suddenly shifted to reverse. The vehicle felt like it had shifted into neutral. The rear camera image was displayed. The rearview camera park aid message was displayed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 25V572000 (Back Ove... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
The eCVT transmission failed causing the vehicle to stop at highway speed. No warnings. Only warning was a whining sound that could have been mistaken for highway noise. When taken to a dealer this was beyond repair. Since this was a "sealed" transmission, no maintenance was required or recommended by the dealer. I have only had this vehicle maintained by the dealer. Other Toyota C-HR owners ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
There is a large system failure in the Jeep Compass, in which the oil is getting mixed with fluid, causing the transmission fluid to become like chocolate milk. This failure is all in the way the vehicle is manufactured that it causes damage to both the transmission and engine costing approximately more than 14k in repairs. The problem has been confirmed at a dealership, as well as too other 2019-... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the traction control was unavailable and was not in service, and the cruise control was not available. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The local dealer was contacted and provided a cost for the repair. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2025
There is a well-known issue with these new model Toyota tundras where there are problems with acceleration. When at a stop and pulling out from the stop, the engine and acceleration hesitate, and there is a flag of between 2 to 5 seconds before the vehicle starts moving. The gas pedal is depressed and there is a hesitation or lag of several seconds before forward movement progresses. There wa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2025
There is a well-known issue with these new model Toyota tundras where there are problems with acceleration. When at a stop and pulling out from the stop, the engine and acceleration hesitate, and there is a flag of between 2 to 5 seconds before the vehicle starts moving. The gas pedal is depressed and there is a hesitation or lag of several seconds before forward movement progresses. There wa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
Several times in the past year the power steering has spontaneously failed requiring significant Force to stabilize the vehicle and creating an obvious Hazard while driving. The forward Collision system indicates there's a fault while this occurs. Sometimes this is cleared by cycling the power on and off. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer who indicated they cannot locate the source of t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2025
A B.E.V. has an estimated range- and the manufacturer claims up to 300 miles range in great conditions. They never pinpoint what the range is in cold climate. The only data I can find is they admit to it being "less". I am part of a large forum for this platform. I have heard several complaints on range in the cold. They all are experiencing less than 50% of the 300 advertised miles. 120-140 seem... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
Every time that the vehicle is started the sink system defaults to where no memory is saved. The menu becomes an operative where no buttons on the touchscreen can be pushed, as well as the rear camera will get stuck on the screen while and drive trying to reset the system makes it somewhat operable, but a master reset cannot be performed as the screen freezes.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
Every time that the vehicle is started the sink system defaults to where no memory is saved. The menu becomes an operative where no buttons on the touchscreen can be pushed, as well as the rear camera will get stuck on the screen while and drive trying to reset the system makes it somewhat operable, but a master reset cannot be performed as the screen freezes.