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 4, 2025
media screen goes black wile driving and cluster has red lines comes on and off
Incident date: Dec 30, 2022
Although im confident in my own driving skills, it concerns me that the blind spots are so bad that it is NECESSARY to use the blind spot warning system and reverse/back up camera.
Incident date: Dec 30, 2022
Iactive sensor indicated there was a/n (obstruction) or something preventing iactive from working (i dont remember what it said)? I dont remember- but either way- i find it distracting. It could not be turned off and was flashing repeatedly- telling me to drive safely ironically making me feel like I had to read it, in inclement weather, and take my eyes off the road.
Incident date: Dec 30, 2022
The horn is not working when I press the horn or on the key fob. I had it checked and the fuses were fine. The seat belt chime also does not work out of nowhere, same time the horn stopped working.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
My cruise control stopped working and all my lane assist stopped working. My front camera stopped working. I went to the Honda dealership, and it was going to be over $2000 to replace. The car is only 6 years old, it has had no accidents or problems. I’m incredibly upset that this already is a problem, and because i didn’t buy an extended warranty it’s on me to fix.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
My cruise control stopped working and all my lane assist stopped working. My front camera stopped working. I went to the Honda dealership, and it was going to be over $2000 to replace. The car is only 6 years old, it has had no accidents or problems. I’m incredibly upset that this already is a problem, and because i didn’t buy an extended warranty it’s on me to fix.
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
So I bought this 2020 ford escape at 1100 miles. It was used as a dealership loaner vehicle until I bought it which put its 5 year at 11/19/2025, although I purchased it 12/2+/2020. Which h doesn't make sense. I'm slightly over the 60k/5 yr safety warranty because of it being a loaner vehicle first. I'm over the 60k by 19k, but under my 5 yr warranty. My driver seat belt is malfunctioning, so all ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
My 2022 GMC Yukon with the 6.2L V8 engine is covered under recall 25V274000 for connecting rod and crankshaft defects that can cause engine failure. Approximately three months ago, Wiesner GMC dealership performed the recall inspection and stated the vehicle passed. Recently, the engine suddenly began misfiring on cylinder 6. The failure was sudden and severe—the vehicle started shaking signific... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
I am reporting a serious safety issue with my 2021 Ram 2500 (VIN: [XXX] ). The truck has experienced three separate transmission failures within a few months. Each time the transmission was replaced, the vehicle failed again shortly afterward. At one point, the dealership returned the truck to me without transmission fluid, causing additional internal damage and creating an extreme safety risk. I... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
I am reporting a serious safety issue with my 2021 Ram 2500 (VIN: [XXX] ). The truck has experienced three separate transmission failures within a few months. Each time the transmission was replaced, the vehicle failed again shortly afterward. At one point, the dealership returned the truck to me without transmission fluid, causing additional internal damage and creating an extreme safety risk. I... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
The oil filter housing is made of plastic and it cracked causing a major oil leak. There were no warning lights on the dash. Our family had just gotten into the car to visit family for Thanksgiving. I ran back into the house to get something and when I came back I first saw a large puddle of oil where the car was parked then I looked at the car and could see oil streaming out. At first I thoug... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
Ford on 12/4/25, diagnosed there is a coolant leak into the engine from the spark plugs, coolant was low when towed in and had rough idle. I know there is a class action suit against ford right now for this very problem with the 1.5, 1.6, and 2.0 engines. The vehicle started overheating and check engine light came on. Started showing about a week ago
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle rolled backwards. The contact jumped into the vehicle and attempted to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed to shift. The contact stated that the vehicle crashed into a brick wall before the vehicle finally stopped. In addition, the air bags did not deploy. No warning l... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 3, 2023
I own a new manual 2024 Ford Mustang GT now with 800 miles. When turning on the unit on 2 occasions, one on November 20 and another on December 3, documented with photographs and videos, the unit presents a black screen with no image. Either in reverse or drive without the possibility of viewing any image. The agency was notified and commented that these failures had never occurred.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2023
I own a new manual 2024 Ford Mustang GT now with 800 miles. When turning on the unit on 2 occasions, one on November 20 and another on December 3, documented with photographs and videos, the unit presents a black screen with no image. Either in reverse or drive without the possibility of viewing any image. The agency was notified and commented that these failures had never occurred.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a whining sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that later, while driving the vehicle, there was a clucking sound coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle lost power to the rear axle. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic, who examined the vehicle. After removing the r... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2025
I have a 2020 Infiniti QX60. While driving on the interstate I75 the check engine light came on and the car lost power. This was very dangerous as it could have caused a very serious accident. Had to have car towed to dealership. Was told that the transmission needed to be replaced at a cost of $8,600. This suv has only about 75,000 miles. Upon checking the internet I found that this transmissi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
I was driving on the I95 and just passed the McHenry tunnel when out of nothing I heared a loud bang and my moon roof spontaneously shattered into pieces. Nothing hit it and after inspection there was also no other damage on the car but the rear part of the moonroof that was completely shattered.
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
In June 2025, I brought my vehicle to the dealership (Hendricks Chrysler Dodge Birmingham, AL) for a full diagnostic inspection, and at that time I was told everything was fine. There were no warnings, no notes about electrical issues, airbags, coolant leaks, engine leaks, or any of the major concerns now being reported. On my most recent visit (October 2025), the dealership suddenly reported mult... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe suffered a crankshaft/bearing failure identical to NHTSA Recall 17V578000. Hyundai states my VIN was not included in the recall, but the vehicle has the same 3.3L engine, the same failure, and the same symptoms described in the recall bulletin. The engine has never been replaced. The defect appears broader than the recall VIN range. They are refusing to replace the defecti... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2023
ever since I bought the vehicle, I would often get an alert when putting into reverse that the rear reverse camera "Camera is Temporarily Unavailable". I did have the recall linked to this issue executed on the car. While the issue occurs less, it still does occur.
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2025) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Dec 4, 2025
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a warning light for the low coolant level was illuminated. The contact checked the coolant reservoir and became aware that the coolant level was low. The coolant level was topped off. The contact stated that a warning light was illuminated while driving, and the contact pulled over and turned off the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Bad front driver's side axle. Loud clicking noise heard when turning left, on every turn
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
Drove vehicle to work in the morning and had the front and rear defroster on (they turned on automatically due to exterior temperatures when I used autostart on my AcuraLink app). When I got to work, I parked my vehicle and had no issues at that point. But, in the afternoon when I came out to my car the rear window had spontaneously combusted. There were no obvious signs of damage, nothing on the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The driver was able to restart the vehicle after approximately 30 minutes, and the driver resumed driving. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The driver was able to restart the vehicle after approximately 30 minutes, and the driver resumed driving. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2025
Bought vehicle on 11/28/25. By 11/30/25, brakes squealing and large puddle of coolant in driveway. Took back to dealer on 12/1/25, told special radiator hose that is on backorder all over country. Unknown ETA.
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
Hello , I would like to report a failed front differential on my vehicle. This issue was diagnosed by an independent BMW shop and is currently being repaired. Mine made it to 69k miles but many others have had theirs failed before 50k miles. My main goal is to bring light to this issue since it seems to be a design flaw. There's also numerous reports for failed transfer cases since they aren't... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
I am reporting a serious safety and reliability concern with my 2025 Hyundai Tucson. At only about 2,000 miles, I was informed by the Hyundai dealership that the transmission has already failed and needs to be replaced. This vehicle is essentially brand new and should not be experiencing a major powertrain failure so early in its lifespan. The transmission issue has caused significant concern reg... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2025
Smelt like something was burning and the smell was coming out of vents. Looked online and found that people have been having issues with the auxiliary heater for the HVAC to help the car warm up faster. I check mine and found that the connector was staring to melt. Seems like it could be a potential fire hazard if not caught soon enough.
Incident date: Oct 26, 2025
Vehicle: 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Recall: 78C / NHTSA 25V-766 Mileage: 6,975 miles Location: California Complaint: My 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is under safety recall 78C (NHTSA 25V-766) for catastrophic engine failure, fire risk, and unexpected/unrecoverable loss of propulsion. The recall notice states that the engine may contain sand contamination from the casting process, which can cause sudden eng... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2025
Vehicle: 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Recall: 78C / NHTSA 25V-766 Mileage: 6,975 miles Location: California Complaint: My 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is under safety recall 78C (NHTSA 25V-766) for catastrophic engine failure, fire risk, and unexpected/unrecoverable loss of propulsion. The recall notice states that the engine may contain sand contamination from the casting process, which can cause sudden eng... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
Goodyear 255/40R20 tire failed at the inner seam.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
The control buttons located on the steering wheel of the newer model Nissan Pathfinder are malfunctioning. These buttons control numerous functions and sensors. What's happening is, the spring action of the buttons are failing and the button is loose. This causes the button to make contact as if it was pushed without touching it, simply driving over a bump. Some of these buttons control warning se... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2025
The truck stalled while driving on back road in the middle of the night we thought it was pout of gas but we still had 100 miles 2nd night same thing but had 250 miles left 3rd day while hearting up in the morning it began to sputter and then quit will not restart now Ford does not seemed concerned nor will offer any help
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
While I was en route to get a recall serviced my Vehicle powered off while I was driving, at a speed of 25mph, out of my neighborhood. The Dashboard instructed me to put the vehicle in park (P), press the brake and the start button to power on the engine. The check engine light remained on and the vehicle started driving real sluggish. I couldn’t get above 10mph. I pulled into a parking lot and ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2025
Paint on all four door handles are bubbling and chipping. I rarely use the backseat handles and passenger door, which makes it more likely to be a malfunction in whatever paint was used for the handles. There is no fading, chipping, or bubbling on other parts of my car.
Incident date: Nov 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Infiniti QX50. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (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 contac... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Forest River Sandstorm Toy Hauler trailer equipped with API Tires, Tire Line: Gladiator QR25-TS, Tire Size: ST225/75/R15, DOT Number: 1FFTCHRD4. The contact stated that while stopping to refuel it was discovered that the front passenger’s side tire had expanded and there were bubbles and tread separation. The following day after driving, the contact discovered that the re... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
I HAVE OWNED THIS TRUCK AT AROUND 38000 MILES UNTIL NOW AT ~63,000 MILES. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED THE TRUCK ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION BEING UNPREDICTABLE. AT AROUND 50,000 MILES I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR SHIFTING POORLY, NOT SHIFTING INTO GEAR, JUMPING GEARS. THEY LOOKED AT IT, SAID IT HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSFER CASE BUT NOT THE TRANSMISSION. THEY REPLACED A C... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
Vehicle has been having AIS issues for a couple of years, requiring new batteries, new starter/relays and countless internal computer updates (none of which have helped btw...). This morning she had the AIS engaged, went to turn left at a green light and when she released the brake the vehicle threw itself into Neutral and flashed a "Auto Idle Stop System Problem" message on the dash. She put it i... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
Vehicle has been having AIS issues for a couple of years, requiring new batteries, new starter/relays and countless internal computer updates (none of which have helped btw...). This morning she had the AIS engaged, went to turn left at a green light and when she released the brake the vehicle threw itself into Neutral and flashed a "Auto Idle Stop System Problem" message on the dash. She put it i... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
At night when I am driving, the headlight goes off. The light switch does not work on some settings. I never know when or where this dangerous situation is going to happen. Therefore, I try to avoid driving at night, as much as possible. This problem was addressed to Kia more than a year ago. They keep saying that they don't see a problem.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
At night when I am driving, the headlight goes off. The light switch does not work on some settings. I never know when or where this dangerous situation is going to happen. Therefore, I try to avoid driving at night, as much as possible. This problem was addressed to Kia more than a year ago. They keep saying that they don't see a problem.
Incident date: Mar 3, 2019
The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving to her residence at unknown speeds, the vehicle suddenly caught fire while making a U-turn. The brakes and emergency brake were inoperable. The seatbelt was inoperable. The driver jumped out of the window. A pedestrian attempted to alert her of the fire. The vehicle exploded after exiting the vehicle. The contact susta... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 3, 2019
Whining noise coming from transmission recall for certain CVT transmissions and Dealer advised that my VIN does not match
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
I just recently purchased my vehicle through Mears Mazda locally in Lubbock, TX. At first i did not notice how unsafe it drove due to the recalls. The more i drive the vehicle i notice it feels like there is a resistance in braking or slowing down and getting stuck in certain gears when i am going at a lower speed below 20 mph. It causes concern for me if i am driving in a bigger city or in a traf... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
I just recently purchased my vehicle through Mears Mazda locally in Lubbock, TX. At first i did not notice how unsafe it drove due to the recalls. The more i drive the vehicle i notice it feels like there is a resistance in braking or slowing down and getting stuck in certain gears when i am going at a lower speed below 20 mph. It causes concern for me if i am driving in a bigger city or in a traf... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2025
I am filing a complaint because my 2022 high country Chevrolet Silverado truck has experienced multiple dangerou transmission failures 4all occurring while driving resulting in complete loss of power sudden stalling in traffic placing everyone in danger.This vehicle has malfunction repeatedly since just day 10 after purchase date and each breakdown has been transmission related occurring suddenly ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
The vehicle exhibits harmonic oscillation in the steering column since the day I drove the vehicle home on the interstate. Even though tires had been balanced out of pocket due to long service center wait times with a road force balancer, balanced again at the service center, match mounted and road force balanced again out of my own pocket, noise reducing foam removed and balanced on an uncalibrat... Read more