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 60,583 complaints for KIA
Incident date: Aug 6, 2025
My Mercedes Benz is a C300 2019, and have 42,000 thousands miles, and the vin number is: [XXX] . I have almost all the problems that are reflected in this page ( Recalls 18 ): [XXX] I live in Puerto Rico, and the authorized dealer in Puerto Rico ( Garage Isla Verde ) is telling me, that I have to pay for the Recalls. I have been a Mercedes Benz fan for 48 years, and for 48 years, the only car ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
My catalytic converter caught on fire a couple months back then I hit a code for the knock sensor replaced it and it started to act up again I can’t go over 49 burning oil took it to Hyundai now they are saying my engine is going out and I’m still panting carmart got the car
Fire
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
My catalytic converter caught on fire a couple months back then I hit a code for the knock sensor replaced it and it started to act up again I can’t go over 49 burning oil took it to Hyundai now they are saying my engine is going out and I’m still panting carmart got the car
Fire
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was blank. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V159000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V393000 (Seats). The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirme... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
Air Conditioner Condenser failed after only 12,000 miles on a brand new 2025 Lexus TX 350 Vehicle. Leak caused AC to only blow hot air. After having the vehicle serviced, the Service Advisor indicated that the condenser had a leak which was cause by road debris and would not be covered under the warranty or purchased additional extended warranty. The vehicle is exclusively driven on highway and pa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Safety Recall 24S02/NHTSA Recall 24V031, this recall hasn’t been fixed until now. The part has been on back order since 2024. It just seems like there’s no solution, it’s always been back order, and I was always advised to call and check back. This has been an ongoing issue, since the recall came out.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
Dear NHTSA Safety Team, I’m writing to formally report a serious and widespread safety issue affecting Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The problem centers on the failure of the ABS module, which triggers diagnostic code C2200. This defect disables critical safety systems including ABS and traction control, and causes the vehicle to shake violently—often mistaken for warped rotors. Jeep has discontinue... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
With no warning light indication the Sonata lost all power on I-75 South near Dayton Ohio. After tow & vehicle I inspiration the engine was said to be dead. There is a recall for the 2015 for the SAME issue.
Incident date: Aug 14, 2025
The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light and multiple warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and found me... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE PHEV
(2023) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 13, 2025
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
The foot rails outside the vehicle either don't go up or don't go down. Also, there are several times that the foot rail goes down, and as I step on it, it closes with my foot still on it. Causing me to fall or get my foot stuck between the rail and the car. Fortunately, I didn't get hurt the 4 times that it happened. There is no consistency as to when it happens or any type of warning. The v... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2025
Recall 19V-293 Post Remedy Failure Recall was already performed previusly. Vehicle would not shift out of drive. Even when PRNDL lever was moved. Had to drive to dealer and have the Bushing replaced a secound time. In other had to have recall fix done to vehicle for a 2nd time. Should be added to Investigation ID: RQ25002
Incident date: Jun 19, 2025
After getting my rearview mirror, repaired by the Kia dealership when I break when I came to a stop, my car started flashing forward, collision warnings, and Blindspot assist warnings and activated the emergency parking break ticket to the Kia dealership they saw the safety issues in in diagnostics and a history of it They said they won't replace anything unless it happens in the dealership's care... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2025
I I took the car to get a smog and it didn't pass due to battery pack malfunction which leads to the alternator going out and drain the battery causing the vehicle to stall even turning off at times and the most dangerous part is it could cause a fire in the backseat and the trunk this is what the technician at the small place told me he said it's very dangerous and I need to get rid of the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2025
I I took the car to get a smog and it didn't pass due to battery pack malfunction which leads to the alternator going out and drain the battery causing the vehicle to stall even turning off at times and the most dangerous part is it could cause a fire in the backseat and the trunk this is what the technician at the small place told me he said it's very dangerous and I need to get rid of the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2025
The Yukon has stopped while driving twice. The check engine light came on, the dealership says there is an oil problem and the oil pump is bad along with bad lifters. There is wear to the motor as well.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle intermittently failed to start immediately, but started after the second attempt. The battery was replaced; however, soon after the battery replacement, the failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken to a dealer. A diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that the failure was related to the fuel pu... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2025
The vehicle has a design flaw which causes a bracket which connects the 2 pipes which connect to the catalytic converter to fail. Once the bracket has failed, the rear catalytic converter is allowed to vibrate more than designed, adding extra stress to the catalytic converter. Over time, this additional stress causes the catalytic converter to fail, releasing harmful gases directly from the engine... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2025
The vehicle has a design flaw which causes a bracket which connects the 2 pipes which connect to the catalytic converter to fail. Once the bracket has failed, the rear catalytic converter is allowed to vibrate more than designed, adding extra stress to the catalytic converter. Over time, this additional stress causes the catalytic converter to fail, releasing harmful gases directly from the engine... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
Experienced severe vibrations while driving and when I got out of the car there was a burning smell coming from inside the driver's side front tire. No warning light or messages on my dash. Brought to the dealer to find that the master brake cylinder is defective and I am currently waiting over a month to have it repaired as the parts are unavailable.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
As I approached stop sign and applied brakes the ABS and traction control light came on. My truck then started surging up and down As I attempted to proceed thru the red light my truck stalled and shutoff an on coming car had to stop aggressively to avoid hitting me
Incident date: Jul 4, 2025
When the vehicle is put into park and I turn the vehicle off I get an alert on my console saying "Shift to Park". I called GM customer service and was told "harness" had been replaced in 2020. I bought the vehicle in 2021. Last year I had to replace the "harness" and it is doing it is now doing it again.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH and hauling a boat, the vehicle made abnormal banging sounds and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was restarted but was undrivable. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, but the diesel mechanic was unavailable to service the vehicle. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2024
Purchased new 2025 Hybrid AWD Santa Fe with 47 miles on 8/3/25 at 6pm. By 6:30am on 8/4/25 I noticed an occasional knocking when coming to a stop, reversing, turning and at times driving forward. The knocking became more frequent and noticeable as the day went on with more driving and not once did a service message or warning light display. At 1pm on 8/4/25 with an added 100 miles, I drove it to H... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Engine Cylinder heads started to leak at 75k miles causing oil and coolant to leak and puddle. This was after a fuel pump recall.
Incident date: Jul 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the ABS failure warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that due to t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
I recently took my car to the dealership due to a check engine light. The troubleshooting discovered that there is coolant in the combustion chamber and will now require a new engine. My car has ~76K miles so it's disheartening to know that a new engine is needed. I've read that this is a known problem with Ford escape engines.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
Noisy Fuel pump and difficulty to start the car.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 92,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 212,000.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
For really no reason at all truck locked and would not reopen while simultaneously the seats acces to trunk would not work not even emergency safety release would open either
Incident date: Aug 12, 2025
The engine locked up. The engine only had 80,000 miles. The car stopped in the middle of traffic. The dealership refused to take responsibility. KIA also declined warning coverage. I had to pay to replace the engine.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2025
Check engine light came on for the first time. Engine started knocking, had loss in power, took it to the closest shop. Initial report was lifter failure, after taking apart the engine for lifter replacement they deduced the bad lifters also were accompanied by camshaft damage, and bad heads. Overall resulting in engine replacement being required. Again, first time the check engine light has come ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The steering wheel, ABS, TPMS, and braking system warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the fai... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The steering wheel, ABS, TPMS, and braking system warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the fai... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Sienna equipped Hercules Tires, Tire Line: Roadtour 855 SPE, Tire Size: 215/65/R16, DOT Number: U96VH260H21. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH during a trip, the steering wheel started shuddering. The vehicle was taken to a tire shop, and the contact was informed that the two front tires had sustained tread belt separation and bulges. The two front tires were r... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
The truck started to vibrate or shudder . We are having to deal with replacing the transmission on our truck, which has only 45,000 miles on it. We have noticed numerous complaints about transmission problems with this model and the place that is replacing the transmission said they have had 3 customers in the last couple of months with the same issue on the same GMC model. This is a lot for our s... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine and an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle then decelerated to 64 MPH, and the transmission sputtered. The vehicle was taken to O’Reilly’s Auto Parts and was diagno... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2025
Aug 2025: 2018 Subaru Legacy, 55,500 miles. ISSUE: Rearview camera froze with high-pitch sound for about 10-seconds, then shut off, while in Reverse. I was not aware immediately of this. Did not hit the cars behind me but definitely could have. Unknown if reverse lights affected. Based on online searches, rearview cameras not working is criteria for a recall. BACKGROUND: My main screen is affect... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
I am writing to you today with an urgent and serious safety concern regarding my 2016 Ford Explorer XLT. My vehicle is affected by the A-pillar molding inspection recall, Campaign 24S02/24V031. Last week, while I was driving on the interstate, the passenger side A-pillar molding detached from my vehicle and flew off. This created an extreme safety hazard for myself and other drivers on the road. I... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 BMW X3. The contact stated that while his granddaughter was attempting to start the vehicle, there was smoke coming from under the driver’s side hood, and the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the PCV heater had overheated and burned along with the fuse box. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2025
Car interior smelled like gas when the car is started. but seemed to clear while driving. Found that the Fuel hose between the pipe and the fuel intake was leaking when the car initially started. You could smell the odor when the hood was raised. This is the Pipe and Hose that you need the Fuel clamp removal tool for that is located in the rear center of the engine just in front of the firewall... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that on two separate occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle shut off unintendedly and without warning. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The m... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2025
Apparently Toyota knows of a recurring problem with the brake actuator. I took my Toyota Prius to the dealer for an unrelated recall issue that they repaired and I asked them what the sound was that I kept hearing every 10 seconds or so. The told me it is the brake actuator, but did not seem concerned at all that I get it repaired right away. They did quote me a very high price to have it fixed... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2025
While accelerating uphill approximately 65 mph the car suddenly started to shutter and slow down to 35 mph. I forced me to move rapidly over to the right lane on a busy highway almost getting hit by a semi truck. Luckily I was able move to the shoulder and park the vehicle. I shut the vehicle off and tried to start it back up which it did but struggled to turn over. Using my OBDII scanner I found ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
BRP redesigned the alternator drive shaft starting with the 2023 model year. The alternator drive has a friction drive device built into the shaft. The shaft is making a squealing noise under normal operation. This friction unit is designed to only slip when a heavy load is applied to the alternator, ie when turning at idle. The problem is that when it slips the alternator cuts out and steering ge... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
The paint on hood is rusty and corroded, this can affect the body of the vehicle since it exposes the metal and can pose a safety problem. Toyota had a recall for 2010 white paint well the same thing happen to mine which is metallic gray. I have another car from another brand from 2012 and paint is intact just faded which is normal but not corroded. I contacted Toyota and they refuse to take my ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer however, the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the dealer had been contacted several times; however, the contact was informed that parts were still not available. The contact was concerned about the failure occurring while driving the... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a transmission failure, and the transmission was replaced by the dealer. The contact stated that the dealer also replaced the rack and pinion due to an abnormal clunking sound coming from the steering wheel. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing abnormal oil consumption. The vehicle was t... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2021
This is the fourth incident, the following week. I already made an appointment for diagnostic without lights on dash for 10am due to a morning doctor's appt. So I could drop it then. Approaching Dr's lot it happens again! I call the dealer to report it after I almost took the curb cuz steering went hard. Found an open area to park. I explained same reason I'm coming in has just happened. Now it wo... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2026 Honda Passport. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the brakes were independently activated briefly, with the message “Brake” displayed. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not notified o... Read more