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: Oct 14, 2025
The vehicle jerked, stopped and would not start again. After a while it started, people were honking to move. This happened about 3 years ago. The vehicle jerks often and afraid it will leave us on the street. About 2 years ago, the auxiliary battery ran down the main battery. The car would not start. Had to buy both batteries. The lights come on, engine, traction and auxiliary battery ligh... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
The contact's wife owns a 2022 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that his wife reported that the vehicle shuddered significantly and failed to exceed 30 MPH while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors were leaking, and the dealer determined that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The deal... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
I was traveling home from work and lost all power to the vehicle while driving. No warning lights, check engine lights came on. I was able to cross traffic and park it in a business place. I had it towed to a chevy dealership for diagnostic. They said that the timing chain came off and i would need a new engine. I had it towed to a auto mechanic shop for a second opinion and they gave the same res... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 75-80 MPH in the right lane, the trim on the driver’s side of the vehicle detached from the windshield. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were on back order. The vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2023
The engine developed a ticking noise followed by loss of power. Mechanic diagnosed lifter and camshaft failure, which may be related to the Active Fuel Management system. This caused metal contamination and requires complete engine replacement. This appears to be a widespread issue on GM 6.2L engines.”
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
This report covers 2 events for the same problem. The first occurred in the spring of 2025 and I did not document the date or time. The second one occurred on November 10, 2025 @ about 10:15 a.m. (1) Last spring my wife was driving the Venza up the street to our residence going a slow rate of speed. As she approached the house, she took her foot off on the gas and coasted toward the left curb... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
On October 13th 2025, while driving, I began to hear a clunking and rattling sound from the front left wheel area when braking. Concerned for my safety, I brought the vehicle to a local independent brake specialist for inspection. Their technician found that one of the two bolts securing the brake caliper was completely missing, and the remaining bolt was approximately halfway backed out. The shop... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
I opened the driver side front door, got in, closed the door & the rear window shattered. No passengers. Nobody got hurt. No police report. Nothing fell on car. Dealer was no help. Insurance company made an appointment to get it fixed tomorrow morning. No inspections. No warnings. Going to cost me $400.00. Car is available for inspection anytime. Very frustrating. Car is 16 months old.
Incident date: Oct 27, 2025
I just saw the new Honda Civic recall for wheels falling off and it reminded me to report this. On January 6, 2022 I was driving down I-29 from Grand Forks to Fargo and about 60 miles into my trip I thought I had a flat tire. I pulled over at the next exit and found I was missing 3 lug bolts and nuts, 1 lug nut with the bolt still attached, and my wheel was hanging on by just 1 lug bolt + nut. I... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 Ford F-250. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was an independent dealer sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 88,000. It was later discovered, after checking the Carfax report, that the mileage was 182,000.
Incident date: Oct 27, 2025
Engine oil consumption issue. I have taken the vehicle in 4 times due to this they have. Changed hoses and even the oil pan but the engine still runs out of oil. On several occasions the oil light comes on within 1000 miles of a oil change and when I check it the system is completely out of oil. This means the lubrication system is running with no oil and likely has metal particles in it. I have... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local O'Reilly's, who diagnosed that the cylinder #2 glow plug had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the V... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2016
The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags). The local dealer was contacted, who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Incident date: Nov 12, 2016
Making turn at slow speed. Possibly Transmission slipping and rear tire locking up. engine light turned on
Incident date: Nov 12, 2016
Power Transfer Unit (PTU), The Service 4WD light keeps coming on and off. 2019 Jeep Cherokee
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
**2026 - Cadillac Lyriq One-Pedal Driving and Brake Defect** On November 4, 2026, at approximately 9:30 AM, I was driving my 2026 Cadillac Lyriq using the one-pedal driving feature while going below 20 miles per hour. Suddenly, the vehicle accelerated unexpectedly. I lifted my foot off the accelerator, but the car did not slow down despite the one-pedal driving being enabled. Within a few secon... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
After towing my vehicle to Alfa Romeo of Mariettea on November 4th for recall 82B (seatbelt), my car immediately developed throttle hesitation, check-engine light, and start/stop warning light. These issues were not present before the service. Recall 93C (fuel delivery module) remains open, but the timing of these new problems indicates they arose from the 82B service. The dealership and Alfa Rom... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
To Whom It May Concern, I am filing a formal dispute and safety complaint regarding my 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Limited. On November 12, 2025, while driving at approximately 70 mph on the highway, the vehicle suddenly stopped operating automatically without warning. This was a terrifying and dangerous event for me and my family. We could have been seriously injured or worse. The service department... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
To Whom It May Concern, I am filing a formal dispute and safety complaint regarding my 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Limited. On November 12, 2025, while driving at approximately 70 mph on the highway, the vehicle suddenly stopped operating automatically without warning. This was a terrifying and dangerous event for me and my family. We could have been seriously injured or worse. The service department... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2025
This morning when I got into my car and closed the door, the back window exploded. Nothing hit it, there were no cracks, etc. It simply sounded like a gunshot and fell inward into the back of my Rogue. I have seen numerous similar stories online with Rogue back windows shattering for no explainable reason.
Incident date: Sep 7, 2025
The MDX drove perfectly until out of sudden there as a stall, knocking and ticking sound in the Engine. It is diagnosed with the connecting rod failure and needs a new engine replacement. The car was well and regularly maintained with oil changes and services as recommended. The following codes were pulled from the ECM: Code P0301, P32638
Incident date: Sep 7, 2025
2022 Tucson (NX4, Alabama built) 2.5L Engine experienced a catastrophic failure leading to Hyundai dealer diagnosis that "Cylinder #3 is not contributing properly," which requires a full engine replacement. The vehicle is currently located at home and is available for inspection upon request. The engine scuffing has resulted in a severe loss of power contribution from Cylinder #3, leading to pote... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased, and while driving 60-70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone and was diagnosed and determined that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numb... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that a cushion located within the steering wheel had deteriorated, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed tha... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2025
Purchased new vehicle in September 2024, immediately after purchasing the vehicle the engine had a clanking noise. Took the car back to the dealership where they explained the noise was normal. The car continue to make clanking noise, but noise continued to get louder, took the vehicle back to the dealership for first oil change, verify the noise, and discuss safety recall received on the vehicle.... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
I have experienced unexpected loss of power during acceleration, lack of exhaust breaking and engine codes p003a and p006f which I believe are associated with the turbo actuator.
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
My family went on a weekend trip the day we left town the heat was working great. The next day we noticed that the heat was on but the air coming out of the vents was not as hot as the day before. We attempted to turn the heat off and back on still blowing warm to cool air. The heating system blows cool air at times. I took the vehicle into the dealer and they said the reason we didn't have heat w... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - THE MANUFACTER HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE FUEL PUMP IS FLAWED. THERE IS NO RESOLUTION PROVIDED AT THIS TIME FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS TO BE PERFORMED. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - I AM DEEPLY CONCERN ABOUT THE POTENTIAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS DEFECT. A SUDDEN LOSS O... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - THE MANUFACTER HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE FUEL PUMP IS FLAWED. THERE IS NO RESOLUTION PROVIDED AT THIS TIME FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS TO BE PERFORMED. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - I AM DEEPLY CONCERN ABOUT THE POTENTIAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS DEFECT. A SUDDEN LOSS O... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - THE MANUFACTER HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE FUEL PUMP IS FLAWED. THERE IS NO RESOLUTION PROVIDED AT THIS TIME FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS TO BE PERFORMED. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - I AM DEEPLY CONCERN ABOUT THE POTENTIAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS DEFECT. A SUDDEN LOSS O... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2025
I was having noise from engine and and I received a letter from extended warranty for an production defect in piston skirt. I sent my car for an evaluation in the Audi of Manhattan and I was told that my car falls under the engine piston skirt defect.i have the pictures from Audi Manhattan inspection that the engine piston walls have scratches.i was denied coverage under extension warranty because... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2025
The blower resistor and harness needs replaced it looks like it caught fire or default
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
This is an ongoing safety issue with a 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited. The forward collision-avoidance system activates frequently and without cause during normal driving. The system will engage when another vehicle is simply turning, merging, or slowing down at a traffic light—normal, predictable situations where no emergency braking should occur. These unexpected activations create unsafe con... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
I was driving about 40 MPH, message popped "camera blocked, clean front windshield" I did and the message cleared. A few minutes later it came back so I cleaned the windshield again. What happened next shocked me. Without any warning while traveling 30 mph the automatic braking system came on and stopped the car quickly. Thank God for my seatbelt! My backpack that was in the back seat came flying ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
After purchasing vehicle (4Sep25) the following week's notice wet spots in drive way first assumed to be from A/C but not the it is November and A/C is off the wet spots are still showing up. Checked under the vehicle and noticed oil all around the PCV tube. Took vehicle to Allentown Kia. They confirmed there is a oil leak but the leak is from the oil pan gasket. The vehicle has 400 ish miles on i... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2025
1) Electrical display goes off on its own. While car in motion and driving,Distract me while I’m driving. 2) car does not start. AAA came to jumpstart, but no luck main battery under the car not responding defective battery. 3) fuel system not working properly cannot fill up the car all the way with hydrogen, it’s giving me 180 miles to maximum of 200 miles to drive ,Car slowed down on it’s ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2025
I have had to have the battery replaced twice in under a year in my 2023. There are common complaints on social media.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
Vehicle: 2022 Tesla Model S (HW 3.0) System in Question: Full Self-Driving (FSD) Capability, initially purchased (Level 1 equivalent) for $6,000, and then upgraded (Level 2 equivalent) for an additional $3,000 (Total $9,000). I. Initial FSD Purchase and Unsafe Performance (Level 1) Upon initial purchase of the FSD package, the system (what Tesla later called FSD Beta, or its precursor) consistent... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2025
Our family has been on the middle of the highway when the Escape has just shut off. We here in Charleston, WV are not the only ones with this issue. We have contacted FORD multiple times on this. The engine failure about 6-7 years ago was the start. Coolant leaking into the cylinder, which is a service bulletin not a recall, prompted the engine to be extensively repaired or replace. Then after thi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
The engine in my 2019 Hyundai Elantra failed at approximately 66,000 miles. The vehicle began to idle roughly, lose power, and eventually stalled and would not restart. It was first inspected by an independent mechanic, who suggested a possible electrical issue. I then took it to a Hyundai dealership, where they later confirmed the engine was blown due to internal failure. I had a new warranty aft... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
Roof rail brackets (snap pieces) broke off of both left and right side and roof rails fell off of car while driving.
Incident date: Nov 8, 2025
LaFontaine Ford Birch Run MI falsified recalls on my 2016 f150. They claimed they were done, however i have had several other Ford dealers state that there is missing parts and it was obvious it was not completed. This recall is for my door cables freezing up making it unsafe for me to commute when cold. I have held my door shut all the way to work multiple times because it would not latch. Other ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
While driving on the highway, whenever you approach an exit or an intersecting part of a highway, the lane keep assist will jerk hard towards that exit or towards the direction of the nonexistent line on the right or left side of the lane. Weather that line of that lane has faded out or is part of a type of highway intersection. Since the car drifts in between lines of that lane (while in LANE KEE... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
GM 6.2 engine recently tested for the national recall regarding valve and lifter issues. Recall was cleared as ok, but they found burnt cylinders in multiple areas within the engines. Several issues are still occurring with this engine, and I think most are related to the recall effort. 1. Engine will use oil at an abnormal pace when towing anything heavy. Recently used an additional 2 quarts of... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
The ICCU (Integrated Charging Control Unit) failed while the vehicle was charging at my home. It tripped the 60A circuit breaker for my EVSE circuit and now my EVSE is inoperable. The vehicle no longer charges via AC (Level 1 or Level 2) at any charging station. Attempting to charge the vehicle triggers a safety fault error on the EVSE indicating an electrical problem with the vehicle. Additionall... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
Nissan had a recall on the Turbo Hose. Neither the dealer (Carvana) or the manufacturer (Nissan) told us about the recall until the matter was too late. It is available to inspect upon request. My car stop in the middle of the HWY without notice, warning, caution lights on dash, etc. My fiancés, daughter, and myself lives were all in danger as we were all in the car. Because the turbo hose was no... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
Known transmission issues with 8f35. Car will not safely accelerate, jerks, shudders. No check engine to indicate code. Numerous mechanics refuse to fix it because it is too high of a liability and that Ford knows about this issue but chooses to ignore it.
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
I heard a "pop" and then immediately saw "check electric vehicle system". The code I'm receiving in the app is P1A9096. The car was limited in driving speed, and I managed to get the car to the dealer before it stopped driving completely. I have about 8000 miles on this <1 year old car, and it seems like the ICCU has fried. Hyundai says this is under 1% of all cars, but from the internet it seems... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
I heard a "pop" and then immediately saw "check electric vehicle system". The code I'm receiving in the app is P1A9096. The car was limited in driving speed, and I managed to get the car to the dealer before it stopped driving completely. I have about 8000 miles on this <1 year old car, and it seems like the ICCU has fried. Hyundai says this is under 1% of all cars, but from the internet it seems... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
While driving the oil light started flashing then the check engine light started flashing with no prior warning. The car was checked, it had burnt up the oil in it and then I put 3 quarts in it. It was 200 miles from needing an oil change. The engine had little to no power once oil was put in it. It died on the side of a highway. It had to be towed to a mechanic. There was no prior warning to this... Read more