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: Feb 24, 2024
Front panel of panoramic sunroof shattered while driving on Interstate 90 at approx 65mpg. Sunroof was fully closed. Exploded on its own with no outside influence. Conditions were clear and dry. Sounded like a gun shot and glass was flying everywhere. Fortunately shade was closed with no glass entering passenger compartment. Could have resulted in injuries or accident if glass entered the driving ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2024
Front panel of panoramic sunroof shattered while driving on Interstate 90 at approx 65mpg. Sunroof was fully closed. Exploded on its own with no outside influence. Conditions were clear and dry. Sounded like a gun shot and glass was flying everywhere. Fortunately shade was closed with no glass entering passenger compartment. Could have resulted in injuries or accident if glass entered the driving ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Magnum. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to release and shift out of park(P). There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Notification: K39 (Transmission Shift Interlock Lever). The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
I purchased this vehicle [XXX] and mileage was 78,921 at Hoover Volkswagen in Georgia. The carfax showed it had an oil change since the dealer had it in inventory. I drove the carfax showed about 2000 miles to 81,000 odometer miles and heard ticking noise so I checked the oil. It was 2 quarts low, I added 2 after calling the dealer and saying it’s my responsibility to top off the oil. I checked ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
Title: Possible Defect – Uneven Airbag Deployment Description: On July 20, 2025, around 5:30 PM, i was driving a 2021 Volvo XC90 on a main road when another vehicle suddenly entered from the right side without stopping at a stop sign. I was unable to avoid a collision and my vehicle T-boned the other car (front impact on my vehicle). During the crash, I believe the front airbag system did not ... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: May 4, 2025
Rear roof rail airbag inflator endcap failure. The endcap of the steel inflator separated and ejected throught the roof liner, read passenger window and through the wall of a house. The vehicle was parked in the driveway at the time and was not running. I was next the the window at the time of failure and was narrowly missed by the end cap but was his by the full force of the passenger window a... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: May 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the blind spot warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to identify if another vehicle was nearby. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the blind spot detection system was inoperative. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated when the vehicle was started, the engine failure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with internal engine failure and coolant intrusion. In addition, the contact was informed that the engine had overheated internally. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2025
1. While holding a constant line and speed, I suddenly felt a sharp jolt from the rear of the motorcycle followed by rapid bouncing. 2. The rear wheel locked instantly. I heard the tire skid and felt it stop rotating. 3. The ABS indicator illuminated, yet there was no braking input from me. 4. I attempted gentle steering correction, but with the rear wheel fully locked the motorcycle destabilized ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
Driving under speed limit crossing through a green light at intersection automatic breaking system engaged. This caused rapid slowing throwing driver and things on passenger seat forward. No obstacles, cars or anything were visible or causing any possible accident or problem. The ABS system engaged flashing break warning on dash. This happened a year and a half earlier and on 7/23/2025
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Car shuts off as alert start flashing and beeping. Get a red flashing screen and a hazard message that states "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM. STOP SAFELY". So far this has only happened while I was at a stop, but I have read in forums where it has happened to people while they are driver.
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jul 24, 2025
Incident date: Jul 12, 2025
Car shuts off as alert start flashing and beeping. Get a red flashing screen and a hazard message that states "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM. STOP SAFELY". So far this has only happened while I was at a stop, but I have read in forums where it has happened to people while they are driver.
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) — LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Jul 24, 2025
Incident date: Jul 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln Continental. The contact stated that while the vehicle parked and occupied, while attempting to close the driver’s side door, the door failed to latch as intended. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) — ENGINE
Jul 24, 2025
Incident date: Jul 12, 2025
While driving on the highway, experienced loss of power and flashing check engine light, subsequently causing engine knock and engine failure. This situation could have caused an accident and put myself and others at risk. It is understood the manufacturer has recalled more than one million vehicles due to engine failure and is working with NHTSA to address the issue. In communication with the m... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
The Lane Guidance and Lane assist malfunctions / failures numerous times at highway speeds. The vehicle tried to forcibly steer me into the next lane for no reason. Typically a vehicle is approaching from the rear and the acting by the Palisade would have caused a serious accident. This has been documented numerous time since November 25, 2024. The steering places excessive force on the steering w... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
While driving on the freeway, 65 MPH, I Went to accelerate as vehicle was slowing down with no response, looked at dash and noticed vehicle was in neutral, with a message saying “restart Vehicle to shift” thankfully I was able to get over a few lanes to pull over and restart vehicle. Very scary incident while on a busy early morning commute to work.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
Within the last 90-120 days the back up camera on our 1014 Ford Flex has started not working properly. It sometimes works, sometimes only a video with now parking lines, sometimes nothing at all and a blank screen. Sometimes it does all of the above in the same instance.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
There is an existing recall for 2020 ford f150's NHTA 25V442 Ford 25S72. Pertaining to the sync 3 malfunctioning as Ford put it "Ford says that an error in the SYNC infotainment system could cause a blank image to be displayed while reversing, or the rear-view image may remain on display even after a driver has stopped reversing." My vehicle is and has been doing this for a very long time. Sa.e pr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Insight. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated. During the failure, the brakes failed to function as intended, and the Lane Departure, Cruise Control, and Forward Collision Avoidance features failed to function as intended. The failure was intermittent. During the first failure, the vehicle was turned off and re... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
Coolant intrusion, coolant and oil is mixing causing my car to run hot. Engine light keeps coming on, repairs to multiple pumps replaced, water pump replaced, spark plugs replaced, radiator replaced, thermostat replaced. Ford dealership tried replacing all the above vehicle is still running hot. Now claiming I need a new engine.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
Paint peeling everywhere an innocent burning excessive oil.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train); however, the dealer had not called the contact back despite multiple calls to request an appointment. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the recall remedy was a software u... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
I am writing to report a recurring issue with my 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid. The interior rear-view mirror has detached multiple times from the windshield under normal conditions and adjustments. This poses a safety concern, as it obstructs proper rear visibility and could become a distraction while driving due to the detachment. I believe this issue warrants further investigation to determine if i... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2025
The engine suffered a failure of the connecting rod bearings and wrist pin or pins. It necessitated a short block replacement
Incident date: May 15, 2025
sound coming from engine / transmission other issues with the 2 ruber seals on the minivan keep worping out i looked on all the forms everyone is making the same complaint i toook it to toyota they just put tape and its off again they didnt help for a perminent fix back door is miss alined pasanger side sliding door sometimes does not close takes 3-4 atempts pressing the button
Incident date: Jul 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the high-pressure and low-pressure fuel pumps, resulting in damage... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
Vehicle failed to accelerate while operating on the highway. Pulled over and shut vehicle off and smelled gas. Vehicle would not stay started. Towed to dealer and was told it was a defective fuel injector. All injectors were replaced. Apparently this is a known problem. This could have been extremely dangerous if I wasn’t able to pull over. Hyundai should issue a recall to replace these defectiv... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact’s daughter stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); and the vehicle was taken to the dealer to have the water pump replaced. The con... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2025
This report is on the paint defect issue on the 10th generation Honda Civic that can potentially impact the vehicle's structural integrity from the windshield damage. The white paint on my vehicle started peeling around the perimeter of the rear window with the rain groove. I am uncertain of the exact time it started, but the paint defect became noticeable to the naked eye just past the 5 years o... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2025
This report is on the paint defect issue on the 10th generation Honda Civic that can potentially impact the vehicle's structural integrity from the windshield damage. The white paint on my vehicle started peeling around the perimeter of the rear window with the rain groove. I am uncertain of the exact time it started, but the paint defect became noticeable to the naked eye just past the 5 years o... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the ABS light was illuminated. The contact stated that the braking distance was extended while depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, the traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and it was determined that the control module had failed and needed to be repaired. The contact inqui... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was slipping while attempting to change gears. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repair... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2025
When driving across railroad tracks, or at lower speeds primarily when turning sharp or into parking spaces, a power steering assist fault light flashes and steering becomes difficult unless truck is moving. The only remedy that I know is to put the truck in park, turn off, and restart. This corrects the issue until the criteria mentioned above is met and then it happens again, and again...... T... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
My fuel tank is leaking fuel. I noticed a spot underneath my car in my driveway that is made out of rock and you can smell the fuel. The check engine light is always on and the fuel tank loses mileage and fuel on the telemeter without even driving the vehicle.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
At 85,500 miles, the car stopped in the middle of am intersection and would not movemunder its own power- after being towed to a Honda Dealership, car was diagnosed with catastrophic transmission failure - only solution was to fully replace the transmission at a cost of over $9000
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer wa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
Complaint Message – 2016 Kia Optima Engine Failure Without Oil Light Warning I am the owner of a 2016 Kia Optima (VIN: [XXX] ). My vehicle suffered complete engine failure due to oil starvation — without any prior oil warning light or indication. The engine died while driving, and it was only afterward that I discovered the engine oil was extremely low. The oil pressure light never illuminated... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
exterior review side mirrors cause loud whistle noise when driving.
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid. The contact stated that while idle, releasing the brake and pressing the accelerator, the vehicle would jolt forward before accelerating. The failure would occur intermittently and had become progressively more pronounced. There were no warning lights illuminated. During the most recent occasion, the vehicle jolted forward so aggressively that it cause... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart but was undrivable. The vehicle was towed to Firestone but was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and de... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
My transmission failed on the highway. I was merging on the highway one day and all of a sudden I felt a sudden reduction in power which was dangerous for the people behind me, and heard an awful grinding/whining noise. I immediately limped it to the dealership and was told several days later the transmission (Ford 10R80) had a catastrophic failure and was lucky to get it to the dealership. This i... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start and was jumpstarted several times by a dealer’s mobile technician. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was determined that the battery was in good condition, and the failure could be related to the manual transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact state... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
GM issued a recall, N25249000 after hundreds if not thousands of complaints of catastrophic engine failure. My engine was impacted. It failed Sunday, [XXX]. I limped it to Mike Marroone dealership in Longmont, CO, on August 5th. That afternoon they confirmed my engine and various other components needed to be replaced. At this time GM was flooded with recalls and the whereabouts of all necess... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
Engine light was blinking. Hearing grinding from the front. Steering locked up. I was able to pull over safely. Called tow truck. The mechanic diagnosed it said it needed a new engine. The car has 106,000 miles on it.
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
Although this 2020 Honda CR-V vehicle is not covered by the “sticky steering” recall we are experiencing the same symptoms reported by owners of newer model cars included in the recall. Our dealer says the only fix is to replace the entire steering box at a cost of $3,000. In addition the timeline to get and fix the problem is unknown because the part is on nationwide back order. The car has... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
I was stopped at a red light and the engine stalled. It read "FOR SAFETY, AUTO RESTART DISABLED". All warning lights on the dashboard lit up. I had to put the car in park and restart it in order to drive. I was honked at and put in a dangerous position. This has happened at least twice now.
Incident date: May 5, 2025
I have a 2016 Nissan Altima 3.5 Sr I brought into the Nissan dealership multiple times since 2022 now in 2025 at 100,000 miles to transmission is not working it's dying at intersections and oil is pouring out of the engine I was told that there was a recall that expired in April of 2023 however I was never notified about the recall despite taking my car to the Nissan dealership prior to that date ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
The problem with my 2017 Ford Escape began in June 2021 (mileage 65652) when the engine warning light came on and there was white exhaust smoke. Our local mechanic tried various actions to determine why the engine light was on, such as performing a GDI treatment for carbon buildup, but over the summer months none of his actions were successful but each action was an incurred expense. By Augus... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2025
At 60k miles the car started making noises when I start it. I took it in and they said it was the timing chain. Also my engine light keeps coming on and it says Emissions Error. I have purchased several Fords and I don’t plan on major repairs every 5 years. Especially the day it goes out of warranty. Apparently the timing chain is a big problem according to the repair company at around 5 years o... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
I got into my car and closed the door and pushed the start button and my back window blew out. It was not hit by anything and sitting in front of my office and had not driven all day since I got there.