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: Apr 1, 2019
I was driving on interstate 30 with the cruise control on and I needed to slow down as there was roadwork so I pressed down the brakes to disengage the cruiser control and slow the vehicle down, the vehicle not only not slow down but lunged forward. The brake pedal did not disengage the cruise control after pumping the brake pedal several times and tried to bring the vehicle back to the set speed... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2019
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 25V126000 (Power Train); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illumi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2019
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 25V126000 (Power Train); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illumi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
This vehicle only has 31,000 miles on it and I've already had one door trim molding replaced. (now the rest of the trim doesn't match so that's great for aesthetics) The interior door panel replaced because it was loose. This car developed a "thumping" noise around 25K miles when turning at low speeds. Took it to the dealer, told them it is probably the AWD coupler, and they said the self-leveling... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2025
Water pump failed coolant leaked all over the vehicle five years old and a $7500 repair vacuum seals and most of the engine is damaged from the coolant. I have the video from the dealership but can’t upload
Incident date: Aug 26, 2025
Slipping and Whining transmission while driving in the Ozark mountains on [xxx]. I didn't feel I had full control of the vehicle. No warnings of any kind. Took the vehicle to Saint Charles Toyota service department on 10/2/25 where a bad transmission diagnosis was confirmed. Regards, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Sep 26, 2025
Friday, 10/10/25- And over the air update loaded via the radio. Online chatter had rumors of full loss of propulsion after the update, recommendation was to cancel the update to prevent failure. I cancelled the update multiple times. On Sunday afternoon, [XXX]- Uconnect software update ran anyway. Within 30 seconds of completion, the vehicle loss power on the highway, FULL motor/engine shut down... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2025
After a UConnect software update was performed the vehicle shutdown. Upon starting the vehicle the check engine light came on with several other dashboard lights and after driving the car for a few seconds the engine would shut down and would say to park and turn off vehicle. After a couple restarts and experiencing the same shutdown two more times I was able to drive in e-save but felt the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2025
Car stalled once while going to a military appt but started up 3 mins later. Car then made a noise then stalled out of nowhere on the highway at a slow speed in heavy traffic causing anxiety. vehicle then had me stranded waiting for a tow to find out it’s the HVJB .
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2006 Lincoln Mark LT. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated, and the instrument panel failed to display properly. The contact also stated that after refueling the vehicle, there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the fuel tank could be filled. ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2006 Lincoln Mark LT. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated, and the instrument panel failed to display properly. The contact also stated that after refueling the vehicle, there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the fuel tank could be filled. ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2025
!!!ALWAYS GET A SECOND OPINION WITH "TRANSMISSION ISSUES"!!! I will NEVER get a Ford again! I'm updating my previous issue #11688946 I received my 2021 Ford Bronco Sport in early 2023. I noticed a shutter when accelerating from a stop, I took it to the dealership and had the 3rd fuel injector recall completed (still waiting for a remedy to the most recent #25V467). The dealership stated my vehic... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2025
Clicking that the dealer stated was normal. It was not loud knocking saying that is how the high flow fuel pump worked. Safety braking did not work at all. And there was a water intrusion in the trunk.
Incident date: Sep 29, 2025
Clicking that the dealer stated was normal. It was not loud knocking saying that is how the high flow fuel pump worked. Safety braking did not work at all. And there was a water intrusion in the trunk.
Incident date: Oct 4, 2025
My vehicle is a 2022 Polestar 2. For model years 2025 and below within the State of California, Polestar does NOT include the drive shafts (from electric motors to the wheels) as part of their 100K drive train warranty. And for model years 2026 on-wards within the State of California, Polestar will include the drive shafts (from electric motors to the wheels) as part of their 100K drive train wa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2025
On September 17th I was driving approximately 65-70MPH on the freeway when the dashboard flashed the "Service Hybrid Electric Vehicle System" warning and icon. My vehicle lost forward momentum and I slowed at a very rapid pace. I pressed on the gas and the vehicle switched over to the gas system, regained power and I was able to drive without further incident that day. I feel like I could have cra... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
Over the course of the past two days, 2013 Toyota RAV4 has engine cut-off while moving on surface streets, tollroads, and Interstate Highways. Thus far, this has occurred 9 times without any warning whatsoever. Car is in otherwise fine mechanical condition, with all four new tires, new brake rotors & ceramic brake pads, new battery & cables inspection, professional throttle body cleaning, 5,000 ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2024
While driving on the highway, the brakes on my rental truck began to feel mushy, and the pedal eventually went all the way to the floor. I was unable to stop and had to use the emergency brake to avoid a collision. The truck was rented from Budget Truck Rental (Serrato Enterprises Inc., 7680 Bandera Road, San Antonio, TX 78238). Upon inspection, I discovered brake fluid leaking from the left rear... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2024
Transmission fluid pump has been really loud and now slipping. Dodge had a recall on pumps from the 2015-2016 grand caravan however it seems a very widespread problem that they are not including ALL the vehicles that have the issues. My issue is exact to what the recall was for and I am not sure how my vehicle does not qualify.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
a week after purchase with less than 300 miles and 5 days the ABS, Trac Control, ESC, lights came on.. The same TSB known to the 2024 Chev Traverse are happening to my car, the same parts suggested in that TSB are what I am being told is being replaced in mine... The TSB I found includes 2025 Buick Enclave and 2024 Traverse. Seems the 2025 is probably having the same issue. The brakes did n... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact informed the dealer of an attempted theft of the vehicle and that the ignition was damaged. The dealer informed the contact that the repair could not be performed. In addition, the contact stated that the dealer ha... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact informed the dealer of an attempted theft of the vehicle and that the ignition was damaged. The dealer informed the contact that the repair could not be performed. In addition, the contact stated that the dealer ha... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
Airbag wire under driver seat drags on ground
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
The 4xe system had a software update that ran and caused sudden lost of power. Vehicle has been at the dealership since September 15th and should be available for inspection. Upon completion of the update, the vehicle turned off and came to a quick stop. The vehicle did restart and while driving it, it died again. Second time it turned off, I was not able to move it from the traffic lane. Drivi... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Oct 13, 2025
Incident date: Aug 23, 2025
After jeep released an OTA update on Friday, I started my vehicle on Saturday and started to drive and in about 2-3 minutes all lights on dash started flashing and lost all power to vehicle and was luck enough to coast to the side of the road. The vehicle message said place car in park. Had to turn vehicle off then could shift into park. Then restarted now CEL is on but vehicle started and again 2... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - STEERING
Oct 13, 2025
Incident date: Aug 23, 2025
Purchased vehicle [XXX]. Vehicle power steering quit working on [XXX], Dealership stated power steering control module rack is not working. Part ordered, back ordered, Part has a tracking date of October 24,2025. Dealership is Expressway Jeep 3900 Hwy.62 East Mt, Vernon, In 47620 phone number 1-812-831-3333. Service department said vehicle not safe too drive . I have been driving rental since Sept... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - ENGINE
Oct 13, 2025
Incident date: Aug 23, 2025
A serious safety issue that occurred earlier today. While driving with my family on the highway, my 2024 Wrangler 4xe suddenly shut down completely without warning. I was fortunate to pull over safely, but it could have resulted in a serious accident. A complete shutdown with no warning is extremely dangerous and there was no recall.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
On September 5, 2025 I took my vehicle to be serviced at Earnhardt Dodge in Gilbert AZ. I informed the service attendant that I believed there might be a recall on my air bags. Upon checkout I didn’t see if the recall was serviced among other things and it wasn’t listed as being completed. On [XXX] a deer struck the front of my vehicle while driving at high speeds. The air bags didn’t dep... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
The engine failed. Had a new engine put in the car. Driving the car home the car lost power on the interstate causing me to almost get hit by a semi trailer. Called Kia Dealership and was told to bring car back. They said it had a bad high pressure fuel pump. I had it replaced, same issue. They said they would not fix the engine to take it somewhere else. Called Kia of north America to report th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
A software error has caused the rearview image not to display when it is placed in reverse. This may cause harm to both driver and passenger in the vehicle due to an accident. Not being able to see in reverse can cause the driver to hit someone and or something without knowledge.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
The Jeep turns off at random times that I have to coast to a stop, put it in park, and then try and restart it again. That’s dangerous going down a highway and the Jeep to completely lose power and shut off or going through an intersection and having the Jeep shut off.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The jeep lost power after only driving abojt a mile down the road. all the lights came on the dash and I had to pull over until it came to a slow stop, the brakes didn’t seem like they working. Once in park I got a dash light that said Service Charging System. I was not able to move it out of park to even neutral. After about 15 minutes I was able to get it to start and drove it home about 1 mil... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2024
Updated the center screen and minutes later, my Wrangler popped and the frontal collision, CEL, Stability Trak lights came on And the truck came to a halt in traffic on a busy street. I shockingly was not hit, and got the truck to the side of the road. And I was able to army crawl the truck to the dealership. The vehicle was grinding gears and the 4xe system was completely inoperable. This was ext... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2024
I purchased this vehicle in a private sale in September 2025. The battery Warning light was on and the radio was not working either. I had the vehicle inspected by the Mercedes dealer and was told the batteries were being drained because the BCM (Battery Control Module) I was told there was nothing they can do because Mercedes discontinued the replacement parts. So I started to investigate the BCM... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
On [XXX]., in heavy rush‑hour traffic on [XXX] , my vehicle (~75,417 mi) suddenly lost motive power w/o warning at ~55 mph. It became immobile in a live lane, creating a roadblock and rear‑end crash risk. Drivers swerved/honked. Accelerator had no effect; limited/no power‑steering assist; I coasted to an in‑lane stop (no safe shoulder) and activated hazards. Cluster displayed “SHIFT SYS ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
On [XXX]., in heavy rush‑hour traffic on [XXX] , my vehicle (~75,417 mi) suddenly lost motive power w/o warning at ~55 mph. It became immobile in a live lane, creating a roadblock and rear‑end crash risk. Drivers swerved/honked. Accelerator had no effect; limited/no power‑steering assist; I coasted to an in‑lane stop (no safe shoulder) and activated hazards. Cluster displayed “SHIFT SYS ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
After receiving a notification about a "uconnect update" on my infotainment and next start of my vehicle I experienced 3 loss of acceleration events within relatively short time intervals. When the event occurs, the dash flashes "P" and states the vehicle needs to be shifted into park, and restarted. First incident, I felt a hard thud when I shifted to drive. Upon the second incident (roughly 2... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2025
While stopped at a train track, I used the Brake Hold feature and it was on when suddenly without touching peddles the car went forward and I hit the car in front of me
Crash
1 injured
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2025) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Oct 13, 2025
Incident date: Oct 11, 2025
Received over OTA UPDATE ON FRIDAY October 10th and Saturday the car was not drivable.. the car would start but shut off and lose power and the message was To shift into park and restart car.. this happened several times till I was able to drive the less than a mile to get home..thankfully this happened very close to my as there was no warning... and because the car just shut off if I was ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
While driving on the highway, the car just stops. It says to put it in park and turn on the car engine light comes up. A wrench comes on had to be towed to the dealership. Chrysler is very aware of the issue gave us no warning not to drive the cars I couldn’t have been killed. I was driving on the highway on my car just shut down.
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
While driving on the highway, the car just stops. It says to put it in park and turn on the car engine light comes up. A wrench comes on had to be towed to the dealership. Chrysler is very aware of the issue gave us no warning not to drive the cars I couldn’t have been killed. I was driving on the highway on my car just shut down.
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
Car Shakes like crazy ( death wobble) expecially on Highway from hitting a little bump or transition on road.
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
Vehiclr has been doing this since 4 montbs after purchase, then a recall came out we were told it would fix the problem. 3 times now since the recall the odometer screen and media screen will go blank while your driving. The car wont accelerate, turn signals, and steering colum becomes hard to operate properly. We have had to near accidents 1 being less than 2 hours in August of 2025 after Hyundai... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
Vehiclr has been doing this since 4 montbs after purchase, then a recall came out we were told it would fix the problem. 3 times now since the recall the odometer screen and media screen will go blank while your driving. The car wont accelerate, turn signals, and steering colum becomes hard to operate properly. We have had to near accidents 1 being less than 2 hours in August of 2025 after Hyundai... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
My ACC/FCW LIGHT IS ON, I HAVE NOT BEEN IN A CRASH. AND WHILE DRIVING AFTER THIS LIGHT CAME ON MY PASSENGER HEADREST AIRBAG BROKE APART. AND MY CRUISE CONTROL IS OUT, ALONG WITH TRACTION CONTROL. MY CAR JUST WENT HAYWIRE.
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
while driving vehicle, the engine light came on, the steering locked up and the car stalled.
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
while driving vehicle, the engine light came on, the steering locked up and the car stalled.
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
Loss oil in big quantities headed to engine damage
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
Whenever I got the vehicle at the middle of 2025 I had issues with the shocks hub assembly axle motor mount electrical issues trunk was opening and closing by itself. Recent recently I drive it to Savannah and the vehicle started to skip and would not switch gears while I was driving down a 70 mph Road. I almost wrecked due to an issue with the vehicle I have looked up the recalls that hasn't been... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 24, 2025
Trunk latch broke leaving it impossible for someone in the trunk to get out and very difficult for someone on the outside to open the trunk