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 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle and shifting from drive(D) to park(P) the message "Shift to Park" was displayed. The contact had shifted to park (P). The contact repeatedly shifted from neutral(N) to park(P) before the warning light turned off. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but was a recurring failure. Additionally,... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
There was an unknown problem with a fuel injector that resulted in the a vapor lock of the engine. This incident happened in traffic while idling at a stop light. There was zero stress on the engine at the time of the incident. This was a busy intersection, and I could have been pushed into oncoming traffic. There were no warning lights(check engine or otherwise) indicating and engine related fail... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Transmission How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Had the transmission gone out on the road, she could have been in an accident Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, independent service center Has the vehicle or compo... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an abnormal amount of engine oil. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, occasionally while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost automotive power. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was advised that the vehicle could not be repaired under an unknown NHTSA Campaign because the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
I had a complete engine failure in my 2021 Yukon XL Denali while driving 70mph on the highway. My vehicle warning lights all of a sudden came on and my cruise control was disengaged. My vehicle started shaking and then started smoking. It was taken to our GMC dealership immediately and it was discovered that the engine had failed even though my VIN is not listed in the L87 Recall. No warning light... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2025
The MPG is advertised at 19-26 and after 3,000 miles I am getting 15-19.
Incident date: Oct 8, 2025
UNKNOWN, dealers are reporting 1-2 2020-2022 Highlanders are needing completely transmission replacements at 8-10k in cost. They are all failing and toyota knows this.
Incident date: Oct 8, 2025
Often, Service Managers like [XXX] from Kia University Dealerships will unlawfully charge you for diagnostic tests or other unrelated issues that should be free or try to persuade you to purchase repairs as a condition for completing the free recall work; however the repair is a standalone obligation, and the we should have the right to decline any additional, non-recall-related maintenance that ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the abnormal sound was persistent and had become louder. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed to wait until the check engine warning light ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
While driving, I heard a loud clicking noise from the front driver side wheel, followed by resistance and dragging of something under the vehicle. I did my best to pull over safely, but I could no longer steer the car. The control arm complete broke off of the wheel, and was now almost resting on the street while the tire/wheel was lodged into the wheel well bent sideways.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
This vehicle is not equipped with an Auto High Beam feature. The result of this is that when the Headlights are in Auto Mode, the Manual control of the High Beams is disabled. Most people leave their headlights in Auto mode to ensure that they dont forget to turn them on or off, but then the high beams are inoperable. This can pose a significant safety concern when you consider that when someone i... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The following problems began 5 months ago, 8 months after purchase with about 4770 mileage and current mileage of about 7623: Multiple occurrences of Check Engine light coming on, sometimes setting DTC code, but often not setting code. Multiple occurrences of Crash Warning light coming on; It may have set a code or codes, but usually not. I think neither dealer was able to reproduce these 2 inter... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while pulling into a parking space and turning the steering wheel to the right, the vehicle surged forward going up onto the curb, and the contact depressed the brake pedal; however, the vehicle failed to stop. The contact continued to depress the brake pedal however, the vehicle continued driving approximately 5-10 MPH. The... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 6, 2025
Warning light for EPS and fuel pressure censor
Incident date: Oct 7, 2025
Initial Oil Change Visit: Brought leased vehicle under full warranty to the dealership for its first oil change. No issues were mentioned at this time. First Return (After 5 Minutes Driving): After leaving the dealership, warning lights and unusual sounds began within 5 minutes of driving. Returned immediately. The service team claimed the issue was due to the 'oil gun not being recalibrated' and ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
My car displayed a warning that the pre-collision assist was not available. This caused all of the safety features not to work (collision warning; lane departure warning; parking collision warning etc.) The car has been in and out of the dealership since Aug. 6th to repair this but Ford has not corrected the problem. We have not been told what is wrong with the car or any estimation on if or when ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
Every so often I get an indication of engine power reduced, but every time I go in to get it checked it's off. I have recently just learned through research online that the issue is caused by a certain condition that gives false reading to the electronics. I have contacted GM and GM financial about the recalls on my cars of the same year. I have not been in a wreck but I have had the issue of engi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
2018 Mazda CX-5, 2.5L Naturally Aspirated Engine The vehicle has been diagnosed with a leak from the cylinder head cover, resulting in engine oil dripping directly onto the exhaust manifold. This issue causes noticeable smoke and a strong burning oil odor inside the cabin while the engine is running. This defect presents multiple serious safety concerns: 1) Health hazard due to prolonged exposure... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
Since having my Nissan 2021 Sentra I have for one, had to replace the battery in it twice. On a more serious note, it is now stopping the car at random and unnecessary times stating an object is in front of me. It happens once a while ago and I did not have any other signs, and it was just for a second, so I tried not to stress about it. Now it is happening more often and just this morning happene... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2021
Honda Odyssey Idle Stop system failure Vehicle: 2020 Honda Odyssey (Elite) Incident description: While driving, the vehicle's "Idle Stop" system engaged as I came to a complete stop at [e.g., a traffic light, intersection, stop sign]. The engine shut off as designed, but failed to restart automatically when I released the brake pedal. This left my vehicle stalled and disabled in the middle of [e.... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
Camera has failed disabling all the safety features associated and also the cruise control.
Incident date: Jun 12, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2009 Hyundai Genesis. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase of the vehicle. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 121,000. It was later discovered through auto check that the mileage was 199,985.
Incident date: Jun 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, the contact started the vehicle, and the vehicle shut off independently. The “Maintenance Required” message was displayed. The contact stated there was smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle, and several minutes later, the smoke dissipated. The contact stated that a technician from the A... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Toyota Camry. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy with the vehicle. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 91,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 170,000.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
In 2 instances the car put on brakes for no reason. Nothing was in front of car. I was traveling roughly 70 mph and car slowed down and brake indicator came on, also going 75 with cruise control on and the system that brakes the car slowed the car down and then just quit working. Warning lights came on saying system failure but after car was turned off then turned back on there were no warnings.
Incident date: Sep 27, 2025
At a stop light vehicle will turn off and nothing electrical will work. It will have to be restarted, While turning at low speeds the electronic steering completely stops working and almost hit another car. All electrical power failure until modules reset then will start. This all happens randomly so it could happen at any point and cause serious injury. Ford can't seem to find a repair for the in... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2024
The contact’s husband owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality with the message "Warning Power Steering" displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the power steering gear was faulty and needed to be... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2024
I own a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. I leased it new, then purchased outright in May 2022. I had no issues with my vehicle. I maintained it regularly. Had appropriate interval oil changes. At no time from 4/2018 to 6/2025 did I have any knowledge of any issues with the engine in my vehicle & neither Hyundai nor the dealership contacted me in any manner to notify me of an issue with my engine. On o... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2024
Received a product recall/alert. Amazon said to file a claim
Incident date: May 15, 2025
Multiple lights, for ACC, Lane Departure, Forward Collision Warning, and Lane Keeping Assistance system. None of the systems works. Safety of myself and others put at risk due to systems not working and preventing collision. The problem was confirmed by the dealer. Multipurpose camera not operating, required replacement of camera for systems to operate.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
At a stop light vehicle will turn off and nothing electrical will work. It will have to be restarted, While turning at low speeds the electronic steering completely stops working and almost hit another car. All electrical power failure until modules reset then will start. This all happens randomly so it could happen at any point and cause serious injury. Ford can't seem to find a repair for the in... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
I own a 2013 BMW X3 equipped with the N20 engine. After approximately 17 months of ownership and only around 11,000 miles of normal driving, the vehicle suffered a sudden and complete engine failure without warning. The independent diagnostic determined the failure was due to a timing chain and oil pump drive chain defect, which is a well-documented issue in BMW N20 engines. This defect has been a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Something is wrong with the camera and causing all warnings to go off.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that upon shifting to park(P) and attempting to turn off the vehicle, the message "Shift to Park" was displayed and an alarm sounded loudly. The contact stated that upon turning off and restarting the vehicle and shifting in and out of park(P) several times, the vehicle responded as intended. The contact stated that the failure had becom... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2025
while driving on a clear day, i went under a bridge on a downhill slope and the car flashed the brake warning and applied the breaks automatically almost causing the car behind me to hit me. Dealer has not been able to reproduce the issue. this has happened a few times. once on the highway and another time slowly going through a construction site where there was a dip in the road. the last issue h... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2025
Moonroof/sunroof shade came off tracks upon normal use (opening) and is loose. The shade falling down impairs visibility of the road.
Incident date: Oct 5, 2025
While driving, my 2012 Ford Explorer displayed a “Service Power Steering Now” warning message, and the steering wheel completely locked, making the vehicle impossible to steer safely. This happened without warning and rendered the car undrivable, creating an immediate safety hazard. This issue matches the conditions described in Ford Safety Recall 14S06 (NHTSA Campaign 14V286000) and Customer ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the driver's side sliding door failed to close or latch as designed. The contact stated the vehicle was driven for an hour and a half with the driver's side sliding door open. The contact stated that it was unsafe because the contact's small children were seated in the rear of the vehicle during the failur... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2025
Car has 22,000 miles and has a bad fuel pump causing multiple cylinder misfire and loss of power. There was a recall on others in the same year but not this one giving the year and millage and the fact that it's the same issue as the recalled other units logically it should have been part of the recall, and the recall needs to be broadened to include these batches of fuel pumps as well. as is its... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2025
Bolt connecting tension link to cradle snapped. We were on the highway at the time (approx 70 MPH) and vehicle became difficult to drive. These bolts are known to be susceptible to breaking and Jeep has reportedly upgraded these bolts on newer models.
Incident date: Oct 5, 2025
Traveling down a gravel road, down hill with security gate at bottom of hill. Traveled 100's of times. starting going down hill and used brakes to slow, no slowing. Pushed harder and still no slowing. As hard as possible and hit the gate lots of damage to car. It was as if there were no brakes. In fact I think the car speeded up and the brakes released all the way.
Crash
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
My stereo screen went blank and I had a new stereo installed but was told the rear camera in my vehicle is defective and was under recall. When I checked with Ford, I was advised my particular vehicle did not qualify. Also, my instrument panel just went blank. This is a serious safety issue as I cannot see my milage or what gear I'm in. This vehicle needs to be a part of the ongoing recall for rea... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
Not sure vehicle was parked and caught on fire from the drivers side completely burning
Fire
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
Not sure vehicle was parked and caught on fire from the drivers side completely burning
Fire
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - POWER TRAIN
Oct 6, 2025
Incident date: Oct 6, 2025
My husband and I were driving down the interstate out of town and the oil pressure light came on as we were exiting. We were close to our destination and decided to check the oil when we stopped. Within seconds I could not accelerate beyond 40 MPH with RPMs climbing up to to 5-6. We checked the oil stick which was fine. Tried to drive to the ford dealership which was less than 3 miles away. After ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
My car is jerking when driven and enabling the park brake while driving. There is a recall on other similar models. I purchased this vehicle brand new and within the same year, had the engine replaced by the manufacturer due to mechanical issues. Please assist in getting this PTU fixed not at my expense. The dealership is telling me $3k but I feel this should be covered due to other recalls and th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
My vehicle had issues from the first day. I purchased the car on the day of delivery. The vehicle had a check engine light since then the vehicle has been repaired six times at the dealership and still has issues.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
Windshield spontaneously cracked while parked in driveway. Have nest cam footage of crack.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
Electrical issues since 44K miles I’m at 50 K miles. I’ve complained multiple times and they kept saying electrician wasn’t available. Then they lie about it being a waitlist for a loaner car. All the lights on the dashboard goes on and all the dealership couldn’t diagnose the problem. The second time the check engine lights went out the back up camera. They said it was the back up camera ... Read more