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: Jun 17, 2025
Goodyear Wrangler Trail Runner AT LT275/65R20 126/123S I had been traveling at 55 mph when I started noticing a vibration in the steering wheel and front wheels. It started getting a little more noticeable, so I pulled over and checked out the front tires. I checked the lug nuts, looking for missing wheel balance weights, and checked the tires for any bulges. Everything seemed to be ok. Star... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
Per the manufacturer, the car requires an oil change every 10,000 miles. However, the engine has a known defect to the manufacturer so that the car only makes it to about 6000 miles before you have to do an oil change. And sometimes the car doesn’t alert you. So your engine could possibly burn up and catch fire. Also, it’s a known issue to them that the back up camera malfunctions suddenly. S... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
The chrome grille deflector detached yesterday while on the interstate and landed in traffic behind me. GM recall number N242490120 does not cover my vehicle, but the same thing is happening to newer models. GM says they won't cover my vehicle under the recall. Can this recall be extended to newer models?
Incident date: Jun 11, 2025
Had lights on my dashboard when I turned it on the morning of 6/1/25. Brake light, traction, ABS, and forward collision. Cruise control also stopped working. Brake module needs to be replaced.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
UKNOWN. The panoramic sunroof of my vehicle exploded unexpectedly while driving on the freeway and the glass shattered everywhere. There were no debris in sight that would cause the incident and the glass of the sunroof was facing outward when inspected seems to indicate that the breakage occurred from inside the vehicle. The shattered glass and shards caused minor injuries on myself and one other... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2025
This vehicle was purchased used with 10,000 miles. Since purchase we have been experience with the battery and electrical system not functioning properly. The car is not driven much, but is started daily and run for 10 minutes when it is functioning. The car shuts down and it is necessary for us to have USAA or AAA start it, they have told us there is an electrical system problem. The car was ... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal cranking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N03 (Cam Phaser Replacement); however, the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated while the vehicle was being serviced, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that coolant constantly needed to be added to the coolant reservoir before driving the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and the con... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
2021 Odyssey EXL the Electric parking brake 'issue' warning comes on while driving and collision mitigation warning / lane assist switches off and flashes in console; when this happens the car continues to run but the dashboard warning lights comes up for Parking brake / Collision Warning and or Lane assist. It gets cleared after I turn on/off the car couple of times and drive for approximately 5 ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
The instrument cluster screen went black for no reason. Cannot see speed, turn signals do not work, do not know about any instrument issues, and blind spot camera doesn't work.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
Took the car to a mechanic for suspension work. While the Forte was on the lift, it was discovered that the condensation from the air-conditioning unit drops directly on the car's subframe. This is on the right passenger side under the motor which could give way at anytime. There are no known decals for the issue and to have the subframe "replaced" is equal to our more than what the car is worth... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
STATEMENT OF FACTS 1.I am the registered owner of a 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (VIN: [XXX]), purchased for approximately $75,000 USD, inclusive of all taxes and registration, in cash. 2.I have been driving different cars for over 25 years and have owned multiple vehicles. This Jeep Wrangler is the most expensive vehicle I have ever owned, and the only one to cause severe safety issues for me and m... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that shortly after purchasing the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who discovered that the catalytic convertor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The mechanic also inspected the vehicle and determined that the steering rack, front struts, and suspension control arms were also ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2025
STATEMENT OF FACTS 1.I am the registered owner of a 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (VIN: [XXX]), purchased for approximately $75,000 USD, inclusive of all taxes and registration, in cash. 2.I have been driving different cars for over 25 years and have owned multiple vehicles. This Jeep Wrangler is the most expensive vehicle I have ever owned, and the only one to cause severe safety issues for me and m... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2025
I have been dealing with an unresolved recall issue on my Audi for over a year. Despite numerous attempts to contact Audi Atlanta, I have not received any meaningful assistance. Each time I call, I’m told that a solution has not yet been provided for the recall. Additionally, my vehicle has experienced multiple issues, including overheating. Audi Atlanta has been unable to diagnose or resolve t... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2025
I had a sudden catastrophic engine failure 3/13/25. I previously filled out an NHTSA report, but I would like to add to my case. My engine was towed to the dealership and replaced. 4/25/25 the check engine light started coming on intermittently again. The service suspension notification, replace the battery in your key fob notification (which was replaced in February), and the check engine light h... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the Forward Collision Avoidance camera activated, causing the brakes to stop the vehicle unintendedly. The Forward Collision Avoidance system activated without a vehicle or person nearby. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and waited before restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was started with the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that a repair related to the recall was previously performed on the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the ABS warning light and the traction control war... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
The MGU of the 2021 Ram Laramie (e-torque) is not functioning properly and hampers the safety of the vehicle. The MGU, which controls the alternator, will not charge the battery beyond 13.0/13.2 volts during driving. As a result, when sitting for several days, the battery will not have sufficient voltage to start the vehicle since it is not charged fully during driving. Additionally, the MGU is no... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2025
Brake pedal hardened due to vacuum pump
Incident date: Jun 17, 2025
Passenger seatbelt does not retract at all. Only 60k miles.
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
The air conditioning system in my vehicle failed in April 2025. My dealership service department diagnosed the problem as a refrigerant leak requiring the compressor to be replaced. I had the $2400 repair made replacing both the compressor, condenser and the a/c system was charged. 2 months later, I am having the same issue again - failure of the a/c system due to a refrigerant leak requiring the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
Rear View Camera only works intermittently. Often times the display will report "Camera Not Available" when reversing. In addition, when the camera does work, the video will often freeze briefly or become choppy. The most recent recall software update which was supposed to correct this issue (3.6.4) has already been installed and the problem remains a regular occurrence.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
I own a 2024 Kawasaki KRT ABS ZX6R. They want to do an inspection that will not be sufficient to ride my motorcycle safely. The absolute only way for Kawasaki to do that would be to open the engine up to where they could see the actual crank shaft. I feel we are all being jerked around with this. They won't be able to deem it safe simply by inspecting the outer bearing. My motorcycle doesn't even ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
Vehicle: 2025 Ram 1500 RHO (base trim) VIN: [XXX] Build Date: [XXX] Purchase Date: [XXX] Mileage at first occurrence: ≈ 40 miles (issue began immediately after delivery) Mileage now: [insert current mileage] Problem Description The instrument cluster (IPC) repeatedly reboots while driving or upon each key cycle. Every restart forces the odometer to reset and display 40 miles, erasing the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2025
Have had an issue of losing power while on an interstate traveling back from work twice now. After the second time I reported to my local dealership. While driving home, my vehicle lost power and was extremely slow and unresponsive. Check engine light came on but when checked under the diagnostics of the entertainment system, showed no issues present. Light turn off but still was having issues wit... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
Have had an issue of losing power while on an interstate traveling back from work twice now. After the second time I reported to my local dealership. While driving home, my vehicle lost power and was extremely slow and unresponsive. Check engine light came on but when checked under the diagnostics of the entertainment system, showed no issues present. Light turn off but still was having issues wit... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
Front passager side door will not open when unlocked. This door handle was a replacement for the original handle that had the same defect. The second handle was installed in March 2025 This then would be the second handle that failed
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
Front passager side door will not open when unlocked. This door handle was a replacement for the original handle that had the same defect. The second handle was installed in March 2025 This then would be the second handle that failed
Incident date: Apr 22, 2022
Goodyear Wrangler Trail Runner AT LT275/65R20 126/123S I had been traveling at 55 mph when I started noticing a vibration in the steering wheel and front wheels. It started getting a little more noticeable, so I pulled over and checked out the front tires. I checked the lug nuts, looking for missing wheel balance weights, and checked the tires for any bulges. Everything seemed to be ok. Star... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2022
Shift Lever Does Not Select Accurate Gear Due To Worn Bushing (NHTSA 22V-413, OEM 22S43): A degrading bushing attaching the shifter cable to the transmission in certain 2013-2019 Ford vehicles, including the 2016 Fusion, may detach, preventing proper gear selection and potentially causing unexpected movement. Dealers will replace the bushing and add a protective cap.
Crash
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
After only 312 miles new and only driven vehicle for 5 days. I received a warning about my forward collision warning system was a problem. Weather has been good. Not wet, temp was 72 degrees. I just started my car and had not driven yet. Chicago area. I set up a maintenance service to see the cause of it. Never saw this before on any of my previous vehicles especially brand new 2025 model
Incident date: Jun 29, 2025
I was parked and attempted to leave and put my truck on drive. The shifter known would not go into drive mode. I kept getting an error code to “Service Shifter” after multiple attempts the truck went inky drive mode and I drove home with the error code to “Service Shifter”. When I arrived home to back into my drive way, the truck would not go into reverse. I sat in the middle of the str... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
Back up camera system is failing , this is after updating to software 3.6.4.
Incident date: Jun 24, 2025
I just discovered my IPC module is faulty and has been faulty. My vehicle has been putting itself into park while driving multiple times now in the little over 2 years I’ve had it. Along with many other electrical issues (power steering going out) engine not cutting off after putting it I to park and cutting the jeep off. Dash going out. Biggest issue is my vehicle causing me near miss traffic ... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE PHEV
(2025) — POWER TRAIN
Jun 29, 2025
Incident date: Jun 29, 2025
When truck is in drive and I press the brake to shift to reverse, when I take my foot off the brake truck will go forward before reversing. Dealership says there is no problem with it. I find it to be dangerous.
KIA
SPORTAGE PHEV
(2025) — POWER TRAIN
Jun 29, 2025
Incident date: Jun 29, 2025
Researched and found this has been a common issue with this make and model. Clutch slippage at random times when accelerating, reported to Honda dealership multiple times, stated there wasn’t any issue with vehicle and denied this was a common issue even though it has been reported by multiple owners of this year/make/model. 3-4 days ago, clutch started disengaging while driving and constantly h... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2025
Randomly, and without warning, the instruments, gauges, and displays will switch into a language I do not speak or understand (Italian). Coinciding with the switch to Italian language, cluster and radio display settings revert back to default settings, auto door locks and paddle shifter becomes inoperative (with no menu to enable), pedestrian emergency brake (peb) lamp or forward collision warning... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2025
The vehicles backup camera still does not consistently work despite receiving an over the air software update to remedy the initial recall of the backup camera not working all the time.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
April 22, 2025 my 2008 Jeep lost power. There was a sequence, where one warning light was followed by another, followed by a complete loss of power. I charged the battery, car started up, I drove to dealer (a 5-minute trip), and by my arrival the Jeep had again lost all power. Dealer checked the vehicle, and told me the battery and charging system were fine, but the ABS brake modulator was drai... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while attempting to move the gear shifter, the gear shifter was stuck in park(P). The contact was unable to move the gear shifter and an abnormal sound was coming from the transmission. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon further inspection, the contact's son became aware that the transmission shifter cable had detached. The m... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
Drivers seat is loose. Dealership agreed seat is loose but other new cars at dealership have loose seats too so they decided it is expected. Seat isn't loose when car is off and seat is fully back. But when you start car and seat moves forward, the seat clicks back and forth when you drive when speeding up or slowing down. It seems there is play or something loose. I've had other hondas years... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
•Rapid oil loss — topped off every 1–2 weeks •Engine misfires, check engine light •Spark plug fouling and performance loss •Repeated advice to “just refill oil” and “wait for failure” •Unsafe to drive, especially as a working single mom
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
I was driving around 60-65 mph on the highway when suddenly a warning alarm went off and the warning light read “stop vehicle and check brake system”. I took my foot off the accelerator and car continued to maintain speed. The power brakes did not work. I put the car into neutral hoping that would slow it down, but it continued to maintain speed. I went into the right lane and put o... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
Nissan has stated since September 2024, that they’re working on a repair for my 2019 Nissan Leaf. The issue is that using a fast charge system could cause the battery to catch fire. Nissan states to not use these types of chargers. I just received my third or fourth recall notice from them stating that they are working on it and they keep pushing the date back. Estimated date now is third quarte... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
I brought in my vehicle for regular service (I.e., oil change) on June 2nd and all was well though i did get my rear brakes done. By June 19th, my check engine light came in and when I brought in my vehicle later that same morning, I was informed coolant had leaked into the engine, now requiring an entire engine replacement which I was told would cost 8500. I have since learned this is a fairly co... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
Turned on ignition and wipers and headlights turned on with no control, car ignition beeped constantly, all dash lights illuminated, all gauges stopped working (speedometer, fuel, tachometer, temperature) and there was a clicking noise on the transmission. Had to drive home hoping my electrical system wouldn’t shut down while driving home. Narrowed down to faulty TIPM.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2024
Frame rust. Huge problems on the 4th gen 4runners. Can't believe there's not a recall on this issue.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2024
Brand new Rogue at 400 miles(no previous owner) CVT malfunction due to incorrect grounding of transmission on mount. Resistance is not good and causes a draining battery… flickering lights, loss of power steering and slipping of gears. Mount is neither grounded and is experiencing a high pressurized leak. Dealership has noted leak at 20K and has considered services from the past at 46K. They not... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
An error code (RCM_a056) will intermittently come up and say there is a fault with the front passenger safety restraint system. It will turn on for a car ride and stay off for a few days and come back randomly. When I researched this code, I found that this is a known issue with 2018 Tesla Model 3's. Apparently there was a flaw in the airbag system which causes this safety concern. I contacted a T... Read more