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: Aug 14, 2024
The body trim is starting to fall off. I have at least 2 trims that are barely hanging on. this has been a problem on my vehicle since December 2024. A recall was issued August 2025 but no remedy is available and still not available even after letters have been sent out to owners. I am afraid to drive my vehicle and it seems like Kia doesn't care. I don't understand why they can't fix this problem
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
Both running light modules failed due to overheating because there was no heatsink thermal compound installed on either unit. They had to be replaced. Repair was successful.
Incident date: Sep 19, 2025
ABS light on dash is illuminated, speedometer works intermittently, and sway bar dash light flashing. Power feels reduced when sway bar light is flashing. Occasionally while driving, door locks engage, sway bar light disappears and power is back to normal. ABS lights remain illuminated. No replacement part available.
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
I came to a stop in the left turn lane at an intersection with a red light with the car in drive and my foot engaged on the brake to wait for the light to turn green. The car suddenly and completely died and all power was shut down. I was not able to engage the hazards. It was dark outside and I was afraid cars behind me would hit me. It was an incredibly dangerous situation with no warning. I exi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
I came to a stop in the left turn lane at an intersection with a red light with the car in drive and my foot engaged on the brake to wait for the light to turn green. The car suddenly and completely died and all power was shut down. I was not able to engage the hazards. It was dark outside and I was afraid cars behind me would hit me. It was an incredibly dangerous situation with no warning. I exi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
I came to a stop in the left turn lane at an intersection with a red light with the car in drive and my foot engaged on the brake to wait for the light to turn green. The car suddenly and completely died and all power was shut down. I was not able to engage the hazards. It was dark outside and I was afraid cars behind me would hit me. It was an incredibly dangerous situation with no warning. I exi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
My chevy has 3000 miles on it and the service the brake Assist and service the ESC Information flashes on the screen and the Brake and ABS lights are lit up.
KIA
SPORTAGE PHEV
(2024) - TIRES
Sep 26, 2025
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
Tire wore to 2/32” in less than 17,000 miles. Belt wires showing from the sidewalls. Submitted a claim to Nexen and they cited excessive off-road use and overinflation as the cause. Neither of these is true. This vehicle has only been used for rural mail delivery on paved or dirt roads Claim denied
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
I was in a crash on 9/19/25 and at the incident none of my airbags deployed. My daily driver for my children and I. I was lucky I was the only passenger at the time. I never expected my airbags not to deploy in a head on crash. The car still sits in my driveway and I have and identical one just like it that I drive! I’d like them evaluated.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that parts were unavailable to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about parts availability. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle jerked and stalled while stopped at a traffic light. No warning light was illuminated. After several attempts the vehicle restarted; however, the vehicle drove in LIMP Mode. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that fifteen days b... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2025
Vehicle went in for check engine light, no issues with how the car runs, low coolant. Vehicle was pressure tested and we were told there was a crack in the cylinder and that the engine would need to be completely replaced. This will cost upwards of 10k. Per my research this is a known ticket and huge defect that Ford knows about. We asked if we could get e engine replaced under the goodwill repair... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light, the emission system failure, and electronic parking assist messages were displayed. Additionally, the AWD feature had become inoperable, making the vehicle difficult to steer. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. After disconnecting and reconnecting the negative ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light, the emission system failure, and electronic parking assist messages were displayed. Additionally, the AWD feature had become inoperable, making the vehicle difficult to steer. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. After disconnecting and reconnecting the negative ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
Gas cap was not secured overnight. The next day every ADAS function both safety and convenience was disabled and their lights were on. Users guide said car should recover after a few miles of driving. 100 miles and multiple restarts later it did not. It was taken to the dealer where they cleared the error for free. Poor design that a loose gas cap could cause a collision due to lack of ADAS. D... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
Gas cap was not secured overnight. The next day every ADAS function both safety and convenience was disabled and their lights were on. Users guide said car should recover after a few miles of driving. 100 miles and multiple restarts later it did not. It was taken to the dealer where they cleared the error for free. Poor design that a loose gas cap could cause a collision due to lack of ADAS. D... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2023) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Sep 26, 2025
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission shuddered while attempting to accelerate. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine at start-up. The cam phasers were replaced by an independent mechanic. The dealer and manufacturer were notified of... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Sep 26, 2025
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
Airbags did not deploy. A car run a red light. I hit it on its passenger side. I was going about 45mph before the crash. I did slam my breaks before impact but I would guess I was still going 30-35mph at impact. Car has not been inspected yet. It is still in our possession. We have made in insurance claim. No warning light of any kind were on before the crash.
Crash
2 injured
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2023) - ENGINE
Sep 26, 2025
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
The engine in my 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid failed due to a known defect with the 2.4L engine used in Kia and Hyundai vehicles. The vehicle suddenly quit running and has been inoperable since. Prior to failure, the car had exhibited knocking noises and loss of power. This placed my safety at risk as the vehicle stalled unexpectedly and could have caused an accident if it occurred in traffic. The fail... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2025
I am submitting an update regarding my 2023 Kia K5 (VIN: [XXX] ). •On July 25, 2025, I delivered the vehicle to my dealership for recall-related fuel tank issues. •As of today (61 days later), the vehicle remains out of service and undrivable. •The dealership opened a Kia Techline case, confirming they are unable to repair the fuel tank issue and that it is a safety hazard. •Kia North Amer... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While the contact's husband was driving 80 MPH, the liftgate independently unlatched. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact's overnight bag flew out of the back of the vehicle. The contact stated that her prescription medications were in the overnight bag. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while her husband was driving in heavy ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2025
Tire wore to 2/32” in less than 17,000 miles. Belt wires showing from the sidewalls. Submitted a claim to Nexen and they cited excessive off-road use and overinflation as the cause. Neither of these is true. This vehicle has only been used for rural mail delivery on paved or dirt roads Claim denied
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
Mercedes performed a recall and stated the charging would increase only by 10-15 minutes. For my vehicle it is now exceeding 30-45 minutes to get to the same state of charge at a fast charger such as electrify America. Mercedes refuses to do anything about this, instead they want me to drive around with a defective battery which still has a potential to catch on fire.
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
Airbag service light coming on and off. I saw there was a recall on this but they are saying my truck is not on the recall.
Incident date: Sep 26, 2025
I experienced total failure of the power steering system during a low speed turn in heavy traffic. Thanks to the quick response of another driver no accident occurred. There's several other complaints about the power steering failure on the 2013 RAM 1500. This should be looked at for a recall. Had my daughter been driving she and others may have been injured. RAM dealerships refused to acknowle... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
Vehicle lost all power and stalled while driving. Vehicle also stalled at idle when waiting at an intersection, and another time while waiting at a stop sign. No longer starts. Appears to not be receiving fuel and is returning code P0627 "Fuel Pump A Control Circuit / Open" and will crank but not start. Required towing back to my residence. FordPass sent a "Service Engine Soon Warning" stating "th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2025
While driving slowly in B mode, I began pulling into a parking space in Home Depot parking lot next to a planter, keeping my foot on the brake pedal. Suddenly, the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated, surged over the tire stop, crossed a raised concrete center walkway, and continued over the planter on the opposite side. The vehicle finally came to a stop after traveling approximately 50 feet, despit... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2025
While driving slowly in B mode, I began pulling into a parking space in Home Depot parking lot next to a planter, keeping my foot on the brake pedal. Suddenly, the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated, surged over the tire stop, crossed a raised concrete center walkway, and continued over the planter on the opposite side. The vehicle finally came to a stop after traveling approximately 50 feet, despit... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
had purchased my 2015 Honda Odyssey in the year of 2015. When I first went in for a first service my car have a light saying Check engine, check VSA, check LDW, check FDW and once a while my shake when we are on the road. We told the service people at the dealership to have a look at it but they said nothing wrong with it.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
Component: Faulty "Coolant Control Valve" causing reduced acceleration, and check engine light. Fan is constantly on. Safety: Can overheat, reduced acceleration can cause accident. Problem reproduced: Dealer did check/confirm codes and errors Warning Messages: No warning or messages prior.
Incident date: Sep 21, 2025
I hear a popping/crackling noise from the speakers then I get complete network loss for my backup camera, my dvd player, my clock, maps etc.System does a report after 5+ minutes. Message displayed before everything goes black is Network Connection Lost and MOST Net Off. This issue is ongoing and seems to happen now every day sometimes multiple times in a driving session. It just started about 2 we... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2023
Seatbelts have been recalled but no fix has been approved, Ford says 3rd quarter of 2025, but we are now nearly in the 4th quarter
Incident date: Sep 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the message "Loss of Engine Power" was displayed before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and DTC: P0087, P2291, and P2A00 were retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,843.
Incident date: May 7, 2025
I have 205/45/R 17 on a car that I drive on short trips maybe once a week or two. Driving on the highway, the tpms light came on and the handling was instantly strange. I pulled over and checked the tire, the sidewall was blown out on the passenger rear. I had it replaced. Now about 2 months later, the right rear went flat after a trip. I took it to be repaired and was told that the sidewall was s... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2025
I have 205/45/R 17 on a car that I drive on short trips maybe once a week or two. Driving on the highway, the tpms light came on and the handling was instantly strange. I pulled over and checked the tire, the sidewall was blown out on the passenger rear. I had it replaced. Now about 2 months later, the right rear went flat after a trip. I took it to be repaired and was told that the sidewall was s... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Dodge Durango. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 136,000. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 168,000.
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
The gear selector attached to visor often loose and detached during drive, this action put the car gear into neutral immediately and are very dangerous, tesla try to fix this issue 3 time unsuccessful.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
This is after the recall on 2018-19 Fit Carbon Buildup with Misfire DTCs under codes P0300-P0304) and after fuel injectors are replaced. Current problem is with combination of carbon deposits on intake valves. Failing fuel injector/s causing an incorrect air/fuel ratio with code under P0172.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
The car is having loss of power and issues with parking or turning at low speeds. I took it in and it needs a new power transfer case. There are metal shavings in it. I see there is a recall for 2017-2019 but the dealership is saying my vin is not affected
Incident date: Sep 25, 2025
I own a 2024 Subaru Outback Wildnerness with approximately 3,000 miles. After about four months of ownership, the windshield suddenly developed a long crack starting from the edge on the passenger side. There was no major rock strike or outside impact - the crack appeared while the vehicle was parked and quickly spread across the glass. This is a major safety concern because the crack extends i... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V302000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 was ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
NHTSA Campaign #: 16V244000 Passenger airbag off
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
In the interior of the car on the passenger side there are water droplets. The droplet has no smell. There is no evidence of pooling water when I opened the glove compartment. I felt as far a I could behind the glove compartment for moistener, I couldn’t feel any. However I just purchased new winter floor mats. As I was vacuuming my car out I noticed the carpet was wet. I just purchased the car ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Keystone Kodak Travel Trailer. The contact stated that while the RV was parked in a covered storage unit and her husband was working underneath the RV, there was an explosion. The contact's husband became aware that the front glass door of the RV had shattered without impact. The shower door also experienced a failure. The contact's husband taped and secured the door. The R... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2025
PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR. This is blinking on my dash. I looked it up in the manual. It stated that the airbag may not deploy in an accident. I also got a recall notice for this same problem and called the dealer. They said that my vin was not included in the recall even though I had the same make, model and year and the same problem. I had a problem with this when the vehicle was new, they fixed ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2024
Coolant leaking into the motor, Ford won't cover it because it was not manufactured in a certain plant. This issue is very common in these eco boost engines.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
The steering had a failure while driving on the highway. Driving straight, not making any turns, and a steering error came across the dash for the failure. Complete loss of steering functions. THis happened at 58000 miles. The problem is now occuring daily and is thought to be the power steering module. All steering control is lost.
Incident date: Jun 19, 2025
On a two way lane highway, vehicle detects on coming traffic and causes sudden deceleration of vehicle and braking which can cause being rear ended by another vehicle. This also occurs on multi lane freeways when going in the same direction the vehicle will detect a vehicle in the lane next to me braking and again cause the vehicle to decelerate and brake which could cause an accident. Occurs at l... Read more