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: Sep 16, 2025
Passenger side front seat. When occupied, airbag sensor located inside the seat is malfunctioning. My husbands safety is at risk when he's in the car. He tries moving the seat up, back, etc. Sometimes works and the airbag sensor works. We are fearing that if there were any accident or need, that his life would be in danger if the airbag didn't deploy. This shouldn't be at the consumers expense as ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
1. Component/System Failure: The water pump on my 2016 Ford Explorer failed, causing a significant antifreeze leak. The component is available for inspection upon request. 2. Safety Risk: The failure creates a risk of engine seizure while driving. Loss of engine coolant can cause the engine to overheat suddenly, potentially leading to a dangerous situation on the road that could harm myself or ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
My CVT transmission has been replaced three times by Nissan. I am currently on the third CVT transmission and it has failed requiring a fourth CVT transmission replacement. I was in a few different situations each time the trasmission failed that were unsafe. I've been at intersections, trying to accelerate forward when the stop light turns green causing me to stop in the middle of intersections o... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
My CVT transmission has been replaced three times by Nissan. I am currently on the third CVT transmission and it has failed requiring a fourth CVT transmission replacement. I was in a few different situations each time the trasmission failed that were unsafe. I've been at intersections, trying to accelerate forward when the stop light turns green causing me to stop in the middle of intersections o... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
This vechicle started getting noise since 2020 when it was below 60 thousand miles. It was reported to the dealer and the tech did not document well( as I know now). Car was in California from2021 to 2024 and same issues were reported and it was not documented or no action took. Car came to Illinois in 2025. Oil changes and other maintenance issues were done by Toyota and fire stone. I took the c... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
We've had the red lightening bolt with wrench warning light go off a dozen times since April 2025. 1st time we were setting in traffic after 100+ mile drive down the interstate.i It sounded like the transmission had dropped into part. My wife thought the car behind us had ran into us. I have had it to the dealer many times about this. They tell me the can't duplicate the red warning light going of... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on an incline, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power in the middle of the roadway. The contact was unable to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, but the vehicle was able to be immediately restarted. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power, and the traction control warning light illuminated. Additionally, the message "4WD Unavailable" was displayed, and the 4WD became inoperable, causing the rear wheels t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera image was displayed upside down, or there was a solid black screen displayed without an image. The contact stated that the failure caused a visibility hazard for the driver. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage ... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The brake, traction control and ABS warning lights came on in the dashboard. I went to local auto parts store and they scanned the vehicle and I got a C2200-0049 DTC. This apparently means I there is an internal failure in the ABS Module. I went to my local dealer and they told me the ABS Module is backordered and it will be at least 45 days before I would be able to get the repair. I've looked... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
Fuel is leaking from high-pressure fuel pump seeping from the fuel pump. The fuel pump was split in half gas was covering everything. As you can see in the photos, fuel is squirting out of the fuel pump.
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The vehicle inspection to see if our vehicle qualified for the recall to replace the A-Pillar trim was done well over a year ago. The inventory has been on backorder for over a year as well. The windshield desperately needs replaced for safety reasons and the windshield cannot be replaced without replacing these recalled pieces. We are having to pay $200 extra out of pocket to replace these defect... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2025
Going through oil so fast excessive oil use
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
P0303 code. Misfire in cylinder 3. Blown head gasket. 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Car is only five years old with 115000 miles. Dealer suggested a new engine. A $12,000.00 expense to the consumer. $20,000.00 still owed to bank. After much research, it’s clear as day that this is an engineering flaw. Thousands of Pentastar engines have this recurring failure.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
I am filing a formal complaint against Kia regarding Recall SC175 affecting this vehicle Kia has refused to perform this recall on my vehicle, claiming that the work was already completed. However, after reviewing the official campaign documentation (NHTSA Campaign Documentation – SC175), it is evident that the corrective work specified by the recall was not performed on my vehicle. My vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
The design of the dashboard along with the dashboard screen has a very poor design that makes it nearly impossible to see when the sun is out. When the sun is out and especially when driving towards the sun during sunset and sunrise, the dashboard reflects back the light onto the windshield making it essentially impossible to see objects that may be on the side of the road. Even with polarized s... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Parking break engages when car comes to a stop engine light is on them goes off
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
The steering wheel keeps locking up while driving fast/slow or turning. Everything shuts off, then back on and all codes flash. My car literally locks up, it’s really unsafe when I can’t control the vehicle. Almost hit another car, due to steering wheel locking up. Only thing I was told at the Chevy dealer house was there were no recalls. So they wouldn’t look unless they got to charge m... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2025
URGENT SAFETY CONCERN/ISSUE On [XXX], while driving my 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige, it lost all power without warning, leaving me unable to accelerate or control the vehicle. This created an unsafe situation as I was traveling at 40 mph when all power was lost. What happened to me was a serious safety hazard. The vehicle was brand new with only 1351 miles at the time. Several warning lig... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2025
When stopped at an intersection the car stalled. It would not restart for three minutes and caused a dangerous situation for my family and children in the car while traffic was moving. There were no warning signs, lights, or engine codes. The problem is random and cannot reproduced. The car is available for inspection.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The brakes have been replaced also rotors now I am removing pads again in the front less the 6 month noise. The whole radiator system was replaced and I had to remove the new expansion tank again along with 2 holes air bag light came on but went out so did the brakes light I do not there's no ground to this vehicle what so ever there also electric issues.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
My 2017 dodge journey needs to have the catalytic converter replaced. I drive my family to and from school and work on a daily basis and my families lives are at risk should this fail. The same issue is under a recall for the previous year 2016, and I am well aware of the VIN process, and how they can be “updated”, which means the parts are 2016 parts but then the vehicle was “re-vin” to r... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2025
Check engine light on, message saying "steering assist reduced drive with care", engine temperature gauge not moving from C, and AC not working. I have taken it in to be fixed 3x, and they have fixed it 2/3 times but the message has come back again. It is a big issue in 2019/2020 blazers according to my research.
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
My son was driving home from work when car suddenly went into limp mode with check engine light and all other safety light came on the dash. Driving around 50mph and my son nearly collided with multiple cars as the became hard to steer and brakes unreliable. Luckily no one was hurt this time. Car has 83k miles. was taken to the dealer and diagnostics run and provided with a $5000. repair to repla... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
I hit a deer going roughly 65mph on my way to work. The hit crushed the radiator into the engine, destroyed the airbox, folded the hood, and practically vaporized the headlight. The airbag, however, did not deploy- not in the wheel or in the side curtain. I wasn't injured but thought it was strange the because the crash totalled the car (~$16k of damage) and was at a high speed. The car had one a... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
I hit a deer going roughly 65mph on my way to work. The hit crushed the radiator into the engine, destroyed the airbox, folded the hood, and practically vaporized the headlight. The airbag, however, did not deploy- not in the wheel or in the side curtain. I wasn't injured but thought it was strange the because the crash totalled the car (~$16k of damage) and was at a high speed. The car had one a... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 14, 2025
I was driving in the fast lane on the highway, when the vehicle seemingly lost all power and the Instrument Cluster displayed a warning stating “Engine Malfunction, Power reduced, service now.” I was then only able to travel at about 35mph off of the highway to a safe location to pull over. This has happened twice within a week, the second time being on [XXX]. After the first time, Mossy Nissa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2025
Erratic shifting. As an example, while attempting to pass at highway speeds, the transmission will not downshift responsively (or downshift to low gears/high rpm) leading driver to abandon the pass due to time lag, lack of confidence and power gain loss/stress. Other examples, this 7speed transmission will rev spike at low gears like it was slipping or confused, then it corrects itself. If you hav... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2025
Transmission element B stuck on. Requiring replacement of clutch and actuator.
Incident date: Jul 9, 2025
Just bought the car, was perfectly fine during the test drive, no lights on or engine codes present. On my way home check engine light came on showing code P0420 , catalyst system efficiency below threshold (bank 1), saying the catalytic converter needs to be replaced. Did some research and found there were certain 2016 Kia Sorentos recalled for this issue, but doesn’t show up on affected vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
DUMPING OIL ENGINE TEMP LESS THAN 300 MILES
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
The AC hasn't been out for a while and the defrost option doesn't work because of that. I believe that is a safety issue.
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
Rear view camera malfunction. Back up function Stopped working and screen has now whited out permanently even when car is moving forward.
Incident date: Jul 18, 2025
This vehicle has a transmission control module defect. While driving, the car cuts off unexpectedly and prevents shifting gears, creating a serious safety risk that could easily cause an accident. A certified Mercedes-Benz dealer diagnosed the problem and confirmed it is an internal defect—one that cannot be prevented by regular maintenance or proper care of the vehicle. Because this is an inter... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2025
This vehicle has a transmission control module defect. While driving, the car cuts off unexpectedly and prevents shifting gears, creating a serious safety risk that could easily cause an accident. A certified Mercedes-Benz dealer diagnosed the problem and confirmed it is an internal defect—one that cannot be prevented by regular maintenance or proper care of the vehicle. Because this is an inter... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2025
Burning oil. Check oil level light was on and blue smoke coming from exhaust. Around 30,000.The dealer finally replaced valve stems and other extensive repair. My check engine light came on so they replaced the oil separator. Then a week later now my check engine light is back on. I’m going on the morning back to dealership tomorrow.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
I feel like my car should be under recall it’s so many other who experiencing the same thing. all of my lights are on, on the dash. Check engine light down to my cruise control not working. as I drive it’s stalling and jerking. I went to the dealership to have my spark plugs and my fuel injectors replace and it started back doing the same thing. Spent thousands just to be going through the sam... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
I feel like my car should be under recall it’s so many other who experiencing the same thing. all of my lights are on, on the dash. Check engine light down to my cruise control not working. as I drive it’s stalling and jerking. I went to the dealership to have my spark plugs and my fuel injectors replace and it started back doing the same thing. Spent thousands just to be going through the sam... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
I am submitting a safety complaint regarding my 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, which experienced a serious mechanical failure on [XXX], at approximately [XXX] CDT in Detroit Lakes, MN. While exiting a ZIPS Car Wash at low speed, my vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of power and/or propulsion. I believe the engine shut down without warning, and the vehicle would not respond to throttle... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 13, 2025
A light appeared on the dash that said AWD Failure. After 2 weeks of being at the dealership, I was told it was a complete PTU failure. Other VINs have been recalled but not mine. This was after I had already taken the car because it just stopped while driving and wouldn’t start. I was told then it was the starter needed to be replaced. I am just happy it wasn’t my [XXX] that was driving. I be... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2025
Vehicle shutters @ speeds between 30 to 40mph. Had to replace transmission @ 93k miles.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2025
As I was operating my vehicle on I95 northbound smoke began to pour out of my vents. I was able to pull over and was able to determine there was a fire behind the radio in my truck. I immediately grabbed the personal affects that I could grab and called 911. However within 5 minutes the cab of the truck.was engulfed im flames.
Fire
Incident date: Sep 6, 2025
Car has been in several times for repair clutch assembly clutch plate, flywheel transmission, and the problem continues with shifting it does not want to go into gear it grinds even with the clutch fully to the floor. It will not go into first gear, not going to reverse intermittently and sometimes it will go from 1st to 5th third gear is missing sometimes first gear is missing this can happen at ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2025
Was on my way to work going about 75 and my truck shifted from 6th gear to 1st gear causing my back wheels to lock up and caused me to lose control nearly wrecking my vehicle
Incident date: Sep 13, 2025
2011 Ford Taurus Limited 37'000 miles Original owner Like New Condition. Engine and all systems working perfectly no check engine or other lights showing. I was driving on city street about 25mph and with no warning engine and dash all shut down I had no crank and no dash lights at all. while I waited for tow truck dash lights did come on and anti theft light was flashing very fast. If I had been ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2025
When shifted into reverse the screen for my Lincoln MKX is upside down and occasionally lines blur seeing anything
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
This car has been cutting off for a month and no type of codes popping up alternator has been replaced two brand new batteries has been replaced which is dangers car cutting off while I am driving this vehicle is not safe at all needs to be recalled asap mechanic can’t even find the problem .
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
At low speeds, the cruise control engages, causing the vehicle to accelerate. Stepping on the brake disengages the cruise control as it normally would. I have had this leased vehicle since March 2015. I have reported the issue 4 times to the dealer. Each time they interrogate the computer and tell me there are no errors. I have researched the internet, and there are numerous complaints about this ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
My car togs a lot. My tire sensors keep going out. I've smelt gas before while driving. It's very slow going up hill. I hear grinding sounds intermittently
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
My car togs a lot. My tire sensors keep going out. I've smelt gas before while driving. It's very slow going up hill. I hear grinding sounds intermittently