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: Jun 21, 2025
Crack started in lower right of windshield out of nowhere and spread across most of windshield
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
The tire had complete tread separation or delamination. It almost caused me to wreck.
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
Engine is burning excessive amounts of oil regularly.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
To All Concerned, I scheduled my vehicle for routine maintenance, but more importantly, I scheduled my check engine light indicator logo to be activated. Following the maintenance and testing of my engine, the dealership informed me that my vehicle passed. For that matter, they put me right back on the road for the check engine light to come on the following morning, and it's still on and off as ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
The competent that continues to fail is the emergency response breaks. They continue to stop at random times creating a very unsafe environment while I drive daily. I do have this on video and my car is available for inspection at any time. I just recently finally got the emergency break system on video since it is so random and plan on making an appointment with my local Nissan Dealer. I did have... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
Now have had my battery replaced twice for some weird reason my car keeps dying when nothing appears to to have been left on inside the vehicle. My Ford edge titanium 2018 has the settings that shit down the wngine with a 30 second shut down and same with anything left in it shuts it off. So why is my car constantly dying with a new battery is my vehicle pat if the 80 something Ford edges that has... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
Airbag sensor failure in seat.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
I have a 2008 Chrysler Sebring Sedan. The radiator is leaking fluid that splashes all over the wires causing a burning smell. I later found out that this is caused by an electrical issue with the sensors. Similarly my tire pressure sensors are fried. These issues have eroded wires causing my A/C and Cruise Control systems to malfunction. My power windows have issues sometimes I can't get them to r... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
I have a 2008 Chrysler Sebring Sedan. The radiator is leaking fluid that splashes all over the wires causing a burning smell. I later found out that this is caused by an electrical issue with the sensors. Similarly my tire pressure sensors are fried. These issues have eroded wires causing my A/C and Cruise Control systems to malfunction. My power windows have issues sometimes I can't get them to r... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
My 2014 Ram 1500 ABS light, traction control, and brake light popped up and if I drive it for a short bit and stop and shut it off and crank it up the light don’t come back on. It has been doing this all the time through the winter and now says on all the time. All so the back up camera doesn’t power up when you first start vehicle for about two minutes on the radio display. The camera not co... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V270000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Incident date: Sep 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission experienced rough gear shifts. Additionally, the vehicle shuddered while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to diagnose the vehicle due to a lack of diagnostic equipment. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
Water intrusion severe in both taillight assemblies with normal rain. Safety issue due to water dimming or completely blocking out the bottom light Car has less than 40k miles.
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact recently received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer due to a prior recall, which had taken too long to complete. The contact was frustrated that the manufacturer was not able to provide the part needed to complete the recall repair. The contact stat... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2025
My 2015 tesla model with less than 55000 mi had the front suspension broke on [XXX] when i pull out of the driveway. I heard a hard noise from passenger front tire that is scraping on the fender liner.The car was not drivable and had to be towed to a tesla dealership in cherry hill NJ > Quoted bill is $1800 to replace. With the low mileage , I never expected the suspension to brake unless ther... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
Driver side front headrest exploded/deployed while the car was parked. The plastic latch inside the headrest is broken so resetting it is impossible. This is concerning and highly dangerous! Upon researching this, it’s a known issue for Dodge models and yet isn’t a recall? My car was parked when this happened.
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
The air suspension system on the truck fails, it will not raise. I’ve replaced almost all the components of the air suspension system and it’s still not working. The system fails in any type of weather but often it does so more in winter. System has been reset multiple times. Compressor has been replaced twice, relay replaced, fuses replaced, lines have been checked, height sensors have been r... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
Engine failure while driving. Car not accelerating. Check engine light came on. Pulled over, checked oil, found to be very low without evidence of leak. Oil should’ve not been that low, seemed to be burning up. Car towed to nearest auto shop for inspection/repair.
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
THIS IS THE SECOND SUCH EXPERIENCE WITH THIS CAR! On Friday, September 12, 2025 at 3:32 p.m., I was driving slowly in a parking lot preparing to park. As I started to turn the car into the parking space, my car surged forward without my pressing on the gas pedal. I pressed on the brake, and the car came to a stop.
Incident date: Aug 14, 2025
The differential gave out last summer and I had to come out of pocket to fix. Randomly just broke and mechanic informed me that the issue was one that other ford edge owners were having and that it was on the ford or nhtsa bulletin and that there’s potential it could be a recall, I personally never reported it, now that my car has 2 other recalls I thought to give the website a check and inform ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
i was driving my car and at a stop sign i started accelerating when the light turned green - i must have been going 45 mPH after the light and all of a sudden my car went into hyper acceleration speeding up to 80 mph, i was pumping my brakes and the car was still raging to accelerate. I almost ran into a semi truck in front of me becuase i could not stop my car from accelerating, my foot was on t... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
i was driving my car and at a stop sign i started accelerating when the light turned green - i must have been going 45 mPH after the light and all of a sudden my car went into hyper acceleration speeding up to 80 mph, i was pumping my brakes and the car was still raging to accelerate. I almost ran into a semi truck in front of me becuase i could not stop my car from accelerating, my foot was on t... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
i was driving my car and at a stop sign i started accelerating when the light turned green - i must have been going 45 mPH after the light and all of a sudden my car went into hyper acceleration speeding up to 80 mph, i was pumping my brakes and the car was still raging to accelerate. I almost ran into a semi truck in front of me becuase i could not stop my car from accelerating, my foot was on t... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
The backup camera screen shows a blue screen when the gear is placed in reverse. It is difficult to see pedestrians, or other objects not viewable on the rearview mirror. This has occurred on numerous occasions. I contacted the manufacturer and the manufacturer told me to contact the dealership. I contacted the dealership and took a day off work to bring the vehicle to the dealership, but I was to... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2025
While car is in reverse the rear view camera cuts in and out more than 75 %of time while. This has resulted in several near miss collisions while backing up. But when I checked my vin it was included in the current recall for the same issue and concern.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
I bought this car used from Honda Dealership. It had 84,000 mileage on it and since then. The headlights are so dim and I can’t see you have to drive with high beam on every time I go at night I’ve changed almost we like 56 different types light bulb, but still nothing still worst. If I used one for the manufacturer one it’s nothing it’s literally dark outside. I can’t see nothing and an... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
This is the second engine failure. First engine was completed being installed on 7/26/24 also reported catastrophic engine failure. Second engine was installed completion date on 4/04/25 it also had spun 2 rob bearings
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
I am submitting this complaint regarding a recurring safety issue with the rear-view camera system in my 2014 Lincoln MKT. The camera intermittently fails to display a proper image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. Specifically, the screen either remains blank, displays a distorted image, or inverts the image entirely. These malfunctions significantly impair rear visibility and pose a safety ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
Left turn signal stopped working. I learned to find out that it’s not replaceable. The whole headlight assembly needs to be replaced the cost of it over $1000. My vehicle is only four years old. Why isn’t it on a recall or replaceable by the manufacturer on the warranty?
Incident date: Aug 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while stopped and making a left turn from a cross street, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and traffic allowed the contact to make the turn; however, the steering wheel jerked to the right, and the vehicle jumped over a median strip. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the ri... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagn... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2025
1.air bag module passenger seat, OCM,SWS, plastic insulators,seat cushion foam, hose, heat mat Vent bag. 2.If an accident happens the bag would not eject and can cause death and the driver would be at fault. 3.Yes the problem has been confirmed by Jeep dealer in Greensboro NC on Wendover Ave gave a diagnosis. 4 The inspection came from the dealer 5.Yes there is a light the comes on the says airb... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
#2 cylinder is misfiring caused by coolant leaking into engine block. There is a technical service bulletin 22-2322 describing the issue and the recommended repair. To solve the issue the short block & head gasket must be replaced
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
I leased a 2016 hyundai tucson from Metcalf Auto Plaza [XXX]. Every week since then i have had to return the car for repairs. It got to a point where Neil suggested he can trade it for another but each and every vehicle i test drove to replace my car was NOT ready to be on the road but according to them every car had just got out the shop. Instead of trying to have issues resolved the mechan... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to make a turn from a stop, while turning the power steering function became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was not... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that upon further inspection, it was noticed that the frame was rusted. In addition, the contact related the failure to an unknown NHTSA Campaign that was performed in the past; however, the failure reoccurred. The local dealer that performed the recall repair was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufactur... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
There is an issue with the sensors. While driving for no reason it will break. It’s done it multiple times. While turning left. The sensors have stopped me in front of oncoming traffic. And won’t allow me to proceed forward. There is also an issue while trying to back out of parking spots. There will be nothing behind me. But it will break and not allow me to leave. This is very concerning. I... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Fire
Incident date: Aug 29, 2025
Car is having the smell of gas inside of vehicle
Incident date: Aug 29, 2025
I am filing a complaint regarding the ineffectiveness of Ford Recall 15S18 / NHTSA 15V-340 on my 2012 Ford Fusion (VIN: [XXX] ). On [XXX], immediately after starting the vehicle (prior to moving), the Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system failed completely and a steering-assist warning illuminated. This occurred when a female driver attempted to operate the vehicle and could not drive it ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
Update: after second opinion from another auto shop they said my car entered limp mode to prevent fire. Again, I had no warning! Kia tried to tell me the engine light must have came on and cleared itself (engine lights don’t clear themselves) and they refuse to check the recall fix of the HECU. They tell me the recall has been fixed so it can’t be the problem. Myself and my kids were put at ri... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2025
The inside rear view mirror camera only works on occasion.
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
The Mercedes GLE450 was stopped at a red light. When the light turned green, the driver entered the intersection. The automatic braking system engaged without reason (there was open road ahead), bringing the car to a sudden standstill. The driver accelerated again, but this time the car went backwards into the car behind him. The driver had not shifted into reverse. So the car both slammed on... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
On 8/18/2025, the transmission on my vehicle failed. I was only going about 35 mph when the entire vehicle went into chaos. Prior to this, no lights were on that indicated that I had a major problem. My car shut down in the middle of a busy road and I was able to get it to roll to a nearby parking lot. I have seen hundreds of people complain online and on forums about 2020-2021 Ford Eacapes having... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, which grew louder. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the vehicle had a Branded Title. The contact was informed that the title was Branded because the previous owner had not provided the requested m... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2025
Rear view camera is blurry. Can no longer clearly see obstacles while backing up. Camera problem was reproduced and repaired by the dealer.
Incident date: May 10, 2025
Description of Incident: While operating the vehicle with FSD engaged, the system was traveling at the posted speed limit of 25 mph. Without warning, it suddenly made a sharp left turn onto the sidewalk and accelerated during the maneuver. A pole on the left side struck the vehicle, damaging the driver-side mirror, scratching and denting the body, and leaving the left rear door unable to open prop... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
The truck has 66,500 miles. One of our employees was driving and had the harmonic balancer bolt back out and harmonic balancer fell off. Truck has been sent to Midway Ford in Roseville, MN for repair.