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: Mar 1, 2025
Power steering goes out during driving. In order for power steering to work again, you must pull over, shut off the car and restart it. It has mostly happen while we have been driving on straight highways and roads and luckily it hasnt happened during any curvy roads or turns. This is one of our main cars we use to drive around town and travel with for adults and children. We took it in to mech... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2025
Tuve un Choque mi carro no freno y Choque a un carro que iba a dar vuelta a la izquierda, frene y mi carro no lo hizo , el impacto fue el que freno , mi carro se dano todo el frente , el punto es que yo lleve mi carro a remplazar las bolsas de aire al dealer , hace como 7 messes que porque estaban defectuosas ,, a mi carro no le hicieron ningun cambio de bolsas de aire solo las desconectaron ,... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 5, 2025
Tuve un Choque mi carro no freno y Choque a un carro que iba a dar vuelta a la izquierda, frene y mi carro no lo hizo , el impacto fue el que freno , mi carro se dano todo el frente , el punto es que yo lleve mi carro a remplazar las bolsas de aire al dealer , hace como 7 messes que porque estaban defectuosas ,, a mi carro no le hicieron ningun cambio de bolsas de aire solo las desconectaron ,... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
Even though the dealership reports that safety recall 23V610 / SC280 for the mounting clip replacement was completed on 2/16/24, my rearview camera has just fell out of its housing, hanging by its wires, with the mounting clips laying broken in my driveway. My rearview camera is currently unusable; its taped up so that it is not just swinging by the wires. When I contacted my dealership, they are... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel became very difficult to turn to the left or the right. The contact depressed the brake pedal, and the pedal was very soft. The contact stated that there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence and then had the vehicle towed to a d... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel became very difficult to turn to the left or the right. The contact depressed the brake pedal, and the pedal was very soft. The contact stated that there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence and then had the vehicle towed to a d... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
After four years of owning this vehicle purchased new, the passenger side seatbelt warning light came on the dash. It indicated the seatbelt was not buckled while no one was sitting in the passenger seat. When buckled the light went out. Brought it to the attention of Nissan, Service every year when they would clear the code and it would be good for a month or two, and the light would come back on... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
My vehicle is currently in the shop at the local Kia dealership. Over the past week my vehicle has randomly stalled several times. The engine sounded like it was sputtering, and just not accelerating properly. The car would stall at low speeds while turning corners or pulling into a parking spot. I do not have the diagnosis as of yet but believe my vehicle should be considered one of the recalled ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
BMW VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS RECALL DME CAMPAIGN NUMBER 20E-A01dec 2021 MANUFACTURER EMISSION RECALL #20E-A01:60
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
Transmission has slipped and shuddered multiple times. We have had it diagnosed at gmc dealership and our mechanic, advising that it is 8L90 transmission failure. It will slip to lower gear abruptly, causing for possible safety issues especially on the highways.
Incident date: May 30, 2025
I am reporting a serious safety concern involving my 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, which has experienced multiple hybrid system shutdowns while driving. This includes repeated complete power loss incident on I-90 beginning in June 2022, when my daughter was driving home after her hospital shift. The vehicle displayed a “Hybrid System Warning – Turn Off Engine” message and had to be pushed off ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2025
All the associated warnings are on dash, diagnosed at local Honda dealership with code u 3006-16. Advised multi camera failure and requested $1600 to repair. Immediate after I am now getting a transmission warning problem on dash.
Incident date: Jun 7, 2025
My 2020 Tahoe stabilitrak has gone off approximately 5 times over the past 2 months April and May of 2025 in one incident my vehicle did turn off all incidents were at low speeds less than 5 MPH. Four of the incidents the stabilitrak light turned on and an audible beep, I also lost power to my steering and breaks. When I had the oil change the service Tec at the dealer stated they can not test i... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2025
The ABS, Traction Control, Trailer Breaking lights are on also impacting Adaptive Cruise Control making them all inoperable, even though the truck is still able to be drive, albeit unsafely. I took it to my local repair shop and was told the ABS Controle Module, part number 68228991AD was identified as bad and in need of replacing at approximately $2000 and that the part is on indefinite backorde... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2025
Someone broke my window, and entered my car. Then proceeded to tear apart the entire area of the car that it below the steering wheel including the ignition. The car was not able to be turned off. This left the car unable to be used and unfortunately needed to be towed away. This is the second time this has happened and it is causing a serious safety hazard to my family, my home and my neighborhoo... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2025
I am a huge Honda fan and I’ve only owned Accords and I have friends with the same body style Accord as mine. Every last one of us have failed or malfunctioning ABS modules as well as continuous catalytic converter issues. I have exhausted my bank account and the issue still presents itself. Due to the failure of the converter, my car is now stalling only when the AC is running in the vehicle. ... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2025
I am a huge Honda fan and I’ve only owned Accords and I have friends with the same body style Accord as mine. Every last one of us have failed or malfunctioning ABS modules as well as continuous catalytic converter issues. I have exhausted my bank account and the issue still presents itself. Due to the failure of the converter, my car is now stalling only when the AC is running in the vehicle. ... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2025
[XXX], the vehicle was delivered to Crain KIA dealership located in Conway, Arkansas, due to failure of engine to start (engine would turn over but not run). I scheduled a service appointment for May 20th at 0930, for the car to be evaluated/troubleshot. While at the KIA dealership service desk, I discussed KIA SAFETY RECALL SC336, and that my VIN# was effected by the recall (verified by speakin... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2025
The safety alert system on the vehicle alerted us five different times that the vehicle needed to be parked and checked immediately due to a Powertrain issue and each time we took it to the dealership because it is still under warranty at 47,984 mi. This last time they have had it for just over 3 weeks and said there are three or four of the same vehicle with the same issue that they are trying to... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2025
Engine shutdown at highway speed. Everything ceased to work.
Incident date: May 20, 2025
Subject: Urgent Safety Complaint Dear GMC Customer Service, I hope this message finds you well. I am formally reporting a serious safety issue with my GMC vehicle. The car has experienced multiple dangerous incidents due to likely electrical or software faults, losing power suddenly on two occasions while driving. This is especially concerning given the low mileage of 20,000 km and that the vehic... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The service ESC and service power steering light stays on, the MPH hands flicker back and forth, brakes are applied without me pressing the brakes, shift to park when the car is already in park. I have taken it to dealership for service and they say nothing is wrong with car when clearly something is. Clearly there's and electrical issue going on with this car. Had testing ran on car and it listed... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
Vehicle experiences steering vibration when at highway speeds (above 65mph). I have brought the vehicle in for service four times and the issue still returned after multiple alignments, rotations, and road force balances. The local service techs are working with Kia, but it has currently been in the shop for 24 days with no resolution. According to the service advisor, tires have been inspected an... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
The same brake booster that allegedly only had 51 vehicles included in it? Same exact issue as this link: [XXX] not working seems like a pretty big safety issue. DTC Code: C0594 Brake Booster Motor "A" Performance DTC Code: C0594 Right rear solenoid circuit INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
In general the braking system on this vehicle is poor. The van does not seem to want to stop unless you apply a lot of pressure on the brake pedal. I have taken the vehicle to the dealership who explained to me that the braking operation is normal. I replied “so the poor brake design was intentional”. The dealer said the braking system takes a little while to get used to. I have contac... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2025
The incident, occurring on [XXX], was first submitted by phone, followed by email to [XXX] on 27 May with incident description and sketch. I was given the Complaint ID no ODI11663050. However, now when I search for that number, nothing shows up! I have not received any information that the complaint has been investigated and dismissed! In order to publicize this event as much as possible to warn... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 7, 2025
I recently purchased this vehicle used, and just drove it at night for the first time. The low-beam headlights are extremely dim, to the point that it was difficult to tell if they were even turned on. This made it very difficult to drive in the dark, and I nearly went off the road as a result. The vehicle has not been inspected by a dealer, service center, or other party, but I did confirm that t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2025
I am reporting a serious engine failure in my 2023 GMC Yukon XL (5.3L Ecotec3 V8) at approximately 68,775 miles. The engine began to run rough with a loud chatter noise, and both the check engine light and traction control light activated. Diagnostic tests at the dealer (F.C. Kerbeck GMC) confirmed a P0300 random misfire code and revealed that the lifter on cylinder #5 had collapsed, causing damag... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2025
The incident, occurring on [XXX], was first submitted by phone, followed by email to [XXX] on 27 May with incident description and sketch. I was given the Complaint ID no ODI11663050. However, now when I search for that number, nothing shows up! I have not received any information that the complaint has been investigated and dismissed! In order to publicize this event as much as possible to warn... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 23, 2025
The vacuum pump went out on the car while I was on I-70 in a rain storm construction traffic… I absolutely had no brakes they were so hard to push… I was stuck I almost crashed this crappy designed car… The brake light engine light came on.. I barely made it to the side of the highway… Now my engine is messed up cause of some faulty brake pump… What kinda silly design is this… I could ... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2025
Experienced CMBS with malfunctioning false breaking while no obstacle, acceleration delays (Features not available: Electric braking, lane departure, Electric power steering, Cruise control, Adaptive collusion prevention and brake system warning on dashboard).
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
Hydrologic control and abs unit failed. Ford addressed the issue but did NOT include ever vin that was affected. Almost got into an accident and crashed when my brakes completely failed from a defective part. The problem has been confirmed by a independent service, no warning light or messages. Many other people with this issue that were not covered by the lackluster recall.
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN JAN 2024 AND IT NOW HAS 16000 MILES. TOOK MY CAR INTO RAY SKILLMAN, PIKES PLAZA WESTIDE FOR SERVICE LAST MONTH BECAUSE MY HORN WAS NOT WORKING. THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A NATION WIDE BACK ORDER ON THE PART AND JUST 2 DAYS AGO, I RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE/CARE, STATING THAT THEY WERE TOLD THAT THERE IS NO ETA AT THIS TIME. THIS (NOT HAVING A HORN) IS... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2025
On December 23rd ,2024 I brought my 2020 Lincoln Corsair to Keller ford dealer ship in Hanford CA. The issue was the engine overheated without any warning lights. I requested they diagnose the problem and provide me with the diagnosis and cost. They informed me that there was coolant intrusion on cylinder number 1 and spark plug was seized they told me I would need a new valve head and the cos... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2025
ABS control module is out with under 50k miles on it. Dealers in the area mention it's a common issue with this model and shared that the 2500 models have the same issue and had a recall issued.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2025
This vehicle has ~43k miles and in the shop 3 times. Once I had computer issues and was replaced, and twice now to replace the fuel pump. First instance, I was at a stop sign and tried to accelerate but the car wouldn't move. It was like it was in neutral but was in drive. I had to shut car down, restart and was able to get to the dealership. Second time, I left work driving ~73 mph on [XXX] i... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
What happened? Starting in October 2020, my 2019 Jaguar F-Type experienced persistent electrical and fuel injector system failures affecting cylinders 1 and 5, resulting in multiple engine misfires and reduced engine performance. The vehicle’s fuel injector connectors, specifically connector C1E121A, had misaligned pins causing injector circuit faults (DTC codes P0262, P0274) and frequent misfi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
A suspension rod/bolt fell off my car. When I was making a right hand turn my car began screeching and shaking, I lost control for a second and almost hit another vehicle, luckily I was able to stop my car. I had my car towed to a Tesla service station for repair.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
My Ford expeditions transmission is causing unsafe driving with rough sound and thunking noise. There is a C,D,F issue and valve separator parts that are the initial issue that can cause major issues for me and many others. A Ford technician advised me that TSBs exist and made me aware that my cost could be $199 (diagnostics), $1500 (parts), and $4400 or more (transmission repair or replacement). ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and coming to a stop, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contac... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the contact felt a big bang with an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle then stalled. The contact inspected the vehicle and observed a liquid pouring out from the engine compartment onto the ground. The vehicle was not able to restart. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front driver’s seat and the front passenger’s seat felt hard and uneven. The contact checked the bottom of the seat and became aware there was a space between the seat rails and the carpet. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the carpet was shrunk to size. The contact stated that on a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
1- Most of the time my rear hatch will not close unless you use the inside button - cost 1,198.10 to repair. 2- my car started making a whining noise on acceleration. Took it Toyota and they said that I need to replace my transmission that it has an internal failure. Of course my warranty was of no use b/c it stopped at 100,000 miles. At the time of the inspection I was at 104,000. To get a n... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2024
This RV has experienced ongoing water intrusion due to faulty manufacturer-installed plumbing fittings and hoses, which allowed leaks into the interior. Moisture has reached electrical wiring, creating a serious fire hazard and contributing to unsafe living conditions. Essential components—including the furnace, refrigerator, and water heater—have proven unreliable or unusable throughout the o... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the center high-mounted third stop light was full of condensation, causing the light to become extremely dim. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the third brake light was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
There is no cold air blowing from my AC
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
The instrument cluster shorted and was blank with no access to any gauges or speedometer. No functionality
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
The instrument cluster shorted and was blank with no access to any gauges or speedometer. No functionality
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
The transmission quit as my wife pulled into her works parking lot. No one other than the ford dealer has looked at the vehicle. There were no warnings or indications that anything was wrong.
Incident date: Dec 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission gradually downshifted to first gear unintendedly. The contact stated that the speedometer and odometer became inoperable. The power train warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that upon pulling over to the side of the road, turning off and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operate... Read more