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 1, 2025
Travel Assist is disabled which includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist. The warning lights flash on and off, sometimes multiple times a second, sounding a loud beeping each time. It is triggered at engine start and persists through all speeds. I have experienced it 0-70 mph. The flashing lights and associated rapid beeping indicating the failure is extremely distracting while drivin... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
While driving the car, started to smell gas and saw smoke. Tried to pull over and ABS lights came on and lost brakes. Was able to stop using emergency break. Car was completely engulfed in seconds.
Fire
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
intermittent black screen from the Rear Vision Camera (RVC) on the infotainment screen with red icons when put in reverse the backup camera may fail with a black screen there is no full mirror coverage to the rear of the car while backing up.
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
Repetitive coolant leak repaired 5+ times over 9 years; incurred costs over $X,XXX. Coolant (toxic) leak causes burn off in the engine compartment and the vapors from this are transferred into the cabin, posing a risk to driver and passenger health.
Incident date: Sep 3, 2025
When accelerating from a stop vehicle does not move, with gas pedal to the floor will slowly advance or stall. Has a battery drain somewhere also.
Incident date: Sep 3, 2025
Just purchased a pre-owned 2024 Nissan Altima SR mileage 23637. Driving home from the dealership, steering wheel had intermittent vibration which continues to this day. Brought to dealership on September 3, 2025 and they were unable to duplicate problem at that time. Rescheduled new appointment to re-evaluate problem for September 11, 2025. Our safety is compromised by the strong possibility of th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2025
I bought the car in October of 2024 with 92,000 miles. Around 99,000 miles or so it started running kinda rough drove like it had less power and is shifting hard. It affected the drivability of the car. I took it to the ford dealership and they quoted me $5,200 for a torque converter. The car is out of warranty and I cannot afford to fix it and I still owe money on the car. If I knew this was goin... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
The Intermittent sticky steering wheel is back once again! So what was the whole-point of getting it fixed the first time under the recall when it’s going to happen again later on along the line. Now the car is approaching 50k and back to the dealer we go to see if they can replicate the problem to get it fix under the warranty. If not just going to have to wait and see if other integras is havi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
The infotainment system in these vehicles is poor when using the navigation. Having the phone connected via wire will cause the phone and infotainment system to malfunction constantly causing restarts and making the mobile device extremely hot too the touch. The android auto function in the car loses connection and begins to cause the arrow marker to jump around on the map causing confusion, turn ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
My car is doing exactly what the newest recall is for the PTU... I lost power while driving, I couldn't put the car in park. I bought a new car the following day and it's been sitting in my driveway ever since.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
Leased a new 2025 Polestar 3 and took delivery Dec 28, 2024. I expected some growing pains as it’s a new car model and relatively new brand, but have had to take it to the dealer and/or call support almost monthly. Most of the issues are resolved via resetting some system, but the major issue has been charging at home. Around March I had an issue where it wouldn’t charge at home and the car st... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
I pulled the car into garage, and realized it's not inside enough. So I moved the car forward, but forgot to place the shift to P position. With the shift in D position, I shut off the engine, opened the door, ready to get out. I did not notice the car was moving backward, until the open door hit the garage frame. I file a claim with my insurance, had the front door replaced in a local body shop. ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
I pulled the car into garage, and realized it's not inside enough. So I moved the car forward, but forgot to place the shift to P position. With the shift in D position, I shut off the engine, opened the door, ready to get out. I did not notice the car was moving backward, until the open door hit the garage frame. I file a claim with my insurance, had the front door replaced in a local body shop. ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
The vehicle had the antitheft recall service done. On 8/30/25 the vehicle was stolen. It was recovered on 9/1/25 without the catalytic converter. The insurance confirmed it was a total loss. The door lock was tampered along with the engine lock. This was a horrible experience.
Incident date: Dec 8, 2024
I am filing this complaint regarding my Nuna RAVA convertible car seat. The seat’s harness straps have loosened unexpectedly, even when fully tightened according to the instruction manual. While I have been able to get them to stay tight, I have to constantly monitor them for potential slippage. This unpredictability is concerning because it could compromise my child’s safety in the event of a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
the cylinder head has a crack in it witch sprays oil all over the engine.it also sprays oil on to the very catalitic converter that's very hot .smoke is everywhere and iam afraid it will cause a fire
Incident date: Sep 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that there were several unknown codes and unknown electrical issues displayed. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer approximately eight or nine times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was a Lemon. The... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while attempting to decelerate and depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the brakes. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to detect other nearby vehicles as intended. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys, where the rear rotors and brake pads were replaced. The contact stated t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while attempting to decelerate and depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the brakes. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to detect other nearby vehicles as intended. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys, where the rear rotors and brake pads were replaced. The contact stated t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
The vehicle when coming to a stop to park I press the engine off button and a car with a key symbol stays on and won’t go off and there is a beeping with screen not turning off. Have to turn car on and off numerous times to get it to turn off
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that on several occasions while the vehicle was started, the check engine, brake system, and another unknown warning light illuminated. Additionally, the messages brake system failure, steering wheel failure, low oil, and two other unknown messages were displayed. The contact also stated that the rear-view camera remained displayed while ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
The cruise control failed to slow down , instead it accelerated . My safety and the safety of my families was put at risk due to a sudden stop in I25 southbound cause us to slow down and when I pushed the down arrows to slow us down and pushed the brake pedal we didn’t slow down, instead we were jolted forward in accelerating speeds. Thankfully we missed the car in front of us due to us me swe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
I have. two 2024 Audi SQ6 Prestige vehicles. This has now happened on both of these vehicles while driving them. The axle will snap while driving causing the vehicle to stop and no longer move forward or back. This is extremely dangerous because it occurs when driving and can lead to an accident because the car just stops. Luckily in both instances I was not on the highway and was on side roads s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
On the night of 9/4/25, I parked my 2019 BMW 530i in my closed garage and believed I had turned off the vehicle. I removed the key fob. Hours later, our household carbon monoxide detector activated. The fire department responded and measured 480 ppm CO throughout the house and 1,500 ppm inside the vehicle. They stated we were seconds from death due to carbon monoxide exposure. The engine bay reac... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
While driving on a steep, narrow grade with no safe shoulder, my 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport suddenly lost all forward power. The engine would rev but the vehicle would not accelerate. I was left stranded in traffic, with cars behind me and nowhere safe to pull off, creating an immediate risk of being rear-ended or rolling back into other vehicles. I had to call for a tow to avoid a serious crash.... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
According to my local ford dealership, the rattling/clicking sound in my engine is due to a faulty water pump which is apparently a known problem for a 2019 ford escape. I did not even have a check engine light appear and just happened to have my vehicle there for a different reason. This is an extensive and costly fix that should not be an issue with a 6 year old vehicle with 77k miles. With this... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
Vehicle is registering multiple keys from surrounding like vehicles which causes the anti theft system to activate, disabling the vehicle and/or involuntarily draining battery.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
Vehicle is registering multiple keys from surrounding like vehicles which causes the anti theft system to activate, disabling the vehicle and/or involuntarily draining battery.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
Vehicle is registering multiple keys from surrounding like vehicles which causes the anti theft system to activate, disabling the vehicle and/or involuntarily draining battery.
Incident date: Dec 7, 2024
When the passenger cool seat is turned on, a loud vibration like sound can be heard. My assumption would be a fan. I’m unsure if this could lead to any other issues such as electric problems or cause a fire.
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
My car is part of a recall but Nissan HAS NOT contacted me about the problem, I only found out about it from a friend.
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
Over the past year, we've had this car into the Ford of Clermont Florida dealer 5 times about a leak. Whenever we have a storm, the back footwell fills with water. Their leak specialist has said he has found the source of the issue multiple times and after each "repair", we still have a leak. They've replaced the rubber around both side windows and they've asked us to have the front windshield ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
The driver-side power door mirror on my 2023 Mazda CX-5 vibrates excessively at highway speeds above 75 mph, especially on windy days. The vibration is so severe that it causes a blurred and distorted view, making it difficult to clearly see vehicles in adjacent lanes. This poses a significant safety risk, as it impairs my ability to make safe lane changes and monitor surrounding traffic. I brough... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated after an air bag recall repair was performed on the vehicle, the front passenger's seat belt warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileag... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated after an air bag recall repair was performed on the vehicle, the front passenger's seat belt warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileag... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the ABS and ESC warning lights illuminated, and an audible chime sounded. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had gradually become a recurring failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact had attempted over the course of... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V463000 (Equipment, 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 dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the reca... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
Jeep 4XE loss of motive power. Was driving and warning came on to Service Charging System and lost all power while driving on freeway. Had to coast to a safe place to pull over. Screen told me to put vehicle in park. Put it in park, turned engine off, then turned it back on and it drove fine. Posted to Jeep 4XE group as this issue seems fairly common on there and they mentioned that you guys are l... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
I am from Philadelphia PA and I was driving my car on a highway in rural WV and the engine stalled while driving. I was lucky enough that no other cars were around and I was able to veer the car off the road into a parking lot. The car would not re-start. I had to tow my vehicle to a local mechanic shop who could not help. I was stranded out of state on a holiday weekend with no acura in a 2 hour ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X1. The contact stated that coolant was leaking from the vehicle with the engine light illuminated. There was smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer, and the contact was informed that parts were not available. The... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
Subaru owners have reported experiencing premature parasitic battery drain in vehicles equipped with Starlink in-vehicle technology. The defect presents itself when the equipped data communications module (DCM) attempts to communicate with 3G cellular networks. As 3G networks within the U.S. are no longer functioning, the call will continuously fail even after the vehicle has been turned off, drai... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Jan 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the thermostat gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a cracked head gasket. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
On [XXX], my 2019 Toyota 86 experienced a sudden engine failure while I was driving, causing the vehicle to lose power and become undrivable. The vehicle was towed to Camelback Toyota in Phoenix, AZ. The dealership initially diagnosed the failure as being caused by an “overfilled oil” condition. However, the vehicle was then inspected by Costa Oil (the shop that performed my most recent oil c... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
On May 13, 2025, I took my car to the Honda dealership, because all of the lights on the dashboard came on. I was told that the clips on my turbocharger needed to be replaced, and so Honda fixed that $120 (diagnostic fee) $209.99 to fix the issue. I was traveling so they kept the car for a week. I received the car back, and about 2 weeks later, 06/03, the same thing occurred, I was told that the e... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2025
Transmission has extremely hard shifting if vehicle sits for more than 24 hours. After the vehicle is parked, inside garage, or outside, the first drive of the day has an extremely hard shift of the transmission on the first shifting of the day. The shift it so hard, it jerks the entire car and jolts me in my seat. The remainder of the drive and day, the hard shifting does not occur. Took the vehi... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
I own a 2017 Honda Accord “Touring” model that has developed an intermittent audio problem (described below) that is a safety issue because it causes serious driver distraction and impatience to reach a destination to turn the car off. There is NO WAY for the driver to stop the problem without turning the car completely off. Despite numerous reports from others (documented below), Honda has no... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V463000 (Equipment, 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 dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the reca... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
Have multiple warning lamps that light up on and off and the brakes in my car get spongy making the braking unsafe. The lights that turn on are the steering/ traction , brake, and abs light. There are multiple complaints online on YouTube from similar issues ongoing and no recall made. My mechanic says it indicates a leak however there is no brake fluid missing and on YouTube there’s work around... Read more