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 4, 2024
On August 3rd, while driving on the freeway at 55mph, my vehicle's brakes became extremely stiff, and I could not press them down to engage the braking system. I was about to collide with the vehicle in front of me, so I quickly veered right without looking because I had no time. After moving to the right, the brakes finally slowed the vehicle to around 40mph. Luckily, the traffic light turned gre... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
The dealership is installing used brake parts that could cause the brakes to fail. This vehicle will be up for sale to where anybody can buy it.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
The fuel pump has been failing and shutting off and has been hesitant when taking off. It can leave you stranded in the middle of the road or if you turn left in front of people the car may stall and can cause a crash. Yes and independent dealer and the dealer both know it’s a problem. I took the vehicle into a Mercedes dealer and the fuel pump had a recall on it and the dealer refused to repl... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 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: Aug 24, 2025
Upon return from vacation, the Onan generator was found to be running. It had self started and ran for 80 hours while we were gone using about 12 gal fuel. The generator was NOT on when we left 12 days prior. There was no evidence of bugs in the RV coach that could have contacted the touch screen to start the unit. This is a Winnebago Ekko, Ford Transit body, 2024 purchased Jan 2024.
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Tacoma. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V058000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that the dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about parts availability. The contact had not experienced a ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2025
The primary component that failed is the brake caliper, which caused a dragging brake, overheating, and visible smoke after a brake pad replacement. This is a defect in a critical safety system, not routine wear and tear. The caliper failure, combined with rapid deterioration of the pads within only seven months of purchase, makes clear that the Jeep was sold to me with preexisting and undisclosed... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
My car was parked and in the park gear it was left running I went to get in the car to turn it off to stay awhile where I was at I got one leg in the car and reached over to push the button to turn it off and it lurched backwards and rolled over me and almost cut my leg off it kept rolling another good 200 ft or more before it stopped and it was still in the park position I read where there's a re... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while driving 2 MPH, in a parking lot, the message for an alignment was displayed for several seconds before the front driver’s side wheel separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The tow truck driver had difficulties placing the vehicle on the tow truck. Upon inspection, the contact found two loosened bolts had de... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
My daughters 2016 Honda HRV (59k) has continual electrical issues. First it's the battery sensor $617. Then the keyless access control module $1100 but given a discount. Something is also wrong with the heated seat it burned a hole in the seat. Honda says it's 10 years old it's gonna start falling apart. Numerous complaints online with all of the electrical issues mentioned and the service ma... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
I was driving my Jeep grand Cherokee 2023 at night on the 580 freeway in Northern California. Was traveling about 65 MPH. When the vehicle lost all power. I was barely able to pull off to the right shoulder still was partially in the right most lane. After multiple attempts of Restart the vehicle, it did restart after about 10 minutes. I’ve taken the vehicle in to the nearest dealership o... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2023
I started my car and it started shaking violently, and would jolt back and forth, I would be on the highway and the speed would decrease rapidly and overheat slightly to pick up speed
Incident date: Dec 23, 2023
I started my car and it started shaking violently, and would jolt back and forth, I would be on the highway and the speed would decrease rapidly and overheat slightly to pick up speed
Incident date: Dec 23, 2023
I am a current lessee of a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 (VIN: [XXX] ), leased on [XXX], under a 36‑month agreement (Lease Account #: [XXX]). The vehicle is still under warranty at 23,000 miles. The navigation/GPS system has a persistent defect (location drift far from actual position), verified by dealership technicians on multiple visits. On my second visit, the dealer refused to escalate to Volkswage... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
Engine warming light came on, codes P0301 and P0316. Brought the vehicle into a Ford dealership and was told it is coolant leaking into the engine, and has been a very common problem, and even had a Customer Satisfaction program that existed for it that is now expired. (CS21N12). Was told engine needs to be completely replaced at a cost of $9,275.50 (estimate attached). The engine can fail, which... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
The headlights and brake lights have been VERY dim for a while. I've had to replace both headlights and brake lights an excessive amount in the last several years. This year alone since December 2024, I've had to replace my headlights 3 separate times. I do not drive more than 10,000 miles per year, or use my vehicle on roads that would lead me to believe the issue is from road conditions.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
The headlights and brake lights have been VERY dim for a while. I've had to replace both headlights and brake lights an excessive amount in the last several years. This year alone since December 2024, I've had to replace my headlights 3 separate times. I do not drive more than 10,000 miles per year, or use my vehicle on roads that would lead me to believe the issue is from road conditions.
Incident date: Aug 19, 2025
Theres a know recall for this issue. Recall 189 AND 227 for hyundai. Fuel leak right by the regulator on the hose. Mine is doing the exact thing. My motor isnt covered for some reason. Same make and model. So id like to make a complaint and make it know the exact same issue is happening STILL, 2013 hyundai sonata and they wont cover it. So if another recall could be opened to help others. I mean i... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2025
Going approximately 55 Miles an hour on the freeway and my car starts profusely shaking. I pulled to the side of the highway tow truck comes up behind me. Ann, my cylinder 4 was noted to be misfiring. I had it towed to Midas and that is where it was determined that engine coolant leaked into my cylinders and now being told that my car requires a new engine!! Mind you i have already paid 5K to repl... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2025
WHEN MY WIFE IS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT THE AIR BAG DOES NOT GO ON. I AM TOLD IT IS ACTIVATED BY WEIGHT. MY WIFE WEIGHTS 95 LBS. I WAS INITIALLY TOLD THAT 80 LBS OR MORE SHOULD ACTIVATE THE AIR BAG. THE AIR BAG DOES NOT TURN ON WHEN SHE IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. NO ONE AT THE DEALERSHIP OR THE SERVICE CENTER KNOWS WHAT TO DO TO CORRECT THE SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE. A CUSTOMER ADVOCATE ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
I went to get my car aligned and new tires as i noticed the rear tire was completely bald on the inside rear. I was advised by the tire shop that they cannot adjust the rear camber. So i took it to the dealership and they advised me that itis not adjustable and they would need to do another alignment and place shims to get the adjustment right. This was a brand new car when i got it. Always up to... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH through a green light, another vehicle failed to yield at 50 MPH for a red light due to being impaired, causing a collision in which the contact’s vehicle was T-boned. No warning lights were illuminated before the crash. The front and side curtain air bags failed to deploy. The contact repor... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH through a green light, another vehicle failed to yield at 50 MPH for a red light due to being impaired, causing a collision in which the contact’s vehicle was T-boned. No warning lights were illuminated before the crash. The front and side curtain air bags failed to deploy. The contact repor... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 14, 2025
Coolant leak and cover gasket failure. Buick has been in the shop multiple times for coolant issues and leaks. Next step is for the shop to remove the entire front end to adequately repair. Constant issue and other complaint relay the same
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Wagoneer. The contact stated that several unknown lights on the instrument cluster were illuminated and flashing. Additionally, the headlights were flashing, and the camera screen was blank. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, additional force was needed to stop the vehicle. There was an abnormal horn sound detected. The contact stated that the en... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2023
[XXX] was involved in a single person collision,the vehicle hit head on into a building. [XXX] put her foot on the brake however the car speed up on its own causing her to run into a building. Which causes her to be involved in an accident. As you can see Nissan has not taken any responsibility for the vehicle involved despite any recalls. Which as you can see they have 0 fixes. She has no... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
after looking at all of the complaints within NHTSA there are approximately 50 pages of combined complaints with each page showing 4 "call outs" and the majority being Power Train and reading pretty much all of them it appears that they are all the same issue. Their vehicles along with mine were not recalled; but we are having the same issues. What is needed or what needs to happen for all of th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
Coolant control valve failure. Dealer inspected vehicle and it was confirmed that it needed to be replaced. Check engine light came on fan started spinning at a high speed and the vehicle went into low power mode. When I spoke with the dealer, this is a known issue so much to the point where the cooler control valve is on backorder and I’ve had to wait for over a month now. Projected cost to rep... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Our 2017 Jeep Cherokee with 59,976 miles was diagnosed to need a new "PTU" unit in the transmission. This repair is required to avoid a potential dangerous situation where the four wheel drive unit may "lock up" as a result of a sudden loss of power. The repair is over $7,000 and is on a national back order. We have been waiting without the car for over three months due to delays in obtaining the ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2025
Brakes make loud noise when I come to stop when leaving highway. Rear pads are at 2mm as of 8/28/2025 when they were replaced in on 5/14/2025. Repairs were performed by dealership on 5/14/2025 but they did not replace the rotors, they only replaced the rear pads.
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
In early May 2025 while driving around 40mph, I heard a very loud pop which startled me. Pulled over and looked back and noticed my backseats were push up out of place. I attempted to put the seat back into place but it wouldn’t fit into the latch anymore. The framing underneath the seats looked pretty damaged so I took it to a local mechanic. After doing some research, he found information for ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Leaf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V700000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 expe... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 65 MPH and driving over a bump in the road, the steering wheel seized while going around a corner. The driver was able to avoid a crash and moved over safely. There was an alarm activated inside the vehicle. The message to check the power steering was displayed. After waiting approximately 5-10 minut... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2025
If the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for my vehicle in a timely manner. We are approaching the one year mark and this is causing me great concern.
Incident date: Mar 6, 2025
“Service 4WD” message on the dashboard, vibration, grinding metal sound came from SUV.
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
Condensation in headlight assembly impeding forward visibility at night.
Incident date: Jun 27, 2024
I purchased a 2010 Buick Enclave from a dealer who did not disclose any major issues with the vehicle. After purchase, I began experiencing significant problems while driving, including difficulty shifting, loss of power, and unstable handling. Concerned for my safety, I took the Buick to a mechanic for inspection. The mechanic verified that: •The wrong transmission had been installed in the ve... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Porsche Macan GTS. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the Adaptive Cruise Control activated without other vehicles or objects nearby, the Forward Collision Avoidance system activated. Within seconds, the Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking briefly applied the brakes, jolting the vehicle slightly but not bringing it to a c... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2025
My tail light S and brake lights is not working the components was burnt and bulbs was burnt and we put all new bulbs and put in new components and there still not working.and I've been pulled over about 4 times cause of it thankfully I didn't get a ticket so please put a recall on this so it can be fixed I love my SUV
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
1. while driving slow or making a right hand turn the vehicle turns itself off 2. periodically the car does not start/no power and does not respond to keyless car lock 3. periodically the dashboard panel lights will not turn off, flash or some will go off but not all All of the above have been a twice repaired GMC recall 17276 and has been occurring since 2020.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
Vehicle Issue Summary – 2021 INFINITI QX50 I purchased a 2021 INFINITI QX50 in March 2024. Recently, I received notice of an active safety recall (NHTSA 25V437) related to the VC-Turbo engine bearings. In addition to the recall alert, I’ve also experienced several concerning symptoms: 1) A knocking noise when reversing. 2) The malfunction indicator light turning on and off intermittently. 3) ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
Vehicle Issue Summary – 2021 INFINITI QX50 I purchased a 2021 INFINITI QX50 in March 2024. Recently, I received notice of an active safety recall (NHTSA 25V437) related to the VC-Turbo engine bearings. In addition to the recall alert, I’ve also experienced several concerning symptoms: 1) A knocking noise when reversing. 2) The malfunction indicator light turning on and off intermittently. 3) ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
The emblem on my car contains a sensor/radar for adaptive cruise control and foward collision warning that is also connected to automatic emergency brakes. The safety of me and my [XXX] old are at risk because if I needed assisted braking/collision warning, my car no longer provides that. The braking on my car feels as if I am needing to apply a lot of pressure on the brake to stop completely or ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Sunroof drain tube leaks water down passenger side A-pillar onto body control module above glovebox causing damage to system, electrical connections, air bag, engine light to activate, vehicle going into limp mode. Drain is functioning and not stopped up. Dealer unable to correct long term using OEM parts available for replacement. Vehicle and invoices available for inspection. When leaking, water... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
Was on my way back from picking up my child father from work. My 2 kids were also in the car [XXX] & [XXX] old. My car started smoking and another motorist pulled down his window to let me know that my car was on fire from underneath. I immediately got all of us out of the car and my child father went to go pop the hood and noticed that fire was coming near the engine !! Made an insurance claim ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
The car was parked in a campground for a night and several systems issues came up, including traction control disabled, steer assistant disabled, staibility control disabled, and the car was keeping accelerating even though I did not step on the accelerate pedal. The acceleration was out of control. This was happening in a remote area when we drove half way out of the campground to a city. We call... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2025
The autonomous braking activates out of no where while driving. Violently hard and nothing around. A message appears on the dash board saying it can not sense hands on steering wheel. Also while backing up it will activate and no one is near the car or it even activates in an empty parking lot. The car jolted so hard when this happens and everyone went flying forward. No ..the dealer has had the... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2025
Airbags did not deploy at impact.
Crash
Incident date: Aug 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Leaf. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, within minutes, the battery percentage indicator began to dramatically reduce from 100 percent down to 20 percent. The message to charge the vehicle immediately was displayed. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle wa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2025
2025 Chevy Equinox - beginning of July, i got back to my car at the airport and it would not turn on. nothing happened and i had to call onstar with my cell phone. a tow truck was sent and my 2025 Equinox (which i bought end of Oct 2024) with only 8000 miles, was towed to Chevy dealership. the next day the dealership said it was a faulty battery and they replaced it. i went to pick up my car an... Read more