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: Apr 24, 2025
While in reverse gear, during operation rear view camera stopped working and shows error that back up Camera is not available. Screen shows blue screen. It is very dangerous as it can cause an accident.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Ford F-350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V806000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION, STRUCTURE); 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. VIN to... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
Fuel injector failure, resulted in engine misfires, running fuel rich, and reduced power. Reduced power and loss of safety features such as anti-lock brakes, stability assist, ACC, AEB, FCA, and LKA the safety of myself and other drivers are negatively affected. My Honda Dealer and 3rd party shop diagnosed the issue. All warning lights started to appear in November 2024 and disappear intermittentl... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2025) — ENGINE
May 29, 2025
Incident date: May 3, 2025
Engine oil leak. An engine oil leak could potentially cause a fire hazard by igniting when leaking into hot components. It could cause engine damage due to inadequate lubrication leading to overheating and severe engine damage. The leak can contaminate the environment including soil and water, and it can create slippery surfaces which would be a risk to people walking in the area with leaked oil.... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2025
Camera will freeze or not appear at all if switching into reverse right after starting the vehicle.
Incident date: May 29, 2025
TRANSMISSION SHURTTING, JERKS, AND VIBRATION, BAD TORQUE CONVERTER BUBBLE AND PELLING PAINT. IT FEEL LIKES ENGINE IS LOSSING POWER
Incident date: May 29, 2025
While driving with the windshield wipers on during a rain storm , the wipers would stop working suddenly. The Car was taken to dealer and windshield motor was replaced. Without working wipers, it was dangerous to drive.
Incident date: May 27, 2025
My main screen on my 2021 Telluride goes out suddenly, turning off the backup camera and collision warnings. Sometimes when I start the car it never turns on, sometimes it starts to boot and then goes out and sometimes it works for a few seconds/minutes and then turns off. Once and a while it turns on and stays on for days before going on randomly again.
Incident date: May 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated while shifted into reverse, the rear-view camera image was reversed. The contact stated that objects on the right side of the vehicle appeared on the left side on the screen. The contact stated that before the image was reversed, the camera image was pixelating. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but became a recurring failur... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2025
The airbag module is not connecting to the rest of the modules. There is a recall on this module in other VINs but not mine.
Incident date: May 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that several safety features failed to operate. The contact stated that there was a popping sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the ... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2025
Second row passenger seat headrest does not lock into place. After folding the seat down to put in car seats in the third row, the headrest will not lock. This would cause severe trauma if one of our many children were to be seated in the seat during a crash. The issue has not yet been evaluated at a service center, but I intend to contact them and see if the headrest can be replaced through war... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2025
The panoramic sunroof shade separates from the track and sags down to the back seat, blocking the view from the rearview mirror. This happens while driving.
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
I turn the truck on to leave said place, put the truck in reverse, try to turn steering wheel and it wouldn’t turn. Then a steering wheel light comes on with an ! Exclamation point. I start looking up issues on rack and pinion steering issues for the Vin number. That shows that a lot of people have been having the same issues so I take my truck to the dealership after calling and confirming that... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2025
There is an outstanding water pump recall on my vehicle. It has never been addressed and has never been fixed. The vehicle can lose power at any given time and is not drivable. Fisker has gone bankrupt and there isn't anyone to address this safety issue. THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED! IT IS A ROAD HAZARD ! 24V499000 (Water pump)
Incident date: May 28, 2025
While driving my 2017 Ford F-350 equipped with the 6R140 transmission, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete transmission failure due to a valve body malfunction. Without warning, the transmission lost all ability to engage gears, resulting in an immediate loss of power and drivability. This failure occurred while the vehicle was in motion, presenting a serious safety risk to both occupant... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to detect the odor. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH with the cruise control activated, the Forward Collision Avoidan... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to detect the odor. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH with the cruise control activated, the Forward Collision Avoidan... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the check engine warning light was flashing. Additionally, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from underneath the hood, and the hood was shaking. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was towed to Village Auto, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2023
Blind spot warning stopped working Mirror controls (unable to safely change lanes) Window controls stopped working Chevrolet has a TSB for similar but not exactly this situation, dealer won't look at it outside of warranty without charge.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the engine had experienced coolant intrusion and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approx... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2025
MDPS failing when driving randomly. Steering locks up and vehicle is uncontrollable, while the vehicle is moving. This has occurred at varying speeds, while turning and while driving straight. Dealer has unsuccessfully got the issue to replicate, but independent service center was able to replicate it and found the extended warranty and recommended dealership visit since issue is covered. Vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2025
Was driving and the traction control light came on car started shaking, pulled over got out to look and the car was on fire. Fire started in the right rear of the trunk Where the backup camera wire harness is located. It has not been inspected. Car is currently at an impound lot but is available for inspection.
Fire
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
We were driving our 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe (purchased Dec 2020; odometer currently right under 40,000 miles) out of town this past weekend and I noticed the headlights were not illuminating the road ahead very well once the sun went down. They seemed like they were pointed down and when i turned on the high beams, those were also lower than how the low beams are usually pointed. We were stuck in t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
ECP light came on and vehicle entered limp mode
Incident date: May 7, 2025
The rear backup camera works intermittently and often the screen will display a message that 'Camera is unavailable. Please contact your dealership.' At this point, the camera does not work and the screen will not display the view.
Incident date: May 7, 2025
ALL dash lights came on and it showed all safety systems had faults. Took it to the dealership and was told I needed injectors. I have looked into this issue and many CR-V models have had warranty extensions for this exact issue. Lucky me mine is not one of the one's in the VIN group for this extension. So I am facing a $2,000 bill. The car is still driveable but its hard to feel safe with random ... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2025
The rear backup camera works intermittent, checked wiring and still having issues, could cause backing issues for people that don't use their mirrors
Incident date: May 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Veracruz. The contact stated that there was a hard knocking sound coming from the engine. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The battery power was low. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer for TSB Number: 21-01-047H-2. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V705000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the subframe had started to rust. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired due to the failure being declared a cosmetic issue. The contact related to the failure of Technical Service Bulletin: 19-NA-225; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
Vehicle would not respond to any driver controls upon entering vehicle, disabled drive and stated the vehicle was being charged even though we were in the middle of an empty parking lot while shopping. I tried to shut it off in an effort to reset the systems but the vehicle would not shut down no matter what I did. Tried multiple times and it sat there with the charging in use indications and wo... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The contact stated that the messages for the ABS, Traction Control, and Parking Brake were displayed. The cause of the failures were not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 101,000.
Incident date: May 24, 2025
While driving my 2012 Toyota Prius, the traction control, brake, and ABS warning lights all came on at the same time. I used a home OBD scanner but it didn’t show any diagnostic codes. After some research and inspection, I discovered that the issue was related to a faulty brake booster and accumulator—something I’ve learned is a common problem with this model. I was relieved to hear that Toy... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact was unable to turn the steering wheel to the right or the left. The contact stated that two passengers inside the vehicle assisted with steering the vehicle. The message "Power Steering Assist" was displayed on the ... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2025
While starting and accelerating my 2018 Hyundai Tucson, I began hearing abnormal engine knocking and noticed rough performance. I took the vehicle to an authorized Hyundai dealership, where they diagnosed an internal engine defect. They confirmed the engine issue but refused to cover the repair, citing that I’m not the original owner—despite public information stating that Hyundai’s extended... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2025
Recall Z46 for the High Pressure Fuel Rail. Truck has been down for a month and was told today my truck is still not fixed and they have no clue when the parts will be coming in for the to get my truck done.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and turned off on a slight incline with the keys outside of the vehicle, while the contact’s grandson was seated in the front seat, the contact’s grandson was able to move the gear shifter out of park(P), and the vehicle started rolling backwards. The contact's daughter who was putting a baby in the car seat in t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2025
The driver seat goes down after a few days of driving my Corolla Cross LE 2022. I have to manually lift it up every time.
Incident date: Jan 24, 2025
It rained heavily overnight in Dallas Tx. The roads were almost like lakes. As you know, when a car drives through standing water, it creates loud noise from the tires and underside of vehicle. But I didn’t think much of it at the time. When I got home, I realized that both fender flares were completely gone. I believe this is a serious issue of durability. Even plastic model kits don’t lose ... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2025
I’m contacting NHTSA to let you know that I have an open recalls that I am trying to get performed. I would like to know how to get reimbursed for the ace recalls for my vehicle as it is crucial to get done ASAP. The issue I have with a car with only 200 miles is that the door handles don’t open properly and the air condition Vents are not opening properly and there were numerous recalls that ... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2025
I’m contacting NHTSA to let you know that I have an open recalls that I am trying to get performed. I would like to know how to get reimbursed for the ace recalls for my vehicle as it is crucial to get done ASAP. The issue I have with a car with only 200 miles is that the door handles don’t open properly and the air condition Vents are not opening properly and there were numerous recalls that ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
Coolant leaking in #2 cylinder needs long block replacement
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
Experiencing numerous false error warnings from Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) when meeting oncoming vehicles on straight or slightly curving two lane roads. I have taken my vehicle three times to be serviced for this specific reason and a Blind Spot Information System error. The BSI appears to be repaired now but the false CMBS warnings still have not been repaired. The most recent i... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2025
When I drive my car it takes time before it kicks in to drive correctly
Incident date: May 20, 2025
My vehicle has had transmission and engine problems that should not have been an issue until after at least 100,000 miles. At 11,577 miles I reported hard down shifting as well as a hard shift / kick when going from reverse to drive when the transmission would feel like it would slip and then kick when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear on automatic transmission. There were no codes and dealership said... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
This vehicle has a oil consumption problem that causes engine damage and Kia will not take responsibility for especially after the car being maintained. On top of it even with substantial evidence that this was a manufacturing defect that Kia is refusing to take accountability for and completely dismisses any claims or complaints and not even bothered to speak with you unless the car has warranty ... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
When traveling on [XXX] in New York, at 78 mph, my 2018 Range Rover Evoque experienced an electronic power steering rack failure I had just picked up my neighbors from the airport and were on the way home. When traveling on a smooth, straight highway, the audible notification alerted and a message on the dash appeared stating "power steering reduced". When just trying to change lanes on the str... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Accord. The contact stated that occasionally while up an incline or descending downhill, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the fuel was making an abnormal gushing sound. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a routine oil change and was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V763000 (Fuel System, Gasoline).... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2025
Seems to be having ignition switch problems. Bought a new battery a couple times now thinking that was the problem but car won’t start at times. It won’t turn and won’t click and all the electrical (radio lights…) just seems to turn off as I turn the key with no sound following. I have to attempt 3 or 4 times with 3 minute breaks in between and then it will eventually turn and start. This ... Read more