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.

2,215,138 Total Complaints
138,663 Reported Crashes
56,255 Reported Fires
8,561 Reported 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

How to Read NHTSA Consumer Complaints › How NHTSA Investigations Work › Used Car: 7 Recall Checks to Run First › The Takata Airbag Recall: Full Story › OBD-II Codes Explained › All Articles ›
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Showing 60,583 complaints for KIA

KIA FORTE (2015) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER May 16, 2025
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
The Backup camera stopped working and has a message that says contact dealership. It is blacked out and may cause a crash while reversing. Thank you. Ford has known issues and already has a recall for 2020-2023. This is a 2016.
KIA SELTOS (2021) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER May 16, 2025
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
My backup camera does not always work. Just get a black screen
KIA SORENTO (2016) — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE May 16, 2025
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the message "Shift into Park" was displayed. The contact stated that moments later the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The fuel pump was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact indicated tha... Read more
KIA OPTIMA (2020) — VISIBILITY/WIPER May 16, 2025
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
The windshield was replaced due to a crack from road debris. It was replaced with a Fuyoa 43R-0117043; DOT1038M544AS1. The car has head up display. The new windshield is highly reflective when driving during sunny day, and the head up display equipment is reflecting on the windshield in the middle of driver's view and very distracting. The previous windshield had a minimal reflection of head up d... Read more
KIA OPTIMA (2020) — ENGINE May 16, 2025
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
There was a knocking noise from the engine. I took it in for repairs and I was told that it is due to an abnormally worn rod bearing. I looked into this problem and found that there is an open investigation for the Honda Pilot 3.5L V-6 and abnormally worn rod bearings leading to possible engine failure. I mentioned this to the Honda dealership and he informed me that it does apply to my vehicle be... Read more
KIA SPORTAGE (2013) — ENGINE May 16, 2025
Incident date: Dec 14, 2022
Purchased this vehicle last year, and less than a week into ownership developed a coolant leak. KIA determined the hybrid radiator leaking due to damage, such as a rock or related impact. While I didn't receive any warnings on the dash, there was noticeable coolant on the ground when parked and smell. I don't believe the level got low enough to trigger a warning or vehicle disabled by the comp... Read more
KIA SPORTAGE (2013) — SEATS May 16, 2025
Incident date: Dec 14, 2022
On [XXX], I was heading home from work traveling [XXX] on [XXX] through Atlanta's usual heavy traffic. I smelled smoke inside my car and saw fire flames coming from under my passenger seat. My initial reaction was to try to put the fire out with my hat without burning myself. Also, I had to try to navigate across multiple lanes of traffic without hitting anyone and avoiding anyone hitting me. ... Read more
Fire
KIA SPORTAGE (2015) — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:CLUTCHES/BANDS May 16, 2025
Incident date: May 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds and then attempting to park the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and DTC: P087B and P287A were retrieved, indicating a failure with the transmission clutch, and specifically the B-clutch and indicating a failure with th... Read more
KIA SPORTAGE (2015) — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) May 16, 2025
Incident date: May 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds and then attempting to park the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and DTC: P087B and P287A were retrieved, indicating a failure with the transmission clutch, and specifically the B-clutch and indicating a failure with th... Read more
KIA SPORTAGE (2025) — ENGINE May 16, 2025
Incident date: May 14, 2025
Oil consumption issues burning oil no leaks.
KIA SPORTAGE HYBRID (2024) — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT May 16, 2025
Incident date: May 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal banging sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the passenger in the front passenger’s seat had been struck in the back of the head by the head rest. There was no injury reported. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated t... Read more
KIA STINGER (2018) — POWER TRAIN May 16, 2025
Incident date: Jan 5, 2025
I purchased the car brand new in 2019. Shortly after purchasing, the transmission started having hesitation and slipping. I took the car back to the Subaru, and they replaced the transmission under warranty. Unfortunately, they replaced it with another full transmission, and very shortly there after, they had to replace it again. Unfortunately, they replaced it with another faulty transmission and... Read more
KIA STINGER (2018) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM May 16, 2025
Incident date: Jan 5, 2025
My card displayed "Gearbox fault detected" on the instrument panel cluster. According to Jaguar Land Rover Technical Bulletin JLRTB0 2012 NAS3 released August 14, 2020, this could result in the car abruptly stopping when vehicle speed has reduced to 5 km/h (3 mph). The cause mentioned is "No retention to the front Electric Drive Unit (EDU) causing strain on the wiring going to the EDU parking l... Read more
KIA OPTIMA (2016) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM May 16, 2025
Incident date: May 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jaguar I-Pace. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V633000 (Electrical System); 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. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact was offered a buy back... Read more
KIA OPTIMA (2016) — SEATS May 16, 2025
Incident date: May 2, 2025
Seat weight sensor failure resuling in the illumination of the SRS warning indicator
KIA OPTIMA (2016) — POWER TRAIN May 16, 2025
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Transmission has sporadic downshifts when traveling at normal posted speed limits also stalling of engine occurs while doing so. The transmission shifting into gears are very hard (Clunky sounds). This has been an issue every since I've owned the truck but happens more frequently within the last 2-3 months.
KIA OPTIMA (2016) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER May 16, 2025
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Transmission has sporadic downshifts when traveling at normal posted speed limits also stalling of engine occurs while doing so. The transmission shifting into gears are very hard (Clunky sounds). This has been an issue every since I've owned the truck but happens more frequently within the last 2-3 months.
KIA SORENTO HYBRID (2024) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM May 16, 2025
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
On [XXX], I was heading home from work traveling [XXX] on [XXX] through Atlanta's usual heavy traffic. I smelled smoke inside my car and saw fire flames coming from under my passenger seat. My initial reaction was to try to put the fire out with my hat without burning myself. Also, I had to try to navigate across multiple lanes of traffic without hitting anyone and avoiding anyone hitting me. ... Read more
Fire
KIA K5 (2021) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY May 16, 2025
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering and losing motive power. The contact stated that the message "Engine Overheating" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the 12-Volt ba... Read more
KIA K5 (2023) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS May 16, 2025
Incident date: May 9, 2025
All of my check lights are on. All of my sensors are popping up. It says no power steering. No cruise control. No lane departure and a few other lights are popping on every time I turn my car on and they all stay on. So far it isn’t preventing me from driving it but none of my safety features work
KIA K5 (2023) — STRUCTURE:BODY May 16, 2025
Incident date: May 9, 2025
A-pillar/hinge integrity engineering concern. While opening my door in a parking lot, the wind caught the door before I could catch the door. The door met the hinge stop and flexed enough for the edge of the door panel to contact a bolt on the A-pillar door hinge assembly, causing a small crease in the aluminum door panel. My concern is that in 30 years of driving, I have had a door caught be ... Read more
KIA K5 (2023) — SERVICE BRAKES May 16, 2025
Incident date: May 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that upon reversing the vehicle and depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal vibration sound coming from the brakes. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the rear brake parts were faulty and needed to be cleaned and replaced. The vehic... Read more
KIA SPORTAGE (2020) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM May 15, 2025
Incident date: Mar 31, 2023
I have not experienced a failure as of yet. But the CP4 fule pump is prone to fail. With that failure the engine is destroyed as well. So why is there no recall to get the CP4 fuel pump replaced? GM has been sued correct? A settlement of $35 million due to the failure of the CP4 fuel pump. So why is there no recall to address the issue before it happens? I have contacted GM directly and got no ass... Read more
KIA SPORTAGE (2023) — ENGINE May 15, 2025
Incident date: May 14, 2025
On [XXX] after only 400 miles on the odometer, I experienced complete transmission failure while on a highway and was nearly hit by the vehicle behind me, luckily that did not happen. On April 29th, a new replacement transmission was installed by the Chevy dealer, and now on [XXX] I had experienced a severe burning smell from under the hood of the vehicle accompanied with a grinding sound, which ... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2020) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM May 15, 2025
Incident date: May 15, 2025
I have a 2020 Kia Telluride that I bought brand new from Kia. I have performed regular maintenance on the vehicle and performed the repairs required by any recalls. When my vehicle surpassed 75k miles, the vehicle started having issues with excessive oil consumption. I had my vehicle serviced at 75k miles with the oil changed. When my vehicle was passed 79k miles, the vehicle started stalling, pi... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2020) — STRUCTURE:BODY May 15, 2025
Incident date: May 15, 2025
Background Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. These reports indicate that vehicles with these specific paint colors, applied during the vehicle manufacturing process, may experience paint peeling on exterior metal body panels. Although the original factory paint is covered by Toyota’s New ... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2020) — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER May 15, 2025
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission shuddered. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed torque converter. The contact was informed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact t... Read more
KIA SOUL (2018) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER May 15, 2025
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
My engine under, the 2018 KIA Soul Engine Recall, first problem was on October 2023 when it arrived at the dealership with 'no oil'. The mechanic said for KIA to replace the engine. At this time they also found 'sludge' for the first time. I had done my oil changes at the dealership and the most current was August 2023; 2000 miles prior. KIA extended my 100k miles engine warranty to 150k miles. Si... Read more
KIA SOUL (2018) — AIR BAGS May 15, 2025
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Lexus RX450H. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); 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 available. The manufacturer was m... Read more
KIA SOUL (2018) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING May 15, 2025
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
The contact owned a 2022 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving 68-70 MPH, the vehicle stopped abruptly, causing another vehicle to crash into the rear passenger's side of the vehicle, and a second vehicle to crash into the rear of the vehicle, causing the trunk to be pushed inside the rear seats of the vehicle. The brake warning light was illuminated. The air bags of the contact's ve... Read more
Crash 2 injured
KIA SOUL (2019) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL May 15, 2025
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
My 2019 Kia Soul had an engine misfire, breaking down and requiring new spark plugs. My car has been consuming oil excessively for the past 8 months, causing me to change the oil myself once a week. The engine light has been on, leading me to fix both catalytic converters. The engine light came back on right after this and pulled up two codes related to the camshaft position. I asked Kia for an oi... Read more
KIA SOUL (2019) — POWER TRAIN May 15, 2025
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
Transmission issue. Driving in 3rd or 4th gear at about 40 MPH when vehicle dropped down into 1st gear. Additionally, Multiple occasions of 1st and 2nd gear not being available while vehicle is at full stop, only 3rd gear and higher.
KIA SOUL (2019) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM May 15, 2025
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
I am reporting an issue with a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 equipped with the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine. The vehicle experienced a failure of the NOx Sensor Position 2, which significantly impacted performance and emissions compliance. GM previously issued Emission Recall N212351211 (March 7, 2023) for other diesel Silverado models regarding improper ECM detection of NOx sensor faults. The issu... Read more
KIA SOUL (2019) — POWER TRAIN May 15, 2025
Incident date: May 15, 2025
Our Arcadia 2019 with 40000 miles has shift to park problem. 2017 thru some 2019 had recall notice and were fixed by GMC. Why doesn't it apply to this vehicle. We had to pay $1500 to dealer. There is an obvious problem and they have admitted it. Time for government to step in or do a class action lawsuit looks like they are filed by state
KIA SOUL (2022) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS May 15, 2025
Incident date: May 6, 2025
Rodents chewed through the main wire harness on my vehicle on 2 separate occasions, both times in the same exact location. This recurring damage poses a serious safety risk and may be linked to soy-based wire coatings that attract rodents. The first incident required a $4,979.27 repair, covered by insurance; I paid a $500 deductible. The vehicle was diagnosed by Boonton Auto Body Shop. I recently... Read more
KIA SOUL (2022) — ENGINE May 15, 2025
Incident date: May 6, 2025
My engine under, the 2018 KIA Soul Engine Recall, first problem was on October 2023 when it arrived at the dealership with 'no oil'. The mechanic said for KIA to replace the engine. At this time they also found 'sludge' for the first time. I had done my oil changes at the dealership and the most current was August 2023; 2000 miles prior. KIA extended my 100k miles engine warranty to 150k miles. Si... Read more
KIA SOUL (2022) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM May 15, 2025
Incident date: May 6, 2025
My engine under, the 2018 KIA Soul Engine Recall, first problem was on October 2023 when it arrived at the dealership with 'no oil'. The mechanic said for KIA to replace the engine. At this time they also found 'sludge' for the first time. I had done my oil changes at the dealership and the most current was August 2023; 2000 miles prior. KIA extended my 100k miles engine warranty to 150k miles. Si... Read more
KIA SELTOS (2022) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER May 15, 2025
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
The power lift gate automatically open, and will not close with the key fob, or any of the buttons inside the vehicle.
KIA SELTOS (2022) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER May 15, 2025
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
On 5/11/25 the vehicle MID display showed KEYLESS START SYSTEM PROBLEM error message with a scan gage DTC12C5 stored. This made the vehicle hard to start requiring multiple actuation of the START/STOP switch. The vehicle milage was 56404 miles. The START/STOP switch needed to be replaced.
KIA OPTIMA (2016) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER May 15, 2025
Incident date: Apr 16, 2025
It just started showing a error message to SHIFT TO PARK when the car is already in Park. I took it to Register Chevrolet in Brooksville, Fl on May 14, 2025 and they said it needed a whole new shifter that it is defective. This is a major safety issue. I can currently still turn the car off but alarms start going off and was told I may not be able to turn the vehicle off or not lock the doors and ... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2021) — POWER TRAIN May 15, 2025
Incident date: May 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that the vehicle went into LIMP Mode while attempting to accelerate. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated during the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was coasted to the side of the road, and the contact waited for a while before continuing to drive. The contact stated that the failure was intermitt... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2021) — ENGINE May 15, 2025
Incident date: May 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that the vehicle went into LIMP Mode while attempting to accelerate. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated during the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was coasted to the side of the road, and the contact waited for a while before continuing to drive. The contact stated that the failure was intermitt... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2023) — POWER TRAIN May 15, 2025
Incident date: Apr 16, 2025
At 22,000 miles, driving along at approximately 40mph, vehicle felt like it surged - check engine light went on and message of "limited acceleration - drive with care" appeared. Key cycled the car, CEL and message remained. Car would then not drive higher than 3rd or 4th gear and at limited speed as I tried to get it home. Once I pulled into my driveway message appeared "Service Transmission ... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2023) — SERVICE BRAKES May 15, 2025
Incident date: May 15, 2025
I was driving about 45 mph when the vehicle started to brake on its own. Message center said "Brake Failure max speed 62 mph". I had to move the vehicle, so I continued forward. It was still trying to self-brake, i decided to stop and turn ignition off so computers could re-set but I had no brakes. I had to stand on brake pedal to get it stopped. Turned ignition off and restarted. The problem was ... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2021) — STRUCTURE:BODY May 14, 2025
Incident date: Dec 21, 2024
There was a bulge showing near the front of the camper, dealer inspected and said there is frame flex, possibly broken welds on the frame, which is a common problem with the lippert manufactured frames. Model years directly before this year(2022) were recalled for the same problem. This seems to be a common issue for 2022 models as well but there still is no safety recall despite the inherent risk... Read more
KIA SOUL (2022) — ENGINE May 14, 2025
Incident date: Apr 21, 2025
- The engine malfunctioned. Started making noises on cold start that quickly turned into noises when driving and rough idling. It is at the Cadillac dealership being inspected right now. Car is available for inspected upon request. - The safety was put at risk with the potential of complete engine failure. - I received a call from Cadillac yesterday that the camshaft is faulty and they will n... Read more
KIA FORTE (2020) — STEERING May 14, 2025
Incident date: May 7, 2025
Clunking when going over bumps especially when turning into a driveway. Started at about 20,000 miles along with excessive clicking when turning the steering wheel.
KIA FORTE (2023) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING May 14, 2025
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
I attempted to get a safety recall (headlamp assembly defect) addressed at my local Subaru dealership. The vehicle is still under warranty, and I was told I may be able to get a loaner or rental. However, when I arrived, I was informed that the dealership only has 9 loaners and does not offer rental coverage at all, even for warranty customers. I had already spoken to someone about my need for a ... Read more
KIA FORTE (2023) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER May 14, 2025
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
I attempted to get a safety recall (headlamp assembly defect) addressed at my local Subaru dealership. The vehicle is still under warranty, and I was told I may be able to get a loaner or rental. However, when I arrived, I was informed that the dealership only has 9 loaners and does not offer rental coverage at all, even for warranty customers. I had already spoken to someone about my need for a ... Read more
KIA EV9 (2024) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING May 14, 2025
Incident date: Mar 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the water temperature gauge rose and failed to return to a normal engine temperature. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and became aware that the third reservoir tank was empty. The contact waited until the engine had cooled down, added coolant, and then continued driving the vehicle. The co... Read more
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