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: Oct 10, 2024
Myself and many other 2025 Kia Sorrento hybrid owners have complaints of the lane keep assist system, causing the vehicle to wobble back-and-forth within the lane. Causing dizziness to drivers. Sometimes wobbling so much that it could cause an accident. Here is the link to the Reddit forum where other owners have complained of the same issue: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
Component: BRAKE BOOSTER While driving on the interstate (at 80mph), check engine light came on and vehicle struggled to maintain power to stay at speed, would downshift for power to get back but as soon as it up shifted speed would drop again. My fuel mileage also dropped drastically as well as forced me to exit interstate on order to get gas. In attempt to stop at the stop sign, I discovered I... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The air conditioning system in my 2019 Honda Insight Touring Edition has failed three times in the last 3 years. Why is this a safety issue? In Southern California summer temperatures reach into the 90s and driving without air conditioning is impossible for any distance. For example today it is 93 degrees Fahrenheit in Los Angeles. It's impossible to use my car without air conditioning. Additional... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2025
ABS sensor warning lights are coming on showing there is an issue.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
My wife purchased herself a new 2025 Volkswagen Tiguen on June 20, 2025. On July 20, 2025 she hit a deer. The car sustained significant front end damage. Being that we live 45 minutes from the dealership we brought it to our local body shop, Petrella Bros. The damage total was over $13,000.00. Petrella Bros. has been trying to get new parts for this vehicle for almost a month and has been told tha... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
2021 Silverado 1500 Trail Boss LT with 6.2ltr V8 L87 had sudden catastrophic engine failure at 90,000 miles with excellent and routine maintenance up to. Findings were a broken timing chain, cracked piston and debris in number 8 intake port. Vehicle lost propulsion on the highway posing a safety risk to the driver, passengers and other vehicles on the roadway. Dealership confirmed the findings. Th... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Aug 22, 2025
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
Around the 38,000 mile mark on our 2020 Ford Escape we received many different errors (AWD Fault, ABS, AdvanceTrac Service, Hill assist, etc). I found out via NHTSA and other forums that this is a common issue in the vehicle from the AWD module, and although it is AWD related, it is not eligible for the Powertrain warranty per Ford because it is an electrical component. I declined the $1200 repair... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
The back up camera does not work. I don't know the exact date when it began not working, but it's been many months. This may be due to a faulty electrical or computer system. Occasionally, an error message will appear on screen which states the obvious -- that the camera is not working -- and to contact the dealer. I received a recall notice in the mail on May 9, 2025, but the repair parts are... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2025
I brought my 2014 Honda Accord to an authorized Honda dealership to have the CV axle recall completed. The dealership informed me that they would not perform the recall unless I paid out of pocket for “stripped/over-tightened bolts” that must be removed in order to complete the recall. Since this is a federal safety recall, I understand the law requires the manufacturer and dealer to complete... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2025
Truck smelled funny, pulled over to check it out. Got out truck and noticed it was on fire from engine.
Fire
Incident date: May 16, 2025
While driving recently, my vehicle unexpectedly lost all forward acceleration. Soon after, I discovered that when placed in Park, the vehicle could still roll freely — a dangerous condition that could lead to an accident or injury. Initially, the car was able to move in both Drive and Reverse for a short time, but it quickly deteriorated to only reversing, and then the Park function failed to ho... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2025
This car has been having white smoke since i got it the smoke coming from the exhaust smells like oil burning.
Incident date: Aug 9, 2025
While practicing parallel parking in the vehicle for about 1 hour, upon leaving the parking lot, there was a message that popped up on the dashboard reading, “SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST”. When driving the vehicle out the parking lot, the brakes were hard when pressing and the vehicle took a while to brake. I found myself braking at a far distance in order to stop the car at the nearest stop light. I... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2018
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, there was a loud pop, and smelled a burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle, and the contact’s child cried out in pain, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. Upon inspection, the contact observed that the front passenger’s side seat belt had tightened excessively and lock... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
I am submitting this recall request because my vehicle has experienced repeated incidents of a serious safety issue. While driving—most often on the highway—a warning appears that says “Smart System Brake Malfunction.” Immediately after, the car begins braking on its own without driver input. This has happened multiple times and, based on online reports, it appears to be affecting many Ma... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
Today started the vehicle, moved shifter from park to drive no movement. Read there was a recall in 2019, unknown if this vehicle was repaired in the recall or was not part of the recall.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); 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 no... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
I have been having issues with my Honda Accord with the electrical system. Over the past couple of years I have had to take my car to get serviced for the battery, alternator and other electrical issues. Several times I had to take my car to get checked because the ABS, power steering, traction control and brake lights intermittently light up at the same time. I was told it was a battery issue but... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
Vehicle was a 2021 Ram 1500 (60k miles) with no known problems or issues. Drove home during during rainstorm truck operated normally. Next morning truck started normally with an error message "Power Steering Unavailable". Truck then began to run through a series of "error messages" and windshield wipers turned on and truck would not shutdown, unless you disconnected the battery. Towed to deale... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Maverick. The contact stated while the door was closed, the window failed to roll down; however, upon opening the door, the window was able to be rolled up. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that door needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to a Customer Satisfaction Program:... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
I own a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze, and the infotainment touchscreen system has completely frozen with the same error screen that many other Cruze owners have reported online. This is not simply a case of an unresponsive touchscreen — the system locks up with an identical error screen across multiple Cruze vehicles (different years and trims). The issue disables all touchscreen functions, including B... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2023
Fuel System: Car hesitates and cut off after pumping fuel.\n' + 'Outer Tie rods torn rubber, vehicle never been realigned, but tires were worn on both front sides. \n' + 'Takata Air bag light has been on for over 2 years.\n' + 'Transmission over heats. Engine cuts back between 45 and 60 mph on the freeway. So we stop and allow it to cool off.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
According to TESLA service, my two "lateral links" for the front wheels need to be replaced. They sent us photos of the issue and it looks like one of the fasteners for one of the lateral links was missing (1 of two fasteners) If the other fastener failed/fell out the car could easily steer out of control. The problem of the lateral links was confirmed by Tesla servicing. They are repairing it u... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving out of a parking lot, the vehicle lost motive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the fuel pump module had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the replacement parts were on back ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2025
We have had spark plugs fixed twice in the past 4 months and they keep faltering. Both mechanics changed them
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V442000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The contact received Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP): 24B47 in August 2024. 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. Most recently, th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Dodge Hornet. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V246000 (Back Over Prevention) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
The airbag light came on by itself.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
Engine runs rough and activates a flashing engine light. Sounds like the engine is misfiring. On two occasions the engine stalled,(no power steering, brakes...) luckily not in a dangerous situation. No engine codes were visible to a technician when try to diagnose. Car seemed to run fine again after restart.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
While driving our 2011 Hyundai Sonata on [XXX], my fiancée and I experienced sudden engine failure on [XXX]. The car suddenly lost power and began vibrating violently, then stalled completely and would not restart. We had to pull over in a dangerous area with no power and limited shoulder space, creating a serious safety hazard. A relative had previously scanned the vehicle and retrieved a P1326... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
While driving on the highway my vehicle out of nowhere activated the automatic collision break system. The breaks were activated or pressed automatically and my vehicle had a sudden jerk becase of the quick, sudden drop in speed. The car had an immediate drop in speed about 20-30 mph then resumed to pick up speed to the original speed eventually picking up to normal speeds.
Incident date: Jun 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the “Brake System Failure” warning light illuminated. The contact stated that when the vehicle was turned off, the error message did not illuminate; however, the error message appeared after driving the vehicle for a while. In addition, the contact... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the instrument cluster screen malfunctioned and turned black or flickered off and on. Additionally, the headlights, turn signals, and brake lights intermittently failed to operate as needed. The transmission and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. Th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a Britax Safety Seat, Model Type: Emblem, Model Number: E1A698A002299, Manufactured Date: 12-26-18. The contact stated that the height adjustment bar had fractured and failed to securely maintain the intended position. The failure had occurred inside the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The car seat was not replaced.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
My check engine light came on and the code received was cylinder 2 misfire. The mechanical shop I took my car to ran a diagnostic and said my spark plugs were cracked and needed replacing. They were replaced and some says later my coolant reservoir was empty. They topped it off and told me to come back if it still wasn’t right. The next week my check engine light came back on and they said there... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and it was determined that the sound was coming from the CVT transmission. The vehicle was later taken to the local Pep Boys Service Center which confirmed that the CVT transmission was faulty... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - STRUCTURE
Aug 21, 2025
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE). The local dealer was contacted; however, the contact informed that the parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about parts availability. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the front driver’s a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2022
Damaged torque converter pump and foreward planetary assy bushings. Jerks when accelerating, loses power, hesitates backing up. Overhaul of torque converter, reseal and reassemble. Hydraulic control unit not working properly and break on left front does not release and overheats. Replaced hydraulic control unit. Airbox loose and damaged. Rattling. Replaced airbox.
Incident date: May 8, 2025
I lease a 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E. On [XXX] the vehicle suddenly displayed a High-Voltage Battery Fault, Powertrain Malfunction / Reduced Power warning. The dealer replaced the High-Voltage Junction Box (HVJB), however I am unsure whether the actual root cause was ever identified. This failure shows a major defect in the high-voltage electrical system. Separately, my vehicle is also subject to R... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2025
The automatic cruise control will suddenly stop working and I’m not sure why. At first I thought it was only because of glare into the radar camera, but I’ve noticed even when conditions are cloudy it still happens. The dash lights up and claims the radar is obstructed and will disengage all of the forward safety features instantly… this doesn’t seem good and it can be very alarming at tim... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2025
After rigorous research, it appears that my anti-lock braking system module has failed. A trusted family member that has worked on a plethora of vehicles during their career has performed an inspection and agrees. With the ABS module failing, this can be a significant safety issue for myself and others who own the same vehicle in both collision prevention and defensive driving maneuvers when neces... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
Faulty infotainment system Here are some of the issues that occur on an ongoing basis - since I’ve purchased this brand new Rogue - not all of them at one: - doesn’t come on - no sound - no AM or FM stations come up - 1/2 the speakers have no sound
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
I am writing regarding my Chevrolet Volt, which suffered the very common Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) failure that your office already investigated and which resulted in GM being required to extend coverage under special warranty reference: MC-10251431-0001 . Despite this, Chevrolet is refusing to cover my repair. Their reasoning: because my Volt was originally purchased in California, th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2025
Am concerned about theses vehicles even being on the roadways with no resolution to the safety recall being resolved. Reported in Jan 2025, no resolution yet. for 8 months? "Parts are not available". It appears by documentation that if you are in the states you can get a dealer to check via software to detect and monitor for excessive wear within a PTU. If PTU failure is confirmed by software, F... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2025
Am concerned about theses vehicles even being on the roadways with no resolution to the safety recall being resolved. Reported in Jan 2025, no resolution yet. for 8 months? "Parts are not available". It appears by documentation that if you are in the states you can get a dealer to check via software to detect and monitor for excessive wear within a PTU. If PTU failure is confirmed by software, F... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 70 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The vehicle lost motive power and decelerated to 10 MPH, and while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that her husband pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle and was able t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
On August 18th, 2025 around 6:45 pm, our anti-lock break system stopped working, started smoking and caught fire. The fire came up through the engine under the hood and melted everything. There were no warning signs. Just smoke and flames. Luckily we were able to pull over and exit the vehicle. The fire was extinguished with 2 fire extinguishers. The car is a total loss.
Fire