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: May 14, 2025
Brakes are locking up to a point that it feels like the car is in lower gear. It feels like the car is pulling back when you exhilarate. The rotor is turns bright red and you can smell the burning.
Incident date: May 1, 2025
At 48,000 miles the cylinder head needed replaced. This was done under warranty. At 73,000 miles the engine started making a horrible noise and power was lost and acceleration very choppy. Had it towed to the dealer. Dealer diagnosed the issue as a Rod bearing failure and requires the engine to be fully replaced. This occured while driving, fortunately I had just gotten off the highway, other... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
While the vehicle is in operation, and without warning, it loses all motive power and coasts to a stop. A warning message is displayed on dash: “Service Hybrid Electric Vehicle System.” The vehicle must be turned off then back on before motive power is restored. This is an extreme safety issue, if it were to occur at highway speeds amidst traffic, the likelihood of serious accident is high.... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2025
Coolant intrusion into the engine (eco boost) slow leak but failing emissions testing. engine misfires and runs hard. Only 80,000 miles on the car. Can be inspected, had it inspected by a local mechanic who confirmed the issue. No warning signs, never had a check engine light on prior to the issue. Mechanic says I need an entire long block replace. Now that I know of the warning signs, they have b... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
This vehicle has two instances of transmission disengagement. One at highway speed and the other while driving in a residential area. In both cases the vehicle suddenly started to slow down, and the rpms went up to 4-5 thousand. I was able to stop the car and turn it off and after a few minutes restarted the car and completed the journeys without any further issues. I have contacted the dealer an... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
I am experiencing a serious and potentially dangerous issue with the transmission in my 2019 Ford F-150 Lariat equipped with the 10-speed 10R80 automatic transmission. At highway speeds (65–75 mph), the truck will occasionally downshift abruptly into a much lower gear without any input from the driver. This causes the engine RPMs to spike and creates a sudden deceleration, which could easily lea... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2023) — ENGINE
May 14, 2025
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
Vehicle suddenly loses power while driving. Engine does not turn on, vehicle will run on battery until battery is dead, then putting the vehicle in park once stopped. Vehicle will not accelerate normally since the engine does not turn on. Only goes 10-20 mph. Lights on the dash come on, prompting to keep car on to charge the battery. No code is found when the vehicle is scanned. Dealerships can't ... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2023) — SERVICE BRAKES
May 14, 2025
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
Brake accumulator suddenly failed in vehicle. Known issue from manufacturer
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2023) — POWER TRAIN
May 14, 2025
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted from 6th gear to 1st gear, with the service vehicle's soon-to-be warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
12v battery system failure to keep 12v battery that boots operating system of car charged. This leads to a vehicle that cannot be started or moved unless jump started. This has happened daily, and sometimes multiple times a day, requiring a jump pack to get the car to turn on. This issue has been reproduced and confirmed via multiple revised manufacturer TSBs. This has likely been inspected by the... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
My 2021 Hyundai Palisade has had some issues relating to the engine recently. We take extremely good care of our cars, and are early when due for our oil changes. A couple of months ago, my husband checked my Palisade's oil before a trip. There was NO oil showing on the dip stick! I had just gotten an oil change 2000 miles before. He added 6 quarts of oil, and it was still only showing half f... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2024
The Honda Infotainment system, does not respond to touch, and randomly changes screens as if someone is pushing buttons. It randomly switches to the phone, contacts, music, Bluetooth connection, and navigation. When using navigation it moves the map and brings up routes. This can cause significant distractions to the driver. Multiple individuals have reported this issue to the dealer.
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
My steering wheel everytime i turn left completely turns my car off or stiffens when in reverse . I was driving to work on 05/03/2025 and my car completely turned off while turning left off the interstate
Incident date: May 13, 2025
My 2021 Kia Seltos has an active safety recall related to the engine (Recall #SC336). The dealership (Darling's Kia, Formerly Van Syckle Kia in Bangor, ME) scheduled a repair but canceled it due to needing a "software update." I was told there is no timeline for completion and that no loaner or alternative vehicle would be provided. I am concerned for my safety and transportation, as the recall af... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2025
Axle broke on rt side just underneath the bracket that ford installed for recall.i was only going 10mph when it happened no warning I was able to gain control and stop was towed into a shop not driveable if this seems to be a problem mine looked fine they must filled it up with expand foam I would think that would trap in more moisture but these are dangerous they should all be fixed or bought ba... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 13, 2025
Axle broke on rt side just underneath the bracket that ford installed for recall.i was only going 10mph when it happened no warning I was able to gain control and stop was towed into a shop not driveable if this seems to be a problem mine looked fine they must filled it up with expand foam I would think that would trap in more moisture but these are dangerous they should all be fixed or bought ba... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 12, 2025
I am reporting a recurring safety issue involving exhaust fumes entering the cabin of my 2021 Ram 1500 Big Horn, particularly during cold starts or remote starts while idling. Despite multiple attempts to have this issue repaired through authorized dealerships, the problem has not been resolved. On the first visit, dealership technicians discovered two cracked exhaust manifolds, which were replac... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V954000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was m... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that his wife was driving the vehicle and was involved in a crash while stopped on a main road. A vehicle from behind crashed into the entire rear end of their vehicle at 30 MPH. No property damage was reported, and the vehicles came to a stop upon impact. The air bags were not deployed. The contact's vehicle did not have to be towed. No war... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 13, 2025
While entering an intersection, a vehicle with a stop sign decided to to not stop. I went to use the horn in my 2023 Model X, and slamming the airbag with my hand did nothing. EVERY car in the WORLD has the horn as the center via the airbag. Tesla must recall ALL vehicles without a horn in the center. Lack of use of the horn severely impairs my ability to operate my vehicle.
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
Paint is peeling for no reason.
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2005 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, other individuals informed the contact that there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. Additiona... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
Symptoms exactly as described in Safety Recall 03A / NHTSA 23V-010. Warning came onto dash with very little time to get to side of road from highway driving before engine fully shut down. Picture of dash after warning attached. Extremely dangerous situation, particularly for a known issue as described in the recall and NHTSA notices above. Currently vehicle is at dealer pending confirmation / ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The vehicle consistently pulls sharply to the right while driving, creating a serious safety hazard. As soon as I release the steering wheel, the car veers aggressively to the right, making it difficult to stay in the lane. The steering wheel does not center and requires constant correction. The issue feels mechanical and significantly impacts my ability to drive safely.
Incident date: May 1, 2024
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 86,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 190,000.
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The battery fire recall on my vehicle has been open since October 2024. The fix was supposed to happen March 2025. It is now May 2025 with no fix in sight. The value of my car has plummeted due to this recall and I am unable to sell to a private party as it is not in working condition. My car should be deemed a lemon as it is unsafe on the road with no fix in the pipeline. [XXX] INFORMATION RE... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH in inclement weather with no other vehicles nearby, the vehicle came to an abrupt stop. The contact stated that the brakes were applied without driver input. The contact stated that the emergency stop message was displayed during the failure. The contact stated that on another occasion, while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2025
Gear Shifter stuck in D with amber light blinking constantly. At the same time, the Amber Wrench symbol appeared on the dash, with "Service vehicle soon" warning message. This indicates a Powertrain malfunction/Reduced Power issue. Vehicle towed to nearest Ford dealer (Scenic Ford, Mount Airy, NC) with about 225 miles on odometer. I purchased this new '24 Lightning Lariat [XXX] online, and picked ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
While driving my 2018 Honda Odyssey at approximately 35-40 mph on a regular city road, the passenger-side front airbag deployed suddenly and without any impact or external trigger. The road was clear, traffic was light, and no collision occurred before, during, or after the event. The airbag deployment was abrupt and loud, startling me and posing a serious safety risk to both myself and my passeng... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the temperature gauge remained at hot (Hot) location, with a dinging warning notification. The check engine and "Transmission idle temperature high" messages were displayed. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road each time and turned off for approximately 45 min... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 BMW X3. The contact stated that "Engine temperature" message was displayed on the instrument panel with the temperature gauge indicating that the engine was hot(H). Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact discovered that steam on the radiator, and a coolant leak. The contact removed the cooling fan and shroud and discovered that the wiring from the electric water pump w... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
The power steering went out with no warning which could have caused a catastrophic accident with possible death or a deadly accident!
Incident date: May 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 BMW X7. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the message that the starter motor was overheating was displayed and the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the starter motor. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the fai... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 BMW X7. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the message that the starter motor was overheating was displayed and the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the starter motor. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the fai... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2025
when reversing, the central display shows backup camera for a couple seconds before turning to a black screen and a message saying the rearview camera is not working properly
Incident date: May 12, 2025
Oil has been leaking for years. Always got regular oil changes and engine died while driving.
Incident date: May 12, 2025
I was going to park my car the second I went to change gears my car accelerated forward through a bakery I stepped on the brakes as fast as I could but it was too late
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 12, 2025
My car starts making noise then i pull over. my car completely shuts off and i tried to restart it, didn’t start. My engine i think is ruined
Incident date: May 12, 2025
My car starts making noise then i pull over. my car completely shuts off and i tried to restart it, didn’t start. My engine i think is ruined
Incident date: May 12, 2025
The Onstar module has failed. This part is the Telematic Control Unit or TCU. This is a widespread issue with no ETA of part replacement. This is an issue that is not often covered under warranty especially for vehicles outside of the age/mileage requirement of the company. This should be investigated and issued as a recall.
Incident date: May 6, 2025
The vehicle has been well maintained. About 1.5 years ago, it experienced a fuel injector failure. All four injectors were replaced to ensure the health of the engine. Recently, while on an 8-hour trip, halfway through, the engine experienced a sudden loss of power on the highway, nearly resulting in a crash, and the check engine light illuminated. The car was towed to a Kia dealership, where the... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2025
The vehicle has been well maintained. About 1.5 years ago, it experienced a fuel injector failure. All four injectors were replaced to ensure the health of the engine. Recently, while on an 8-hour trip, halfway through, the engine experienced a sudden loss of power on the highway, nearly resulting in a crash, and the check engine light illuminated. The car was towed to a Kia dealership, where the... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2025
This vehicle was sold to me as new without disclosing the open recall. I purchased the vehicle on 08.01.2024. The recall was issued on 02.12.2024, five months earlier. This recall affects the electronic breaking system(s). There is no current fix/solution to the recall at this time. The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act prohibits dealerships from selling new vehicles with active recalls.
Incident date: May 6, 2025
This vehicle was sold to me as new without disclosing the open recall. I purchased the vehicle on 08.01.2024. The recall was issued on 02.12.2024, five months earlier. This recall affects the electronic breaking system(s). There is no current fix/solution to the recall at this time. The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act prohibits dealerships from selling new vehicles with active recalls.
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X7. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over. The message "Starter Motor Overheating" was displayed; however, there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the starter motor and battery were faulty and needed to be replaced. The... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated but the contact was able to drive to destination. However, upon attempting to leave from the location, the vehicle failed to start. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the high-pressure fu... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
I was driving to an event and I noticed my truck was pulling slightly. As I pulled onto the freeway and accelerated, I felt and heard a thumping sound but could not distinguish it between the pattern in the freeway or an issue with a tire. I continued to accelerate and the tire blew at about 55 mph. I was pulling a 5th wheel in a construction zone and was not immediately able to safely pull off... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at night, the headlights were significantly dim. The contact stated that the VIN was previously included in Nissan Campaign Number: PC807. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that an appointment could not be scheduled due to the pandemic. The contact stated that upon contacting the dealer later, the dealer i... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
Faulty injectors, engine was shaking, sluggish acceleration, possibly fuel mixed into the oil, check engine light on for cylinder misfires.
Incident date: May 12, 2025
Electrical system is currently failing. I was informed that I need a PDC wiring kit to replace the fuse box and the entire vehicle must be rewired. USB Charging ports DO NOT WORK. Cigarette lighter ports to charge cellular devices do not work. Every time the service department at the dealership fixed a component to repair the radio a fuse was blown in another area of the vehicle in 2024. Currentl... Read more