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: Jul 24, 2026
The horn stopped working.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
The HVAC airflow-direction system failed and no longer correctly controls where the air is directed. Even when the windshield defrost setting is not selected, the system continuously sends airflow toward the windshield. This unwanted airflow causes condensation and fogging on the windshield that cannot be turned off or redirected, impairing the driver's visibility and creating a significant safety... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2026
I am filing a safety complaint against Scott Stark’s South Point Hyundai for selling me a vehicle with an active open safety recall, a blown transmission, an A/C failure, and a dry-rotted tire. Before returning the car for service under a promised 1,000-mile warranty, my sister, who has worked for Corporate Hyundai for 15 years, helped me conduct a full intake baseline inspection at her dealersh... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
Currently have a airbag light on my dash that only goes away for a minute when i hit a bump as well as the passenger seat not detecting there is someone there so their airbag light says its off, no one will help when you call suzuki but they want to keep sending things like fuel tank may crack and occupant classification system or about the airbags, me and my passenger or just me are at risk of de... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
Currently have a airbag light on my dash that only goes away for a minute when i hit a bump as well as the passenger seat not detecting there is someone there so their airbag light says its off, no one will help when you call suzuki but they want to keep sending things like fuel tank may crack and occupant classification system or about the airbags, me and my passenger or just me are at risk of de... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
Currently have a airbag light on my dash that only goes away for a minute when i hit a bump as well as the passenger seat not detecting there is someone there so their airbag light says its off, no one will help when you call suzuki but they want to keep sending things like fuel tank may crack and occupant classification system or about the airbags, me and my passenger or just me are at risk of de... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
This issue occurred on August 02, 2026 at around 3pm. I was parked and put my 2023 Tesla Model Y in reverse to give myself enough room to drive forward from being parked on road next to my house. While going into reverse, I heard a really loud bang noise coming from under the front section of the car. I put the car in park and got out to take a look around. At first I thought I had hit something w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was losing traction and was shifting very rough while in hybrid mode. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V741000 (Electrical System); and the vehicle was repaired in February; however, the repair failed to prevent the failure. The contact stated that wh... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
In October 2025, FCA issued Recall A0C for the shift cable on my daughter’s 2014 Dodge Dart. Beginning shortly after the recall was announced, we contacted multiple Dodge dealerships on several occasions to have the recall repair performed. Every dealership gave us the same response: the replacement part was unavailable, and we would be contacted when it arrived. We were never contacted, and the... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia . The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V586000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that parts to do the recall repair were unavailable. Additionally, the contact was informed that a limit of ten parts could be ordered at a time as per the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted. The ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
Noise came from front left wheel while driving around a turn. Later the same day another noise when turning the wheel when leaving a parking spot. Steering felt strange. It was late at night, so left the vehicle until the morning. In the morning, discovered a large bolt in front of the vehicle. The front left wheel was turned differently than the right front wheel. Had to spend almost $400 t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2026
Incident Description: The vehicle entered an Auto Idle Stop event at a traffic light and stalled completely instead of restarting when the brake pedal was released. The red battery warning light illuminated, and the vehicle had to be shifted into Park and the ignition key cycled multiple times to eventually achieve a slow, sluggish crank and engine restart in active traffic. Another vehicle was al... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after the dealer performed an unknown recall repair on the front driver’s side door, the failure occurred. The contact stated that the front driver’s side window intermittently failed to roll up or roll down and made a squeaking sound while operating. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the front dr... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
The overhead console by the rear view mirror suddenly detached - only hanging by cords. It will not go back on. Duct tape will not even hold it. It is a safety hazard to drive it, and it impairs visibility. The dealership I took it to says this is a problem with 2020 tiguans, but I will have to pay for the repair.
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
The overhead console by the rear view mirror suddenly detached - only hanging by cords. It will not go back on. Duct tape will not even hold it. It is a safety hazard to drive it, and it impairs visibility. The dealership I took it to says this is a problem with 2020 tiguans, but I will have to pay for the repair.
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
I was merging onto the highway and when I attempted to accelerate, the engine warning light began to flash and the car could not accelerate. The engine began to make a rattling noise. I called the dealer and they asked if I could make it there (it was about 25 miles away). I said I would try. As I got about 10 miles away the noise grew louder and the oil light came on. I immediately pulled over. T... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
The main vertical display which shows rear view camera when car is in reverse is extremely slow. My rear view camera at times doesn’t show up until 15-20 seconds of putting the car in reverse and sometimes, the camera doesn’t even come up. This happens frequently on a weekly basis. I think the unit needs to be replaced for the camera and the entire car to be responsive. Now to answer your ques... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2026
Vehicle was exhibiting erratic indications in all safety systems. Was checked out by dealer told all was OK. Two weeks later vehicle indicated warnings in various safety system, instrument cluster went dark, speedometer and tach were inop, blinkers did not work. Car taken to dealer again where it was determined that water incursion into passenger side foot well as the result of clogged sunroof dr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2026
Its a sensor that marks the wrong temperature n the truck
Incident date: Jul 31, 2026
My car No Restart After Auto Start/Stop Engages I stopped at a stop sign between [XXX], and my vehicle wouldn't start again; the lights started flickering. I had to get my family out of the vehicle, and then I tried to start it using the ignition button; it finally started after several attempts. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2026) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 2, 2026
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
While at a stop light, the vehicle had automatic start/stop on and failed to restart when the gas pedal was applied. The car went into park but still seemed like it was on, even though it was not. I had to remain calm, put on my hazards, and attempt a couple of times to reboot the vehicle. This has happened at least three times since I purchased my 2025 Acura MDX in November 2025.
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2026) - STEERING
Aug 2, 2026
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
As I was driving, the steering wheel just jerk and the anti-slide feature came on and swerved me into another lane without me wanting to do so
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2026) - POWER TRAIN
Aug 2, 2026
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
While driving at normal and safe highway speeds, without warning (no audible or visual warning from the vehicle information display) my vehicle experienced engine lockout, loss of all non-electric power, and no control over vehicle speed. A few seconds after loss, the information display did show a "check engine light" and that the engine was in "lockout." We (my spouse, young child, and self) w... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
The vehicle has experienced three separate incidents involving a sudden, unexpected loss of motive power at speed accompanied by a warning message ("Please pull off the road safely, vehicle will shut off soon") and a turtle icon ("Red Turtle of Death") on the instrument cluster. Two of these incidents occurred on major highways at speeds exceeding 60 mph. Incident History: February 2026 (Heavy Me... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
The vehicle has experienced three separate incidents involving a sudden, unexpected loss of motive power at speed accompanied by a warning message ("Please pull off the road safely, vehicle will shut off soon") and a turtle icon ("Red Turtle of Death") on the instrument cluster. Two of these incidents occurred on major highways at speeds exceeding 60 mph. Incident History: February 2026 (Heavy Me... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2026
Engine failure while driving on the highway. Jeep dealership confirmed failure due to a cylinder 4 misfire. Spark plug in cylinder 4 porcelain came out of the plug and resulted in damaging the pistons and valves. My family's safety was put at risk because we were driving on a highway and suddenly the engine stopped working. Could not accelerate or keep the engine running. Issue confirmed by the... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2026
I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2021 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission suddenly has lost propulsion and RPMs flare while driving steadily uphill. This occurred while merging onto a fast moving highway and while traveling at a steady speed going uphill, creating a potentially dangerous situ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
On July 31, 2026, at approximately 12:55 PM, my 2026 Tesla Model Y experienced a severe safety defect while operating in Full Self-Driving (Supervised) mode. The vehicle completely failed to detect, slow down for, or stop at a clearly visible and unobstructed stop sign at an intersection. The vehicle attempted to proceed through the intersection without yielding. I was fully attentive with my hand... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
On July 31, 2026, at approximately 12:55 PM, my 2026 Tesla Model Y experienced a severe safety defect while operating in Full Self-Driving (Supervised) mode. The vehicle completely failed to detect, slow down for, or stop at a clearly visible and unobstructed stop sign at an intersection. The vehicle attempted to proceed through the intersection without yielding. I was fully attentive with my hand... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
Everything normal when parked in store parking lot. When vehicle was started to leave I noticed the vehicle had no sounds ... no radio sound from any source at any volume setting, no turn signal clicks, no parking proximity beeps, no navigation voice guidance, no sounds at all. All dashboard/visual displays were normal. Parked vehicle in garage when I got home and the next morning the battery was ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
Engine sudden loss of propulsion while driving on interstate w/out warning. Pulled to side and check engine light and hot oil warning came on prior to engine dying. Had to call tow and dealer says engine needs to be replaced but they won’t ship vehicle back after repair and it’s 4 hours from my house, that I need to pick it up
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
Saw smoke coming from an under the hood, pulled over opened hood and there were flames all across the top of the engine. Immediately evacuated the vehicle within seconds the vehicle was engulfed in flames and exploded several times. Total loss.
Fire
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
The power sliding door on my Kia Carnival has repeatedly failed to reopen when an occupant was caught in the doorway. On multiple occasions, my young child has become trapped by the sliding door after it began closing. Instead of consistently detecting the obstruction and reversing as expected, the door continued to close and pinned my child until an adult intervened. This creates a serious safet... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2026
On my 2023 GMC Yukon, XL the infotainment screen freezes and you have no access to any vehicle information, including rearview camera. This issue appeared three months after I purchased a vehicle in 2023 and was taken to the dealership confirmed the issue, but said the resolution was to do a hard reset on the infotainment center. After driving the car for three years and taking the advice of the d... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2025
When trying making a sudden stop at a red light the or to stop the van it will not stop it keeps going
Incident date: Jun 15, 2026
I was driving down the road alte at night on a completely empty road. All of a sudden I heard what sounded like a gun shot hitting glass. I looked in my rearview mirror and noticed my rear windshield was completely shattered. There was no rhyme or reason for it to happen. Just out of nowhere.
Incident date: Jun 15, 2026
On 7/16/2026 exactly 1 week after i purchase the vehicle after fueling i drove about 1 mile when the car started to misfire, when attempting to accelerate. Check engine light flashes a few times and then went off. I then attempted to reverse into my driveway and when attempting to do so the vehicle shut off completely. But started right back up. I then called the dealership and was asked to bring ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2026
On 7/16/2026 exactly 1 week after i purchase the vehicle after fueling i drove about 1 mile when the car started to misfire, when attempting to accelerate. Check engine light flashes a few times and then went off. I then attempted to reverse into my driveway and when attempting to do so the vehicle shut off completely. But started right back up. I then called the dealership and was asked to bring ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
The vehicle exhibits an intense, overpowering raw gasoline smell inside the passenger cabin, specifically originating from beneath the rear seat area. When the climate control/AC fan is turned on, raw fuel vapors are siphoned directly out of the dashboard air vents into the faces of the occupants, causing headaches and dizziness.Two independent mechanics have pressure-tested the fuel lines and con... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
My 2017 Audi Q7 with the 3.0T engine has experienced repeated engine/ignition system failures. The vehicle displays a "System Malfunction" warning light accompanied by shaking and stalling. This same malfunction has occurred at least 3 separate times over the past few years. Each time, a repair shop diagnosed and replaced faulty ignition coils, and the vehicle ran normally for a period of time bef... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
My 2017 Audi Q7 with the 3.0T engine has experienced repeated engine/ignition system failures. The vehicle displays a "System Malfunction" warning light accompanied by shaking and stalling. This same malfunction has occurred at least 3 separate times over the past few years. Each time, a repair shop diagnosed and replaced faulty ignition coils, and the vehicle ran normally for a period of time bef... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
My 2017 Audi Q7 with the 3.0T engine has experienced repeated engine/ignition system failures. The vehicle displays a "System Malfunction" warning light accompanied by shaking and stalling. This same malfunction has occurred at least 3 separate times over the past few years. Each time, a repair shop diagnosed and replaced faulty ignition coils, and the vehicle ran normally for a period of time bef... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
2023 Cadillac Escalade, 6.2L V8 (RPO L87). Subject of Recall 25V-274 and NHTSA investigation RQ26-001. Over the past year, this vehicle has been out of the shop only about 90 days total. The rest of the year it has been in dealer service at GM/Cadillac dealerships for a recurring, undiagnosed loss-of-power defect. It is currently in dealer service. FAILURE: The vehicle has suddenly lost all moti... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
2023 Cadillac Escalade, 6.2L V8 (RPO L87). Subject of Recall 25V-274 and NHTSA investigation RQ26-001. Over the past year, this vehicle has been out of the shop only about 90 days total. The rest of the year it has been in dealer service at GM/Cadillac dealerships for a recurring, undiagnosed loss-of-power defect. It is currently in dealer service. FAILURE: The vehicle has suddenly lost all moti... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2026
The Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software on my 2026 Tesla Model Y repeatedly performs unsafe driving maneuvers requiring manual takeover to avoid collisions. Documented incidents with timestamps since June 3, 2026 include: selecting the incorrect lane and then attempting a route correction against a red light; activating the left turn signal while executing a right turn; attempting to enter a f... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
Jul 31, 2026
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there were exhaust fumes inside the vehicle, causing the contact headaches and nausea, and the two grandkids were complaining about headaches as well. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined to have a catalytic converter failure, which was repaired, but the fumes persisted. ... Read more
3 injured
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Jul 31, 2026
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
The truck was being towed behind a motor home, while making a normal left turn from a complete stop the truck began swing wildly from side to side (death wobble). After stopping I found a dash warning "Steering Assist Fault, Service Required" and "Drive Mode Not Available". At that time the truck steering was very difficult to turn, the truck was not drivable. This is the second time this has happ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Rogue. While washing the vehicle, the contact became aware that the rear control arms were extremely rusted. The contact stated that the control arm on the driver’s side was completely rusted and was separated from the weld. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the control arm needed to be replaced. The contact believed that ... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2024) - POWER TRAIN
Jul 31, 2026
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
The vehicle changed it's drive mode on it's own without user interaction. The event happened while driving at 70MPH on the Interstate. Vehicle changed to the Baja drive mode by itself which also tries to change from 2H to 4H at speed. I was able to quickly move drive selector back to Normal drive mode before the 4H change occurred, but it also tried to change to the Rock Crawl mode which woul... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2023
Engine died while driving at higher speed on interstate. Barely able to pull to emergency lane before truck stopped. No warning of any issues with it. Had towed to dealership. Dealership confirmed 6.2 engine was faulty. Engine replaced under warranty. Truck only had 1207 miles on it when engine died.