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 7, 2023
Cruise control stopped working while driving interstate speed. Would not work and all lights on dashboard came on . Proceeded to Nearest dealership and was informed that I needed a brake switch. Did not fix the problem. Have been informed that I need a wiring harness! About to spend a total of 400.00
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that occasionally while shifting to park(P), the vehicle failed to recognize that that the transmission was in park(P). During the failure the contact was unable to turn off the vehicle. The contact stated that the "Shift to Park" message was displayed; however, there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local d... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Acura TLX. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the dealer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); 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 stated ... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power with an abnormal ratting sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle into a parking lot and then had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact later towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that the transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and it was determined that the ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2025
Engine was overheating due to a defective head gasket. “The head gasket provides a seal that keeps that pressure contained within the engine’s cylinder. The head gasket also provides a seal for internal engine water and oil passages“ (Honda). I have found hundreds of others with similar defects for the Honda 2017-2018 1.5L engines. I had no warning until the engine was too hot and the car al... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2025
Paint on the hood peeling significantly. No signs of chips or scratches near the peeling site. Paint is expected to last 10 to 15 years under normal driving conditions and mine has lasted only 7. Color is white. There is a current class action suit against nissan for paint issues, and I want my voice heard too.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
Hello: My 2018 Pacifica hybrid was just recalled, and serviced, yet the hybrid battery only last a few miles before needing to be recharged. Also, when in reverse the back up camera doesn’t always come on and doesn’t beep when approaching an obstacle. It will also stay on while driving forward.
Incident date: May 5, 2025
Part DG9Z13A018E (Ambient Light Sensor) fails to properly read Daylight during warm months. Inverted value (reading of VERY DARK) persists for at least 10 minutes. Appears to be temperature dependent; meaning, the temperature of the sensor/dash/housing is very hot and skewing the reading. Instrument panel dim. 12" screen dim. Reverse image (parking assist) dim as 12" screen is dim. When occurs, ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
The brake booster pump assembly has been failed.everytime I tried to stop the. vehicle the brake pedal will go to the floor and it will take longer to stop the car. IT has been inspected by my mechanic and conformed the problem
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
Fast burning oil White smoke Regular oil changes 3000k After 2k oil is extremely low 88k miles Sludge oil after 2 oil changes
Incident date: May 5, 2025
April 2023 experienced loss of power and eventually would not start at all. (8k miles) Was at the dealer for just over 3 months and had motor replaced. April 2025 valve body on the transmission went out and was at the dealer a week and a half. (15K miles) Currently experiencing loss of tailgate function and an error message on the screen saying "caution reduced speed". (17,400 miles)
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
The automatic rear braking system on my 2024 Acura ZDX engages unexpectedly and without cause. It happens regularly when reversing, even though there are no obstacles, people, or vehicles behind the car. The sudden braking is jarring and creates a real safety concern, especially in traffic or tight spaces. I took the vehicle to my local Acura dealership, but they had no information or guidance on... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
ABS Control Module Fault, due to this the electronic breaking, traction control, cruise control and Anti-Lock Brake system is in fault. with this fault there is a possibility for the braking system to fully fail when operation the vehicle, along with a higher chance to lose control if a need for the traction control comes up. The vehicle has been looked at and was informed that the only part that ... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2025
Our trac abs and brake lights came on and braking became more difficult but not totally gone. I took it to my mechanic (not Toyota dealer) and he said the codes were going off for the abs hydraulic system and it would be $3000 to fix! This is unacceptable. I feel like my safety is affected but no one else has been hurt YET. I’m trying to be proactive. they first appeared last month. No manufactu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
The contact's husband owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at highway speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted and the instrument panel went blank. The contact's husband restarted the vehicle and resumed normal operation; however, the failure returned the next day. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was acknowledged that the vehicle had ex... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln Continental. The contact stated that upon gently closing the driver's side door, the door cinch system failed to activate as expected. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the door latch pawl motor. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2025
While proceeding across the southbound two lanes of a divided 4 lane street the vehicle inexplicably braked violently to a complete stop. When stopped the vehicle was across the two lanes of the road (as I was headed for a divided left turn lane). The was traffic on the road that had to stop for my vehicle. It took a couple of seconds for the car to release the brakes and allow me to continue acro... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds and while parked, the contact observed a gasoline odor in the cabin of the vehicle and outside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuel injector and fuel rails needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manuf... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
Intermittent ignition switch failure. Presents as little to no power. Vehicle will not crank over. Minimal lights come on dash board, no digital readout, dim lights inside vehicle. Eventually car starts with no problem after several tries. I have excluded battery, alternator, grounding issues, wiring issues, fuses. This is similar to a recall issued for other Nissan Sentras made in the same year.
Incident date: Jan 26, 2025
Monday 4/28, as i was driving at approx. 35-38 mph the vehicle came to an abrupt and hard stop, like someone just pounded on the brakes, the engine ceased running. A large red wrench looking icon and something about the battery flashed very quickly on the screen. After a matter of time (please note this was very frightening,, and am unsure of the elapsed time) the car restarted and I continued ver... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2025
Engine slowing down during acceleration, transmission not changing gears, and jittery driving during 40-55 MPH
Incident date: Jan 14, 2022
I am currently making very expensive car payments for this car and was not informed this car was on recall. I pay 375 every other week. And I have been having electricitial issues. I was seeing about some short of reimbursement.
Incident date: Jan 14, 2022
2020 Audi A4 went in for service on 2/27. After servicing, car's electrical MMI system started rebooting randomly while driving. When this random reboot occurs, the backup camera, parking collision warning no longer function. On some trips, this occurs as often as 5-6 times while others occur just once. The problem is increasing in frequency. I took it back to the dealer on 4/16 where the only... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2022
2020 Audi A4 went in for service on 2/27. After servicing, car's electrical MMI system started rebooting randomly while driving. When this random reboot occurs, the backup camera, parking collision warning no longer function. On some trips, this occurs as often as 5-6 times while others occur just once. The problem is increasing in frequency. I took it back to the dealer on 4/16 where the only... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
Water constantly leak from ceiling light in vehicle. Sunroof seal either need replaced. Leaking roof pose a serious risk of meeting in accident for it tamper with vision and electrical components. Passenger side rear door also making unseen sound
Incident date: May 2, 2025
The driver side sun visor became very difficult to operate and when trying to place in back in the stored / upright position it will not go into place and hangs down 2-4" that can cause visibility problems especially for taller drivers. This is a very common defect on several Honda vehicles as seen on Honda Forums or a Google search of Honda Sunvisor problem.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2025
Coolant intrusion that Ford knows happens with these cars even with maintenance now they want me to pay 10k to get a new Engine with an updated part.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2025
Apparently, GMC began using soy-based wire coatings approximately 10 years ago. The wiring harness on my vehicle has literally been eaten and destroyed by squirrels causing the entire electrical system to be compromised. Safety features have been especially affected including but not limited to air bags, windows being inoperable, door locks being stuck open or closed without a physical key, stabi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2025
My Jeep's steering is excessively loose. There is a good amount of dead space in the steering wheel that the vehicle does not respond. The vehicle wonders left to right constantly and have to continue to correct for it's action. It becomes more of a safety hazard when there is a slight wind or passing or being passed by a larger vehicle like a truck for instance. The vehicle also shifts let and ri... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2025
Because of well known water intrusion into the cabin from the firewall, over time the seat risers rust away, and then the compromised metal breaks, at which point the front of the seat is no longer bolted into the floor board. The seat swings backward uncommanded, and may is likely to startle driver, and cause crash. While the seat is swung backward, the driver has NO CONTROL OVER HIS POSITION IN ... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
purchased a 2014 toyota tundra on Facebook Marketplace from an individual on 4/27/2025 The seller represented the mileage as 88,461 miles, but after reviewing the vehicle history through Carfax/AutoCheck, I discovered that the actual mileage is significantly higher. The odometer appears to have been rolled back. I have filed a police report regarding this fraud and am submitting this complaint to... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2025
Water Found in Rear Interior of Cab, Water Leak at Rear Sliding Window. I noticed water spots on the left and right sides of the headliner. I took it to a dealer (Malloy Chevy winchester Va), and the said it was a TSB put out on this problem and they would file a claim. The truck has 48000 miles and the bumper to bumper company denied the claim. Have the TSB didn't matter to them. Can you assi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2025
The window on the drivers, passenger side. Yes it could be inspected. Fingers caught in the area where the window goes into the door at the bottom, 2 and a half year old child in car seat next to window. This is the first time it happened. she does not ride in the car often. I have not contacted the dealership Yet. No others have been contacted yet. The window went down and the child was screaming... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
I originally purchased this car in June of 2022. Less than a week after I purchased it, the issues started. My check engine light came on and my vehicle revved high, but did not accelerate. When it did this, it made a mechanical humming/grinding noise. It did this for a few short trips, then the issue seemingly resolved itself...the check engine light never turned off. I got the following codes fr... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
When making a left or right turn in this vehicle, there is a distinct knocking or clicking sound coming from under the drivers foot area. Dealer reviewed CV axel and suspension and says everything looks fine. However, I have driven enough cars to know that a persistent knocking sound while turning is not normal. This appears to be an issue with multiple 2024 Grand Highlander owners.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
2013 Toyota sienna van sliding doors. Driver sliding door opened on its own while driving down the road. Passenger side door will not open from the inside. This is a danger to my daughter who sits in the backseat if the door opens while I’m driving down the highway. Or she can’t get out because it will not open
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
I took my vehicle into the GMC dealer near my home in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin (Napleton) on April 30, 2025 to have the L87 engine recall addressed. I had a video with sound where a loud clacking noise could be clearly heard, coming from the passenger side of the engine. The service attendant and the mechanic assigned to my vehicle listened to it and both agreed that the sound was not normal, or good... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid. The contact stated that while parking at her work parking lot, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to stop the vehicle. The vehicle then violently accelerated independently and crashed into two parked vehicles. One of the parked vehicles spun around from the impact, the contact's vehicle continued to accelerate independently, and drove over a median ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Driving on slightly uphill 55 mph highway, vehicle started jumping & losing engine power. Engine light came on, I made it to the top as it was slowing down. Pulled off to the side. Put it in park for a minute. Message showing on dash read - acceleration power reduced. Drove it on home (engine light stayed on) parked it & had it towed to dealership the next morning. Got a call from dealership the s... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
Just like the 2018 Accord in Still Night Pearl (addressed in TSB 21-087), the paint has peeled and failed on the roof line by the rear glass. Called Honda, they don't care to address ANY vehicles with this KNOWN paint defect any longer. Now we have to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket to get it resolved or the steel will start to rust. Will NEVER purchase a Honda ever again.
Incident date: Apr 25, 2025
Under Engine Cover came loose and fall during highway driving. It tuned out that 5 bolts that suppose to secure that cover were missing (per repair shop) . Fallen cover broke on few pieces and those pieces could impact breaking and vehicle instability causing incident with injuries and fatalities.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
Issue Description: On multiple occasions during travel, cargo doors and the main entry door have opened while the vehicle is in motion. We have been fortunate to notice the doors flying open, allowing us to quickly stop before losing any cargo. Cargo Risk: These compartments carry cargo. When the door flies open, there is a significant risk of cargo flying out of the vehicle. This creates a haza... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
Issue Description: On multiple occasions during travel, cargo doors and the main entry door have opened while the vehicle is in motion. We have been fortunate to notice the doors flying open, allowing us to quickly stop before losing any cargo. Cargo Risk: These compartments carry cargo. When the door flies open, there is a significant risk of cargo flying out of the vehicle. This creates a haza... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The automatic braking system will alert/engage when going down hills, despite there being no traffic in the road. The blindsplot warning will also alert when there is no traffic.
Incident date: May 2, 2025
Honda’s Auto Idle Stop (AIS) system fails to restart the engine from a complete stop at traffic lights, road intersection or when stopped in traffic when the Auto Start/Stop function is engaged. This has required the driver to shift the transmission to park to allow the engine to restart, once this did not work requiring a jump start in the middle of a busy intersection. Honda service has stated... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. The contact stated that the check engine and battery warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and turned off, and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechani,c where it was diagnosed that there was a hole... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the ABS, traction control, and check engine warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the instrument cluster had gone black. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had been a reoccurring failure for several months. The contact had taken the vehicle to a loca... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
I believe my cars GPS system is having issues where it thinks I’m on the wrong side of the road and proceeds to reducing my speed so I can no longer accelerate. I receive the do not enter traffic sign on my dash.