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: Apr 28, 2025
The power steering failed, turning my steering wheel all the way to the left with excessive force. A safety recall exists for my type of vehicle but my vehicle VIN Number is not included recall, numbered 14S05 For Ford Escape model years 2008 - 2011
Incident date: Feb 2, 2025
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to inform you of a recurring issue I am experiencing with the power steering in my 2022 Model X Plaid. This problem began on [XXX] and has progressively worsened. Initially, the power steering would function normally for approximately 30 minutes of driving. It would work fine when starting in the morning or when the car was cool. However, after driving about ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2025
I was pulling into a parking space and slowly moving forward to get to the front of the space. The car spurted forward about 2 feet with force and crashed into a cement based light standard. There was significant damage to the front end. No injuries. Airbag did not inflate. Vehicle is currently at body shop but no one has looked at the 'black box'. Geico rep and adjuster at the body shop have ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 1, 2001
This morning I heard a "pop" sound from the back of my 2023 Ioniq 5. A short while later a warning message appeared about the cars electrical system. A minute or two later a "Stop Vehicle and check power supply" message appeared. The infotainment screen said "A possible condition has occurred with your vehicle. A full system check is recommended TODAY." This is likely a malfunction of the ICCU. I... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2001
This morning I heard a "pop" sound from the back of my 2023 Ioniq 5. A short while later a warning message appeared about the cars electrical system. A minute or two later a "Stop Vehicle and check power supply" message appeared. The infotainment screen said "A possible condition has occurred with your vehicle. A full system check is recommended TODAY." This is likely a malfunction of the ICCU. I... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2025
I believe this is a safety issue that warrants a recall notice since the seat restraint system may not work correctly due to an electrical connection issue. I get an error message "Front left safety restraint system fault" that comes comes and goes depending on the position of the driver seat - if I raise the seat I get the fault message, if I lower the seat the message goes away. This is clearly ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2025
I have taken it in due to engine mounts 4 different times, transmission replaced and in October 2024 I took it in for issues I was experiencing like I had before my transmission went out. I did not get my truck back until almost Dec 2024 and that was due to there employee backing into the front end of my truck. So after all that my warranty was up Dec 24 2024 and then on April 16th 2025 I was driv... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2023) — ENGINE
Apr 29, 2025
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
I am unknown of what system has failed but the issue is that while the car is in motion, it will completely shut off. All Electrical will disengage and there have been times where a pop up has come on my screen stating that air bags and seat belts are non functioning to get to a service station as soon as possible. It has happened multiple times while driving on a large highway. This is a severe ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
After driving the car for a while, when the car is parked and the car is still ON, the car began displaying - Check Lane Assist warning. From that point, the Smart cruise is not working. The warning displayed for more than 20 days. It happened to me more than 5 times. I reached out to Kia and their engineer is unable to resolve it. The warnings get erased after 20+ days. In the recent visit, Kia e... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
While driving or stopped at a light, car will switch drivings modes to “mud and sand” turning off the vehicle stability control and pre-collision system warning light will illuminate. After pressing desired mode, car will switch back to “mud and sand” at varying intervals resulting in me pressing the desired mode constantly while driving.
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
While driving or stopped at a light, car will switch drivings modes to “mud and sand” turning off the vehicle stability control and pre-collision system warning light will illuminate. After pressing desired mode, car will switch back to “mud and sand” at varying intervals resulting in me pressing the desired mode constantly while driving.
Incident date: Apr 27, 2025
Driving on the highway/freeway, received an error message on dashboard "stop vehicle and check power supply". The car slowed down, max speed around 45 but thankfully my hazard lights still worked and I exited the next exit. I've heard I was lucky as some people with the same problem - the car goes into "limp" mode and slows down to 5mph or stops completely. Very unsafe on a highway for everyone... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2025
I purchased a MagnaFlow aftermarket catalytic converter system for my 2008 GMC Yukon SLT 5.3L through Walmart’s online marketplace, sold by a third-party vendor called OurDealsRock. The product was advertised as “50-state legal” and compatible with vehicles registered in New York State. However, shortly after installation, my check engine light turned on, and diagnostic codes P0420 and P0430... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
The engine went out in the middle of a busy highway road leading to a dangerous situation that I almost lost my life the vehicle was purchased in 2021. There shouldn’t be no reason that the engine should have went out that quickly when maintenance was kept up not only that there was an airbag defected issue, which is a safety hazard as well. It was the most scariest situation ever when the engin... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
TCM needs replaced. Car does not have reverse, stalls and overheating.
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
Remedy for recall A3B - Passenger Airbag Deployment still not available. Seems to be quite delinquent in determining remedy.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
Left our house and as we were driving out of our neighborhood the ABS and Brake lights came on. We looked it up in our book and couldn't find anything concrete to go on. Drove straight to Auto Zone and their test came back most likely Brake booster or master cylinder. While looking it up, we read several stories people had posted saying this was a defect with 2012 - 2015 Toyota Prius' and to write... Read more
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2025) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Apr 28, 2025
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
Code P1098 associated with reduced engine power, forced speed reduction and overheating while on the freeway, limiting power and capping speed @ 55 MPH. Causing dangerous issues on the highway putting drivers in a dangerous position
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown seat belt message was displayed along with an audible chime while the front driver's side seat belt was securely buckled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the front driver's side seat belt buckle, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact rela... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the rocker arm, crankcase, and the overhead valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Camry. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); 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 not experienced ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2025
In June 2023 My 2016 Acura TLX was diagnosed as an issue with the lower rod bearing by my mechanic and confirmed by Fisher Acura to have a lower engine bearing problem. January 2024 the recall was issued for my TLX rod bearing, after I had replaced the engine. I have filed a claim with Honda for the reimbursement cost of replacing my engine but Honda is denying my claim for the reason I did not ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2025
The seat belts on both sides of the rear seats have frayed completely through the belt webbing at the same exact point. Where the belts connects to the retractor I believe is the name of it. Both belts are entirely separated at the point where they pass through the outer wall. If my inspection station didn't notice the problem on the passenger rear they would not have looked at the driver's si... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approxima... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Pull Over Turn Off Vehicle Immediately" was displayed, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, who determined that the engine had seized. The dealer replaced the engine. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number:... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
While driving the freeway at 70 mph, the truck flashed a message to service shifter. Windshield wipers starting going on their own, all messages popped up on dashboard, and the vehicle started gradually slowing down posing a safety issue. Speedometer was going from 0-50 mph back and forth and steering wheel was hard to maneuver. I was able to get off the freeway and into the frontage safely. Howev... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was heavy white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes before the vehicle shut off unintendedly. The contact stated that there was a leak coming from the catalytic converter and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered a blown hea... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE
(2016) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Apr 28, 2025
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was heavy white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes before the vehicle shut off unintendedly. The contact stated that there was a leak coming from the catalytic converter and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered a blown hea... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
While accelerating in response to a green light I made a right hand turn and as I accelerated up to the speed limit of 55 mph I heard and felt a very loud “bang or pop”. I proceeded to pull the car over anticipating a tire blow out or something damaging the rear end of my car and upon a full visual inspection of all tires, undercarriage, under the hood and in the truck and main cabin of the ca... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
At approximate 36700 miles. Upper top molding piece next to the grill, flew off while driving down the highway at 75mph hit my windshield and cracked it. Lucky no one was flowing me. This is the second one that's has broken. The first time was driving in South Dakoda the day after I purchased the truck and one side broke so I was able to stop at a truck stop and duck tape it until I was able to ta... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
Vehicle will not make any sounds. There are no warning sounds, no turn signal sound, no radio sound, absolutely no sound from any speaker in the vehicle. This is about the tenth time it has happened. This lasts until the vehicle is turned off, locked, and left alone for about 10 minutes.
Incident date: Apr 27, 2025
The Evaporative Emissions System (EVAP system), including components such as the charcoal canister, purge valve, and/or fuel tank venting system, appears to be malfunctioning. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. After refueling the vehicle completely, it will stall or shut off unexpectedly while driving, which could cause a collision, particularly in traffic or at highway speeds.... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2025
Transmission failure. The dealer confirmed the issue and was repaired at an independent shop. There are no warning lights and only audible sounds that caused us to have it checked out. This appears to be a more widespread problem as Toyota did issue a TSB for a subset of VINs of this model year.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Driving home engine light came on. Shut off vehicle and restarted dash lights cleared. Drove home was idling rough. Looked under hood when home and noted oil on the block. Was 4 quarts low took immediately to dealership. They said there was excessive blow by and engine failure. Mileage was 69279. Contacted Toyota they refused to correct problem. They asked if extended warranty was offered and purc... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Jeep caught on fire in engine bay while parked in a parking lot. Vehicle was not running at the time. Vehicle had not been running for 20 minutes.
Fire
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
The multimedia screen powers on and off consistently.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
The multimedia screen powers on and off consistently.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
Ford Edge has a major issue with their drive system pertaining primary to the power train/Transmissions/torque converter. Looking at the complaints on google, you will see that Ford is reluctant to address these issues even when they should be covered under warranty or extended warranty. The issue becomes a safety problem when trying to make a left-hand turn in front of oncoming traffic The veh... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2024
Steering wheel is “ sticky “ at highway speeds and causes over correction. Honda is aware of the issue with other year models ( and has issued recalls ). Dealer has diagnosed and quoted $6,000 to repair. This is ridiculous, to rob customers on the repair of an obvious issue. Recall is needed for all models with this same steering system. Serious safety issue !
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) — ENGINE
Apr 26, 2025
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
On Sunday, March 30th, while driving on the highway, the car jerked and a hard vibration was felt before the engine died. The orange engine light flashed two or three times on the instrument panel but that was it. The owners manual states that a flashing orange engine light indicates a misfire. No other lights prior to that moment had illuminated on the instrument panel. The car is a 2017 Accord... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
Electrical system stalling stopping the car it won’t move breaking system
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
Electrical system stalling stopping the car it won’t move breaking system
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
ABS module. Indicater lights on ,tracktion control not on, warning lights to check brakes ABS systems. Ford cannot get parts to repair. Ford dealer cannot repair Leaving no brake assistance
Incident date: Feb 15, 2025
When we were entering a major intersection, car strolled and rolled forward and stopped 3/4 thru the intersection. It would not restart immediately while cars were speeding by on both sides. It finally started. This is the second occurrence we took the car into the KIA dealership. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Nov 5, 2024
Urgent safety complaint for my 2025 Toyota Camry SE. I feel unsafe driving this car, especially with my child, due to extremely premature and unsafe tire wear found at only 17,309 miles. Key Facts: Mileage: 17,309. Problem: Needed immediate replacement of 4 tires due to severe premature wear. Two tires worn to steel belts, risking tire failure. Faulty wheel bearing also diagnosed. Safety: High ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2024
Urgent safety complaint for my 2025 Toyota Camry SE. I feel unsafe driving this car, especially with my child, due to extremely premature and unsafe tire wear found at only 17,309 miles. Key Facts: Mileage: 17,309. Problem: Needed immediate replacement of 4 tires due to severe premature wear. Two tires worn to steel belts, risking tire failure. Faulty wheel bearing also diagnosed. Safety: High ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
we purchased the car in Jan of 24 (lease) - for my 16 year old. wanted a SAFE car that was reliable. We had issues since the start - the interior goes black - nothing inside the car works but it still drives. No blinkers, no back up camera, not heat, no radio, no lights - nothing - it has been in the shop 6 times. Well over 30 days and nothing has fixed the same problem. Jeep has not worked wi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
we purchased the car in Jan of 24 (lease) - for my 16 year old. wanted a SAFE car that was reliable. We had issues since the start - the interior goes black - nothing inside the car works but it still drives. No blinkers, no back up camera, not heat, no radio, no lights - nothing - it has been in the shop 6 times. Well over 30 days and nothing has fixed the same problem. Jeep has not worked wi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently stopped, and the vehicle lost motive power. In addition, the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving uphill, and the vehicle rolled backwards down the hill, into oncoming traffic. In addition, the steering wheel failed to tu... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V635000 (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 not made aware of the issue. The contact h... Read more