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, 2025
ABS system issues: all warning lights come on - abs, traction control, parking brake (the yellow light as well as the red one. Red comes on an flashes then goes off), hill start, ect... Had codes ran that came back with several ABS related codes as well as engine codes leading back to the ABS system. Came up with right rear tone ring needs replaced. This is likely untrue as the lights come on and... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2025
Sometimes the door locks will not lock, an obvious safety issue. I'm certain all the doors are closed and contacts are clean. I'm guessing a flakey relay because it doesn't happen a lot, perhaps 8 times in the past 12 months. I reported it to Honda America but they said the dealer has to verify it and the dealer has been unable to reproduce it.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Rivian R1S. The contact stated received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V085000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). The local dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the parts not being available. The contact stated that occasionally, during colder weather, the h... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2025
My car has lost steering And idk what's wrong with it It's throwing a code on the dash that says steering assist fault code
Incident date: Aug 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate properly. The vehicle was shifted into neutral, and the RPMs revved up. The vehicle failed to move forward and shut off unintendedly. Several hours later, the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was shaking abnormally while driving, with an unknown warning light illuminated. Additio... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
When I first brought the car for its first service appointment (6 months after purchase), I informed the service dept at the dealership that the car seemed to accelerate itself when I was driving. They said they hit a reset button and that I shouldn't have any more problems. What I found was that the car then drove sluggishly but it did not accelerate anymore. Recently however (2.5 years into t... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
When I first brought the car for its first service appointment (6 months after purchase), I informed the service dept at the dealership that the car seemed to accelerate itself when I was driving. They said they hit a reset button and that I shouldn't have any more problems. What I found was that the car then drove sluggishly but it did not accelerate anymore. Recently however (2.5 years into t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2025
Front subframe is rotted out. And TPMS light is on.
Incident date: Aug 2, 2025
Back in June 2025 my car started having an issue with the auto on/off light blinking on the dash and unable to be turned off. While driving and this happens, the car is unable to maintain its sped or accelerate. This has caused safety concerns many times. Dyer Kia first said it was an update, problem still remained. Then they said a deeper update was needed to no avail. The third attempt was a new... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
I noticed that the carpet behind the seat was wet and moldy in the truck so I started looking and noticed the rear window was leaking in two areas. This has obviously been going on for a while as it explains why the kids have been complaining about the smell back there. Since Florida is sub-tropical mold and mildew is a problem and a health issue. I investigated and found hundreds of complaints re... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
The grill of the vehicle is too big. There is nothing to stop the condenser from being damaged. There should be a plate for airflow but also stop the damage being done to the condenser. Shouldn't have to file an insurance claim, pay out of pocket and warranty doesn't cover. Recurring problem something should be done.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2025
With approximately 57,500 miles, the car began idling roughly, misfiring and losing power. The dealership has diagnosed it with a cracked cylinder head which will require a replacement at a cost of $9,765.00. The dealership indicated this is a common issue with the M264 engine (rear wheel driver) in the GLC300 and the M260 engine (the front wheel drive version) has already had a service extens... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2025
I am writing to report a serious tire failure incident involving a Hankook tire that came with my brand-new 2023 Honda HR-V. While driving recently — with approximately 16,500 miles on the vehicle — the rear tire suddenly blew out without any prior warning. Fortunately, I was able to maintain control and safely stop the vehicle without harm to myself or others. There were no signs or alerts f... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2025
The car was in cruise control going 73mph on the freeway. I was passing a semi on the left hand side. When I was parallel to the semi, the car brakes hard and a big "BRAKE" light came on the cluster. There were no cars in front of me and luckily no one behind me. If there was a car behind me there would have been a collision. It was a clear day and again the road was clear. It took me from 70 to a... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
Rear view camera does not always display, either black screen with distorted view lines or complete blue screen. Vehicle is not on current camera recall list
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
The vehicle has been at the dealership multiple times for transmission issues, and the most recent time slammed into park while driving slowly on a side road. It is a known hybrid transmission issue and the dealership just let me know that the manufacturer will not replace the transmission, only rebuild per TSB 21-025-25. I am concerned based on research of others with this issue that the rebuil... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
2016 BMW I8 EME HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY TEMP SENSORS (NTC SENSORS) WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED WHILE DRIVING LOSS POWER AND MY HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY SHUT DOWN AT THE RED LIGHT BUT WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT AGAIN AD MAKE IT HOME
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
2016 BMW I8 EME HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY TEMP SENSORS (NTC SENSORS) WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED WHILE DRIVING LOSS POWER AND MY HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY SHUT DOWN AT THE RED LIGHT BUT WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT AGAIN AD MAKE IT HOME
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
My car started making a grinding noise when making a sharp right hand turn. I took this to a garage and was told the PTU is faulty. I have since found out there was a recall for this on Jeeps manufactured until Feb of 2019. Mine was manufactured in March of 2019 and has the same issue as in the recall. The PTU has been ordered but is on back order. If possible, please look into expanding the dates... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2025
After having the Fuel Pump replaced, it was revealed that there are wires above the fuel tank that have melted and are causing a fuel leak into different elements of the under carriage of the truck. The manufacturer is not willing to honor the recall and replace these parts (even though they are connected to the fuel system) so by their own logic this must be considered a separate issue. It is c... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2025
On June 5, 2025, Kia replaced a recalled part on my vehicle related to the engine — specifically tied to the known piston oil ring defect. Before this recall repair, my vehicle was running smoothly with no issues. Immediately after the recall service was performed, the vehicle began shutting off while I was driving, and I also noticed a strange engine noise. I returned to the Kia dealership, an... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2009 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while parked in a semi-truck parking lot, another driver was reversing where she was blocking, and the contact then attempted to avoid the collision and drive forward. The accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle accelerated excessively, and the brake pedal was then depressed but failed to respond. Upon a second attempt, the ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
The car shut down and a turtle appeared on the screen on the middle of the highway.
KIA
SPORTAGE PHEV
(2024) - STRUCTURE
Aug 6, 2025
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the B-pillar trim on the passenger’s side door started to detach. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2025
So for starters the visibility wipers should have a auto wiper function as in when it detects rain they will automatically come on. Well they do but they also come on at random intervals even when it’s not raining. Secondly the glove box design is horribly engineered and it falls apart by its self. My glove box flew open while driving down the road and caused me to run off the roadway with my ki... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 4, 2025
The first transmission I had in my truck i had. Harsh shifting, Slipping gears, Delayed engagement, Transmission overheating, Loss of power and transmission stuck in higher gear while stopped. They replaced the transmission (at my cost ) now i have over heating issues. There should be a mandatory recall on this transmission, give me my money back and fix the issues for free.
Incident date: Aug 4, 2025
steering sticking vehicle is available for inspection when the steering sticks you have tendency to over correct Honda dealership has confirmed the problem with no warning first started happening occasionally about 2-3 yrs ago, has just become persistent in last 2 months. 2017 cr-v car has 61000 miles all though this model has had some safety issues in the past( NHTSA recall report 18v-663) they r... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
While driving ~40 mph call all of a sudden lost power in middle of busy street, was not able to steer or drive (pedals weren't working to provide power). I pulled off to side and saw check engine light blinking and warning message pop up about Brake system not working. I turned the car off then turned it back on and worked normally and was able to drive home.
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
While driving ~40 mph call all of a sudden lost power in middle of busy street, was not able to steer or drive (pedals weren't working to provide power). I pulled off to side and saw check engine light blinking and warning message pop up about Brake system not working. I turned the car off then turned it back on and worked normally and was able to drive home.
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
The Power Transfer Unit and Transfer Case Assembly failed, it is currently available for inspection. The vehicle experienced unexpected loss of motive power at highway speed, additionally there was a noticeable front-end vibration and resulting dangerous change in drive quality. Finally, there was a loss of park function. The vehicle problem was confirmed at the dealer and is currently waiting a c... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
Consistent electrical issues manifested with infotainment system losing connectivity including FM radio, Bluetooth, etc during hot days only. Thia implies increase risk of fire due ti electrical system overheat. It appears many complaints have been made related to the electrical system on Honda pilot year 2019.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2025
Got an appointment with Honolulu Ford, Hawaii to check the recall for oil pump and belt they saint we don`t have the part, keep driving till engine blow up then we might replace it I`m a dealer sold the car for customer to use it fot Turo, need to clear the recall If the car blow up or burn, soo dangerous and no repair or part available
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Maserati Levante. The contact stated that after parking and occupying the vehicle at her residence inside her garage, the contact noticed smoke and a ball of fire coming from the cup holder console. The contact called 911. The contact stated she did not sustain any injuries. No medical attention was required. The contact stated that a fire report was filed, and the fire dep... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 20, 2025
My main issue that has caused major concern is while I was driving down the road.The steering all of a sudden jerked and I was almost in an accident. I immediately took it down to my mechanic and he stated that the control arm of the vehicle was bad. I did replace all four tires and got an alignment prior to this happening. Now,this was the most serious incident. I purchased this vehicle in 2022.... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2025
My main issue that has caused major concern is while I was driving down the road.The steering all of a sudden jerked and I was almost in an accident. I immediately took it down to my mechanic and he stated that the control arm of the vehicle was bad. I did replace all four tires and got an alignment prior to this happening. Now,this was the most serious incident. I purchased this vehicle in 2022.... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2025
My main issue that has caused major concern is while I was driving down the road.The steering all of a sudden jerked and I was almost in an accident. I immediately took it down to my mechanic and he stated that the control arm of the vehicle was bad. I did replace all four tires and got an alignment prior to this happening. Now,this was the most serious incident. I purchased this vehicle in 2022.... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2019
My traction control light is on along with my abs sensor light and another light indication red figure with like a stop sign only when someone in passenger seat as well as a exhaust issue my vehicle sounds loud driving out of no where
Incident date: Jul 19, 2025
Was driving on the freeway, with no cars in front of me when my sunroof exploded outward. There was no debris that hit my car, just a loud explosion. I was driving with my wife, 4 kids and mother, all of whom can attest to the lack of debris coming from the road.
Incident date: Jul 19, 2025
Travel Assist is disabled which includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist. The warning lights flash on and off, sometimes multiple times a second, sounding a loud beeping each time. It is triggered at engine start and persists through all speeds. I have experienced it 0-70 mph. The flashing lights and associated rapid beeping indicating the failure is extremely distracting while drivin... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
While driving home in the evening I drove through a swarm of insects. I pushed the button to spray washer fluid and engage the wipers to clear the windshield. No fluid came out and the windshield became smeared there by obscuring visibility. I thought that odd as I always top off windshield washer fluid on all my vehicles as part of routine maintenance. When I arrived home I put approximately 1 ga... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
The contact owns an AGV Tourmodular Helmet. The contact received recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 25E031000(Equipment). The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact submitted all the required information for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer confirmed the recall information; however, the contact had not received the return box and label. The contact stated that the manufa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
Have had 4Runner less than a month and brakes make a horrible load sound when pressing. The noise is worse when reversing. Have gone to toyota twice and said there is nothing that can be done. That they dont know what materia are the breaks done that are causing this. It is extremely dangerous as excessive noise indicates a problem and they dont fix. Pelase help brand new car cant be doing this.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
I wanted to bring to your attention an ongoing issue with the backup camera functionality. Despite updating the car software to version 3.6.4 as per the last recall, the backup camera still frequently shows "camera unavailable" when placing the vehicle into reverse. It seems that the problem remains unresolved even after following the recommended update per the recall.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH and approaching a stop, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. There was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine, and the brakes squeaked while turning. While refueling the vehicle, there was fuel leaking from the vehicle. The... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
Transmission Control Module failed and i had that replaced. Now the clutch pack failed and had that replaced. Now it says transmission hot and to pull over. All of this has been recalled on 2012 to 2016 but for some reason my car is not and its the same powershift transmission. Im over 4000 dollars into these repairs and still having problems.
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
My transmission started failing 4 years after I bout it. And now it’s worse than ever
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
My transmission started failing 4 years after I bout it. And now it’s worse than ever
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
While driving there was a loud "boom" noise and the panoramic sunroof rear glass panel exploded. I was not driving under any overpasses, and no objects were kicked up on the roadway in front of me. Pieces of shattered glass fell down onto my two small children in the backseat who thankfully were not cut by the glass. Center section of the glass was blown out, and the surrounding glass was pushe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received a Carfax notification that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000(Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The dealer was not 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 i... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2025
The front lane assist camera has failed internally and now the lane assist, forward collision and adaptive cruise control no longer work. This has been a known issue and has happened to other Acura MDXs. The warning lights are now coming on saying the vehicle had a brake system error. It also states that all systems related to this camera are inoperable.