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: Feb 1, 2025
ECM Failure with fuel rail/system pressure code. Safety issue due to no prior issue and all of a sudden engine stalling in the middle of a busy intersection and taking 10 mins to get started and shift gears to get out of the way of oncoming traffic with all dashboard lights illuminated to include check engine light, trailer stability assist problem light, hill assist problem light, LKAS light, and... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
The abs system and brake lights started showing on my dash and when I put my foot on the brake it makes a noise and the car shakes hard to brake when to the mechanic they said is the abnormal leak acc pressure code c1319
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
Motor started knocking yesterday 4/8/25 which was immediately followed by multiple dash sensors for oil and battery. As I pulled over to get assistance at a Jiffy Lube, the car stalled and wasn’t drivable but they also confirmed that the car should not be driven for risk of blowing the engine. Will be taking my vehicle in for an evaluation as soon as I am able to get it towed for further inspect... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
Vehicle Info: Make: Tesla Model: Model 3 Year: 2021 Incident Date: April 7, 2025 Mileage: 49,000 miles Component: Electrical System / Software / Powertrain While driving on a public road, my Tesla Model 3 experienced a total system lag and shut down unexpectedly. The screen and vehicle controls froze, and the vehicle became unresponsive, leaving me stranded in the middle of the road. Tesla... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the low oil pressure warning light and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that messages indicating Emissions, Lane Assist failures, and other unknown messages were displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
Formal Complaint Summary (VIN: [XXX] ) I am submitting this formal complaint concerning a 2023 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition Limited (VIN: [XXX] ), which continues to experience brake-related safety defects despite recall repairs and repeated service attempts during the warranty period. Subaru of America issued Service Bulletin 06-92-24 in July 2024, which extended warranty coverage and acknowledge... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2025
I was pulling into a friend’s driveway. I had my foot on the brake was barely creeping forward. Without any yellow warning, the car slammed on the brakes for me. It hit the brakes so hard, I had smoke coming out of my front, middle vents and when I got out of the car, it smelled very bad and I had smoke coming from my brakes. There was nothing in front of me. The same incident also happened to m... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
The contact owned a 2023 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at 17 MPH at night, he failed to see a trailer ahead on the road and rear-ended the trailer. The air bag warning light was illuminated before the collision. The contact stated that the trailer’s brake lights were not illuminated. The Forward Collision Avoidance feature failed to alert the driver that there was a ve... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 11, 2025
Shortly after purchase (8/2/23) I began noticing a persistent engine rattle between regular oil changes. This escalated to stalling issues, including on the highway and at intersections and around sharp curves. I brought the car in for service multiple times, and although a part was replaced, the symptoms soon returned. On one occasion, the vehicle stalled while being driven by your service adviso... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2025
My car started to not charge for more than 10mn at a time. It also showed an error message about the electrical system. I have dropped off my car at the dealership on march 3rd. No information since
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
My car started having the knocking sound from the engine on 3/26/25. Took it to the dealer on 3/27 for diagnosis and was told that the engine rod block needs replacement and it is not covered under warranty. They quoted $10700 for a new engine with 1 year/12000 warranty. Then, I contacted Honda corporate and after a week of their investigation was told that my car is not under warranty, hence they... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission independently downshifted. In addition, the contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated, and the speed odometer failed to function as intended. The contact dr... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
After taking my 2017 Honda Ridgeline to First Honda in Simi Valley, CA for its 100,000-mile maintenance, including a brake service and an oil change, I experienced a major engine failure just two days later. I let my son drive the vehicle from Simi Valley to the East Bay area for college. The next day, the vehicle broke down and had to be towed to Hayward Honda. At Hayward Honda, they informed m... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
I have had the rear axle bolts break 2 times now. ford has had 2 years to come up with a fix and they have not as of today. the recall was issued over 2 years ago and the temporary fix is all they have come up with. dealers are not wanting to take the trucks in trade, I have had to spend time and money for the temporary fix. Ford has had more than enough time to come up with a permanent fix and th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
my grandfather has own he renegade since it came out in 2017. it has had nothing but issues most of which as his granddaughter i had fixed. but the last at least year I've had his vehicle illuminate a check engine light. Especially in very wet weather, cold or hot weather. If it's a normal 65-degree days for a few days, it will go off. it's a very intermittent light. that you have to catch. Taken... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2025
Driving down the road, my sunroof exploded. Sun shade was pulled so no injury. Dealer would not diagnose other than saying glass just doesn’t explode so must have been hit by something. I don’t believe that is the case. Easily as likely a manufacturer defect from the factory. I have had the truck for less than a year with 11000 miles
Incident date: Jan 27, 2025
When driving in direct sunlight the dashboard glare is dangerous and prevents full visibility out of the windshield.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
My Chevy Volt went into Reduced Propulsion System Power Mode, the Engine light came on and the vehicle stalled while sitting at a traffic light on [XXX] at [XXX] in Tyler Texas. Checking the computer and the complaints online I found that my 15 AMP #03 fuse (No Walk Home) had blown. I replaced the fuse and the next day on [XXX] the same thing happened again after driving 30 miles. The vehicle stal... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
My vehicle is having cam phaser issues and ford will not repair the issue. This was identified in customer satisfaction program 21N03 but I did not receive notification of the repair.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
Top section of front grill (directly below the hood) broke and came up while driving down the highway with no prior indication or damage.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jaguar I-Pace. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V633000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufact... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue 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... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
Bad break booster and was told I can’t get it repaired under the replacement program because it has to many miles! However I purchased my 2015 Prius used that had over 100 K already never received no notice from manufacturer or the dealer I bought the car from this is not fair and if Toyota is putting in faulty brake boosters, they should be replaced for free regardless of the mileage because I ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact's husband stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle started violently bouncing up and down. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure or diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the... Read more
KIA
TELLURIDE
(2021) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Apr 7, 2025
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the transmission shuddered. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that a tune-up was needed. The tune-up was performed; howev... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2025
Tailgate keeps coming down on its own while driving and parked.
Incident date: Mar 24, 2025
I saw the recall on my car for the engine on this website. I brought it to McFarland Kia, where they told me this recall does not exist for my vehicle. I asked more than once and they told me there is nothing they can do, but I feel at danger if the engine in my car were to potentially catch fire.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
Car was charging on a typical 48A J1722 home charger. Car stopped charging early and displayed "Service High Voltage System" and "Reduced Acceleration. Drive with Care" Scanner shows codes P1E00 and U362C
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
The Forward Collision Warning Light keeps flashing on the dash. It will not go away. It came on randomly. The FCW sensor looks okay from a quick glance. Wanting Nissan to issue a recall for this super common and annoying issue that puts us at risk for random breaking.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Camry. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not ex... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
In two separate instances, after coming to a stop while driving (traffic light/stop sign) when attempting to accelerate the engine revved but car did not move. The car remained in the “run” position and the emergency parking brake engaged. Similarly the display alerted that safety parking brake was activated. Vehicle would not shift out of drive. Issue was remedied by turning engine off and th... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE PHEV
(2023) — SEATS
Apr 7, 2025
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the frame on the front driver's seat was cracked. The contact inspected the seat. The contact lifted the cushion and became aware that the bolts were cracked. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware ... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE PHEV
(2023) — ENGINE
Apr 7, 2025
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cylinder head had failed, which caused the engine to fail. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
Adaptive Cruise Control works when you set the preferred speed but won't slow down when a vehicle is in front. Tried changing gap adjustments but still not slowing down when there's a vehicle in front. It was completely working while I was driving it in the morning then in the afternoon I almost hit the vehicle in front of me due to my vehicle not slowing down.
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
There was a safety over the air update which happened on Feb 13 2025. After that the vehicle is completely unoperable. After the NHSTA mandated update the car does not shift from Neutral to drivable gear. It's become a brick.
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
Purchased used from Metro Ford on 12-31-2024 with 16,689 miles. Was out of town until March 1 so I did not insure or drive the car until March. I had only driven it a few times before the accident happened. At first I started noticing that the car did not respond immediately when the gas pedal was pressed. I thought it was me being unfamiliar with how the new car worked. On 3-26-2025 I had p... Read more
Crash
4 injured
Incident date: Feb 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated and the transmission experienced a hard shift to first gear. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering while driving at slower speeds. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): [XXX] Vehicle Mileage: 29,200 miles Involved Honda Dealership: McGrath Honda, St. Charles, IL Details of Your Inquiry: I am seeking assistance regarding an ongoing issue with my 2023 Honda Accord Sport Hybrid. The first time I noticed this issue was in the summer of 2024, when I experienced a similar set of alerts while driving in a parking lot. At the time... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact was able to coast the vehicle into a garage. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called another l... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
After driving over a hour or so the rpm will stick at 3 and the mph will not go over 60. The car occasionally lose power as well. I have already had the throttle body and the alternator recently done.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
while driving the power steering indicator light came on, after 1 mile the power steering stopped working.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
I was in a parking space at the local library, waiting on my children. It was raining, and had been raining most of the day. I had driven about 60 miles in the rain before going to the library. The car was on, but in park. The car started slightly shaking (like a big truck was going by), and it looked like some smoke was coming out of the engine. The car then flashed some lights on the dash and ga... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2024
The engine in my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe (VIN [XXX] ) began knocking, losing power, and showing signs of imminent failure. These symptoms directly match those identified in Recall #168 (NHTSA Campaign 17V578000), which involves engine bearing wear due to crankshaft irregularities in Hyundai 3.3L GDI engines. However, my VIN is not currently included in the recall batch. Hyundai has denied engine re... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
the issue is with excessive oil consumption, unknown, suv was taken to the dealership and that's when I was told what the issue was, just inspected by the dealership, warning was the truck was shaking abnormally
Incident date: Apr 6, 2025
Both cabin doors (initially only the passenger door) will pop half-open from a closed position while driving, particularly with the windows and/or roof down. This occurs seemingly at random and regardless of lock position or firmness of door closing. The effect is a startling noise as the door opens slightly, the window retracts, and the cabin lights and door warning alarm engage. This can pose a ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2025
I went into a rural King store to shop when I came back out my car was completely filled with smoke. I opened the front passengerdoor and the smoke hit me in the face it was so thick and green it was just it took my breath. It took me 10 minutes to locate what had happened and down on the door frame of the passenger side of the front seat where the wiring is there was a whole melted all the way th... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
There are many incidents to report. 1. No Braking consistency and sometimes a jerk forward on braking, many incidents about 10. Also loss of regen braking at times. 2. Software safety features do not work and constant warning it does not work. Mostly lane assist, automatic parking collision warning. One time reversing camera shows room with digital assist lines which did not protect or warn car ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
There are many incidents to report. 1. No Braking consistency and sometimes a jerk forward on braking, many incidents about 10. Also loss of regen braking at times. 2. Software safety features do not work and constant warning it does not work. Mostly lane assist, automatic parking collision warning. One time reversing camera shows room with digital assist lines which did not protect or warn car ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2025
While coasting at very low speed with foot off accelerator or brake, into a crowded parking spot, the brakes failed after foot applied to the brake petal. This caused our vehicle to collide with a vehicle in front of us, pushing it a few feet backwards. Despite strong effort to push brake pedal down further, car would not stop. Pushed circular park button simultaneously with emergency brake tab wh... Read more
Crash