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 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the Chevrolet dealer where the vehicle was purchased, and the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2025
My car was making a rattling noise from the engine and would stutter at a stop and sometimes kick into park or turn off. No warning lights would turn on, on the dash board warning i was low on oil. The back passenger brake light warning light turned on. The Third seat middle seatbelt does not lock. I took into Hyundai to get it serviced and I had to pay for my car to be put on a diagnostic test. I... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact stated that while shifting into park(P) and turning off the vehicle, there was white smoke coming from under the hood and entering the cabin through the air vents. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence; however, the failure progressed. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer and remained for additional tests. BMW of Mi... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The ABS Sensor light, engine light, anti skid light and 4 matic malfunction, transmission malfunction all lit up on my dashboard on Tuesday July 22, 2025. The stearing would lock up and the brakes would not break it also shifted gears into neutral. The dashboard finally told me in bold red letters (transmission malfunction STOP). It would do this then all the lights would go away. I thought it... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2025
While driving to Sam’s Club (approximately 20 miles from home), my 2018 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost began running very rough, and the check engine light came on. I had the vehicle scanned, and diagnostics confirmed that the cam phasers are failing — the exact issue I had replaced under warranty at approximately 59,000 miles. The vehicle now has just 88,000 miles, and this failure occurred in unde... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2024
Since I purchased the car in 2018 I took great care of it, keeping the services going on time. But recently in October 2024 even tough I did services the oil service’s sign keep on showing up. I then schedule an appointment with a dealer ship near my area in January and they told me that they were no oil in the car. But I show them the date ans mileage on my stickers I specified that is the re... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
They never did the second step of the recall for brake padel collapse and the car still not stopping properly or gripping when stopping even when your foot all the way to the floor. Still give you a hard time to stop the dodge hornet rt and its not safe to drive with defective camera that they say the dealer ship cant fix at all and won't fix it
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
My vehicle’s engine failed for the second time while driving on the road. The first time a few months ago while my wife was driving. The engine failed and brakes failed. Fortunately she was on a back road a coasted to a stop. Car was towed to dealership. They said there was no problem. Received recall letter about a month ago outlining this issue. Yesterday, [XXX], I was driving with my daughter... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
My vehicle’s engine failed for the second time while driving on the road. The first time a few months ago while my wife was driving. The engine failed and brakes failed. Fortunately she was on a back road a coasted to a stop. Car was towed to dealership. They said there was no problem. Received recall letter about a month ago outlining this issue. Yesterday, [XXX], I was driving with my daughter... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
After working out at my gym, my daughters and I were driving on a side street near at around 35MPH. With no warning, a large POP happened and our passenger sliding door window shattered. Thankfully, nothing but a scratch happened to my [XXX] that was in her car seat closest to the window that shattered. I called our local KIA dealership and my insurance agent and both mentioned that it could be be... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2023
Apparently my vehicle is experiencing the same fuel system and infotainment issues that others have been recalled for. As someone who has been diagnosed with car related PTSD; these issues have become very distressing to say the least. The infotainment system has shut off countless times while driving. I was traveling and missed my exit,I've also been abruptly been disconnected from important wor... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate, the transmission failed. 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 repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25-30... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2025
Sunroof spontaneously exploded on the highway. Was maintaining a good distance between my car and the car in front of me, so I doubt it was a rock that was kicked up that broke my sunroof. Glass looks like it broke from inside out.
Incident date: Jun 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool con... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2025
There is a water seal leak around the driver side headlight. I have photos showing proof of standing water. It has now caused the headlight, left turn signal, and drivers side brake light to fail. My passenger side headlight is doing the same. I have no headlights, no driverside lights period. I drive 2 children around in this car and it's gotten very dangerous. I contacted GM, and the local deale... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
The coupler that attaches the trailer to the tow vehicle ball broke and the trailer disconnected from the tow vehicle. Note the VIN stated that the trailer is 1995 which is incorrect, I purchased the trailer and boat in January 2025 new and used it 2 times, therefore it is an infantile failure.
Crash
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
The Vehicle Stability Assit (VSA) system in activating inappropriately causing the vehicle to brake unexpectedly. There is a Honda Service Bulletin (13-026) for this problem for 2005 Honda Pilots. Well, the same problem is happening to my 2006 Pilot.
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
Subject: Urgent Complaint – Recall Repair Delayed Due to Unavailable Parts (2019 Explorer) To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a safety-related recall/service campaign for my 2019 Ford Explorer (VIN: [XXX] ), specifically concerning the roof rack trim detachment issue (Customer Satisfaction Program / Recall #20N11 or 21S22). I visited an authorized Ford... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
The coupler that attaches the trailer to the tow vehicle ball broke and the trailer disconnected from the tow vehicle. Note the VIN stated that the trailer is 1995 which is incorrect, I purchased the trailer and boat in January 2025 new and used it 2 times, therefore it is an infantile failure.
Crash
Incident date: Jul 20, 2025
Well there is a recall for fuel injection that could cause a fire under the hood and ford has no parts and info to fix it right now. So basically I am driving a time bomb. How safe is that???? I either get my money back for purchasing this car or I will sue ford company.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2025
After initial startup and drive for a short time, I come to a stop. Then after vehicle doesn’t want to accelerate as it normally would. Vehicle struggles to gain speed but, the engine revs excessively. I pull off the road and come to a stop and try to accelerate again and the same thing happens. I shut the vehicle off and wait a few minutes,then restart and the vehicle accelerates normally agai... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2025
After initial startup and drive for a short time, I come to a stop. Then after vehicle doesn’t want to accelerate as it normally would. Vehicle struggles to gain speed but, the engine revs excessively. I pull off the road and come to a stop and try to accelerate again and the same thing happens. I shut the vehicle off and wait a few minutes,then restart and the vehicle accelerates normally agai... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
On Tuesday we pulled out into traffic and the truck shuddered and I heard a pop. The air conditioner went out and then a plethora of warnings along with the service engine light popped up on the dash. The brakes stopped working and the truck went into a low idle almost causing the vehicle behind us to rear end us. Error messages were as follows: Brake failure do not go above 62mph, trailer brake f... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
On Tuesday we pulled out into traffic and the truck shuddered and I heard a pop. The air conditioner went out and then a plethora of warnings along with the service engine light popped up on the dash. The brakes stopped working and the truck went into a low idle almost causing the vehicle behind us to rear end us. Error messages were as follows: Brake failure do not go above 62mph, trailer brake f... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2025
After I shift into park and turn my car off I’m getting a message that says Shift To Park. The car is already in park but it’s not recognizing this. I see that this is a known problem with 2022 Malibu’s but my VIN is not included. Can you please add my VIN to this recall?
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
2025 Land Cruiser bought 7 months ago constant rattling and tapping noise near passenger rear near pillar B and C. Brought to the dealer for corrective action to identify, address and to resolve the problem due to annoying ticking, rattling and tapping noise while travelling on a rough road. According to a service adviser their mechanics from dealer dismantled panels and head liners to pinpoint n... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2025
Power Steering and stabilitrak warnings were displayed while I was driving and I immediately lost power steering while trying to execute a turn off the highway. This almost resulted in an accident. Warnings have been displayed twice now without prior incidents, and no warning that I will lose power steering.I have not taken my vehicle in yet, but other owners of 2016’s have reported the same iss... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2025
Power Steering and stabilitrak warnings were displayed while I was driving and I immediately lost power steering while trying to execute a turn off the highway. This almost resulted in an accident. Warnings have been displayed twice now without prior incidents, and no warning that I will lose power steering.I have not taken my vehicle in yet, but other owners of 2016’s have reported the same iss... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2025
Power Steering and stabilitrak warnings were displayed while I was driving and I immediately lost power steering while trying to execute a turn off the highway. This almost resulted in an accident. Warnings have been displayed twice now without prior incidents, and no warning that I will lose power steering.I have not taken my vehicle in yet, but other owners of 2016’s have reported the same iss... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
Audi MMI reboots constantly while the car is one. There is about 30 seconds between each reboot. This causes certain safety features like the backup camera to stop working when in use. I am not sure what the cause is but this seems to be a more common issue with the 2020 Audi's.
Incident date: Jul 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X3. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle, and there was oil leaking from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine gasket was faulty and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact was informed that the subframe ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine bearings, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2025
I am submitting a formal complaint regarding multiple premature and potentially safety-related failures on my 2019 Ford Flex, purchased new on 11/25/2019. These include: ⚠️ 1. Rear Suspension / Rear Toe Link Concern Although my vehicle is not included in Ford’s rear toe link recall (20S62), it is experiencing the same symptoms: Rear-end instability and drifting Uneven or premature rear ti... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated with several unknown warning lights illuminated. In addition, the vehicle lost electrical functions. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed coolant pump. The contact was informed that the coolant pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was n... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact stated that the driver’s side seat belt unbuckled independently. 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 manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 61,400.
Incident date: Jun 14, 2025
From the first oil change forward, I have reported an intermittent electronic problem with the display screen. The screen would fail to activate. None of the functions of the push buttons below the screen which control the widgets’ on the screen would function. The air control for heater and defroster being the main safety issue.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2025
The vehicle is hesitant during acceleration and linger in one gear. when try to move from a stop have to remove foot of the gas and back again with a pause before it will accelerate, only to start jerking.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The back seat driver's side door shut with such impact as to amputate the finger from an adult. Vehicle was parked on incline when front driver's side door shut, the back door also shut. There were no safety features to protect fingers from the hinge side of back door. The force of the door slamming and lack of any space between the hinge side of the door and its frame caused my middle finger from... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH and following a slight right turn on the highway, the ESC warning illuminated, and the vehicle slowed down without the brake pedal being depressed. The failure was intermittent but became a recurring failure. The contact stated that the vehicle also slowed down unintentionally while making a left o... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed with the moon roof closed, the contact heard an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the moon roof independently opened halfway and independently closed repeatedly. The dealer was made aware of the failure and provided a reset; however, the reset failed to fix the failure.... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
WHILE TRAVELING ON I 75 TO FLORIDA ENGINE CK LIGHT ACTIVATED. WAS A CAUTIONARY LIGHT. UPON GETTING TO FL TOOK MY TRUCK TO A FORD DEALER WHO FOUND THAT BOTH FUEL PUMPS HAD FAILED. I NOW SEE FORD IS RECALLING F-150 TRUCKS DUE TO FAULTY FUEL PUMPS. I BELIEVE ALL F-150 TRUCKS SHOULD BE UNDER THE RECALL. DRIVING AT 70 MPH AND HAVING THE ENGINE UNABLE TO MAINTAIN HIGHWAY SPEED IS DANGEROUS AND VERY NE... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was a loud grinding and squeaking sounds coming from the vehicle. Additionally, there was a high-pitched sound coming from the vehicle. The contact also stated that the water pump was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who dete... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
Reversing camera still says "Camera is temporarily unavailable" intermittently even after the recent recall software fix.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
Excessive Oil Consumption: I purchased this Tiguan 2022 back on [XXX] in Florida and since I purchased it I have issues with this matter. I have reported my Tiguans consuming oil at a rate significantly higher than what's expected between oil changes and I was informed that is normal, yet I still did not get any resolution on this matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2025
Backup camera recall was not fixed properly or the new parts have same issue. As a result the backup camera was not functioning. When the camera is not functioning the autopilot system drives aggressively, speeding up to the max set speed when it is not safe to do so with current traffic conditions. Had to disengage autopilot otherwise it would have crashed. Also I received an alert that the emerg... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, rainwater leaked into the cabin of the vehicle from the sunroof assembly because the sunroof failed to properly close. The vehicle to taken to the local dealer who removed debris from the sunroof tracks. After retrieving the vehicle, the contact discovered that rainwater was still leaking into the vehicle from... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE PHEV
(2023) - ENGINE
Jul 25, 2025
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
Engine has coolant intrusion Drivers seat belt will lock periodically
Incident date: Jul 9, 2025
Sometimes my blind spot warning arrows will just blink while I'm driving and they won't let me know of the blind spot Also my windshield is leaking through the windshield when it rains it leaks the side of the roof part is not put on properly I can tell that it is not even on both sides
Incident date: Jul 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The service power steering warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failur... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 24, 2025
Incident date: Jul 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the door locks failed to operate as intended. The sunroof froze while closing or opening. The contact stated that the lights were flashing independently, and the alarm was independently activated. In addition, there was a burning odor entering the vehicle through the A/C vents. The message "Door Ajar" was d... Read more