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
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - ENGINE
Jul 24, 2025
Incident date: Jul 12, 2025
The vehicle's engine is experiencing coolant intrusion. As such, when starting the car, white and sweet-smelling exhaust exits the exhaust pipe. Furthermore, the coolant reservoir continually runs low; however, we find no coolant on the driveway or apparently leaking from the car. That supports the mechanics assessment of a coolant intrusion. This issue, if left unaddressed, will cause the engine ... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jul 24, 2025
Incident date: Jul 12, 2025
ABS MODULE IS FAULTY AND CANNOT BE REPLACED. VEHICLE BRAKES SPONGY AND UNRESPONSIVE. PLASTIC OIL MODULE PIECE HAS BEEN REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES, BUT LESS IMPACTING THAN ABS MODULE.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
Unknown. purchase June 2025, 1297 miles on odometer. On 4 occasions engine has died for no apparent reason in traffic. (Specific Hazard is that vehicle must be put in park and brake applied to restart. Very hazardous in traffic especially if pulling a trailer.) In each case vehicle was slowing to make a turn. Signal on and brake lightly applied, Nothing noticed on dash except when notice to put... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2025
The electrical in the entire car is malfunctioning. Sometimes the brake lights don’t work due to wiring, other times the seats control don’t work and the cables to battery is not connected/firing correctly. Has an entire electrical issue
Incident date: Sep 17, 2020
Vehicles MMI constantly cycling through reboot - inordinate amount of previous complaints about this exact issue - Dealer advised a min $1040 ($370 to diagnose + $670 new MMI) to diagnose and change MMI console with NO guarantee it will work and that's because: the dealer has not updated MIB2 (aka the MMI) using the instructions on a different bulletin, titled "TSB 2067021 - 91 MIB3: Garage open... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2020
Car skidding when I hit the break on uneven surfaces, specifically going down an incline. My car almost skid into oncoming traffic.
Incident date: Sep 17, 2020
Car skidding when I hit the break on uneven surfaces, specifically going down an incline. My car almost skid into oncoming traffic.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
My 2019 Ford Edge transmission has been shuddering, jerking, and harsh shifting at low speeds. I’m afraid when driving the transmission is going to fall out of. the car on the road - doesn’t make me feel safe driving it. Took it to dealer and they tell me it is normal wear and tear on the vehicle, which I question. Call Ford and they tell me there is no recall on this vehicle about its transmi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
Forward crash detection AEB system warning light goes on after a short time driving with a beep sound and stays on until the car is shut off. This happens every time I drive. Everything is clean- no obstructions to the sensor. Probable faulty sensor or bracket. Went to the dealer who said they could not recreate the situation and did nothing. I have been reading that this is not an uncommon proble... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message “Pre-Collision Assist Not Available” was displayed and “Front Camera Malfunction - Service Required" was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the messages were continuously displayed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The fa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that the "Adaptive Cruise Control Temporarily Unavailable" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the radar was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. T... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2025
On [XXX], the seatbelt pretensioner on my 2019 Ford Expedition MAX Platinum suddenly discharged without warning while the vehicle was stationary. It emitted a loud noise, caused the seatbelt to lock, and released a strong burning smell, consistent with prior reports linked to recall 24V099 / 25V197000. I purchased this vehicle used on [XXX] from Taverna Infiniti of North Miami (FL). At the time o... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
Failure of the Footwell Module failed due to corrosion by water intrusion as diagnosed by Mini Dealership. Windows, Turn signals and lights were inoperable as a result of failure. This matched the situation outlined in your recall notice Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-337. Car matched the model/years affected/listed in recall. However, Mini Dealer informed me my VIN was not listed in their re... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
While driving on the highway, experienced loss of power and flashing check engine light, subsequently causing engine knock and engine failure. This situation could have caused an accident and put myself and others at risk. It is understood the manufacturer has recalled more than one million vehicles due to engine failure and is working with NHTSA to address the issue. In communication with the m... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
Component: Powertrain / Transmission Vehicle: 2020 Ford Escape Mileage at failure: 53,500 Transmission began violently jerking, hesitating, and mis-shifting around 53,000 miles. Brought to Ford of Sunnyvale on May 2, 2025 where the dealership diagnosed complete transmission failure. Instead of replacing, they installed a software update that masked the problem for a few weeks before it returned w... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the sunroof made a grinding sound while retracting and failed to close properly. Additionally, the slide cover was unable to close as designed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact believed that the failure was related to the sunroof motor or the gears, or both. The manufacturer was informe... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2025
Several incidents: 1) I was on a 3 lane road and gained some speed to get around a car, when I got into the other lane the car collision warning came on and slowed the car down significantly b/c it detected a car that was at least 300 feet in front of me. That is too far for a car accident. I was told by the dealership that the alogorithum between speed and object detection is what made the car r... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle decelerated and stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and it was determined that the transmission pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informe... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2024
the night prior to my car breaking down I Did notice the car began to lose horsepower to move just a little bit not to much to worry about than the check engine light did appear on dash that night. Code popped up for misfire in cylinder 1. SO changed the spark plugs and light went off , next day light was on and smoke began coming out of the tailpipe.
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
MMI screen keep turning on and off every minute. This MMI is a brain of audi which controls cameras, sensor for brake and collision, parking assistance, etc. This MMI malfunction has been a big issue and none of the dealer had a permanent solution for the fault. As this MMI function begin to get worse, it could shut off the remaining functions as odometer, speed meter.
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
When you were at a complete stop and go to make a turn, the backend makes a clunking noise it almost hesitates like it’s having a hard time going and feels like it wants to lock up. I brought it to the dealership. They told me it was my tires and I needed an alignment. I brought it to a tire shop. I got an alignment. They told me it was not my tires. They believe it to be a differential.
Incident date: May 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotl... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
10 miles from home on [XXX] after Thanksgiving with my children sleeping at [XXX] in snowy cold weather, my engine began to fail. Power was limited on hills and the check engine light would come on and go back off when on flat or downhill. The next morning I took my truck to the dealer that I purchased it from where I was told the lifters had failed and I need a new engine. 1000 miles after I rep... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Grand Design Momentum RV. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the camper was bouncing up and down. Due to the failure, the furniture detached from the wall. In addition, the bedroom floor fractured and pieces of the floor were separated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was advised to take the camper to a dealer in North C... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, the vehicle shuddered, failed to accelerate, or shift into the intended gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the TCM had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
Needs new torque converter at 66,000 miles.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
2020 Audi A5 started randomly rebooting (MMI software) around mid April 2025, It happens I’d say every 5-20 minutes and it repeats all the time. The fact that Audi/VW won't cover the cost to update their buggy software is very frustrating. I have notified Audi USA about the issue and am awaiting a response if they will cover the labor cost @ Prestige Audi in Denver, CO
Incident date: May 17, 2025
I am the owner of a 2020 Ford escape. My vehicle falls under the recall dealing with defective fuel injectors. The dealership preformed the suggested service or installing the drain tube and updating the software. I’ve been noticing that my vehicle has a slight hesitation while accelerating in speed and I would periodically smell the strong scent of gasoline, but no check engine or warning light... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
The power steering became reduced and diminished while driving. Tesla is stating that there is corrosion on the wiring harness ports on the power steering rack. There was no warning until after the incident, but now a “reduced power steering” annunciation appears in the screen. The Tesla repair station has confirmed the condition.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
The rearview camera often does not turn on while in reverse. The vehicle received the software update to fix this issue due to the recall. But the issue persists after the update was installed. The software patch did not solve this problem.
Incident date: Jun 8, 2025
The abs module lights came on and is not functioning properly. I contacted the dealership and the part has been on back order for years. The abs light, traction, and brake light is on simultaneously. Subsequently my wheel is locked up causing my car to not move at all and brake pedal has no pressure.
Incident date: Jun 8, 2025
Component: Engine / Turbocharger / Oil Line / Fire Risk Vehicle Problem: For the past five months, my oil light has been coming on and off sporadically (not flickering), even though mechanics and oil shops said there was no issue. A few days ago, the car started smoking out of nowhere, though it wasn’t overheating and there were no visible signs of leakage. I took it to the shop, and they diagn... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
Formal Complaint to NHTSA: 2019 GMC Canyon Transmission Issue To Whom It May Concern at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): I am writing to formally report a recurring and dangerous transmission issue in my 2019 GMC Canyon, and to request that NHTSA open an investigation into why General Motors has not issued a safety recall — despite widespread complaints and technical s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
When I turn my windshield wipers on during rain, I can't turn them back off. They WILL NOT TURN BACK OFF. I have to pull off the road and turn the truck off and then restart the truck.. Sometimes this works and sometimes this doesn't work either. THIS IS A VERY ANNOYING PROBLEM. This can be a safety issue if I am trying to deal with this and get off the road to turn the truck off. I also own... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the high-pressure and low-pressure fuel pumps, resulting in damage... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
Request for Resolution -Peeling Paint on 2025 Toyota RAV 4 I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a paint peeling issue with my 2025 Toyota RAV 4 and Toyota's refusal to address the defect, despite timely reporting and documentation. The paint on my vehicle began peeling around February 2024 and significantly worsened by January 2025. I promptly filed two complaints with Toyota, and... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
Shift to park and warming beep saying vehicle not in park also a bad smell coming from vents when start the engine makes me dizzy and also paid over $600 for repairs to AC still not fix Freon leaks .
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
Shift to park and warming beep saying vehicle not in park also a bad smell coming from vents when start the engine makes me dizzy and also paid over $600 for repairs to AC still not fix Freon leaks .
Incident date: Jul 2, 2025
This vehicle has a rearview camera which should be color full time. 95% of the time the camera is black and white which makes it difficult to see whats behind you.This is a known problem to Honda. A simple google search shows multiple people with the same problem. I have spoke with Honda in California which is where you call with complaints, but all they say is they know there is a problem but the... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2025
Shuddering when driving, hard shifting down, transmission feels to be slipping. no warning lights on yet. I am worried about it not shifting and causing an accident or slipping the gear & causing an accident.
Incident date: Jul 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the hatch of the vehicle was designed to close automatically while the user owned the key fob, with the user's foot underneath the hatch. The contact stated that the hatch had been closing prematurely while the key fob was not near the hatch, and the hatch had hit both the contact and family members on the head. There was no injury sustain... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2025
Anonymous complaint about welding at MicroBird in Plattsburg. NYS sent it to the NHTSA email and was told it need to go here. email is attached.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
While driving my 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, the car suddenly stalled on a city road. This occurred in a busy area with multiple stops and traffic signals. I was accelerating after a stop when the engine cut off abruptly, without any prior warning lights or error messages. I was able to coast to a safe stop, but the incident was frightening and dangerous. The vehicle was towed to a dealership and ins... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL); 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 exp... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
Experience HARSH Engagement with transmission both upshift and downshift. Some downshifts at so HARSH, feels like rear wheels are trying to “lock up”. Ford dealer performed recall which did not correct the issues. Ford dealer recommended full transmission replacement. Seems this is a known issue and Ford has admitted fault by issuing a recall in an effort to “fix” the problems with the 10 ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop on a busy bridge, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact shifted to park(P) and exited the vehicle; however, the vehicle started to roll away... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
Underneath the transmission is a part that once damaged could emit steel into the transmission which causes damage to the transmission. Small pieces of steel. My technician said it happens to all the Ford vehicles mainly the Ford Escape and Ford has not provided a recall for this and it cost $3,500.00 to be replaced. I am disgusted that this damaged part that puts pieces of steel into the transmis... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2025
ABS light came on a long time ago and I have been unable to get it repaired due to availability of the part and demand due to so many owners having an issue with this ABS module failing. This is not a wear and tear part, this module should not have failed when it did. I see there have been recalls on other Ram trucks and 2016 has been left out. This issues is present for so many owners and is a sa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
At approximately 4900 miles, the brake master cylinder failed on my vehicle. It has been at the dealership for over a month awaiting parts for repair.