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 22, 2025
When braking over uneven surfaces or while the vehicle dynamics reduce the weight on the wheels, the ABS system activates and greatly increases the stopping distance.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
The manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall remedy. NHTSA: #24V-608, Recall: #24V-608:474 Engine Coolant Pump
Incident date: Jul 19, 2025
Purchased new 25 Traverse. Driving from AR to OK, stopped at a store, parked car. Upon returning to car, start ignition and red "BRAKE" light illuminated as well as ABS, Traction control and forward collision icons all lit. "Service brake assist, service esc, rear auto brake and park assist unavailable" warnings all show on the dash. Vehicle had 2747 miles at time this occurred. Systems check on ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Left my home and drown about 1 mile and car Oil light came on then battery light came on then car started rolling I had no control of the speed and car stopped in middle of street got it towed to mechanic . Mechanic advises known issue with fords and should be under a recall. coolant leaking from turbo lines
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
I have been having issues with engine hesitation, especially when pulling out onto the highway. More noticeable as we live out of town and our entrance is on a highway curve. As when I pull out, the response time is bad and had nearly caused us to get into a accident.
Incident date: Jun 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard with the "Brake Fluid Level Low Service Now" message displayed. Upon inspection of the engine, the contact discovered that the brake fluid was low; brake fluid was added to the vehicle, and the contact drove to the nearest dealer. A mechanic inspected the vehicle and d... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle remotely, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started manually, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #4. The contact was informed that the spark plugs needed... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH on the interstate, the passenger’s side keypad detached from the vehicle. The driver's side and passenger’s side keypads were loose before the failure occurred. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was con... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
On Friday July 18, we left Burbank at approximately 1:15 pm. After driving about 20 miles we began noticing a burning and exhaust smell. Thinking it was due to recent fires in the area we continued on for about another 10 minutes or so with the burning smell increasing. We decided to pull over and investigate when we found a safe place to pull over on shoulder of northbound side of the 14 Freew... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
After about 3600 miles in service the car stopped charging on level-2 AC chargers. Per discussion with Polestar service the GHVC component failed and was replaced under warranty.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle and inspected the vehicle. The contact noticed that the oil was milky. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a misfire and a coolant leak into... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2025
Failed power steering gearbox. Rack and Pinion. Steering wheel gets stuck at center position when driving 4k+ repair quote
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
Bucking at low speeds. Only 48,000 miles on car. In the shop now to replace the torque converter.
Incident date: Jul 21, 2025
Engine burns alot of coolant. Break time is not where it should be for a car with only 38k miles. The engine intake valves in affected vehicles may crack and break, causing the vehicle to lose motive power. Prior to losing motive power, an engine malfunction indicator lamp may illuminate in the cluster and the driver may notice that the vehicle is running rough. A loss of motive power can increase... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the recall repair was already performed; however, the air bag warning light was constantly illuminated. The contact stated that an unknown part was repla... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-60 MPH, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE)... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2025
Car has a defective hybrid battery that is unrepairable by manufacturer and the vehicle will turn off while driving
KIA
OPTIMA PHEV
(2018) - STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 21, 2025
Incident date: Jul 21, 2025
On April 18th, 2025, I dropped off my 2022 Tesla Model Y at Tesla Collision Center (Paramus, NJ) after a minor accident. I later revoked consent for any repairs via email. Despite this, Tesla performed major body and paint work without my permission. No signed work order exists. The repairs were unauthorized and proceeded without my knowledge or approval until this day. These changes now risk alt... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jul 21, 2025
Incident date: Jul 20, 2025
- Vehicle accelerated while I was pressing the brake on my 2013 Model S Tesla Car - My vehicle rammed into another vehicle waiting at the traffic light resulting in damage to both the cars as well trauma for the female driver in the other car - I see exact complaints have been filed by many others - Tesla has rejected these complaints and blamed it on the driver - There were no warning indication... Read more
Crash
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - Insert, Padding
Jul 21, 2025
Incident date: Jul 20, 2025
Was putting the cover back on after washing, putting the lower sitting piece on and the foam headrest just came right off
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 21, 2025
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
insulation on wiring is deteriorated leading to possible fire and or shorting out of electrical system
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2025) - ENGINE
Jul 21, 2025
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
In 2017, our 2013 Kia Sorento was brought in for recall work associated with SC147. The work was completed, and the Kia service department stated that even though we have a branded/salvage title, we would receive the extended warranty associated with SC147. Recently, while driving down a busy highway, the engine started knocking, at which point the check engine light came on, and the vehicle woul... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2025) - STEERING
Jul 21, 2025
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2025
My f150 has 47k miles and it’s been serviced every time it was supposed to and the engine failed. Oil leaking into the engine destroyed it. I looked up 2021 F150 v8 coyote engine and it’s a known issue
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from under the hood before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was previously taken to a local independent mechanic, and it was determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Eng... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
I keep getting a chunking noise coming from the rear of vehicle. Twice I have taking in to the dealer and I was told this condition may be caused by movement between the anchor plate and axle assembly. They have re-torqueing the joints of the leaf springs assembly. it coming loose. It has happened after 4,000 miles. This tells me that it can come loose while I am driving! GM has a service document... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2025
The electric steering in my 2022 RAM 1500 Classic pickup failed at 40,000 miles and about 2 years & 11 months after I bought it new. It went from driving fine when pulling out from our vacation rental cabin to absolutely no power assistance 1/4 mile down the long driveway out to the highway. Thank goodness I was driving slowly because I was caught totally off guard and barely stopped before I woul... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2025
Ptu failure at 75,325 miles as well as active grill shutter at same time. Was told the ptu is on back order and last person it took 6 months to get it. We have had vehicle since new and always dealer serviced. Super disappointed on time to fix it, meaning there is obviously a problem.
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - WHEELS
Jul 20, 2025
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
Steering rack is malfunctioning; I've taken my vehicle to different Honda dealerships and have paid for multiple diagnostics regarding the steering rack. The last time I took my vehicle to dealership was Wednesday July 16 2025 at 8:00 am Honda of Mishawaka, IN I told them the steering wheel was getting sticky and that it was affecting my alignment. Honda took a look and realigned my wheels, but di... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - STEERING
Jul 20, 2025
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
My electric power steering went out while driving. Everywhere online says the 2013 flex has a recall for this but when I enter my vin it says no recall. There has been several claims of this on my model year and accidents and dangers reported. I want to know my my vehicle isn’t showing up for the recall when it’s never been replaced by ford so it should be replaced by Ford.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2025
The MMI system still reboots every 1-2 minutes while driving. When I am backing up, the camera screen and sensors stop working because the MMI reboots and shuts the screen off.
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
All I did was simply change my battery. Up until this point the car had run perfect and no issues or warnings. Now after placing the correct AGM battery the dash has lit up like Christmas. I am getting ACC, LKAS, Auto Head light, forward collision and Brake System warning lights. I was informed that this is a very costly repair, a camera needs to be replaced and recalibrated, $2000 estimate. T... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
Vehicle overeheated and stalled. Engine light came on. Had it to garage who told me call Ford because vehicle needed a new engine. Got a second opinion a few months later, and they confirmed that coolant was leaking in to the spark plug cylinders.And yes it needed a new engine. Prior: At 80000 miles the transmission needed replaced.I was told that my my car was notorious for needing transmissions... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2022
As I was driving, I had to press on my break fairly firmly for about two seconds due to a car in front of me making a left-hand turn. I released the break, and the car in front of me was completely out of my lane. There was about a 2 to 3 second span of time ,after I released the break and in which I was coasting, before the automatic breaking system pressed hard on the break for at least one seco... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2025
Recall Action Soon Issue Since 06-20-2025 Unrequested second-row seat movement For More Information Telematics Generated Issue
Incident date: Jun 14, 2025
Recall Action Soon Issue Since 06-20-2025 Unrequested second-row seat movement For More Information Telematics Generated Issue
Incident date: Jul 20, 2025
The lock mechanism on the passenger side sliding door has failed. It is stuck in the locked position. This is a known defect that has recurred in this vehicle for years. The door is not able to be unlocked which is a safety concern if the vehicle needs to be exited or accessed in an emergency. The sliding door lock had been making a loud buzzing noise upon locking and unlocking for weeks but only ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2025
2022 F-150 VIN: [XXX] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Issue Since 07-11-2025 Low pressure fuel pump failure Recall Action Soon Issue Since 05-16-2025 Rear camera screen software update -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Issue Date 2025-06-1... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
Expansion of air tank, causing to pop up frame in backseat and total car deemed unsafe to drive. No warnings car had never been in the shop prayer happened while driving over rule Mountain area with two children in the backseat. Kia inspected diagnostic ran stated it was air in gas tank under a recall claim to fix it for free and then two weeks later stated it was going to Kia America for a case n... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
I own a $35,000 2018 gmc Sierra 1500 6.2l V8 4x4 Denali, which is currently down due to engine failure while I was driving down the road.. never had a check engine light on the dash. Haven't had the truck a year before it quit. Rods knocking, crankshaft bearings, loss of power, high rpm with little acceleration. I could have the peddle down to the floor and would barely get to 20 mph.. the motor w... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
Main computer, multi media interface, MMI constantly shuts off and disconnects from system. This renders all backup cameras, traffic sensors and impact avoidance sensors inoperative. It also stops speedometer
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
On 7/17/25 vehicle was taken to Star Buick/GMC in Easton PA for rear brakes and an oil change. This vehicle has 49,981 miles on it. I was told after the oil change the tech took the truck for a test drive. I was told he made it about 20 feet and the engine seized. Either the tech forgot to refill the crank case or it is another GM 6.2 disaster. Please advise as the dealer is quoting over 12K to re... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
I have been getting front end clunking noise since I bought vehicle. Honda is not able to identify and resolve issue after taking to multiple dealers. And after 5 years and 45k miles white paint started flaking in different penal of car
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
I have been getting front end clunking noise since I bought vehicle. Honda is not able to identify and resolve issue after taking to multiple dealers. And after 5 years and 45k miles white paint started flaking in different penal of car
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
I am the owner of a 2017 Ford Edge with only 63k miles on it (VIN: [XXX] ), which I purchased from Depaula Ford in July of 2020. This vehicle has experienced significant engine problems consistent with the symptoms described in TSB 19 2346. Specifically, my vehicle has suffered coolant intrusion into the combustion chamber, leading to white smoke from the exhaust, misfires, and a noticeable loss o... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
While pulling into a parking spot, i was applying my breaks and the abs kicked in when we did a bump nearly causing us to run into the concrete pylon. This is not the first time it has happened but the worst its done this
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
The contact’s husband owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact’s husband continued driving, and the vehicle was taken to a local dealer and the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that there was no fault found with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repair... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was blank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the radio system display had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware o... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
I am submitting this complaint regarding a recurring issue in the coolant bypass valve of my 2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium. Although there was no check engine light, the vehicle displayed a persistent warning: “Engine Maintenance Required – Visit Dealership.” This message repeatedly appears on the instrument cluster and blocks critical driving information, including the speedometer, fuel eco... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
Brakes are EXTREMELY loud when going in reverse. Carried to the dealership, they said that they are “aware” of the issue but until a recall is done then their hands are tied. This could lead to improper braking.