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: Dec 22, 2024
The fasteners for the front cap on the motorhome have failed and the front cap is separating from the body of the coach. Safety is an issue because a part of the vehicle is separating from the rest of the coach. We have contacted the dealer where our motorhome was purchased and pictures have been taken. We will be making arrangements for repair with Camping World in Golden, CO. The warning is ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
While driving on I-77 South near exit 3 Charlotte, NC -with no warning signals or indication the vehicle lost power and shut down as I was driving at a speed of 70 miles an hour on the highway, Fortunately I was able to struggle and pull off to the emergency lane of the highway. I tried several times to start vehicle with no success. The vehicle was towed to the dealership immediately. My major... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated the front passenger’s side door failed to open as intended. The contact stated that after several attempts using the key fob to unlock the door, the door failed to open. In addition, the code to unlock the door failed to work as intended. The contact's daughter manually locked and unlocked the door. The contact stated that when the door w... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
The charger caught on fire when we began charging our rivian. Because it’s not hardwired the electricity never was cut and we were probably a minute from a major house fire erupting.
Fire
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
The charger caught on fire when we began charging our rivian. Because it’s not hardwired the electricity never was cut and we were probably a minute from a major house fire erupting.
Fire
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
Dear NHTSA Safety Defects Division, I am writing to report a safety issue I have identified that affects several modern vehicles, particularly from manufacturers including Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Ford, and Dodge (Hornet model specifically). This issue relates to the overactivation of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system and related sensors, including wheel speed sensors, yaw rate sensors,... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
There are so many issues with this vehicle that started right from the beggining when I purchased it back 2023): •The sensors in the car beep frequently even when nothing is in the way. •When using the brakes, the car will sometimes abruptly brake aggressively •Middle console of the inside of the car makes random noises constantly. •Wheels have no traction! Spin when going uphill. •Most... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the Forward Collision Avoidance system engaged erroneously. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to switch lanes at highway speeds, the Lane Departure Assist erroneously engaged and pulled the vehicle back into the initial lane, preventing the contact from switching lanes. The contact was... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the Forward Collision Avoidance system engaged erroneously. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to switch lanes at highway speeds, the Lane Departure Assist erroneously engaged and pulled the vehicle back into the initial lane, preventing the contact from switching lanes. The contact was... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
When trying to start the car the car won't turn over. When it finally does start and i am driving it seems to lose power as if it wants to shut down. Im afraid to drive long distances. I looked up recalls based on my vin however nothing comes up but when I look it up based on year make and model it has an open recall for faulty fuel injector that needs to be replaced for the same exact symptoms.... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
My van started making noises and driving weird. Took it in to get checked out. These are the issues found: SAFETY RECALL: 2018-19 ODYSSEY CONNECTING ROD BEARING : 2024-04-19 TSB : ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL : 2023-11-13 TSB : SAFETY RECALL: 2016-19 MULTI-MODEL CONNECTING ROD BEARING STOP SALE : 2024-03-08 The vehicle is available for inspection at request.
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side windshield A-pillar trim 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 vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diag... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
The MMI (multi-media interface) frequently reboots during driving, resulting in a black screen and the inoperability of key systems such as the backup camera, rear obstacle detection, navigation, and cell phone tethering (for hands-free operation). These reboots require user input, including entering a PIN to log into the user account (if set up) and repeatedly tapping on the MMI, which can be hig... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2025
Dear NHTSA Safety Defects Division, I am writing to report a safety issue I have identified that affects several modern vehicles, particularly from manufacturers including Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Ford, and Dodge (Hornet model specifically). This issue relates to the overactivation of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system and related sensors, including wheel speed sensors, yaw rate sensors,... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
There is a recall date on this car dating back 2021. I bought this car in 2024. The recall problems was never addressed or fixed. This had created an electrical error in the car, given no airbags, and windows do not roll, nor does it give accurate reads on tire pressure. Unbeknownst of all this, a tire popped nearly cause me to wreck on I-5 early 2024. I have documentation supporting the sale of t... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
There is a recall date on this car dating back 2021. I bought this car in 2024. The recall problems was never addressed or fixed. This had created an electrical error in the car, given no airbags, and windows do not roll, nor does it give accurate reads on tire pressure. Unbeknownst of all this, a tire popped nearly cause me to wreck on I-5 early 2024. I have documentation supporting the sale of t... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
There is a recall date on this car dating back 2021. I bought this car in 2024. The recall problems was never addressed or fixed. This had created an electrical error in the car, given no airbags, and windows do not roll, nor does it give accurate reads on tire pressure. Unbeknownst of all this, a tire popped nearly cause me to wreck on I-5 early 2024. I have documentation supporting the sale of t... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 24, 2025
Vehicle had AEB System malfunctioning. The brakes did NOT work. The emergency brake barely worked. We were driving on Fathers Day to a family gathering and the system and brakes malfunctioned, yes we collided with the Curb and debris on the side of the road cause curb rash to the rims. No major damage. This would be the 3rd this has happened to my vehicle in particular. Dealers say the manufacture... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
Fuel PUMP FAILED, car stalled and was unresponsive
2 injured
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
Fuel PUMP FAILED, car stalled and was unresponsive
2 injured
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the PCV heater needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding my 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX‑6R. June 22, 2025, I received two official “Do Not Ride” letters from Kawasaki. These letters state that, due to a possible internal engine defect, the motorcycle is unsafe to operate. My authorized Kawasaki dealer has confirmed that my unit is affected by a manufacturing issue that can cause engine seizure without... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
The a pillar trim is defective and there is a currently recall. However the last updated said parts will be available in 2024. We are currently halfway through 2025 with no resolution. This is unacceptable and the manufacture needs to address this ASAP.
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
Vehicle had AEB System malfunctioning. The brakes did NOT work. The emergency brake barely worked. We were driving on Fathers Day to a family gathering and the system and brakes malfunctioned, yes we collided with the Curb and debris on the side of the road cause curb rash to the rims. No major damage. This would be the 3rd this has happened to my vehicle in particular. Dealers say the manufacture... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
I own a 2020 Nissan Kicks and have experienced recurring and unpredictable electrical and system malfunctions while driving. At times, a "Malfunction, see owner's manual" warning appears on the dashboard, accompanied by multiple warning lights including: Forward collision warning Slippery road / traction control warning. Occasionally, the high beam headlights turn on by themselves, and I have noti... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
I own a 2020 Nissan Kicks and have experienced recurring and unpredictable electrical and system malfunctions while driving. At times, a "Malfunction, see owner's manual" warning appears on the dashboard, accompanied by multiple warning lights including: Forward collision warning Slippery road / traction control warning. Occasionally, the high beam headlights turn on by themselves, and I have noti... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2025
The MMI restarts constantly every day sometimes multiple times within minutes of each other. There is no correlation with other vehicle feature or functions that cause these restarts to happen and they are not in any specific pattern . When the MMI system reboots, the rearview camera and parking sensor display go dark, making parking and reversing unsafe, which directly impacts the functionality... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
Frame rust. Huge problems on the 4th gen 4runners. Can't believe there's not a recall on this issue.
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
The license plate lights were not working and they needed replaced. The sockets were bad. My mechanic purchased a replacement two light cable, which also plugs into the back-up camera in this Ford Transit., from the local Ford dealership. After replacing the cable with light sockets and pluging in the back-up camera, the camera went to a blue screen and no longer works. The ford garage stated tha... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
The electronic power steering component itself is failing. When turning the steering wheel one way the wheel will jerk the opposite direction and be very difficult to turn due to the power steering failing. An indicator light on the instrument panel comes on that states to service the steering control system and then shuts off by itself. This impacts the safety of all those in or around the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
I was turning onto a main thoroughfare fare, and the van was slow to accelerate, Engine light briefly blinked, then went off, and then when I was on the interstate I had to pull over the van was running rough. Once I went back on the road, the steering wheel was shuddering and finally the engine smoothed out. This has happened more two other times to me.
Incident date: May 6, 2025
Driver side sliding door lock jammed shut! No way to use the door causing safety issue in an emergency. Lock will not release. There was no warning signs and dealer cannot get my car in for another month. Passenger side sliding door has done this intermittently.
Incident date: May 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and jolted temporarily, and the message "Change Transmission Fluid" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that th... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and jolted temporarily, and the message "Change Transmission Fluid" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
Since a recent software update, vehicle will unexpectedly give multiple error codes, and disengage “one-pedal driving” mode. This happened recently when coming to a stop at a traffic light behind another vehicle. When coming to a gradual one-pedal stop, the one pedal driving mode unexpectedly disengaged, causing me to almost hit the vehicle in front of me. This error has occurred 5-6 times ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
During operation steering wheel becomes heavy and difficult to turn and becomes notchy. Very difficult to stay in ones own lane.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
Vehicle: 2015 Audi Q5 2.0T VIN: [XXX] At around 70,000 miles, my vehicle began consuming engine oil abnormally. I received a low-oil warning and had to add 1 quart every 1,000 miles. I first approached an authorized Audi dealer at 75,000 miles, who inspected the vehicle and stated this was “normal for older vehicles” and found no issues. However, the problem worsened rapidly. By 79,000 miles... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2025
When backing up the camera becomes unavailable. This is after a software update (v3.6.4) that was suppose to resolve the issue.
Incident date: May 29, 2025
Garavel Chrysler Jeep Dodge 300 Westport Ave Norwalk, CT 06851 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 2015 06/12/2025-... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2025
Whining noise started a week ago. Whenever I press the gas peddle a whining noise starts and increases as I accelerate. Took it to a Toyota dealer and they are suggesting a total transmission replacement. I have 90000 miles
Incident date: May 28, 2025
Backup Camera is intermitent, screen blanks or is distorted this happens randomly seems to happen more often in warm weather.
Incident date: Jun 11, 2025
A mechanic says it is PCM failure. I have owned the car for 18 months. Shortly after buying it, it started doing this thing where it loses power for just a second or two. Cruise control and proximity sensors kick off, steering wheel locks and/or power steering turns off, all interior components turn off. Usually everything comes right back on, and I can reset the cruise control. Lately it has been... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2025
A/c drain clogged resulting in a backup of water to start leaking into the vehicle and steadily dripping onto the airbag module. The dealer did replicate the issue and are repairing. The airbag light illuminated and then the seatbelt light and chime began a couple of days later. Poorly placed safety device module.
Incident date: May 5, 2025
I was pulling into a parking spot slowly and all of the sudden the car took off and took off and I couldn’t stop and when I tried to sped hard on the break it wouldn’t work and I lost control and my car wouldn’t stop until it crashed into another vehicle that was sitting in another parking spot.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
Collision mitigation brake system vibrates steering wheel,flashes brake, sounds alarm every time a car approaches in opposite lane on curves and often for no traffic at all. It gives so many false alarms I've had to turn it off for safety.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
Collision mitigation brake system vibrates steering wheel,flashes brake, sounds alarm every time a car approaches in opposite lane on curves and often for no traffic at all. It gives so many false alarms I've had to turn it off for safety.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
Shift to park message began appearing even after the shifter knob was in park. I cannot turn the vehicle off and it rolled backwards due to the vehicle not recognizing it was in park. This has now cost $700 to repair when its been a known issue with these vehicles for over 6 years and yet they refuse to issue a recall. This is dangerous and disgusting practice for a vehicle manufacturer to avoi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while attempting to service the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 174,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 298,000.
Incident date: Jun 14, 2025
The panoramic sunroof shade has lost its tension when opens. The roller may have broken its clip to hold since being plastic. When open it blockes from seeing from rear view mirror as it sags down. In short cant use sunroof as it poses a risk of view
Incident date: May 2, 2025
I have what seems to a manufacturing issue with my ram 1500. The air suspension will not stay inflated after taking it to the dealership. They cited no issues but the problem continues to take place.