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: May 2, 2025
Recall N252494000 GM has known about this issue since January (at least) and issued a recall in April. The attached form indicates they are recalling my vehicle but they are unable to repair it. This reduces my value and potentially leads to serious accident and serious injuries. How can GM get away with this? It is a BIG DEAL for a customer to have their vehicle recalled for safety issues like th... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2025
When I come to a stop, in an attempt to park, I will shift into park but a message will appear on my dash saying to shift to park this prevents me from shutting off the vehicle. The issue is persistent at times, but happens intermittently.
Incident date: May 19, 2022
During the rainy season, moisture found its way inside the right passenger real tail light, causing a “brake malfunction” error on the dash and deactivating the passenger rear brake light. After the moisture dries, the light comes back on but is intermittent. The light continues to malfunction during rainfall. This is a huge safety concern as there is no way to reset the system to turn on the ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
I am submitting this formal complaint regarding Kia’s failure to honor engine-related recall repairs on my 2020 Kia Soul. Despite these recalls being publicly issued by Kia and clearly applicable to my vehicle, I have encountered significant obstacles in obtaining the necessary repairs. I have made multiple attempts to have the recall issues addressed. However, the required repairs have not bee... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Sienna Hybrid. The contact stated while driving and depressing the brake pedal to come to a stop, the vehicle jolted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle was operating as designed. Additionally, the contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the messages "Parking Brake Malfunction", "Parking Brake Unavailable" and ... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2025
Vehicle: 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV Engine: 6.2L V8 Mileage at failure: 84,000 miles Problem: Complete engine failure Description: I own a 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV with a 6.2L V8 engine. At only 84,000 miles, the engine failed and had to be completely replaced. The symptoms and failure are identical to what is described in GM’s recent recall of 2021–2024 Escalades with 6.2L V8 engines. How... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2025
Recall due to crankshaft bearing.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
My backup camera is malfunctioning. 1st incident I was backing out of a parking spot, and the camera screen just blacked out, and 2 pedestrians were walking behind my car, and the 2 seconds later the car started beeping, warning me of the pedestrians, I almost hit them. 2nd time i was backing out of my parking spot at work, and a coworker was walking behind my car, the camera gave me a warning tha... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
Spent an hour waiting to talk to a Kawasaki rep and was told this about the 24/25 recall. "Currently, the recall affects all bikes. There is no current fix on the way BUT Kawasaki is confident (lol) that one will be on the way soon. Do not ride your zx6r for your own safety, but also because if the mechanical failure happens, your bike will take much much much longer to fix." People are spreadin... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2023
pulling into a parking, backing out of my driveway on to the road, rolling with my foot off the gas preparing to brake the car shut off in gear. it is very dangerous happening when we back out of the driveway on to the road having to shift to park and manually restart the car. it happens with the auto shut off both on and off. this is a big issue that needs resolved before someone gets seriously h... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the transmission was slipping, and the power train malfunction warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact became aware of fluids leaking underneath the vehicle and accumulating on the rear glass. The contact drove the vehicle to a nearby parking space and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an i... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
Fuel tank and pump were not made to be used with ethanol, which is in almost all available gas in the USA. The fuel pump and tank erode rapidly due to their material reaction to the ethanol. Fuel pump screams loudly on startup and begins to fail pulling fuel to the engine, mileage may vary. Tank corrodes on the inside which speeds up this process.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
UNKNOWN- I was driving and it was storming bad, I accidentally drove through this road that was flooded and my car then said throttle control and my car started to not drive as well then when I took a turn my car stopped and it would not move. I turned it off and it started going again, then when I was going up a hill while I trying to turn my car would not move, the vehicle stability indicator tu... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 3500. The contact stated that after accelerating from a red light and while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from underneath the hood, and the vehicle started to decelerate. The contact coasted to the side of the road and inspected the engine while attempting to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehi... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Jun 24, 2025
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
Air bag is malfunctioning and Honda diagnosed and stated I was responsible because warranty has expired.
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2025) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 24, 2025
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
The ABS system has failed, and I have to pony up $3000 + for repair, since the warranty extension from Toyota has expired - 10 years since first use (even though I have only had it for 5 years). I have less than 150,000 miles on this car, which is the the other parameter for service coverage for this problem. Toyota knows these parts fail, and they extended the warranty, BUT there is no recourse i... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2025) - SEAT BELTS
Jun 24, 2025
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
Bought a 2006 Nissan Sentra from an individual as a first car for my grandson. Drivers Seatbelt does not retract. Took to body shop and they said it was a safety issue and we would need to take it to the dealer. The Nissan Dealer in Chattanooga said that they could not repair it as the part was discontinued. Did not give us an alternative other than to to google it and fix it ourselves (but it's... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2025) - SUSPENSION
Jun 24, 2025
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
I started hearing a rear thunking noise at approximately 10,000 miles. It was sporadic, not constant. With more miles, more distinct noise from rear of vehicle. At service appt and 24,000 miles a leaking rear shock was replaced. Two days later the same noise returned. The car goes back in to dealer tomorrow. Everything I’ve read points to this vehicle model having serious suspension issues... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Service Transmission" displayed, with a grinding sound coming from the transmission. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was taken to the local auto parts store and the message "Lost Communication with ECM and PCM" was displayed. The vehicle was not repaired. The local ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Service Transmission" displayed, with a grinding sound coming from the transmission. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was taken to the local auto parts store and the message "Lost Communication with ECM and PCM" was displayed. The vehicle was not repaired. The local ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 3500. The contact stated that after accelerating from a red light and while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from underneath the hood, and the vehicle started to decelerate. The contact coasted to the side of the road and inspected the engine while attempting to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2025
On June 17, 2025, I went with my mechanic to inspect a car I was considering purchasing. The vehicle is a 2015 Honda Accord Sport, showing approximately 60,000 miles on the odometer. My mechanic performed a diagnostic scan, and everything appeared to be in good working order at the time. However, on June 23, 2025, I went to the DMV to register the vehicle, and I was informed that the car has a fr... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
The MMI constantly reboots every 3-10 minutes every trip. Each time the system reboots, it requires me to interface with it to get it logged back in. The MMI is also the main interface with the navigation system, which restarts as part of the reboot, requiring me to restart the route while driving. Recently, it occurred while driving in downtown Boston, nearing my destination, which required se... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2025
sliding doors will not close! they go to close and open up, I have woken up to my car doors open, several times. come out of the store and my sliding door open, they go to shut completely and open back up.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); 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. Th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
My wife RODE our 2018 Can Am Spyder 70 miles to have recall 24V728 completed on 4/23/25. Today is 6/24/25 and we still do not have vehicle back. Dealership pulled engine replaced output shaft put it back together and it will now not shift correctly. Dealership has been trying to figure out the problem and in contact with BRP. At first it was something about it not accepting updated programming... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
RCM_a021 Front left safety restraint system fault error
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the RPM was elevated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle would brake independently while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine and Electronic Stability Control warning... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the RPM was elevated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle would brake independently while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine and Electronic Stability Control warning... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the RPM was elevated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle would brake independently while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine and Electronic Stability Control warning... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2025
Vehicle engine sputters/stalls. I see there is a fuel pump recall on SOME 2014 GMC Sierra’s but mine is not on the list per your website.
Incident date: Jun 22, 2025
When driving on a straight road then having to slightly change course due to perhaps a slight bend in the road the steering wheel feels like it is sticking and takes a bit of force to straighten the wheel. I have had numerous alignments done per maintenance recommendations. It seems to happen more often when it is warm outside. There are no warning lights present. Im afraid that the steering wheel... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V025000 (Suspension); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the rear shock absorbers. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected, and the dealer informed the ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the sunroof exploded and completely fractured into several pieces. The contact stated that the glass fragments fell inside the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and occupied, and attempting to start the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after shifting into reverse and reversing out of the driveway, the check engine warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the deale,r where it was diagnos... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while reversing, the rearview camera image was intermittently frozen. The contact stated that the failure had progressively worsened, and the rearview camera image was blue, black, green, or red while reversing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V4... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE PHEV
(2025) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jun 23, 2025
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
All the dashboard warning lights come on. They will turn off at short intervals, but then come back on. I took the car to the dealer in 2024 and they diagnosed it as rear tire sensor problem. Paid over $800 to have this replaced and all the dashboard warning lights came back on the next day. Went back to the dealer and they then diagnosed it as bad fuel injector and quoted repair at over $1,200. W... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
Piston failure - vehicle has always been properly maintained by Honda dealer and we have adhered to their suggestions for maintenance/repair. It has been driven in a safe and legal manner. There is no reason why this should have happened under the conditions without a defect. Vehicles currently at Regal Honda, Lakeland FL incurring $6000 worth of repairs.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
Power steering went out. I was driving and I was on the freeway and the steering wouldn't move like it should. It became very hard to steer so I exited off the highway and pulled in to a store barely missing the sign. I call a friend and had the car towed home and looked at. I was told the eps went out. The next time I started the car it said power steering on the odometer. The dealership said the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine was misfiring, and there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, then to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was a misfire in cylinder #1. The mechanic replaced the spark plugs and ignition coils; however, the failure recu... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal rumbling and vibrating sound coming from underneath the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the cam phasers had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2025
After a recall on the emergency braking system was resolved, we’ve had frequent occurrences where the rear cross traffic alert system will report traffic that does not exist. The vehicle will then stop abruptly. Once this happens, the emergency brake doesn’t always completely disengage. This almost always happens in parking lots and can increase the likelihood of accidents. I’ve taken it ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2025
Multiple people I know with 2024 Hyundai Kona AWD cars are having the same problem around 10k or so miles. The AWD is locking up. Car feels like rear wheels are slipping when turning and accelerating out of a full or partial stop. This is a widespread problem on this model and I am very surprised it is not a recall yet. Many drivers are having coupler or entire rear differential replaced on th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
The entry door on my Jayco 264BH has become extremely difficult to open and close because the bottom of the door is rubbing against or making contact with the frame. This makes it nearly impossible for children to enter or exit the RV safely. In addition, closing the door from inside the RV is very difficult, which poses a significant safety risk—especially in emergency situations where quick ex... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Took vehicle to garage after hearing rattling sound, mechanic said that PTU shaft almost completely came off due to spline wear. He said there should be an active recall specifically for this issue, so referred us to Jeep dealership for repair. The Jeep dealership said that the only active recall is for the powered lift gate module. However, my VIN was not included in the W47 recall (NHTSA 20V-34... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2025
The horn has failed four times on my vehicle, and I have owned and maintained it since November 2022. While Hyundai has replaced it under warranty at no charge, I foresee this being a continuing issue.
Incident date: Mar 21, 2025
Audi had a recall on my 2018 A3 for a Passenger Occupant Detection System. in July 2023, Audi replaced the PODS Sensor mat. Recently, the same car has encountered the same issue. The PODS light indicates the airbag is off even if a passenger is sitting in the seat. There has been not repair work since July 2023, that would impact the PODS. And the warning lights reappeared after a period of no... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2025
Audi had a recall on my 2018 A3 for a Passenger Occupant Detection System. in July 2023, Audi replaced the PODS Sensor mat. Recently, the same car has encountered the same issue. The PODS light indicates the airbag is off even if a passenger is sitting in the seat. There has been not repair work since July 2023, that would impact the PODS. And the warning lights reappeared after a period of no... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2025) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jun 23, 2025
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
Battery goes dead. Motorcycle would not start. Dealership has no idea what happened. Fuel pump issues on this model as well as electrical issues. The manufacturer has made modifications on the 2024 and newer models. They should replace all of the defective parts.
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 23, 2025
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
While stopped at a red light my van alerted me that the start/Stop feature was not working, turned itself off and put the van in Park causing much confusion and my almost getting reended as I was unsure what to do.