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: Jun 13, 2025
Shortly after starting the vehicle and entering roadway, the power steering failed and shortly following an error came on regarding the ABS system. I was able to pull the vehicle over safely, restart and the issue seemed resolved in that use. Next day, shortly after starting vehicle, same errors occurred, but self corrected. The day after that, shortly after starting the vehicle, all systems on... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
The flexplate in my 2020 Ford Fusion SE (1.5L EcoBoost engine) failed at just over 53,000 miles. The car began making loud knocking and rattling noises while driving, and it vibrated heavily at idle and during acceleration. This posed a serious safety concern, as we feared the car could stall or break down while on the road with our toddler in the backseat. We took it to an independent, certified... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2025
Unknown. Not for certain. Dash message says “see dealer. Electronic brake control unit malfunction” - to that effect. HCU/ABS recall needs addressing. No parts available currently.
Incident date: Jun 14, 2025
Logging a second complaint for the brake hydraulic control unit that is already recognized by FCA as a defect that needs to be replaced. I am two years into this failed unit and continue to be told by the dealer and manufacturer's customer service that the replacement part is not available and they do not have a delivery date for this part. In the last two years I have had (4) near collisions as a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
There was a sudden loss of power while in the middle of the highway. Further inspection resulted in low oil and metal flakes in the oil filter. At the time of initial loss of power there was absolutely zero warning or indication of any issues at all.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
There was a sudden loss of power while in the middle of the highway. Further inspection resulted in low oil and metal flakes in the oil filter. At the time of initial loss of power there was absolutely zero warning or indication of any issues at all.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
There was a sudden loss of power while in the middle of the highway. Further inspection resulted in low oil and metal flakes in the oil filter. At the time of initial loss of power there was absolutely zero warning or indication of any issues at all.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Accord. The contact stated that there was a failure with the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) system. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the LKAS and Adaptive Cruise Control messages were displayed. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not con... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
Airbags did not deploy when vehicle hit 75 ft highway guardrail driving over 70 mph. The car was totaled, the driver's head hit the steering wheel, requiring stitches. EMS and police at the scene were surprised to find airbags not deployed. Vehicle has been inspected by insurance. Manufacturer has not yet been informed, to my knowledge. There were no warning lights or messages indicating a problem... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
I have a Hyundai Santa Fe 2020 had it only a year my sunroof is a panoramic and it busted out of nowhere. Nothing hit it just shattered on its own when I was going down the road. I know nothing hit it because nobody was on the road near me and I looked around and saw nothing. I was told to report it here so that’s what I’m doing.
Incident date: May 29, 2025
Our car is now having two issues: 1. The first issue is extremely scary, but we found a temporary work around so have been dealing with it for months as we needed are car. If the auto stop/start is not turned off (which has to happen ever time the car is started), the car essentially puts on an emergency break and shuts down the car at the first for second stop. This happened in the middle of a bu... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2025
Our car is now having two issues: 1. The first issue is extremely scary, but we found a temporary work around so have been dealing with it for months as we needed are car. If the auto stop/start is not turned off (which has to happen ever time the car is started), the car essentially puts on an emergency break and shuts down the car at the first for second stop. This happened in the middle of a bu... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
Subject: Fuel Pump Recall Remedy Denied – Ongoing Safety Risk I purchased a used Honda vehicle in December 2024, and shortly after, I learned it was under recall for the fuel pump. In January 2025, I took it to Lia Honda for an oil change and to perform the recall. The dealership refused to do the recall, saying the fuel pump had already been replaced with an aftermarket part by a previous owne... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
Subject: Fuel Pump Recall Remedy Denied – Ongoing Safety Risk I purchased a used Honda vehicle in December 2024, and shortly after, I learned it was under recall for the fuel pump. In January 2025, I took it to Lia Honda for an oil change and to perform the recall. The dealership refused to do the recall, saying the fuel pump had already been replaced with an aftermarket part by a previous owne... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
Subject: Fuel Pump Recall Remedy Denied – Ongoing Safety Risk I purchased a used Honda vehicle in December 2024, and shortly after, I learned it was under recall for the fuel pump. In January 2025, I took it to Lia Honda for an oil change and to perform the recall. The dealership refused to do the recall, saying the fuel pump had already been replaced with an aftermarket part by a previous owne... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
1)After sitting for 2 days the battery was drained or dead. The truck would not start. I jumped the truck and it started up. Every time I park the truck i get a warning that the battery is low and I should drive it to recharge the battery. I drive the truck but it will not recharge. 2) The check engine light comes on. I went to the auto parts and scanned for diagnostics. The scan came back as a fu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
I received a notice that there was a recall on my car. I received this notice on December 20, 2023. This issue still has not been addressed.
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
Electronic parking brake engaged and wouldn't release. Possibility of occurrence while driving. Problem has been confirmed by independent service center to have been caused by water leakage into the area where the parking control module is located. Water was found pooling in parking control module which corroded connecters. Vehicle has not been inspected by anyone but the service center. There wer... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2025
Bought my Kia k4 2025 in February at DTLA Kia and the experience has been [XXX]. The first day driving I went up near dodgers stadium , immediately had a burnt smell. I disregarded it thinking maybe its fresh paint burning , WRONG. Till this day 4 months later my tail pipe throws a musty smell. Issue number 2 , the hesitant gas pedal. Who knows what it is maybe fuel system , transmission but daily... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
When driving for at least 15 minutes, with the radio powered off or on, noise starts to come from the car speakers and builds to a crescendo which surpasses 95 decibels (measured with phone app). The noise is so loud it hurts my ears and I need to pull over to get out of the car. The problem has been confirmed by other individuals, but not the dealer. I have yet to take it to the manufacturer, pol... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
The engine has been rough idling after being put in a GM certified repair shop multiple times within the last year. Also the oil pan has a constant issue with leakage even after doing 3000 dollars worth of work, including the oil pan being replaced. There was a safety recall put out for the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 for this very problem that my vehicle is having ( engine loss of propulsion) recall... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
I have had this happen twice, once on city streets going to work the car was not in auto pilot and it went from 40mph to 0mph instantly. If there was a car behind me I would have gotten slammed into. The second time, my mother was in the passenger seat and I was on the freeway going about 75 to 80mph and it was on auto steer and the car went from the speed I was going to almost 0 and I instantly t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
Backup camera failure , missing rearview image when car gear is shifted to R, increasing the risk of crash and injury. When reversing the backup camera does not display any image/video feed on the screen, only the collision warning system is displayed.
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
The front headlight developed condensation with zero evidence of a hit or accident. Additionally, the car randomly loses power when going from a stop to acceleration, leaving me in the middle of an intersection with no power for about 3-5 seconds
Incident date: Jun 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while attempting to unlock the vehicle with the key, the front driver side door opened; however, the other doors failed to open as intended. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that on another occasion, the interior lights failed ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while attempting to unlock the vehicle with the key, the front driver side door opened; however, the other doors failed to open as intended. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that on another occasion, the interior lights failed ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2025
I purchased a used Toyo tire (model Extensa A/S or 436) from a tire shop in Houston, TX on [XXX]. I was assured it was in good condition, but less than three weeks later, the tire showed severe sidewall cracks, dry rot, and bulging. I was stranded at 1 a.m. due to this failure, and when I inspected the tire myself, I found clear signs of structural damage that should have been caught before the sa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2023
My KIA Sorrento spontaneously engulfed in flames approximately 200 yards from my home. This is not a vehicle crash the car had flames coming from the vents and floor boards. I was the driver my daughter was the passenger and my granddaughter was in the rear car seat we barely escaped with our lives before it exploded and we were steps away as car debre was flying past us.
Fire
Incident date: Jun 17, 2023
Complete rear tire assembly came loose from the unibody frame from rust. Not a drop of rust on the body of the car.Thank god we weren’t on the highway. they told me it was unfixable.Thank you Honda.And the recall stopped at 2011? Honda obviously doesn’t care about safety and human life.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2019
Complete rear tire assembly came loose from the unibody frame from rust. Not a drop of rust on the body of the car.Thank god we weren’t on the highway. they told me it was unfixable.Thank you Honda.And the recall stopped at 2011? Honda obviously doesn’t care about safety and human life.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2019
The contact owns a 2021 Lexus ES250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VI... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2019
The contact owns a 2025 Tiffin Wayfarer RV built on a 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Chassis. The contact stated that the sideview mirrors were vibrating while idling and while driving at various speeds, reducing the visibility of the roadway. The contact stated that the failure was more pronounced while driving at higher speeds. The RV was taken to the dealer and to two other unknown dealers, b... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently accelerated, and the contact heard an abnormal sound. The contact stated that the transmission upshifted from third gear into fifth gear. The contact stated that occasionally while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2025
I was driving on [XXX] in Dallas when the top track that holds the rear sliding window became detached from the inside of the truck, causing the sliding glass window to fall forward and into the vehicle. This window falling created a void causing me to have to pull over and repair it the best I could. I have since learned that Ford used double sided tape and a small amount of adhesive to attach t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
My Volkswagen Jetta shut off driving down interstate 99 due to major fuel leak (fuel rail bolt broke) I saw Volkswagen had a recall for fuel rail bolt coming loose after time. I called Volkswagen states recall was completed in May 2021 I bought the car May 2025. I asked Volkswagen rep if they would repair it as this is the same issue as the recall obviously it isn’t corrected. This could have be... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
Could you please make Audi add my car to the recall list? Thank you- Audi has issued a recall for certain models due to a software issue affecting the Emergency Call (SOS) system. This malfunction can prevent the system from establishing an online connection and receiving cell broadcast messages, potentially hindering emergency services. The recall, designated as Service Action 90T2, involves upda... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2024
The problem is that the steering wheel locking mechanism has failed. The vehicle could not be started or driven. It required a flatbed tow to an authorized Mercedes repair facility. It was diagnosed as the steering mechanism, requiring replacement. The cost for this repair is $1400.00. I researched this problem on the MB website and it stated that this issue was common. I feel that this is a sa... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2025
I am the owner of a 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E affected by Recall 25S65 involving a 12V battery discharge issue that creates a serious entrapment hazard. If the 12V battery fails, the front doors can remain locked—even if someone exits using the mechanical release. This puts me and my family at risk of being locked inside or outside the vehicle in dangerous situations. I live in Texas, and I have... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2025
The undercarriage is completed rusted and is not drivable, I had the treatment done by the dealer to have it coated to protect it from rust. well, its rusted.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
While driving my 2020 Ford Escape, the internal guard plate located between the panoramic sunroof and the moonroof suddenly detached. It fell onto the retractable sunroof shade, jamming it and making it completely inoperable. As a result, the sunroof shade can no longer open or close, and the roof does not fully seal shut. This creates a serious safety concern — the falling piece could have inju... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2023
Front windshield has bubbles on all the edges and they are getting bigger i took it to the warranty ofrece and they say it not a defect, but i hace sean more tan 100 cars With the same problem ,and i don't fiel sale wathching then grow or break. I hope You can verify , just look at any corolla and You Will see what i say on the edges of the windshield, thank
Incident date: Dec 10, 2023
This call actively has a recall on engine rods any Hyundai and some Kia models ranging from 2011 all the way until 2022. They are known for having a faulty motor with active oil consumption and are currently facing several lawsuits and my car is one of these cars facing this issue however, the manufacturer doesn’t want to Fully create a recall on the motor claims that are causing this rapid oil ... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2025
White pearl paint chipping non stop
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Connecting rod bearing seizure leading to engine failure on the TLX 2018 engine 3.5 liter V6 engine. Our 2015 TLX Acura we had to replace our engine because of the connecting rod bearing seizure and our extended warranty covered it around 2020. In 2023 the second the Acura motor which is TLX 2018 engine 3.5 liter V6 failed due to same problem, connecting rod bearing seizure. Acura will not do a re... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2025
After hookup of any type of trailer to electrical on vehicle, left turn signal fails to operate on vehicle or trailer, and warning message is displayed on panel. After disconnection of trailer operation of all turn signals in vehicle resume as designed.
Incident date: Jun 12, 2025
Driving 75-80mph in the freeway when suddenly the power stopped in the middle of the road and couldn’t get it to run. Thankfully freeway exit was near was able to get the vehicle to safety. Tried to turn in on again and would turn on but die down after. Had to tow the vehicle and take it to the dealership the next day. Said it was fuel pump module defect and there’s nothing I could have done... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service electronic braking system and service ABS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall re... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
I have a 2016 Civic LX, and the steering is sticking when on center when the vehicle has been driving for a while/is warmed up. I have read multiple instances and reports of this issue and the EPS/rack being the culprit even when this car was released 10 years ago. There was never a bulletin or a recall for this model year but it is the same issue for the 2022-2025 model years, and it is frustrati... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
I have a 2016 Civic LX, and the steering is sticking when on center when the vehicle has been driving for a while/is warmed up. I have read multiple instances and reports of this issue and the EPS/rack being the culprit even when this car was released 10 years ago. There was never a bulletin or a recall for this model year but it is the same issue for the 2022-2025 model years, and it is frustrati... Read more