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 8, 2025
When you try to turn the vehicle off, there is a “Shift to Park” warning with the vehicle already in Park. The vehicle has only 19,000 miles
Incident date: Jun 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V159000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the vehicle experienced a failure with the back over prevention system. The contact stated that the image on the screen was occasionally blue, or the image was frozen. The contact had taken the vehicle back to the same dealer and ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
P012800 failure on thermostat for engine
Incident date: May 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Seltos. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and attempting to depress the horn there was no sound coming from the horn. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the failure began in 2023. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the fai... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster failed to function as intended. The instrument clustered and flickered, displaying a black screen. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an instrument cluster failure. The contact was informed that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2025
My vehicle has been throwing an error code related to the thermostat. The temperature gauge will remain on C resulting in the fan running loudly, the air conditioner not cooling the cabin of the vehicle well, and a message displaying "steering assist is reduced drive with care". When I check the fluid levels everything is fine without issue. I'm VERY frustrated and want to get rid of my Blazer ASA... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
We have had 3 windshields crack in exactly the same spot with little or no signs of impact. The first incident we heard something impact the windshield and within 1/2 hour a crack developed at the top of the windshield and spread straight down to the base. The second no impact was heard but the crack showed the same pattern as the first. The third time there was a slight impact sound, the crack... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse into a parking spot, the back over prevention display screen failed to function properly. The contact stated that the screen failed to display an image or remained frozen. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed tha... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not ex... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from under the floorboards. The contact stated that there was a pop and then a whining sound before the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to either first or second gear. The contact stated there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over and stopped the... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2025
Whining noise coming from the front passenger side (POWER TAKEOFF UNIT). Raises rpm’s and makes noise at around 50 mph.
Incident date: May 29, 2025
Our screen turns black, the heat is activated and the windows lock. Dash notifications for ABS flash along with others including blind spot notifications. This occurs while driving. This is a major distraction and concern.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
I never got a notification regarding the recall for the transmission lead frame code. I just recently started having issues with this problem, where my truck will downshift to 1st gear while driving at highway speeds. This nearly threw me and my two young daughters off the road. I took it to the dealership, and they told me that they are unable to help me due to the 10-year mark being passed, even... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2025
Driver side airbags (curtain and left seat) spontaneously deployed while I was parking the car. I did not hit anything. I was not injured but my safety was put at risk because I likely would have crashed if it had happened while I was driving. I contacted Toyota and they sent an investigator to inspect the car. He found no issues in the data he collected and could not give a reason for the air... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
For years there has been a problem with my vehicle after it rains. On the drivers side when turning the steering wheel there is a scraping noise. The dealership service always said they can’t hear anything or duplicate the problem. Now the issue has extended to the passenger side. After a heavy rain or going through the car wash water get in under the glovebox. My sunroof is fine and not clogge... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2025
There was a recall on the 21-22 santa fe for a issue with the transmission oil pump failure. I have a 23 which is not part of the recall but this is exactly what happened to me and now the transmission has failed completely with 68,000 miles
Incident date: Jun 15, 2025
When idle stop is on and I come to a stop, the car shuts off and switches to neutral. It has to be put in park to start it back up. This is a safety concern because the vehicle is essentially stalled until you're able to put it in parked and restart it, which could cause an accident. The dealer is aware of the problem as it's been discussed the last two times that I've taken my vehicle in for reca... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2025
Only I have 88,000 k on 2020 transit the transmission have problems with shifting while driving on highway start with delay on 2nd gear now fault code for gear 10
Incident date: May 31, 2025
The rear window shattered for no apparent reason. I was directly next to the vehicle with the tailgate closed when I witnessed happened without any probable cause. Please advise. Thank you.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
Let me start by stating that this incident is just one of many occurrences that has happened to me with this vehicle. I was driving down a straight highway that was pretty heavily congested with traffic of other vehicles, when all of a sudden I felt a loss of power with the vehicle and some error codes came up on the dashboard indicating the engine needed to be serviced, start & stop was unavailab... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2025
While exiting the highway from 70MPH my truck quit running on the exit ramp as I approached the end of the ramp. The truck would not restart and blocked traffic until I was able to get a tow truck. After the truck was towed back to my home I was able to scan the truck and found P129F code reporting (Fuel Pump Driver Control Module Fuel Pump Speed Signal Incorrect) (see attached report). Only ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2025
Issue started to occur around 40,000 miles, when excellerating from a stop to about 30mph and when turning vehicle will feel as if it’s grinding or clunking in the front power train area. As miles increase on vehicle issue seems to happen more frequent.
Incident date: Jun 13, 2025
Frunk compartment of Silverado ev won’t close and puts the car in “limp” mode. Dealership has replaced it twice. Still happens making the car not drive able and unsafe. Multiple people have had this issue and needs to be addressed please
Incident date: Jun 13, 2025
Got an oil change, and they advised that it was low on oil. (I had just replaced it recently) I took it to the dealer and they advised a part was bad, that they replaced. I was driving and the check engine light and oil light came on . I had to tow car. Dealer said the engine was burning oil, and that the engine is covered, but I would have to drive it until it got worse.
Incident date: May 25, 2025
The climate control switch melted. Available for inspection I was getting smoked out by plastic fumes. Researched this issues with all data No No lights.
Incident date: Jun 9, 2025
Engine seems to have failed. Having it towed to get a final diagnosis but it seems seized/blown.
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
While driving the vehicle it often shifts out of gear. It will hard shift change and not drive, which causes people behind you to have to unexpectedly stop or speed up on you because truck shifts out of gear. Very dangerous situation, and online people often complain about it
Incident date: Apr 27, 2025
I buckled my son in his car seat and set my purse in the passenger seat and walked around the vehicle and in about 10 seconds it locked itself WITH the keys inside. The engine was off and I live in Tx so it was already very hot in the car. We used a pole through the cracked window to click the unlock button on the passenger door, we hit it twice and the car did not unlock, then I used a hanger to ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2025
In the middle of a busy intersection, the car just completely shut down. The car only had ~35,000 miles on the odometer and has been serviced only by BMW. It turned out that the water pump broke, which led to downstream impact on additional surrounding systems. BMW X5’s up to model year 2019 had recalls due to faulty water pumps. From an independent search online, it appears there are many o... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2025
Driving on interstate doing 65 and suddenly warning pops up and car dies immediately. I was lucky to get over to the edge and not wreck or cause an accident. Found that the 12 volt battery was not being charged without warning until failure. Found a 15 amp fuse blown in the high voltage relay module.
Incident date: Jun 14, 2025
According to the Honda dealership of Winchester, West Virginia, an engine rod came through back of block and into oil plan, causing oil to leak on exhaust, which then caused the car to catch on fire. My daughter was driving and her safety was at risk. There were no warning signs about this prior to the incident. We had just driven the car from Nashville to West Virginia with no problems. I was... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 7, 2023
Since purchasing the vehicle in April, I have had a continuous problem with the brake's and brake system's. The red dash warning chime and red warning light have come on. I have brought the car in 4 times to the dealer for repair, to no avail. This happened before I put 100 miles on the car and has continued. I currently only have about 680 miles. The dealer has "worked" on on it for almost 2 mont... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 14, 2025
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
Front brake calipers are sticking on, causing the brake pad to engage the rotor causing excessive heat. Risk of fire when parked in garage. I have had the calipers taken apart and cleaned and greased and still have the issue. I have read many reports on message boards of the same issue with no fix.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
I have searched the prior recalls and I’m having the same problem that were said to be fixed. I would like the car check again for the recalls that said to be fixed and checked for all reacalls . The car turns of unexpected without warning . At random times the low power mode is always on and when I push down in the pedal it doesn’t respond well at all . I have invested countless money into fi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2025
Checked my tires, air pressure and left for a trip and on the trip the tire blew for no reason. Nothing was hit or any reason for tire to break.
Incident date: Jun 14, 2025
On [XXX], while driving through a common roadway puddle at a safe speed, the front bumper on my BZ4X detached from the undercarriage shield and tore away from the clips. This type of damage is clearly disproportionate to the conditions and reflects a deficiency in structural design. After researching this issue, I found that many other BZ4X owners have experienced the same bumper detachment and un... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2025
Horn stopped working at at around 30,000 miles. After taking it to the dealership to get fixed it stopped working at 70,000 miles again.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
I own a 2021 Honda CR-V Touring hybrid and have had 2 incidents of what I have learned is called sudden unintentional acceleration (SUA). I bought the car new and took possession of it in the spring of 2021. The first incident occurred Nov 14, 2023 when I was parking at a restaurant. I was slowly pulling forward into a parking spot where there were unattended cars on either side of me as well as... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
I own a 2021 Honda CR-V Touring hybrid and have had 2 incidents of what I have learned is called sudden unintentional acceleration (SUA). I bought the car new and took possession of it in the spring of 2021. The first incident occurred Nov 14, 2023 when I was parking at a restaurant. I was slowly pulling forward into a parking spot where there were unattended cars on either side of me as well as... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 18, 2025
Certain buttons don't work on the steering wheel. Usually temporary. Sometime the center console won't load at start up. The lane keeping system and speed control don't follow the instructions in the setup menu.
Incident date: Jun 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (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 contact stated that while driving off the lot when purchasing vehicle, the check engine warning light illu... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (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 contact stated that while driving off the lot when purchasing vehicle, the check engine warning light illu... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
The engine seized up. Yeah, the truck is at a trusted mechanic and he told me that the engine seized. No warning signs. The truck wouldn't start and the engine light was on.
Incident date: May 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the flex plate had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2025
The dash board stared to flash all sorts of symbols check engine light, auto start stop, sway bar disconnect unavailable, shifter problem. And then the power steering does not work, sometimes the throttle has no power, and sometimes the engine shuts off.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered abnormally, and there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. In addition, the contact became aware of an abnormal coolant consumption. The check engine warning light was occasionally illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with OP code: 62... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
Rear passenger seat belt will not release lock/tension/broken. Will not allow rear occupants to buckle in. Safety issue. Seems to happen on most 2013+ ford vehicles specifically trims like titanium with a 'inflatable belt" This issue should be recalled free of charge, It is a major safety issue not to be able to use a seatbelt. The best remedy would be inspect and replacement of broken compo... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
Hood prop up rod comes loose in windy conditions. The was captured on my CCTV cameras and is also duplicatable. Simply shake the hood when it’s open and the rod comes loose Toyota was notified and instructed me to show the dealer. Dealer was notified and we duplicated the problem in their presence. They informed me that there was nothing they can do and they noted in in the maintenance rep... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Suburban. 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 while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle intermittently failed to accelerate as intended before slamming into gear. The lo... Read more