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 16, 2025
frame failure and structural issues
Incident date: May 16, 2025
While starting from a stop the engine stuttered and resulted in a major loss of power. Luckily this occurred pulling out of our driveway on to a quiet neighborhood street. Several warning lights and messages went off including the engine and transmission system warning, “service ESC”, “Service Traction Control”, and the emission system warning. After driving it to the dealership at 30mph ... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2025
The dash warning "Consider Taking A Break" fires off randomly. This is a distraction as when I'm in traffic, driving well within my lane, no sudden changes, it will alert and I look down as I assume there may be a more serious problem. It takes my attention from the road often. This feature cannot be disabled. I've contacted the manufacturer and the local dealership. The local dealership su... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2025
MDPS Flexible Steering Coupler Fails on all these cars but only Optima’s got covered even though the same defective coupler is used in the Forte’s Here is the memo for the Optima’s TSB: CHA072 / CS1604 (Rev 2) Optima (QF/TF/TFH) August 2016
Incident date: Jun 12, 2025
Driving the vehicle at highway speeds the large orange “Brake” warning illuminates and flashes, and the brake activates. This has happened approximately 5-6 times since I have owned the car. This started within 2 months of purchasing the vehicle. The dealer has tried replacing the front camera and I have changed the battery. None of this has fixed the issue. According to my Innova 5610 code re... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2025
Driving the vehicle at highway speeds the large orange “Brake” warning illuminates and flashes, and the brake activates. This has happened approximately 5-6 times since I have owned the car. This started within 2 months of purchasing the vehicle. The dealer has tried replacing the front camera and I have changed the battery. None of this has fixed the issue. According to my Innova 5610 code re... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2025
Back in April 2025 my 2020 Honda CRV started having an issue with the steering where it would get stuck or it felt like a grab while driving, this happened while driving around 35 mph and on the interstate going around 78 mph, it felt like it could've made me over correct but it went back to "somewhat normal". It happened several times then took it to dealer, they were able to reconstruct the pro... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2025
With only 53500 miles the gears stopped working. The gear shift pulls and hesitates when changing gears. The engine pulls when excelerating even at low speeds while struggling to shift. The Cam is also causing issues with loud start up sounds.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Repeated failures of accessory battery resulting in powertrain failures. One incident disabled the response of the accelerator. Acceleration was only achieved by releasing the brake pedal and the vehicle slowly accelerated up to approx 35 mph. Battery has been replaced/repaired by dealer 4 times already, with a 5th pending shortly. Accessing the battery to jump start the vehicle requires lifting ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
What happened: Before the engine began smoking, I experienced several electrical and functional issues. The cigarette lighter socket and USB ports stopped working completely. At one point, the windshield washer fluid system also stopped working and later started functioning again without repair. Additionally, on multiple occasions while at a complete stop with my foot on the brake, the vehicle un... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Jun 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced at an unknown location, the contact was informed that the cam phasers and timing chain were defective. Additionally, the contact stated that the engine made an abnormal sound upon starting the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it wa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the vehicle while depressing the accelerator pedal. The failure persisted, and the contact stated that the steering wheel was loose while operat... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and was unable to accelerate above 40 MPH. The contact stated that after the failure, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the variable valve... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2025
Component: Power Transfer Unit (PTU) [XXX] , but my VIN is not included. The power transfer unit has failed. This appears to be a manufacturing defect identical to those listed under the recall. I am requesting immediate inclusion and repair under the recall provisions.”2. Contact Jeep (Stellantis) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Jan 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Odyssey. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that an unknown local dealer was contacted. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recal... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2021
The car died/bricked up 2 days ago 7 days after owning the vehicle. They said it was a cell in the 12 volt battery. Just picked it up and drove it for 30 minutes it threw up a turtle error and jerked forward a few times Almost hit a pedestrian and a car in front of me. I parked it and getting it towed. It seems according to other owners these things are all bad.
Incident date: May 9, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 45 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted from high gear to a low gear. The contact stated that the “Service Vehicle Soon” warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the transmission lead frame was faulty a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the rear blind spot parking sensor. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that several days later, upon entering the vehicle, the vehicle failed to sta... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
the recall was dated 12 August 2024. To date BMW North America has not provided the parts needed to effect the repair. it has been 10 months since the recall. BMW NA is dragging its feet. it is time something is done to require BMW NA to fix the problem,
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
the recall was dated 12 August 2024. To date BMW North America has not provided the parts needed to effect the repair. it has been 10 months since the recall. BMW NA is dragging its feet. it is time something is done to require BMW NA to fix the problem,
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
Butts County Fire and Emergency Services made a report about the car catching on fire. There was an electrical problem and/or the engine caught on fire. My son’s fingers got burned and he was taking to the emergency room. Further neurological damage done to all of his finger tips. No warning car just blew up in fire. My son’s fingers could have died during the car fire.
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: May 1, 2025
ABS kicks on while going slowly over uneven, bumpy roads, or train tracks. The entire car vibrates and I cannot stop the vehicle even when hitting the brake as hard as possible. The car continues forward for a few seconds after causing me to nearly rear-end other vehicles stopped at a red light.
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2020
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on the passenger’s side windshield 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 local dealer was contacted, and a dealer ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
My headlights are so dim, that I’m forced to drive with my high beams at night or not drive at all. I’ve replace the bulbs and there has been no improvement.
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
I keep getting a warning that pops up saying “consider taking a break”. It’s very distracting and there’s no way to turn it off. Please give us a way!
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2025) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Jun 10, 2025
Incident date: Feb 8, 2025
As I am traveling on the freeway or expressway, when I have cruise control active and I am in the far right lane the vehicle suddenly changes to the speed of the frontage road dropping my speed from 65 or 70mph down to 40, even tho I am on the expressway. It almost caused me to be rear ended because of the sudden drop in speed.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2025
My paint has begun bubbling up and feeling out of nowhere. I’ve always taken good care of my car yet spots are beginning to pop up along the passanger side. The paint continues to peel more as time goes on. I’ve found many complaints online of people saying they’ve had the same issue with their kia in the Snow White Pearl color I have, but there’s no recall and kia refuses to pay for it.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2025
The Audi MMI (Multi Media Interface) system plays a crucial role in enhancing safety features by providing a user-friendly interface for managing various driver assistance systems and safety-related functions. These include features like emergency calls, roadside assistance, and the integration of driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance assist.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2025
Weld on frame of 5th wheel attachment. Hitch I beam tore loose from cross member tubing, tearing the tubing completely apart. Crossmember broke at hitch attachment point. Had we not caught it when stopping to camp, the trailer could have broken loose from the truck injuring us or anyone behind us on the road.
Incident date: Feb 4, 2025
The vehicle will hesitate/stall while driving down the road. The vehicle has done this multiple times and has actually shut off on 2 different occasions while at a stop. on 2 occasions now the vehicle has not wanted to start. I have taken vehicle to Mazda dealership and they can never duplicate it. When they check for any codes, the vehicle computer does not give accurate times when happened. This... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
The coolant control valve needs to be replaced. My estimated time to get the truck back is 1-2months. This appears to be a common problem. And its not covered under warranty
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 535I. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine was overheating. Additionally, the contact noticed an abnormal burning odor while driving, with smoke coming from underneath the hood while at a complete stop. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximat... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Genesis GV80. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with a child seated in the rear passenger’s seat, the seat belt webbing loosened from the frame of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the seat belt might have been cut and caused the failure. The contact disputed the claim and notified the manufacturer... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2025
They changed the originality milleage of the car and sold it too expensive
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
While driving the vehicle, the car shut down. Thankfully I was coming to a yield at a round about after exiting the Interstate. I was finally able to get it to restart and proceeded on my way. If this had happened on the Interstate myself, and other drivers would be at risk due to unassisted steering and braking. I also have experienced intermittent periods of "Reduction of Power" while on the int... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2025
my car caught fire. The area where the stereo, heater, all melted even the windshield cracked and the gear shifter melted.
Fire
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
I bought tires from Walmart.com website in July 15 2023 and had them installed on a 2005 Chevrolet 2500 HD pickup. This was at the Walmart Laramie store. Between that time and Fall of 2024 one of the tires had a flat and Walmart Laramie, Wy replaced it. On October 7 2024 going to Riverton, Wy. the right rear passenger tire had a blow out. This was on I-80 going west towards Rawlins. It scared the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate or exceed 30 MPH. The message "Transmission Overheating" was displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2025
Rack and Pinion failed on me at 99k miles. I just got done with my workout and went to go start up the truck and the service power steering message came on with the power steering indicator light. That wheel would hardly move when I tried to move. I also decided to look under the truck and under the hood for any leaks and nothing and then soon realized after doing a quick google search that the 20... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
Kia issued a recall for defective piston oil rings. The recall was performed on my 2021 Kia Seltos and showed that I needed an engine replacement. The day that the dealership tested my car Kia suspended the recall stating the test was inaccurate. When the recall test was reissued my car passed and was denied for a new engine. An oil consumption test was performed on my car and the results were tha... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
Kia issued a recall for defective piston oil rings. The recall was performed on my 2021 Kia Seltos and showed that I needed an engine replacement. The day that the dealership tested my car Kia suspended the recall stating the test was inaccurate. When the recall test was reissued my car passed and was denied for a new engine. An oil consumption test was performed on my car and the results were tha... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
A frame pieces have detached and were flapping/ flying onto the highway. We are now missing both sides of A Frame pieces and replacements for the recall are not available.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 BMW X5. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the contact noticed a fluid leak underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that upon driving from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to exceed 5 MPH. The check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The messages " Drivetrain Malfunction" and "4-WD Component" and other unknown mess... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2025
My 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid began experiencing a noticeable loss of engine power and severe shaking while idling. The problem first appeared when I was parked with the engine running, and the car suddenly started vibrating strongly. Shortly after, the “Emissions System Problem” warning message appeared on the dashboard. A local Honda dealer suspected a malfunction in the fuel injector system, w... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2025
My 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid began experiencing a noticeable loss of engine power and severe shaking while idling. The problem first appeared when I was parked with the engine running, and the car suddenly started vibrating strongly. Shortly after, the “Emissions System Problem” warning message appeared on the dashboard. A local Honda dealer suspected a malfunction in the fuel injector system, w... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2025
While idling outside of my house after driving home, I started to see some smoke from the hood of the car. I looked at the temperature gauge and saw that it had risen to the hot side. I turned off the car and went to check outside; I saw some liquid dripping slowly, which was blue color. I made an appointment with Nissan. I came to learn that the engine coolant fan had malfunctioned, causing the v... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated while reversing, the back over prevention display screen failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the back over prevention screen displayed a black screen. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V324000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was tak... Read more