Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 60,583 complaints for KIA
Incident date: Apr 24, 2023
The screens have glitching / malfunction without being able to use the infotainment, backup camera, and clusters.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The automatic engine start stop when at a stop while driving creates dangerous conditions. The engine stalls during the re-start and it seems to pull the voltage all the way down to where every controller is dead and restarting. Cycling ignition switch while cluster is black or restarting or throwing up bunches of fault messages as traffic is now moving and you are still stopped. Sometimes this... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
The car continues to burn oil and have to put oil in it although not time for oil change. I took the vehicle to dealership several times because whenever I get gas it won’t let me start it right away or stutters after getting gas. Whenever the car is in park or idle it’s making a knocking noise and shaking really bad. The check engine light keeps going off and on but this most recent time it i... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
My wife was driving home and four dashboard error lights illuminated (Brakes, ABS, SLIP and a yellow light_) The brakes suddenly "went soft" (in her words), and it freaked her out. I now learn that I need to have the brake master cylinder and a booster pump assembly replaced at a cost of over $4,000. Ouch!
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
The headlights are failing. They are very dim. I am no longer driving this car at night if I can avoid it. If I do drive at night, I have to have the brights on 100% of the time to see the road effectively. It became more serious 2 nights ago when I could not see a median in the road and ran over it. I had three teens in the car with me. I had driven as a chaperone to a school competition. We wer... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2025) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 17, 2025
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
Day after driving to n a snow storm the vehicles stabilitrak and traction control light and message to service those came on the dash and a sudden lose of power. I pulled over and put it in park noticing the gear indicator on the dash was gone. I put in drive and could barely move. So I shifted to 1st gear then back to park and into drive and the light came off and it was back to normal. The ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
We experienced a loss of motive power while on the interstate in busy high speed traffic [XXX] . We had to attempt to maneuver the constantly slowing vehicle to the shoulder while being passed by tractor trailer drivers who were driving at full speed. Luckily 2 of them in the right lane were paying attention and swerved aggressively to avoid hitting my family and I. This very easily could have ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
The engine light goes on and off every other week. I've had the truck in multiple times and I've been told a number of reasons why it's happening, but it's not fixed. Now I am not receiving any paperwork for supposed services done I was told the paperwork will be mailed to me. I'm uncertain if Duluth Dodge is unable or unwilling to solve the problem. At this point, I'm getting lip service, an... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2025
Hazardous Recall Issue Not Being Addressed Short Term With Permanent Safety Solution Many Months Away Creating Liability For Me, Destroying My Property and Putting Myself and Other Motorist In Jeopardy. For the past month fluid from my Ford Bronco has been leaking leaving stains on newly paved driveway. We just received the following recall... REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS MAY EXPERIENCE CORROSION BETWEE... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
When making a hard turn from a complete stop most of the time there is a clicking or knocking noise through the tightest part of the turn. The noise is louder the colder it is outside.
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Feb 16, 2025
Incident date: Jan 30, 2025
When I stopped in traffic, there are times the gear shifted from drive (D) to neutral (N) by itself. And sometimes the engine shuts off. This problem started last month until now. I brought the car to the dealership for diagnostic tests but according to them, they found no problem with my car. I saw in social media that lots of MDX owners experienced the same problem.
Incident date: Dec 3, 2021
Traveling 10-15 MPH on street when car immediately stopped/braked and message on screen said something like “forward brake assist applied” or something like that. There was ABSOLUTELY NOTHING in front of me. Thank god there was no car immediately behind me or I would have been rear-ended
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
KNOWN - TAKE OVER OF SLOW LANE FROM PASSING LANE ON FREEWAY RESULTING IN UN LAWFUL TAKE OVER OF SLOW LANE PLEASE ADVISE OF ALL SYSTEMS WORKING PROPERLY ON VIN DESIGNATED THANK YOU
Crash
Incident date: Jan 19, 2025
I recently 6 weeks ago bought a used certified 2016 Toyota Corolla with 43,000 miles. I have been going back and forth with Toyota since the day after I bought it about the many mechanical issues that pose a major safety risk. The car shudders/vibrates when accelerating, knocks when backing up. And when making turns the car shifts hard side to side with a shudder and wobble in floor board of car. ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report a serious safety issue with my Kia Sorento 2014. While driving on the interstate with my family, the vehicle suddenly began to slow down without warning. We were able to move to the shoulder, but this incident put our safety at significant risk as we were on a busy highway. We initially suspected brake failure, but after having the car towed home and inspected,... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
Power steering failed during normal operations. This occurance was in 2021. Paid Ford over $2000 to perform repairs. Now January 2025 same issue occurred. This safety hazard needs to be addressed
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
Safety recall for A pillar not being performed after issue was confirmed by Ford dealership. I have been waiting 5 months for repairs to be made. No update given by dealership as to when repairs will be available. Safety issue
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
The ECU malfunctioned and the passenger side airbag didn’t go off and should have. There were error codes and I told KIA service department about it but they weren’t to concerned and said they would look at it at my first service appointment
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
On [XXX] the steering system on my 2022 Honda Civic failed as I was exiting the the city's inner loop in downtown Rochester, NY. Simultaneously, the entire dash screen lit up. It was fortunately a momentary failure and I was able to avoid an accident. I had purchased the car 9 days before, on [XXX]. In conversation with the sales rep., I mentioned that the steering didn't feel quite right. He su... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
You need to set a standard for maximum brightness of LED lights. The brightest aftermarket lights should be illegal. On dark two lane roads I have to look completely away from oncoming cars to deal with glare which isn’t safe.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
Engine failure while driving down the highway. Was able to safely get off the highway without being able to accelerate. Car was towed to the Honda dealership where all the maintenance has been done. They said the car had a cylinder misfire and would need the engine replaced. It would cost $13,000. This car had already had the A/C, fuel pump and transmission replaced in the five short years I ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
2017 ford escape we were taking a 4 hour drive car made some strange noise check engine light came on well half way to our destination car began spitting and sputtering we pulled into a car part dealer and began changing things spark plugs air filter car continued to read mis fire we drove home car would not go over 50 black smoke pouring from it making horrible noises got it home went straight to... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
2021 Chevrolet Silverado Trail Boss with transmission valve body problem. Truck nearly stalled while driving and towing my boat then a huge clunk in the transmission. The truck then rapidly accelerated, down shifted, brief wheel lock up and I was nearly sent in to the ditch with my trailer now swaying behind me. The entire situation felt extremely unsafe and dangerous to both me and oncoming tr... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC350E. The contact stated while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera failed to display an image. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the backover prevention software needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where aftermarket A-pillar trims were inst... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
None of the features dependent on the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) of my 2024 Mazda CX-30 are working. I have videos and corroborating statements to confirm that the headlights will not automatically switch from high to low beams, the lane assistance is not working properly, and the "Smart brake support with pedestrian detection" is not working. These defects have been present since I first receiv... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Honda CR-V. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 25 MPH, the steering wheel abruptly became difficult to steer in either the left or right direction. The vehicle crashed into a tree where it came t... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 8, 2025
Engine locked up while driving and left me stranded in the cold for hours
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
My trunk pops open randomly and will not stay shut
Incident date: Aug 17, 2022
Now I know it's called Phantom or Ghost Breaking. When in cruise control or in autopilot, in certain highway areas from 65 or 70, it breaks down to 25 mph. Cars behind gets dangerously close, as well as the royal scare face I get! There has been two major updates since I bought it, and it still does the same. Since, more or less, I know the highway spots where it happens, I'm ready for it. However... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 22V051000 (Service Brake, Hydraulic); 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 vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the part for the recall repair was not yet available. Th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
Yesterday, my daughter was driving on [XXX] in Seattle traveling around 65mph when the vehicle lost power and reported the error of "shift to park", "Propulsion reduced" and "StabiliTrak failure". Luckily, she coasted to an off-ramp and safely put the vehicle in park. Thankfully she was not involved in an accident, but was very shaken by the experience. After doing some research it seems that ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experience... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
When driving the vehicle incorrectly thinks there is an object in front of me and engages the emergency braking function. This has happened 3 times since getting the vehicle. The vehicle also occasionally incorrectly indicates there is a vehicle next to me when I turn on my turn signal. This has happened on a clear, sunny day. The incorrect emergency breaking could put me at a collision risk if an... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
There is a problem with all Prologues with the CV axels. Mine has had an issue for awhile and I brought it too a Honda dealership and they said no fix for it. Anyone that has had it replaced is still having the same issue.
Incident date: Feb 13, 2025
Cruise control doesn't maintain speed, speed decreases. Car shakes under 10 mph and after 40 mph. Engine light starts blinking.
Incident date: Feb 13, 2025
The headlight bulbs keep going out. I have replaced the bulbs at least 2-3 times a year for the past few years. I have asked dealers about this and they tell me there is no recall or tsb. This is a hazard to night driving because of decreased illumination, especially in dark roads with not enough lighting. Please recall/fix this issue!!
Incident date: Feb 13, 2025
The headlight bulbs keep going out. I have replaced the bulbs at least 2-3 times a year for the past few years. I have asked dealers about this and they tell me there is no recall or tsb. This is a hazard to night driving because of decreased illumination, especially in dark roads with not enough lighting. Please recall/fix this issue!!
Incident date: Dec 21, 2024
Inner door handles on the driver and passenger side front doors intermittently get stuck and require me to hit the unlock button to operate or require significant force to pull open hindering safe egress. Problem was reproduced by service technician and advisor when picking up vehicle from an appointment on [XXX]. No warning lights were received. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2024
Water pump and door handles are recalled. Manufacturer will not pay. I paid $218.75 for water pump replacement and door handle check. Car is required to have 2.2 software update to be complaint with NHSTA. Manufacturer will not upgrade my software. I paid $437.50 to have my car upgraded. Otherwise, I could not enter my car using a key and I would receive warnings every 30 seconds that ADAS and ot... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
Range has decreased rapidly since 2.2. Trustee won't pay for door handle or water pump replacement. Trustee won't provide access to fast and other tools to fix cars.
Incident date: May 1, 2021
Range has decreased rapidly since 2.2. Trustee won't pay for door handle or water pump replacement. Trustee won't provide access to fast and other tools to fix cars.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
I have a problem with the electrical, and I found that they already have a recall, but the Van Nuys dealer refused to fix it on the car.
Incident date: Jan 14, 2021
In August 2024 the Fisker Automaker notified me in writing of the NHTSA Campaign #24V499 (Recall #TSB30032401), for the cabin Electric water pump malfunction that produced a motor's limp mode condition that resulted in sudden vehicle reduced speed, which created a hazardous condition. The Fisker notification clearly indicated that the pump was going to be replaced with the new improved model, at n... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the vehicle had been parked. The contact stated that upon returning from an errand, the contact noticed that flames and black smoke were coming out from underneath the front end of the vehicle. The contact called the fire department who arrived at the scene and extinguished the flames. A police report was filed. There was no injury susta... Read more
Fire
KIA
SORENTO
(2017) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Feb 13, 2025
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 35-40 MPH, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while it was raining the windshield wipers became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the catalytic converter, windshield wiper motor, and emission coil needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repai... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2024
The dashboard glare is excessively high, making it difficult to drive during the daytime. The same issue occurs with the rear windshield. This could be a design flaw, or Chevrolet may have used substandard dashboard materials or low-quality windshield glass.
KIA
OPTIMA HYBRID
(2017) — POWER TRAIN
Feb 13, 2025
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
Complete engine failure while driving on interstate. Vehicle went into neutral. After rolling to a stop on highway. Vehicle would not go into gear. Tow was unable to put vehicle into saftey mode and had to drag vehicle onto tow bed. At dealership techs were also unable to get vehicle to turn on or go into gear. Dealer advised the engine was complete seized. This happened while traveling on the hig... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a left turn, there was a loud banging sound coming from under the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and the steering wheel became stiff. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not yet diagnosed. The contact believed that failure was a... Read more