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 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the contact heard a sound like running water coming from the engine. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant leaking into the engine, and the engine n... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
The vehicle’s transmission system has been malfunctioning exhi jerky, delayed, and unpredictable shifting behaviors, especially noticeable at speeds between approximately 27 an 30 mph and higher. At lower speeds, the jerking is less frequent, but as speed increases, the jerks become more severe and abrupt. These issues manifest during various driving conditions, including accelerating, decelerat... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
The vehicle’s transmission system has been malfunctioning exhi jerky, delayed, and unpredictable shifting behaviors, especially noticeable at speeds between approximately 27 an 30 mph and higher. At lower speeds, the jerking is less frequent, but as speed increases, the jerks become more severe and abrupt. These issues manifest during various driving conditions, including accelerating, decelerat... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2024
There is a serious issue with what Ford is doing to fix a known problem with their transmissions shifting into 1st gear while at highway speed. This happened to me after they put in their software "Patch" that was their idea of how to fix the problem. I have up loaded a detailed explanation of what happened to me with Ford and their safety recall. I also have any bills and cost to me to fix Ford's... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
3rd sear Buckle RH - 3rd row Rear bench right side rear passenger seatbelt anchor/buckle assembly (Right of 3RD Position) is damaged when rear seat is in down-folded position and soft length of seat buckle has slipped back under rear back rest. Receiving buckle is being crushed when seat is in folded position - KIA dealer argues misuse by customer - but fault is with manufacturer as rear buckle c... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated after the vehicle was started and warmed up, the engine made an abnormal loud knocking sound. The vehicle was towed to Chavez Automotive, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. Additionally, the dealer was contacted for the recall repair of NHTSA... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
The transmission quit as my wife pulled into her works parking lot. No one other than the ford dealer has looked at the vehicle. There were no warnings or indications that anything was wrong.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
I was driving in completely clear weather on [XXX] . No cars were within at least 100 ft in front of my vehicle. Suddenly the emergency braking system alarm flared and the brake engaged. This could have caused someone tor rear end my car but luckily no one was behind me. The brake also fairly quickly disengaged. I took it to Pearson Hyundai where I had bought the car ([XXX]). They had the car for... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
My vehicle is equipped with Supervised FSD and has had couple of issued on the intersection of [XXX] and [XXX] in Portsmouth, Virginia. It seems every time I stop at the light, the system recognizes the red light and stops, but shortly after it wants to keep advancing forward although the light is still red and has not changed. The vehicle has also had a problem staying on lane at light on the ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); 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 mad... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
motor mounts are now replaced every 30k miles the part fails. this is quality and safty hazard. this is not covered by BMW shame
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
Engine has had recall and still no remedy for it. Paint is chipping off and back locks stopped workingp
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
Engine has had recall and still no remedy for it. Paint is chipping off and back locks stopped workingp
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
So for over a year my dash lights and I mean every light from tire pressure to ABS brake to lane assist every light was on. Then about three months four months ago it began going into limp mode just driving down the road. This is a 2017 Honda CRV over 100,000 miles on it took it into Honda of Hennessy in Woodstock Georgia. They said that it needed fuel injectors which over 300,000 recalls were don... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2025
During a full turn to the right that car applied to a opposite side very hard. same situation was recall on 2018 NHTSA ID: 18V663000
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
bad ABS module part is not being produced in re-enegineering since 2023 jeep has all warning lights on will go into limp mode speedometer stops working braking distance is increased will not shift into gear no time line on remedy or help from jeep
Incident date: May 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that days later there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced; ... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the passenger's side front end of the vehicle hit a cow and was significantly damaged. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated after the crash. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained neck and back pain, and bruises on the chest from the seat belt. The contact received medical assistance. The vehicle... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
Transmission no longer has reverse
Incident date: Jun 1, 2019
Scared to drive took to get inspected felt like Transmission keep slipping and I was told there is a recall on transmission Also windshield wipers won’t go off have to remove fuse was told there is a recall
Incident date: Jun 1, 2019
Scared to drive took to get inspected felt like Transmission keep slipping and I was told there is a recall on transmission Also windshield wipers won’t go off have to remove fuse was told there is a recall
Incident date: Jun 1, 2019
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The component that failed is the RFHM module in the rear driver side wheel well of the car. Due to water leaking into the car, the RFHM module is taking on water damage causing several electrical systems to fail including power steering, airbags, and starter. Both current RFHM and previously d... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was continually checking the engine oil level. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the oil level was extremely low while receiving an oil change. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while reversing, the rearview camera displayed a live image and a black image intermittently, with the message "Rearview Camera Issues - See Dealer" displayed on the infotainment screen. Additionally, the contact stated that upon shifting to drive(D), the rearview camera live image remained displayed for approximately 3 seconds. The dealer an... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2025
had 3 recalls on ICCU module, each time dealer said everything was OK. Last "repair" was in January. In April, car just "died" nothing worked, could not shift, no acceleration and limited braking, had to call a tow truck to move it as everything was locked up. dealer said ICCU shorted out, 3 week repair time, and this is down from 3 month repair time 2 weeks ago. The only warning we had was a dash... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
No cause or incident. ABS Module internal failure code C2200. Part is no longer manufactured and cannot drive vehicle without ABS. This should be illegal as the car is only 9-10 years old, and cannot find a new working ABS module. You should force Jeep/mANUFACTURE TO MAKE THESE AVAILABLE AS I HAVE NO CAR!!!!! AND CANT AFFORD A USED/RENTAL OR NEW CAR.
Incident date: May 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked at a store front in the evening, both headlights were operational. The contact returned and restarted the vehicle; however, the driver's side headlight was inoperable. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the headlight and the electrical connectors an... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
When driving my truck and towing a trailer which has elec. over hyd. brakes and trying to stop. My truck will disable my brakes on my trailer, which may weigh 3+ times the weight of my truck. GM had a recall on the truck brake module which fixed my problem. Then l took my truck back for an oil change a few months later and they said that there is a open recall on the brake module (NEWER UPDATE) wh... Read more
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2025) - STRUCTURE:BODY
Jun 4, 2025
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
Vehicle is not safe for roadways yet no solution has been provided
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 4, 2025
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
Vehicle no longer charges at home, work, or any other level 2 AC charging location. This occurred 3 days after driving it off the dealer lot new in Rockville, MD on [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: May 15, 2025
Back Up Camera cuts in and out, sometimes works correctly, other times doesn't come on at all, other times comes on and in the middle of backing up shuts off, this has been going on for years and now I am seeing recalls by Ford of other models being recalled for back-up camera failures and I believe the recall should include 2016 Ford Fusions
Incident date: Jan 11, 2025
I have had to replace the vapor canister on 2 dodge chargers I have owned seems to be a common issue. Check engine light came on both instances one causing issues with inspection the other with emissions test and I had to replace the vapor canister on both in order to fix my issues delayed the process in getting my vehicle registered by the state. Seems there was a previous recall on the issue but... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2023
The 8F35 transmission has started shuddering and jerking around 30-45 MPH. It makes accelerating on roads and highways very dangerous as the vehicle is hard to control. The shuddering and jerking is getting progressively worse. Took the vehicle in for TSB 21-2389 which reportedly addresses the issue, but it did not resolve it. Now Ford is quoting me $10k to replace the transmission. There a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2023
I was driving with my family home and my vehicle began to move from side to side in a very violent manner. When I stopped and checked my vehicle I saw that the frame where the rear suspension arm is held was completely rusted and broken, the rear tire was about to completely detach from the vehicle and luckily I was able to stop without harming the health of my son and wife, after the incident I i... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2023
I was driving with my family home and my vehicle began to move from side to side in a very violent manner. When I stopped and checked my vehicle I saw that the frame where the rear suspension arm is held was completely rusted and broken, the rear tire was about to completely detach from the vehicle and luckily I was able to stop without harming the health of my son and wife, after the incident I i... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
I am filing this complaint regarding a serious transmission issue with my 2021 Ford Edge. The vehicle exhibits shuddering and hesitation during acceleration, which presents a potential safety hazard in daily driving conditions. I brought the issue to a Ford dealership, and they confirmed that the problem is either a defective transmission or a failing torque converter. Despite the vehicle being r... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated unintendedly. The check engine, oil, and engine failure warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2025
The contact owned a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while coming to a stop, the contact heard a loud sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 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 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 experienced a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
Vehicles brakes squeal when reversing on startup after vehicle has been allowed to sit. Braking at 10mph or slower is not smooth and has an abrupt sudden loss when transitioning from the energy regeneration to the hydraulic brakes.
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
Rear window ford part number 1542006 - Back window glass has 1" cracks in glass where the glass connects to the body on the left passenger side of the crew cab. Cracks have caused leaks into the cab interior and has caused the modem, mounted behind the rear passenger set on the back wall to stop working as water has infiltrated the electronics. Vehicle was inspected at dealership and their 3rd par... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
The entire undercarriage of the vehicle is rusted, allowed for 3 sections is not sufficient as it does not accurately account for the damage. The Fuel Suspension is also affected from the known Corrosion and Rust issue. I have had to make many costly repairs in the last 4 years and I did not know about this issue with the vehicle I have now had for 17years. Had I , I would have done my own repairs... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
The entire undercarriage of the vehicle is rusted, allowed for 3 sections is not sufficient as it does not accurately account for the damage. The Fuel Suspension is also affected from the known Corrosion and Rust issue. I have had to make many costly repairs in the last 4 years and I did not know about this issue with the vehicle I have now had for 17years. Had I , I would have done my own repairs... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2025
As I was driving it felt as if the car was running a bit rough, hesitating/sputtering a bit when I pressed on or let up on the gas. As I pulled into the grocery store parking lot and slowed to go over a speed bump I noticed what looked like the battery indicator show up next to the speedometer & completely lost power. I put it in neutral and tried to restart it. It was as if the battery had run do... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
The Brake System warning light is on. With this, it is showing 5 different issue messages when the car is running. I've taken to the dealer and they are saying there is an issue with the multipurpose front camera. My car is on 39,900 miles.
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the driver's side rear passenger’s door independently opened. The contact drove back to the residence but was unable to securely lock the door. The contact stated that when the door opened, the "Door Open" chime sounded, and the " Door Ajar" symbol was displayed on the instrument cluster. The contact had ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
After taking my car in for a service bulletin and being told that the noise that was happening in my car was just a noise, I found out that my cam phasers needed to be replaced out of warranty. Driving down the road my car had a decrease in power and could have resulted in a wreck as I was not able to speed up correctly on the interstate.
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
Apparently the coolant is leaking into chamber 2 and 3 and it’s burning it and I need to replace the head gasket. Spoke to and looked up a bunch of other people have had this same issue. It’s causing my car to stutter and it’s scary.
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
Apparently the coolant is leaking into chamber 2 and 3 and it’s burning it and I need to replace the head gasket. Spoke to and looked up a bunch of other people have had this same issue. It’s causing my car to stutter and it’s scary.