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: Jan 1, 2025
I had engine issues back in 2021. I had to pay $600 for a part to be installed to fix the problem . The engine failed, the idle was violently lurching forward and would randomly Shut down. Recently the car shut down without warning again. Its scary.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufa... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the 9-1-1 Assistance and seat belt warning alerts activated. The contact stated that the key fob sensor intermittently failed to recognize the key fob inside the vehicle with the message "No Key Detected" displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the failure was not dupl... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 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 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. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
I’m terrified to drive my jeep wrangler because of fire hazard due to high voltage battery. Can I ask the dealer to buy it back?
Incident date: May 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V381000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the part to do the recall repair 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 awa... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2025
I urgently request a NHTSA investigation into systemic coolant leaks, a dangerous safety defect in Audi vehicles with the 3.0L turbocharged V6 (EA839) engine. Affected models include the Q7 (my 2020 Q7 55 TFSI, VIN: [XXX] ), S4, S5, SQ5, A6/A7, Q8. These defects risk engine damage, sudden power loss, and catastrophic engine failure, endangering all road users. Many owners report premature failure... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2025
“Catastrophic engine failure” as stated by Chevrolet dealership service department. Loud rattling noise prompted service visit. Not 6.2 liter engine, but almost identical issue.
KIA
SORENTO PHEV
(2022) - POWER TRAIN
May 20, 2025
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
Battery would not hold charge and would need jump start. Transmission would not stay in gear while towing trailer and would only go to 5th or 6th gear and would jerk out of gear and oil temperatures would go to 225 degrees. Erratically shifting and while driving with cruise control stop with out warning
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
There is a safety issue involving inaccurate detection of the driver's hands on the steering wheel. The vehicle frequently provides a warning on the driver's information display that I need to place my hands on the steering wheel despite both hands being firmly on the steering wheel already. Sometimes, I can get the car to recognize that my hands are on the steering wheel by firmly squeezing the w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to refuel, the fuel nozzle continuously clicked off. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the fuel gauge malfunctioned and displayed inaccurate fuel information. The contact stated that the fuel gauge incorrectly displayed a full fuel tank; however, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The tow service was ca... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2025
The Driver Attention Warning is a dangerous feature that can't be turned off. It is constantly going off requiring that I take my eyes off the road to see why it chimed. I am a Disabled Veteran with an eye condition that requires me to wear very dark glasses in bright sunlight. The car is not drivable with my glasses on as the camera can't see my eyes. I was almost involved in a serious accident o... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2025
Unintended acceleration in forward and reverse: the vehicle experiences unintended acceleration both in forward and reverse. While driving in heavy traffic, the vehicle continues to maintain throttle position for approximately two seconds after releasing the throttle, creating a dangerous situation where the vehicle continues to accelerate towards other cars. This defect requires emergency braki... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2025
1) Front sunroof exploded suddenly on highway while driving at 67 mph. Nothing hit the sunroof and there was no prior crack. The sunroof was inspected by our insurance appraiser and I can provide photos of the incident. 2) There was the sound of a loud "boom" followed by shattering glass raining down over my head (driver) and that of my teenage son (passenger seat) causing us to duck inside the ... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2025
Backup camera problem is more prevalent after recall software update when backing up, or when trying to view the rear camera manually, the message says "Camera Temporarily Unavailable" for the entire duration I was driving for 40 minutes.
Incident date: May 2, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The transmission doesn't shift correctly even after it's warmed up it is erratic and rough while connecting the transmission gears and jerks very hard at most times. The power steering is not working correctly and makes it difficult to drive at all with the combined issues I'm very concerned about my and my family safely
Incident date: May 12, 2025
Chrysler 300 2021 Vehicle keeps stalling, turning off while driving or if stopped at light or stop sign to loan just shuts random times and not Al way but enough to be dangerous when it stalls on freeway or in traffic Seat belt Driver seat belt just broke, split in half- safety issue. They replaced it but the metal seems to cut the seat belt and it probably will happen again Safety recall on Ta... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that t... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2025
I purchased my vehicle in 2019. Since then, I have had several issues. I've had to replace the coolant reservoir, DEF heater/pump and twice changed the number 8 injector plug. The warning light came on just after the warranty went out. The code reader read the ambient sensor and no sensor.
Incident date: May 2, 2025
I purchased my vehicle in 2019. Since then, I have had several issues. I've had to replace the coolant reservoir, DEF heater/pump and twice changed the number 8 injector plug. The warning light came on just after the warranty went out. The code reader read the ambient sensor and no sensor.
Incident date: May 16, 2025
Check engine light was on due to the EVAP Purge Solenoid not sealing properly and causing a leak. Scan testing performed of the engine control module and diagnosed/cleared DTC P0496-00. Vehicle was brought to a dealership for repair.
Incident date: May 16, 2025
The contact owned a 2007 Ford F-150. The contact stated that when depressing the accelerator pedal while in reverse, the vehicle suddenly accelerated, crossing a field, and crashing into a nearby building, where the vehicle came to a stop. The contact sustained neck injuries, and the front passenger sustained neck injuries as well. The contact did not seek medical attention; however, they intended... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: May 16, 2025
Engine coolant intrusion into Cylinder head. Vehicle is a 2018 with 95k miles on it. This is causing cylinder 1 misfiring and FORD is saying it requires a new engine block.
Incident date: May 19, 2025
2024 limited, Hesitation when pressing accelerator. There will be no power for some time. then a sudden jolt of acceleration. The most memorable moments of this is when trying to turn left into a neighborhood while cross traffic is oncoming, trying to drive but the truck wont go. The indicator “Add or replace oil” comes on even just after being to the dealer to have my 15000 mile service che... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2025
MAY 19 2025 MY WIFE WENT TO A LOCAL BAKERY TO GET SOME BREAD, WHEN SHE PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARKING A LOUD BANG IN HER LEFT SIDE WAS HEARD SHE DESCRIBE IT AS A GUNSHOT NOISE, ALSO BURNING SMELL AS FIREWORKS, THE SEATBEALT RETRACTED HURTING HER CHEST AND PART OF THE NECK, SHE DID NOT KNEW WHAT WAS HAPPENING AND WAS CONFUSED AT THE SAME TIME IN PAIN SHE FELT LIKE SHE WAS CHOKING OR OUT OF AIR, SHE MAN... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V652000 (Electrical System) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The contact stated that when the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair, the odometer reading was 16,000. The contact stated that after the vehicle had been repaired under the r... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that after the dealer had replaced the engine, the rear tires seized while driving, preventing the vehicle from moving forward or reverse. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, and it... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
All of a sudden, right around 108,000 miles, the check engine light came on. Upon several mechanic visits, and replacing ignition coils, and spark plugs, and even doing a system engine oil flush, the check engine light keeps coming back on. The same code is displayed, a cylinder 2 and 3 misfire. Upon further investigation, I've found that this is a common issue that happens with the same model as ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
BECM module is failing producing a reduced propulsion message. This is happening while driving which is a safety issue. Limiting the ability to drive, handle and brake with the vehicle.
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2025) - POWER TRAIN
May 19, 2025
Incident date: May 16, 2025
Once you start driving after letting the vehicle sit the transmission will “slip” multiple times jerking the car and everyone in it. Occurs every day around 4 pm and various times
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2025) - WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
May 19, 2025
Incident date: May 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH and hauling a trailer, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that after stopping to inspect the vehicle, the contact discovered that the rear driver’s side wheel studs had sheared off, causing the wheel to separate from the vehicle, making the vehicle undriva... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle was stuck in gear while accelerating from a stop. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to move. The brake and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the transmission bushing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. Whil... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle was stuck in gear while accelerating from a stop. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to move. The brake and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the transmission bushing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. Whil... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2025
Component or system that failed: Electric Drive System / Charging System / Software – repeated failure displaying “EV System Off” message, rendering vehicle inoperable. Description of incident: This is the second time within 30 days that my 2025 Nissan Ariya (VIN: [XXX] ) has completely shut down and become undriveable. On [XXX], while attempting to use a DC fast charger at Electrify Americ... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2025
Chrysler 300 2021 Vehicle keeps stalling, turning off while driving or if stopped at light or stop sign to loan just shuts random times and not Al way but enough to be dangerous when it stalls on freeway or in traffic Seat belt Driver seat belt just broke, split in half- safety issue. They replaced it but the metal seems to cut the seat belt and it probably will happen again Safety recall on Ta... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2025
Driving home from work on 5/16/2025 and my sunroof exploded. It sounded like a gun shot then there was glass falling into my car. I had hlass in my hair and tiny cuts in my arms.
Incident date: May 18, 2025
The contact called for a customer who owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while opening and closing the front driver’s side door, there was a loud banging and clucking sound coming from the door. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the bolts on the door arm mounted onto the door assembly had fractured and detached. The contact wa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
Chrysler 300 2021 Vehicle keeps stalling, turning off while driving or if stopped at light or stop sign to loan just shuts random times and not Al way but enough to be dangerous when it stalls on freeway or in traffic Seat belt Driver seat belt just broke, split in half- safety issue. They replaced it but the metal seems to cut the seat belt and it probably will happen again Safety recall on Ta... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
Side markers lights are failing at an abnormally high rate. The pop up error and chime is incredibly distracting as it pops up every 20 to 30 seconds blocking most of the information on the instrument cluster. The side marker lights still function even when the error pops up. Audi will only replace the entire headlight housing to fix the problem, but that seems extreme to fix what appears to be a ... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2025
- Engine failure/seizure with rod bearing failure! Yes, vehicle is available for inspection upon request. - Myself and my wife were driving through a busy intersection light when the engine failed and went into limp mode (Engine Control System) causing an abrupt stop in the middle of the intersection which forced multiple cars to have to slow down and break to not hit us. My wife is pregnant and a... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2025
While driving my vehicle at approximately 15-20 mph it unexpectedly and without warning shut down and engaged the emergency brake bringing the vehicle from 20 to 0 immediately. The vehicle the stated ignition was not put in park. I restarted the vehicle and the e brake was engaged.
Incident date: May 17, 2025
While driving my vehicle at approximately 15-20 mph it unexpectedly and without warning shut down and engaged the emergency brake bringing the vehicle from 20 to 0 immediately. The vehicle the stated ignition was not put in park. I restarted the vehicle and the e brake was engaged.
Incident date: May 18, 2025
My windshield started to crack from the very bottom middle (just above the hood) and made its way up and splintered in multiple directions rapidly. I believe it's maybe heat related (probably defective) because I can't find an impact spot if it was a rock or something similar. I can feel the crack on the outside of the windshield at the very bottom (just above the hood) where the glass starts for ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
the air bags failed in deploy and the automatic calling system failed to call the police upon impact. my mirror was taken off in a hit and run and the police were not contacted. the passenger side of my car was hit in an incorrect lane change by the other party and the intercom system did not call the police. i was rear ended in a 45 pmh zone and airbags failed to deploy and the intercom system di... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
Rear camera will go black and say contact dealer. Other times images will appear distorted or will be reversed where left and right are mixed up
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
The start hesitation started about 2 years ago, but my Armada never did not start. Then about a year so ago the Armada would not start, and it would not start in Dover, DE, and I had to call Geico to get a jump. I had a brand-new battery installed thinking that was the issue months prior, but my Armada would not start again. I took it to the dealership, and they charged me diagnostic but could no... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2025
35,000 miles and P0128 code that does not resolve after expensive repairs of coolant Temperature sensor and thermostat multiple times.
Incident date: May 7, 2025
In November 2022, before I even drove off the lot, when I noticed and asked about a rattling noise coming from the passenger-side front window, I was told it was normal because it’s a brand-new car. Within a few hundred miles, I began to experience issues with the car, felt the electrical problems and car felt shaky and unstable. As this continued, I’ve received a reminder from Honda about the... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2025
In November 2022, before I even drove off the lot, when I noticed and asked about a rattling noise coming from the passenger-side front window, I was told it was normal because it’s a brand-new car. Within a few hundred miles, I began to experience issues with the car, felt the electrical problems and car felt shaky and unstable. As this continued, I’ve received a reminder from Honda about the... Read more