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: Jan 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted with the check engine and transmission temperature warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
When i turn the car off the key will not allow me to remove it from ignition to the proper position to remove the key. This is a safety hazzard. I have to mess with the brakes, steering wheel and parking console and keep starting and turning off the car to get key removed. The dealer said they could not locate the problem however several of your other GM vehicles are having this issue. Please as... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
The transmission jumped into neutral while going 65mph also indicating “service park brake” and “service transmission”. The vehicle slowing down almost caused another vehicle to rear end me as I was looking for a safe place to try and pull over. No one has inspected properly these vehicles despite numerous customer complaints of the same nature. The car had no lights on but afterwards the ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
The transmission jumped into neutral while going 65mph also indicating “service park brake” and “service transmission”. The vehicle slowing down almost caused another vehicle to rear end me as I was looking for a safe place to try and pull over. No one has inspected properly these vehicles despite numerous customer complaints of the same nature. The car had no lights on but afterwards the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
Was stalling, would loose power, now will not start. Found a recall ( engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic converter # 19v120000.) same problems. Towed to local kia, they say not under recall list. This recall is only for engine size 1.6. My engine is a 2.0. But they said catalytic converter needs replaced. Although car is aged only has about 55,000 miles. Catal... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
Good afternoon, I am filing another complaint per Jayson Winick's recommendation. Fisker had a number of recalls. When I tried to contact Fisker upon first receiving the notices, the company's e-mail and phone numbers became disconnected. Now, the company is bankrupt and there is no one at Fisker to fulfill the recalls that need to be completed on my vehicle. I'm most concerned about the recall... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
Good afternoon, I am filing another complaint per Jayson Winick's recommendation. Fisker had a number of recalls. When I tried to contact Fisker upon first receiving the notices, the company's e-mail and phone numbers became disconnected. Now, the company is bankrupt and there is no one at Fisker to fulfill the recalls that need to be completed on my vehicle. I'm most concerned about the recall... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. 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: Dec 25, 2024
Within 2 weeks after purchasing this vehicle the front stationary roof panel flew off the car. I noticed it when I parked at work in the parking lot. I do not know where the panel is. I retraced my route and did not see it anywhere. I work less than 2 miles from work with no turns. I am very concerned that the panel may cause water damage/leaking and even be a danger / damage to another drivers sa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2024
Stalking, harassment, identity thief, stealing of snap benefits and tampering
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
Turbo Charger failed while passing a semi-trailer truck causing a severe lack of power and almost causing a head on collision with on-coming traffic. I had 3 passengers at the time. The problem has been confirmed by a independent service center and I am getting a second opinion from a dealer on 2/3. The check engine light did come on when it happened. There were no symptoms prior to failure. I hav... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2025
Issue with sticky steering. Car is unsafe to drive. Steering sticks as you are driving making it hard to turn. A issue Honda has with many of there civics but will do nothing about tell someone is serious injured. I called honda and told them about problem. but the will do nothing. The car has been inspected by certified Honda dealer. They told me steering gearbox is bad. He also stated is a docu... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2025
Hybrid system will not run on battery. Hybrid system shows 100% battery charge on dash. Hybrid mode screen shows Engine at 12KW, Battery use at 0KW, and climate at 7KW. S
Incident date: Jan 18, 2025
WArning light to service shifter, service electronic thorottle control and service ABS system, Computers not comunicating due to computer error, found fuse blown and high resistance in the power districution center. replaced and programmed the power distribution module to find anitlock brake model failed. Part is currenlty on engineering hold. We have not been able to ddrive the vehicle since ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2025
A known issue on the 1.5 ecoboost happened which allowed coolant inntrusion into the cylinders. Only certain vins qualify for the recall, even though more of them have the same issue. My car needs a new engine but the vin does not show a recall.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
My tailgate does not open in cold weather. It was been serviced by Honda several times. They said they fixed it and it still does not work so I cannot use my trunk at all in the winter. I have a disability and need to use my trunk for groceries and medical equipment. Now Honda says it is out of warranty and wants to charge me for something they never actually fixed (Garden State Honda). Please rec... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2024
2024 gmc Yukon with less than 2,000 miles decided not to start one day. Had a tow truck come to the house and pick it up to take to a local shop to get a new battery. Replaced the battery and the battery shop delivered to car back to our house and was totally fine…the next day we went to start it and again the battery was toast. So, got another tow truck to deliver to the dealership and had it c... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2024
AC compressor severe noise like a chopper.
Incident date: Jun 21, 2024
AC compressor severe noise like a chopper.
Incident date: Nov 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Civic Hatchback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that upon further inspection, the vehicle was consuming an abnormal amount of engine oil. The message "Maintenance Required" was displayed on the instrument panel. In addition, several ot... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Civic Hatchback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that upon further inspection, the vehicle was consuming an abnormal amount of engine oil. The message "Maintenance Required" was displayed on the instrument panel. In addition, several ot... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the cam phasers and timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired the first time the failure occurred. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
The rear camera on my 2016 Kia Sorento no longer works. Over the past year, the camera images have been getting blurry and smaller. Now, there is no indication or warning of cars or people behind my vehicle, which is a safety concern. I found online that there is a recall on the rear camera for this model, but the dealership claims they haven't been informed. I'm worried about the safety risks thi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
In January of 2024, my husband was driving our 2023 Chevrolet Colorado. he was pulling onto our street driving approimately 5 mph. The vehicle suddenly stopped for no apparent reason. AT this time, we did not file a complaint because it was a minor incident and no one was hurt. We brought the vehicle into the Chevrolet dealership for a safety recall for the front cameras . On [XXX] I was drivi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
In January of 2024, my husband was driving our 2023 Chevrolet Colorado. he was pulling onto our street driving approimately 5 mph. The vehicle suddenly stopped for no apparent reason. AT this time, we did not file a complaint because it was a minor incident and no one was hurt. We brought the vehicle into the Chevrolet dealership for a safety recall for the front cameras . On [XXX] I was drivi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2025
Vehicle Performance Issues - Detailed Timeline [XXX] •First issue occurred: the car wouldn’t start at a store. Engine turned over, failed to start. •After sitting overnight, it would start but stall after 10 minutes of driving. •Parked the car and began using alternative transportation. •Diagnostic tests by three mechanics revealed the following codes: oP0087: Fuel Rail/System Pressure T... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2025
All the controls in my Van (cruise control, lane assist, auto break etc...) stopped working. I took the van multiple times and the reason they gave is its possible that the Camera stopped working. I replaced the front windshield with OEM through Insurance. I have a feeling this happened only after the repair. The issue goes away for some reason while driving and comes back again. So its not due ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2025
Ever since I purchased this vehicle in April of 2024, I've noticed that the forward collision mitigation system seems to see and respond to things which aren't in front of the vehicle. It seems like this system is watching the lane to the left of my vehicle, more than the lane which I am in, which causes the over-reactions, (but also means that the adaptive cruise control is less reliable about s... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 26, 2025
Incident date: Jan 22, 2025
The headlights, when put in "dim/low beam" are almost non working. One can see the lights are working, but it is almost like driving blind. The dealership people know about the problem and stated that the heat on the lens cover, inside the headlight assembly causes that cover to warp, deform and will not permit adequate light to shine out. They then told me the assembly parts and labor would be ov... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
Driving vehicle down the highway and engine seized up without any warning. According to Kia cooperate the vehicle could have experience a "bent rod failure". This was confirmed by a nearby Kia dealership service tech.
Incident date: Jan 26, 2025
Hazard warning light came on for low coolant on 1/18/2025. Almost empty of coolant. Bought VW coolant and filled. Brought in to dealer I bought the car from, told it was the head gasket leaking (after $170 charge). Quoted me an estimate of almost $4000. Told me it was not under warranty- my car has a little over 56,000. Warranty ends at 50,000. Dealer told me this is a known issue.
Incident date: Jan 26, 2025
At 40mph the transmission vibration on the pedal, and at slower speeds.
Incident date: Jan 24, 2025
11/16/2024: I was at a complete stop at a stoplight waiting for it turn green so I could turn left. When the light turned green, I pressed on the accelerator and made it about half way through the intersection when I noticed that the car had stopped accelerating but could hear and see the RMPs going up. I looked down to see if I had accidentally put it into neutral, but the DRIVE light button was ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2025
Car failed to start and all warning lights on dash were present. To restart the vehicle, the battery was disconnected and reconnected. As a result, the 2019 Honda Accord was taken to the dealership for repair. Upon inspection by the dealership the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The recall part is still unavailable.
Incident date: Jan 26, 2025
Car failed to start and all warning lights on dash were present. To restart the vehicle, the battery was disconnected and reconnected. As a result, the 2019 Honda Accord was taken to the dealership for repair. Upon inspection by the dealership the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The recall part is still unavailable.
Incident date: Jan 26, 2025
Uknown braking while no objects in front or behind the car. Warns lane departure too late after you crossed half way through the lane.
Incident date: Jan 22, 2025
I have called the dealerships in Fresno Ca and Clovis Ca asked them to check out my car because of all the recalls that were done by them I'm having problems with it or had to replace it again. I also told them since it was a recall and they supposedly repaired it I wanted them to check into it to see if the wrong was done because anyone could falsify a document I was turned away from both dealer... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2025
I have called the dealerships in Fresno Ca and Clovis Ca asked them to check out my car because of all the recalls that were done by them I'm having problems with it or had to replace it again. I also told them since it was a recall and they supposedly repaired it I wanted them to check into it to see if the wrong was done because anyone could falsify a document I was turned away from both dealer... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
I was in a blizzard a few days ago on the freeway & got caught in a ditch, but thankfully got out. I wasn’t going that fast & couldn’t due to not being able to see through the snow well so I can drive safely. In order not to crash because there were semi trucks around, I had to whip the steering wheel along with the weight of the car on the snow in order not to crash due to the car being big &... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
I was in a blizzard a few days ago on the freeway & got caught in a ditch, but thankfully got out. I wasn’t going that fast & couldn’t due to not being able to see through the snow well so I can drive safely. In order not to crash because there were semi trucks around, I had to whip the steering wheel along with the weight of the car on the snow in order not to crash due to the car being big &... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 12, 2025
I purchased the car as a graduation present for my son in 2018. He was using it to get back and forth to work and school. Currently the car has less than 60,000 miles on it. So, it was not being excessively driven. In Dec her of 2023, He began having issues with the vehicle stalling and overheating. It began to jerk and would randomly lose power. While driving to work the car over heated and we go... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Slave cylinder failure. At approximately 125,000 miles, the slave cylinder began to fail. Clutch pedal would only come back up about half way, and would need to be pulled the rest of the way up. Associated problem is difficulty putting car into gear. Took vehicle to dealership for other warranty work and asked to investigate. Dealership ignored request. Took back separate time for other faulty par... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2025
Complete engine failure. Absolutely insane. All lights on dash, engine seized while driving!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Unbelievable that GMC keeps making us fix issues and pay for it! They won't cover the cost. This has been happening too much and putting my family at risk!
Incident date: Dec 30, 2024
Intermittent “SRS problem see dealer” displays on console. Have not taken it to dealer as forums indicate it’s a common issue but not covered by any warranty.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2024
Component/System Failure: The issue involves a clicking noise coming from the front of the vehicle whenever I turn the steering wheel to the left or right. Based on my observations, I suspect that the noise is coming from the axle, particularly one of the CV joints. The clicking noise is noticeable at low and moderate speeds, and it occurs consistently every time I turn the vehicle. Safety Risk: ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
Engine is knocking with check engine ligh on. Kia has a recall on my car for metal shaving in the engine during manufacturing process. I took it to Kia dealer but they refused and said they wont cover it because it's a Salvage tile, and I thought Salvage tiles are covered if it's a a safety recall but they said it's not covered because Kia wont pay them for the repairs or the new engine.
Incident date: Jan 25, 2025
Sterling wheel begins to shake at high speed and a lower speed causing the whole steering wheel to shake and make noise. And have realized the cruise control is no longer working
Incident date: Jan 25, 2025
Turbo began failing at 75k miles. For no apparent reason. Dealership is telling customers it occurs for whatever reason between 60k and 150k miles.
Incident date: Jan 25, 2025
The car cuts off while driving