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: Jul 30, 2012
My manual key…it wasn’t program. I just found out when my battery died and we won’t able to open the door manually. And when I told the dealer where I bought it, they were charging me to program it. And it cost a lot, so, I didn’t had it done. Then, just two days ago, my car won’t start again. I just got a new battery from AAA. So, I have to call them again and re check it. The battery w... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2025
Cam phaser rattle and need to be replaced on 3.5L eco boost. Ford had acknowledged this has been a larger problem and addresses a consumer report to notify public. Cam Phaser were upgraded in 2020 due to mechanical errors.
Incident date: May 7, 2025
On April 19, 2025, the "Engine/Battery Fault" warning light illuminated on my vehicle. At the time, the car had only 1,398 miles on the odometer and had been purchased just one month prior. Shortly after the warning appeared, I received a diagnostic report from OnStar indicating fault code U362A. The vehicle exhibited significantly reduced acceleration and limited charging capability. Concerned a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
Car will not turn on with push to start button. Car will not start or turn on with BlueLink App Car will only start with the Key Fob
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
Car will not turn on with push to start button. Car will not start or turn on with BlueLink App Car will only start with the Key Fob
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
Car will not turn on with push to start button. Car will not start or turn on with BlueLink App Car will only start with the Key Fob
Incident date: May 16, 2025
Complete transmission failure without warning, resulting in loss of power. Vehicle has been maintained meticulously by the book. There were no warning lights or CEL before or during failure.
Incident date: May 15, 2025
I am reporting a potential safety and mechanical defect involving the cylinder head in the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250. Many owners, including myself, have experienced premature cylinder head failure, often without warning, leading to loss of power, engine misfires, rough idling, and in some cases, sudden engine shutdown while driving. This issue appears to be widespread among GLA models equipped with ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
My check light came on and when I check the code which was a p0420, Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1). Emissions Recall U67: Catalytic Converter Efficiency. This was part of the recall. Therefore it doesn’t meet the CA emissions standard. It is causing my vehicle to slightly overheat at standstill. It’s hasn’t been inspected yet and It has been over a month since this start... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
Fuel sending unit not reading properly. Cannot tell when I need to refuel.
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2024) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 16, 2025
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
vehicle will randomly lose all throttle power when driving and at the same time following a warning beep will flash a large red lightning bolt with the following messages: service electronic throttle control,stop/start unavailable service stop/start system, service electronic stability control and check engine light. Engine continues to run but car will not move. Once vehicle is able to be pulled ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2022
On [XXX], I was heading home from work traveling [XXX] on [XXX] through Atlanta's usual heavy traffic. I smelled smoke inside my car and saw fire flames coming from under my passenger seat. My initial reaction was to try to put the fire out with my hat without burning myself. Also, I had to try to navigate across multiple lanes of traffic without hitting anyone and avoiding anyone hitting me. ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 14, 2022
vehicle will randomly lose all throttle power when driving and at the same time following a warning beep will flash a large red lightning bolt with the following messages: service electronic throttle control,stop/start unavailable service stop/start system, service electronic stability control and check engine light. Engine continues to run but car will not move. Once vehicle is able to be pulled ... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2025
For at least 6-9 months the Steering has been Notchy and freezes then releases. For part of a second, the car refuses to respond to my steering input. Very Scary and getting worse.
Incident date: May 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Edge. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V160000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that upon inspection underneath the frame rail, the contact became aware that there was rust on both sides of the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed because the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
I purchased a 2019 F150 through Imperial Chevy in Mendon, MA in 2022. Technical Service Bulletin 19-2365 had been issued on 05 December 2019 and the dealer did not disclose or address the issue prior to sale. The truck has had regular oil changes every year and then check engine light came on - Code P0630 Camshaft Position Sensor B circuit. Ford service diagnosed scoring in the cylinders and verif... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
On 5/11/2025, my husband and I were returning home from the grocery store. I was operating the vehicle at the time of the incident. Upon arriving at our residence, I pulled into our driveway, which has a slight downward incline. As in our usual practice, I attempted to stop in front of the garage to unload groceries before entering, as the hatch of our vehicle can come in contact with the garage d... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that upon reversing the vehicle and depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal vibration sound coming from the brakes. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the rear brake parts were faulty and needed to be cleaned and replaced. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
The car has very bad cam phasers that are a manufacturing issue from ford. This is causing a lot of damage to the engine and also it has put me in very dangerous situations because of the huge decrease in power when I am exiting into a highway or changing lanes. I have spoke to ford and they did not want to help me especially when they have had multiple recalls for this in the past and even extend... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
The car has very bad cam phasers that are a manufacturing issue from ford. This is causing a lot of damage to the engine and also it has put me in very dangerous situations because of the huge decrease in power when I am exiting into a highway or changing lanes. I have spoke to ford and they did not want to help me especially when they have had multiple recalls for this in the past and even extend... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2024) - BACK OVER PREVENTION
May 16, 2025
Incident date: May 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Expedition. The contact received NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V270000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rearview camera displayed the vehicles in the rear and not the vehicles in front. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a popping sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle decelerated unintendedly and started driving rough. The vehicle was driven to the local mechanic who diagnosed an engine cylinder misfire. The mechanic replaced the fuel injector and engine lifter, and the vehicle was r... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2025
An engine maintenance required warning popped up. The pop up wasn't going away. My engine sounds louder than usual when turning my A/C on.
Incident date: May 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message that the engine oil level was low was displayed. The contact stated that oil was added to the engine; however, the next day the message reoccurred. The contact stated that later while the vehicle was parked, the contact discovered an oil leak underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the lo... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2025
Backup camera not working and the display on dash shows triangle and a camera crossed out. Dealer has been advised 1 month ago. The Camera is supposed to be on backorder.
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made awa... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
•Resolution Requested oFull refund for $67,227.63 - Total Money Spent Down Payment Trade In Monthly Payment Aftermarket Accessories oPremium Care Warranty for Purchase of next Ford Vehicle •Issues oEngine and Electrical Issue Electronic Gauge Screen goes black while driving resulting in a safety violation Significant latency of acceleration upon starting resulting in dangero... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
I was headed out of town and stopped in the neighborhood at a stop sign. As usual, the Auto Stop/Auto Start feature turned the engine off and when I lifted my foot off the brake pedal to reengage the engine, the truck started rolling backward. The engine would not start even though all the gauges and systems were working as if the engine was on. I had the truck towed to my mechanic and after tr... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that the steering malfunction warning light was illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2025
The parking brake has repeatedly engaged without action from the owner/operator. This seems to happen at random. The dash warning light does show upon occurrence. There is no known cause for, or understanding of, this malfunction. The Ford certified dealer could not confirm as it did not occur under their supervision when serviced. Fortunately, occurrences thus far have been while the vehicle is n... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2023
During the month of January my vehicle started to overheat. I pulled over immediately and opened the hood. The coolant was bubbling over and I let it cool down. Once it cooled down I checked the level and noticed it was low. Which was weird since there had not been a leak. I filled it up and went on my way to work. I had my mechanic look at it and there was coolant in the engine. He stated take it... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the blind spot alert fault message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the wiring module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for as... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
The contact owned a 2022 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving 68-70 MPH, the vehicle stopped abruptly, causing another vehicle to crash into the rear passenger's side of the vehicle, and a second vehicle to crash into the rear of the vehicle, causing the trunk to be pushed inside the rear seats of the vehicle. The brake warning light was illuminated. The air bags of the contact's ve... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine vibrated abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
After idling for 30-45 minutes in a parking lot my radio suddenly turned off (black screen), the dash indicated that my 115V Outlet showed that it was on as the indication flickered continuously. A/C will not function, only hot air blows progressively worse while driving. Windows will not roll up or down anymore, clock on the dash no longer shows up, side mirrors will not close with the button, po... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
I am reporting an issue with a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 equipped with the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine. The vehicle experienced a failure of the NOx Sensor Position 2, which significantly impacted performance and emissions compliance. GM previously issued Emission Recall N212351211 (March 7, 2023) for other diesel Silverado models regarding improper ECM detection of NOx sensor faults. The issu... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
I am reporting an issue with a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 equipped with the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine. The vehicle experienced a failure of the NOx Sensor Position 2, which significantly impacted performance and emissions compliance. GM previously issued Emission Recall N212351211 (March 7, 2023) for other diesel Silverado models regarding improper ECM detection of NOx sensor faults. The issu... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
I am reporting an issue with a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 equipped with the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine. The vehicle experienced a failure of the NOx Sensor Position 2, which significantly impacted performance and emissions compliance. GM previously issued Emission Recall N212351211 (March 7, 2023) for other diesel Silverado models regarding improper ECM detection of NOx sensor faults. The issu... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
All Fisker Ocean vehicles were supposed to receive a full 2.2 OS update. However, I received 2.2 (2/3) partial update. I have waited since end of 2024. No full update was ever pushed via OTA on my Fisker Ocean One. I'm the very first Fisker owner. The full 2.2 OS update will fix many software bugs which still exist on my vehicle today.
Incident date: May 6, 2025
My engine under, the 2018 KIA Soul Engine Recall, first problem was on October 2023 when it arrived at the dealership with 'no oil'. The mechanic said for KIA to replace the engine. At this time they also found 'sludge' for the first time. I had done my oil changes at the dealership and the most current was August 2023; 2000 miles prior. KIA extended my 100k miles engine warranty to 150k miles. Si... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2025
My engine under, the 2018 KIA Soul Engine Recall, first problem was on October 2023 when it arrived at the dealership with 'no oil'. The mechanic said for KIA to replace the engine. At this time they also found 'sludge' for the first time. I had done my oil changes at the dealership and the most current was August 2023; 2000 miles prior. KIA extended my 100k miles engine warranty to 150k miles. Si... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Lexus RX450H. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was m... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
Purchased this car on [XXX] from Alpina Motors on Eastern Blvd in Maryland. In February took the car to Ron's Auto Repair, and he said that the brakes were metal on metal, so he replaced the Brakes and Rotors for $510. On [XXX] while driving on the Garden State Parkway with my [XXX] son the axle broke. Scaring me and my son because of losing control and not knowing what to do. Had to call my gran... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
On the morning of [XXX], I left home in my vehicle for work and felt a difference in brake pressure. After about a block away from home the brake pedal started hitting the floor every time I engaged it. The dashboard indicated that the brake fluid was low, so I returned home to check it and fill up. As I started it up again and engaged the brakes it still hit the floor. On making a visual inspecti... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission shuddered. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed torque converter. The contact was informed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact t... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
Accident June 12, 2024 air bag did not deploy. hit on passenger side no air bags deployed. Air bag not able to be reset
Crash
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil; however, there were no oil leaks evident. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who informed the contact that the frame near the rear wheel on the driver's side was completely rusted. The mechanic stated that the vehicle was not safe to... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle while reversing. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined t... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle while reversing. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined t... Read more