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: Apr 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH downhill, the brakes became inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to stop when the brake pedal was depressed. The driver turned the steering wheel from side to side to slow the vehicle. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact stated that the vehicle drov... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the "Shift to Park" message was displayed on the instrument panel. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission control harness needed to be replaced. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2024
On the highway my 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel briefly stalled and the check engine light came on. I then lost all power and could only maintain a speed of 45MPH in a 70MPH speed limit highway. I turned on my flashers and could not get off the road due to construction and Jersey barriers for several miles. When I had the opportunity I pulled off the side of the road and called to have my vehi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2025
As I was navigating a turn onto a highway on-ramp, the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated or attempted to brake autonomously, accompanied by a sudden loss of power steering assist. This created a hazardous situation, nearly causing a collision with the guardrail. After safely bringing the vehicle to a stop, the dashboard illuminated with numerous warning lights and messages such as: Electric Powe... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2025
Vehicle warning lights for brakes, ABS and traction control all on while driving. Per mechanic, known problem on Prius and repair cost is $3-$5K. Covered by a prior customer support program but has expired. I have two Prius’s with the identical problem - bill will be up to $10K Error codes C1391, C1214
Incident date: May 1, 2025
I press down on the gas pedal and it seems to not go. I have the transmission light, the parking light and brake lights on the dashboard
Incident date: May 8, 2025
very heavy vibration. Entire vehicle shaking. I thought it was the motor mounts. Very intermitent. Kicks in at 2,000 rpm. I went to dealership and found out the problem is active noise reduction has a problem with a defect on amplifier. Dealer couldn't fix the problem so they shut off the active noise cancellation function for now.
Incident date: Mar 22, 2025
TPMS continues to not work and show false readings and/or no readings at all with continued warnings on the dash instrument cluster effecting operation of vehicles other instrument warning systems. Recall was issued in 2022 for this system for manufacture and has not resolved issues. Safety of all drivers and passengers is a concern as all warning systems are compromised as tire pressure and tempe... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
I am experiencing a serious and potentially dangerous issue with the transmission in my 2019 Ford F-150 Lariat equipped with the 10-speed 10R80 automatic transmission. At highway speeds (65–75 mph), the truck will occasionally downshift abruptly into a much lower gear without any input from the driver. This causes the engine RPMs to spike and creates a sudden deceleration, which could easily lea... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
I am experiencing a serious and potentially dangerous issue with the transmission in my 2019 Ford F-150 Lariat equipped with the 10-speed 10R80 automatic transmission. At highway speeds (65–75 mph), the truck will occasionally downshift abruptly into a much lower gear without any input from the driver. This causes the engine RPMs to spike and creates a sudden deceleration, which could easily lea... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2023) - POWER TRAIN
May 14, 2025
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted from 6th gear to 1st gear, with the service vehicle's soon-to-be warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2023) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
May 14, 2025
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufactu... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2023) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
May 14, 2025
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
I purchased a new 2024 Genesis g90 vehicle from Key Genesis in Jacksonville Florida. I live in Navarre Florida near Pensacola so I took the vehicle into the Pensacola dealership for service. For almost a years time I have been notifying the dealership of a serious safety issue wirh the vehicle. There is a condition where the vehicle slams on the brakes on the highway for no apparent reason. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was shaking slightly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the fa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was shaking slightly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the fa... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2024
On the highway my 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel briefly stalled and the check engine light came on. I then lost all power and could only maintain a speed of 45MPH in a 70MPH speed limit highway. I turned on my flashers and could not get off the road due to construction and Jersey barriers for several miles. When I had the opportunity I pulled off the side of the road and called to have my vehi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
While the vehicle is in operation, and without warning, it loses all motive power and coasts to a stop. A warning message is displayed on dash: “Service Hybrid Electric Vehicle System.” The vehicle must be turned off then back on before motive power is restored. This is an extreme safety issue, if it were to occur at highway speeds amidst traffic, the likelihood of serious accident is high.... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2025
I attempted to get a safety recall (headlamp assembly defect) addressed at my local Subaru dealership. The vehicle is still under warranty, and I was told I may be able to get a loaner or rental. However, when I arrived, I was informed that the dealership only has 9 loaners and does not offer rental coverage at all, even for warranty customers. I had already spoken to someone about my need for a ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the passenger's side sliding door failed to close properly. The contact had to force the door closed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owned a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated the vehicle had been driven for three hours and parked. Moments later, the vehicle was restarted and while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration. While pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle did not stop and continued to accelerate forward, and the speed increased. While attempting to a... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The battery fire recall on my vehicle has been open since October 2024. The fix was supposed to happen March 2025. It is now May 2025 with no fix in sight. The value of my car has plummeted due to this recall and I am unable to sell to a private party as it is not in working condition. My car should be deemed a lemon as it is unsafe on the road with no fix in the pipeline. [XXX] INFORMATION RE... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
My 2017 Ford Edge with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine has been diagnosed with the coolant intrusion issue covered by Ford’s Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) 19-2172 or 22-2229. Initially, engine code P0301indicating misfire in cylinder 3. Ford Dealership Hassett Ford Wantagh NY confirms the TSB issue and recommends long block replacement. There is a danger of engine fire, engine failure and stalling... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
My tailgate stopped working, I was getting messages on my dash board that there was transmission system problems, reverse warning problems, keyless entry system problems. It always seemed to happen after a rain. I found that the van is leaking water through the driver’s side roof rack gully, near the back, and water is leaking right on the tailgate control system, causing all these other problem... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2005 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, other individuals informed the contact that there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. Additiona... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); 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. VIN tool confirms parts n... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
I was driving on the freeway when I lost power and the engine started to vibrate. Had to have it towed back to the dealer. They stated it was a bad lifter in cylinder six. It will cost 8K+ to repair. I have had the car less than a year and less than 90k in mileage.
Incident date: May 11, 2025
When placing the Traverse in park the car will not shut off and warns that the car is NOT in park while other indicators show that it actually is in park. Confusing and worried that it is not in park and that the car con not be safely shut off. Flipping the shift knob and button numerous times has, so far, finally allowed the car to shut off safely.
Incident date: May 12, 2025
While driving my 2017 Ford Focus SE (automatic), the vehicle began experiencing severe transmission problems including hesitation, shuddering during acceleration, jerking between shifts, and eventually a complete failure to engage any gear. The car became inoperable in traffic, posing a serious safety risk to me and others. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the failure. I took the... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2025
The backup camera randomly works. When it does work, within minutes it slowly fades from a picture to a black screen.
Incident date: May 13, 2025
The backup camera randomly works. When it does work, within minutes it slowly fades from a picture to a black screen.
Incident date: May 12, 2025
My 2021 Chevy Suburban Premier suffered a sudden internal engine failure due to collapsed lifters and a damaged camshaft. The vehicle began experiencing performance issues, including rough idling and loss of power. After taking it to a certified mechanic, it was confirmed that the lifters failed and caused significant damage to the camshaft, requiring a major repair that I had to pay for out of po... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
Engine overheating and causing multiple problems
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown local dealer was contacted. 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... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2025
Axle broke on rt side just underneath the bracket that ford installed for recall.i was only going 10mph when it happened no warning I was able to gain control and stop was towed into a shop not driveable if this seems to be a problem mine looked fine they must filled it up with expand foam I would think that would trap in more moisture but these are dangerous they should all be fixed or bought ba... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 BMW X1. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local 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 th... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Fit. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had no... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated but the contact was able to drive to destination. However, upon attempting to leave from the location, the vehicle failed to start. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the high-pressure fu... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2025
My car starts making noise then i pull over. my car completely shuts off and i tried to restart it, didn’t start. My engine i think is ruined
Incident date: May 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that at start -up, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the A/C compressor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced Te... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that at start -up, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the A/C compressor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced Te... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2025
While driving the car is in process.. the engine will suddenly stop (stall). I loose all power to the car and is unable to stop the car or control the speed or any other functions of the car. The only way to stop the car immediately is to manually use the emergency breaks. My 3.6 liter engine is having the same engine defect as the 2.4 2000 Chrysler 200 engine N52... causing it to malfunction. Als... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
I have had car repairs done identical with the 2014 models with the same exact issues described in those year recalls, car hesitant and jerking, breaking down on numerous occasions and replacing gaskets hoses and many codes common with fuel and traction control and finally engine blown!
Incident date: May 6, 2025
This vehicle was sold to me as new without disclosing the open recall. I purchased the vehicle on 08.01.2024. The recall was issued on 02.12.2024, five months earlier. This recall affects the electronic breaking system(s). There is no current fix/solution to the recall at this time. The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act prohibits dealerships from selling new vehicles with active recalls.
Incident date: May 6, 2025
This vehicle was sold to me as new without disclosing the open recall. I purchased the vehicle on 08.01.2024. The recall was issued on 02.12.2024, five months earlier. This recall affects the electronic breaking system(s). There is no current fix/solution to the recall at this time. The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act prohibits dealerships from selling new vehicles with active recalls.
Incident date: May 6, 2025
The vehicle rolled backwards and hit a predestination with no one in the vehicle on level ground. I don't know why it rolled backwards since it has never done this before unless someone had hacked into the computer system and caused it to go backwards. I also don't know if this car has the lvl of technology that can be hacked as in the completely driverless vehicles. I only know the theory of ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 6, 2025
The Onstar module has failed. This part is the Telematic Control Unit or TCU. This is a widespread issue with no ETA of part replacement. This is an issue that is not often covered under warranty especially for vehicles outside of the age/mileage requirement of the company. This should be investigated and issued as a recall.
Incident date: May 12, 2022
I was driving my car and the door came unlocked and opened
Incident date: May 11, 2025
My 2022 Jeep Wagoneer has a 5.7-liter V8 equipped with eTorque system. The etorque went bad and the vehicle stalled in the middle of a 4-lane highway at a busy intersection. My Jeep was completely dead, and I couldn't even turn my emergency flashers on, making this an extremely dangerous situation. I was fortunate this was during the daytime which is dangerous enough. Had it been at night, thi... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Harley-Davidson FLHXSE Motorcycle. The contact stated that while riding at various speeds, the motorcycle experienced unintended acceleration. During the failure, the check engine warning light was displayed along with a triangle flashing on and off. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure ... Read more