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: Dec 26, 2024
The vehicle seems to get a mind of its own and around turns on the highway or by curved roads with a barrier, the vehicle slows down. This has happened quite a few times in different scenarios.
Incident date: Jan 19, 2025
On several occasions my automatic emergency braking has engaged when there is no car in front of me. Typically this happens when another car is in the left turn lane and my car is passing it. The other vehicle is completely in the other lane and I am in my lane. There is no visible obstruction to my vehicle's path. This posses a significant damage of me being rear ended by any car following too c... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
1.) While driving signalling for a right hand turn and then subsequently completing the right hand turn, the vehicle then signals left on its own accord. This is distracting for the driver and confusing to other motorists on the road. 2.) Blind spot monitoring system frequently turns on and or blinks rapidly (effects both driver and passenger side mirrors sporadically) when no other vehicles in ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
July 2024 Recall TSB70062404 - Cluster Telltales (2023Fisker Ocean) NOTHING DONE! July 2024 Recall TSB10032403 - Powertrain Modules ( " ") NOTHING DONE! Aug.2024 Recall TSB30032401 - Cabin Water Pump ( " ") Real SAFETY ISSUE! I called Fisker Service on Sept.18, 2024 and was told I was on the list for the Water Pump replacement. NOTHING DONE to date, no response from Fisk... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2024
I have had the car since May 2023 and every winter moisture builds up on my windows on the inside of the car and over night it gets frozen from the inside. There is mold growing on the inside of the door panels, the back hatch window and under the seat and on the seat belts.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2024
Backup Camera is inverted and no longer displays guides.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Honda CR-V. 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 the dealer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue but informed the contact that the recall repair could not be performed until De... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
The automatic braking on our 2018 Honda CRV EX-L has gone off erroneously several times. Recently was on an onramp on the highway going over 50mph, automatic braking went off for no reason, almost causing an accident in heavy traffic.
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
The automatic braking on our 2018 Honda CRV EX-L has gone off erroneously several times. Recently was on an onramp on the highway going over 50mph, automatic braking went off for no reason, almost causing an accident in heavy traffic.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2025
The gmc trailering app will not read trailer tire pressure above 100psi. When trailer tires carry a safe psi amount above 100psi the trailering app will not be able to confirm if the trailer tire is low in pressure which could cause a massive wreck if driver did not know the trailer tire was going bad. Truck was taken to dealer, they tried to follow bulletin 22-NA-172 to have the pressure to read ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
Car throws P2884 and the internal combustion motor will not start. The issue is gone into detail here: [XXX] recommendation is swapping out mechatronic unit for the upgraded unit. Since the unit is prone to failure this really should be a recall. It happens on all cars 2016/2017 years right around 60k miles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
Check axel joint problems. Every time the car turns either way there is a loud clicking sound. This could be a big problem because it is a steering system. It has been confirmed by the dealership and part are on order. They said it is not a safety issue but I feel the steering and axle is a big component and if it fails it could result in damage of property or life. This has not been inspected by ... Read more
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2025) — AIR BAGS
Jan 21, 2025
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Crash
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2025) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 20, 2025
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
My engine had to be fully replaced @ 28k miles due a crankshaft bearing failing and sending metal shards through my engine. Stranded me on the side of the highway for three hours. Was able to get to the shoulder before it seized up.Also my entire wiring harness and ECU had to be replaced shortly after the engine.
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
There is a bulletin that ford sent out that includes wipers intermittently not working properly when detecting rain. The issue happens when the normal steady wiper speed is selected and the issue isn’t resolved until the wipers are turned off and on again then the issue persists. Ford will not cover this issue even with a bulletin for a car 2,000 miles over their warranty. Further more fords ext... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
Coolant intrusion into the engine block due to a manufacturing defect in the cylinder walls. Needs engine replacement. I have had this car since 12/8/2020. No extended warranty. I have 60,000 miles on this 2017 Ford Edge and it needs an $8,000.00 engine. I still owe $11,000.00 on this vehicle. If the engine isn't repaired, it could overheat shutting down the motor and could cause extreme dange... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
Incredibly high oil consumption. Spending so much money on keeping oil in it.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
When driving down the interstate or crossing traffic the transmissions in these vehicles will slip causing you to be immobile. Possibly causing death
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
With the past year, have had 2 dangerous safety issues pop up. 1. April 2024, seat belt malfunctioned causing an error message. From what the VW dealer told me, the seat belt would not lock, therefore requiring a replacement of the entire assembly Had to drive home several hours with this error message. Should a 5 year old car have such issues? 2. January 2025, steering began to feel very slopp... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
My engine burns oil very bad. Black smoke comes out of my tailpipe and I burn through 5 quarts in less than a thousand miles. I just got my oil changed two weeks again and I just had to add more oil to my car bc it was empty. I’ve had to replace the spark plugs twice due to soot build up. I can’t afford a new car I’m 17 and can barely afford the maintenance let alone a whole new engine. Have... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
Frame on 2004 new body style ford f-150 rusted to the point no longer safe to drive according to 2 licensed repair shops. There is no recall on vin number [XXX] However I have been told there are other recalls on frame rust on this same model from 2004-2008. Please know I bought this truck brand new and only have operated on roadway no off roading. This is my primary vehicle. Please advice wha... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
Car keeps jumping to nutral and then dies in the middle of the highway. Have to wiat like 5mins before trying to start. Once it starts ill drive for like 15mins then I happens again. No codes nor e gine light to see what the issue is. I'm lost at the mo and need the vehicle for jobs. Help!!!!!
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
Snowing & my drivers side front wiper stopped working. Palssenger side ok. Had to pull over every couple blocks to manually wipe window clear to see to get home. It has been over a week and still does not work.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
SUDDEN ACCELERATION, I WAS DRIVING IN MY OWN DRIVEWAY AND A MODEST SPEED T15 MPH I HAVE A CIRCULAR DRIVEWAY AND I WAS ASCENDING UP THE CIRCLE WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT MY ACTION. i TOOK MYI FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND HIT THE BREAK BUT THE CAR DID NOT STOP OR SLOW DOWN. IT CONTINUED UP MY DRIVEWAY ON MY LAWN AND ACCROSS MY LAWN THROUGH A FENCE AND I WOUND UP IN MY NEIGHBORS LOT W... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
On October 23, 2024, my 2016 Chevrolet Suburban was stopped in a line of traffic on a downhill. As traffic began to move forward, the brakes failed to hold, despite pressure on the brake pedal. This resulted in a low-speed collision with the vehicle in front, which then impacted another vehicle. Component/System: The braking system failed to engage despite pressure on the brake pedal. The vehicle... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 13, 2023
Had the engine replaced before and it blew up again and the Kia dealer said the ignition wasn’t recalled after they said it was a fire hazzard
Incident date: Oct 13, 2023
Car has less then 4000 miles on it and needs both front CV joints replace as they loudly click when turning left or right. Parts are on indefinite back order.
Incident date: Oct 13, 2023
Car has less then 4000 miles on it and needs both front CV joints replace as they loudly click when turning left or right. Parts are on indefinite back order.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
Check engine light came on with a odb code of P0300. engine started to run rough and mileage dropped substantially. Upon arrival to my home due to safety issues I turned off car and and let it cool. My father read the odb with a code reader and said it smells like gas but we will look at in the daylight. Today upon removing the engine cover and checking the spark plugs we discover stains and resid... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
Door unlock motor that unlocks the passanger door failed. Known issue by Nissan. This is a well documented issue and causes issues in entering the vehicle from outside, even with the key. This can delay entry and cause issues, or cause issues during exit as the automatic door locks do not engage on the affected door.
Incident date: Dec 21, 2024
My vehicle is part of the cargo rails recall, how ever I also experiencing a separate safety issue with the seatbelts that I believe requires urgent attention . Seatbelts falling to block properly during sudden braking.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
There is a very bad glare from the dashboard to the windshield during the day. It’s very distracting and also makes it hard to see through the windshield.
Incident date: Jan 19, 2025
Driving on highway, engine light began flashing, then deceleration occurred. No response in pushing the gas pedal at all. Pulled to side of road. Stopped car. Had it towed to Honda dealer. At the dealership, the car ran fine, the problem could not be replicated and there was no record that it had occurred. Approximately five weeks later, the same problem occurred on the highway, but I immediat... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2024
Drivers door handle failed to operate, occupant was locked out of vehicle, safety of operator was compromised as elderly operator has to climb over passenger and center console to enter drivers area. Problem is ongoing as door handle will not operate at all. Vehicle has not been inspected yet. No symptoms, door handle failed and cannot be opened from the outside at all.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
When I was attempting to merge into the turning lane the car slowed down by itself and abruptly stopped in the middle of both lanes while a car was behind me.
Incident date: Nov 11, 2024
Abs Failure, at around 80,000 miles, Truck is unusable , brake drags and causes overheating, can not get to dealer unless towed. All ABS system lights and failure warning lights are on Have been paying on vehicle which has been unusable since 6/2022 Dealer says parts are not available
Incident date: Jan 20, 2024
My backup camera still turns blue. I have had the recall done to fix the issue but it still happens occasionally. Seems to be just random when it happens and no direct cause when it does happen.
Incident date: Jan 20, 2024
My backup camera still turns blue. I have had the recall done to fix the issue but it still happens occasionally. Seems to be just random when it happens and no direct cause when it does happen.
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
I purchased a 2013 Kia Optima EX from an on-line auction [XXX] in Memphis, Tn. After the car was delivered I noticed the vehicle engine had a slight engine knock. When I attempted to test drive the vehicle the engine knock grew louder, and the vehicle shut down in the middle of the road. I was fortunate enough to get the vehicle back to my residence where I was able inspect the engine, and notice... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
When turning sharply and accelerating at low speeds or from a stop, vehicle makes clicking sound. Vehicle is brand new, and I noticed this with about 600mi on the vehicle. I'm concerned this could lead to future loss of steering and cause an accident or render vehicle not drivable. I have taken it to the dealer and their mechanic confirmed hearing the same clicking noise and is awaiting guidance ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
The dash instrument cluster betweeen the speedometer and RPMs has went out and stopped showing any information. I can’t tell when I am locked into 4 wheel drive, how much gas I have or anything. It’s just a black screen.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2025
The vehicle belongs to a sex trafficker involving minors
Crash
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Blend doors keep failing. Keeps switching from cold to hot.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
On [XXX], I was driving my truck on [XXX] through Phoenix, AZ. It was 5 days after I had purchased the vehicle and only had 250 miles on the odometer. I was in the left lane was traveling at approximately 75mph. Within the span of about 20 seconds, several lights on the dash annunciated and several messages including a message about a brake failure and steering assist failure and then the engine ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2025
I am having problems with my car starting… even after replacing the starter 3 times. I am having the exact issue referenced in TSB No.16-002. I can hear the grinding noise but due to the incorrect positioning of the torque converter ring gear, the starter isn’t spinning the engine at startup even after replacing the starter. I can’t afford to keep replacing the starter and have my car not st... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2025
I was ran off the road and hit a tree line in which a downed tree went through my windshield. The airbags failed to deploy. If I had not been wearing my seatbelt, I could've been decapitated
Crash
Incident date: Dec 31, 2024
1.17.25 My check engine light came on with the following lights: Emissions System Problem Electric Parking Brake Problem
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
While traveling at highway speeds between 65-75MPH the vehicle with violently shake while shifting and then lunge forward. However, during the shaking the vehicle is hard to control and feels like it is going to just shut off. This scenario primarily happens on flat roads at the above mentioned speed. However, we have noticed an issue with the vehicle while turning corners and accelerating, as wel... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
See attached document for complaint.