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: May 12, 2025
Ford Customer Service Case: [XXX] The transmission presented multiple problems, and eventually completed failed. Hard shifting, failing to engage properly, jerking and jolting in gear. Failure to shift to Park after stopping. Failing to shift gears up or down while driving. Loss of propulsion all together after stopping at lights or stop-signs. This put our family at risk, losing power in tra... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
I was driving to an event and I noticed my truck was pulling slightly. As I pulled onto the freeway and accelerated, I felt and heard a thumping sound but could not distinguish it between the pattern in the freeway or an issue with a tire. I continued to accelerate and the tire blew at about 55 mph. I was pulling a 5th wheel in a construction zone and was not immediately able to safely pull off... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
I was driving to an event and I noticed my truck was pulling slightly. As I pulled onto the freeway and accelerated, I felt and heard a thumping sound but could not distinguish it between the pattern in the freeway or an issue with a tire. I continued to accelerate and the tire blew at about 55 mph. I was pulling a 5th wheel in a construction zone and was not immediately able to safely pull off... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
Overhead Cabinets above the driver and passenger seats above the front windshield have dropped down and bounces as we drive down the highway. Yes, it is available for inspection, I also have pictures. This started in 2019, the left side of the cabinets coming loose. We have tried unsuccessfully to fix the problem ourselves. After much research on the internet, I see where there was a RECALL 23v... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
I am reporting a potentially serious and widespread safety defect involving Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT tires installed as factory equipment on General Motors trucks. My 2025 GMC Sierra 3500HD Denali has just 5,800 miles. Both rear tires, with DOT code 2724, have developed identical sidewall bulges behind the “NER” in the “TrailRunner” stamp. These bulges are consistent with internal... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2025
Various 2018-2022 Honda Accord owners had fuel injector failures caused by the faulty factory fuel pump molding. The fuel pump has been recalled; however, not before the fuel injectors fail. My Accord recently got an array of warning lights pop up on the dash while driving on the highway. I read the code and it was a cylinder 3 misfire. A diagnosis has led to the discovery that the fuel injectors ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 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 contact stated that upon driving and coming to a stop, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle, and there was smoke coming front the A/C vents. The contact stat... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 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 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 exp... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
While driving the car stalled and eventually stopped running. The battery was still on, but there was no power to the engine. The car needed to be pushed out of the road and towed to the dealership for work.
Incident date: May 11, 2025
When the vehicle is set to regenerative braking mode, lifting off the accelerator pedal causes the car to decelerate significantly. However, in many cases, the brake lights do not illuminate during this process. This could potentially create a safety risk, as drivers behind may not realize the car is slowing down and may not respond in time. tesla
Incident date: Apr 11, 2025
I got an “engine maintenance requested” notification on my car. I took it to a mechanic and they said the coolant bypass valve is defected
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
Accident caused by brakes slipping and failing to stop even when pushed all the way down to the floor. Air bags failed to deploy. Resulting in a total loss estimate after accident.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
My car is a 2021, is only 4 years old and the paint is chipping very fast. I noticed it a few months ago and it is now about 3 inches height, and 1 inch wide. It’s going to continue and paying for a whole new hood when my car is only 4 years old is crazy.
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
accelerator hesitates when pressing the accelerator at almost a complete stop.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The hill assist feature does not let go of the brakes when I apply throttle and has caused me to stall the vehicle on a hill multiple times. I would request a recall be made to allow the driver to not have the brakes engaged when throttle is applied when starting from a stop on a hill with manual transmission equipped gti's/golf r's.
Incident date: May 10, 2025
I am writing to formally report a significant safety concern involving my 2022 Hyundai Palisade, specifically related to the radiator and coolant system. In November 2024, I experienced issues indicative of a coolant leak, including engine overheating warnings and noticeable coolant odors. Upon investigation, I discovered that Hyundai had issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) #23-EM-003H on Aug... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a serious and recurring safety issue involving my 2018 Audi Q7. The vehicle has experienced repeated drive system malfunctions that result in sudden loss of power, reduced acceleration, and warning messages on the dashboard such as “Drive System: Malfunction” and “Electrical System Failure.” These incidents have occurred while the ve... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2025
Six speed manual transmission would not shift into second fourth or sixth gears. It started in a parking lot shifting from first to second, then it made a grinding noise and all the bottom gears of the extended 'H' shift pattern were not functioning.
KIA
OPTIMA PHEV
(2018) - STEERING
May 10, 2025
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
Losss of powwr steering assist. Randomly would lose power steering snd the wheel would try to straighten. Around corners at any speed it did it randomly. Whe. It first happened i was turning going 40mph and it almost yanked me into a wall. Every bump.on the road tries to yank the wheel s different direction. When I brake it pulls the steering wheel another direction. Progressively getting wor... Read more
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 9, 2025
Incident date: Apr 27, 2025
I leased a 2023 Genesis GV60, which was misrepresented as new but had multiple safety recalls, including ICCU battery failure, AWD/powertrain malfunction, and seatbelt defects. From the start, the seatbelts didn’t secure properly, and the car failed NY state inspection, causing me to lose a job that required a safe vehicle. Despite six visits to different service centers in 3 months, no actual ... Read more
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2025) - POWER TRAIN
May 9, 2025
Incident date: Apr 27, 2025
I leased a 2023 Genesis GV60, which was misrepresented as new but had multiple safety recalls, including ICCU battery failure, AWD/powertrain malfunction, and seatbelt defects. From the start, the seatbelts didn’t secure properly, and the car failed NY state inspection, causing me to lose a job that required a safe vehicle. Despite six visits to different service centers in 3 months, no actual ... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
On April 15th, 2025, my 2022 Mazda CX-30 experienced a sudden malfunction while I was driving. Despite having the automatic emergency braking system and forward collision warning, the car failed to slow down or alert me before I hit another vehicle during a pile-up. Right after the collision, my dashboard lit up with multiple error messages about the forward collision system, brake system, and sen... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 16, 2025
2021 Dodge Ram drivers side A-pillar handle is detaching due to failing plastic clips
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2022) - BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
May 9, 2025
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
I was backing up out of my driveway and the camera was not available, nor did the sensor work while I was backing up. I hit a parked car as a result of this, resulting in damage to the back of my car. This has happened before, but never resulted in an accident until this time.
Crash
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2022) - BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
May 9, 2025
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
I was backing up out of my driveway and the camera was not available, nor did the sensor work while I was backing up. I hit a parked car as a result of this, resulting in damage to the back of my car. This has happened before, but never resulted in an accident until this time.
Crash
Incident date: Mar 4, 2025
The contact's wife owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact's wife received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (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 but confirmed that parts were not yet available and to wait... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2025
Steering wheel shakes violently when going between 55 to 75 mph after hitting bump in road. Commonly known as the “death wobble”. Total loss of control.
Incident date: Aug 9, 2023
2016 Metris Engine M274 Check engine light, P052E71 Crankcase ventilation valve- Oil leakage- safety is compromised as this damage causes engine failure. The dealer has confirmed multiple oil leaks and other parts and service is required at extensive cost to me. This is the same damage and failure that passenger models with the M274 engine have an extended warranty available to them- my PASSENGER ... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
The truck has a very pronounced hesitation to accelerate after slowing down or coming to a stop. Example: slow down, come to a stop at a stop sign and then accelerating to start moving. This situation happens daily and almost on every occasion after slowing or stopping. It has gotten worse over time and this issue has put me and my family in very dangerous and scary situations as the truck does n... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 119,560, and the contact stated she looked at the title and took the vehicle to a mechanic to verify and noticed that the mileage was 193,0... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); 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 manuf... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
Was driving at night and my lights went off and the radio turned off and right back on a second later. It’s like the system rebooted. Drove fine.
Incident date: May 7, 2025
Ecoboost 1.8l engine failure due to coolant leaking into the cylinders. Looks to be a very common issue that Ford is very aware.
Incident date: May 7, 2025
Grease seals are blown. Grease everywhere on brakes. This is a known issue and no manufacturer are doing a recall. They are asking everyone to pull the drms and see if yours are affected. Going to cause an accident before too long.
Incident date: May 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front end of the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering rack was faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the steering rack parts were on backorder and the vehicle was not able to be repaired. ... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2025
Windshields are not standard made and chip/crack easily. I’ve had 3 chips occur. Please check quality and thickness.
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was intermittently shuddering while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the timing belt and exhaust camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2010
The contact's daughter owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and then stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The contact's daughter pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repai... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2010
I have owned this car since 2018. I’ve had the “Brake Booster Faulty” error come on at least once a year. It’s very scary as the car just locks up. Luckily it has only happened driving locally, without anyone behind me, but this could lead to a SERIOUS accident. I have brought this to the VW dealer at least 3 times over the years and every time they say they cannot replicate or find an... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that after heavy rainfall, there was a swishing sound coming from the passenger’s side rear door. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked, the contact inspected the vehicle, and became aware of water build-up in the passenger’s side rear door. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Two out of four seals were blowen on the breakdrum and breaks drums contaminated with grease.
Incident date: Dec 27, 2024
The vehicle has a panoramic roof with each of the three windows having a roller sunshade. Two of three roller sun shades have failed or are not working causing excessive glare and heat in the vehicle.
Incident date: Apr 13, 2021
Check engine light on, running rough on startup. Diagnosed as Coolant Intrusion in Cylinder No. 2 as result of engine warpage.
Incident date: May 8, 2025
Purchased kia in 2021- Car was taken in on April 24 for a recall. I was originally told the recall would take 2 weeks if it failed now South Hills Kia along with Kia can tell me anything. We are 2 weeks in the car I need to drive my elderly mother to her dr appointments with and not one person can tell me when I can get my car back or even a loner. My car has less then 33,000 miles -this is just w... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the air bag was visible on the steering wheel. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the air bag warning light was reset. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. In a... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2025
as mentioned by many customers the dash on the vehicles crack and GM refuses to pay for repairs. Now there is a Airbag recall that needs to be completed and I am told by dealer that the dash will crack more and get worse during the repair and they are not responsible for the damage. This is unacceptable and unsafe as it is costing me and consumers more money for a defective product.
Incident date: May 7, 2025
The ABS system on the truck goes out which causes the truck to have no breaks. ABS module is faulty, your wheels may start locking, leading to a loss of traction. This could be especially dangerous in wet conditions, as it increases the risk of skidding. Another issue is there is no replacement parts avaible to fix this issue, truck owns now have vehicles that now is a ticking time bomb. Ram need... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2025
[XXX] Please call me to discuss this matter on my GMC Vehicle. [XXX] Yukon GMC This might not be your department but lead me to the right area local, federally or NHTSA so I can discuss these issues in detail Issues I have had that are not normal and maybe need to be on a recall or on consumer alert list for major defects on major components Brakes losing total traction had to be fixed u... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
We had a warning light go on on the dash advising there was an issue with the driver's side side marker lamp. In looking at the lamp, it is still illuminating, just not as bright as normal. This is a known issue with Audi - several complaints have been made already and there is even a recall on certain vins. My vin was not included in this so the cost is falling on me (in the form of $6200 not inc... Read more