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 28, 2025
I am contacting you regarding my 2015 Kia Optima EX (VIN: [XXX] , while driving, I experienced a sudden strong burning smell followed by heavy white smoke from the engine area. Shortly after, the engine stalled, and the vehicle had to be towed. I have verified that there are no open recalls or settlements listed for my vehicle. However, based on the known engine issues affecting similar models, I... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2025
I was driving my vehicle and it began severely misfiring and stalled on me. I took it to the dealer and found there was damage to cylinder number 2 engine balance. After research I found there are many claims and complaints due to this type of issue. The likely cause is preignition caused by what Hyundai calls bad software. I recently purchase the vehicle and they say it was updated in July of 202... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
While driving or stopped at a light, car will switch drivings modes to “mud and sand” turning off the vehicle stability control and pre-collision system warning light will illuminate. After pressing desired mode, car will switch back to “mud and sand” at varying intervals resulting in me pressing the desired mode constantly while driving.
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
Crankshaft bearing failed, leading to engine failure at 65MPH on highway. No warning.
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
The CVT valve body was diagnosed as defective by the Subaru Dealership service department. The car was taken to the dcealership when the A/T OIL EMP, HILL ASSIST, ABS and TRACTION CONTROL, STABILITY CONTROL lights came up. The valve body is still available for inspection. The car was taken to the dealership for a Brake Light Switch recall that has the same simptoms.
Incident date: Apr 27, 2025
I purchased a MagnaFlow aftermarket catalytic converter system for my 2008 GMC Yukon SLT 5.3L through Walmart’s online marketplace, sold by a third-party vendor called OurDealsRock. The product was advertised as “50-state legal” and compatible with vehicles registered in New York State. However, shortly after installation, my check engine light turned on, and diagnostic codes P0420 and P0430... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2025
Hello, I would like to report a known problem with Kawasakis Zx14r due to failing oil pump cover that leaks causing oil starvation to internal engine components ultimately causing catastrophic engine failures. My motorcycle only has right at about 20,000 on and being a mechanic i religiously keep oil changes on time even prematurely changing the oil for longer engine life. But just recently while... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the RPM increased and there was a burning oil odor on the interior of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stopped and parked the vehicle. The contact performed an inspection under the hood and when the oil cap was removed, the contact noticed a whistling sound. The vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2001
My car has been under a recall notice since 2024. A fix was not available until January. As soon as repairs were available, I scheduled an appointment for repair (requested 12/29/24, scheduled 2/13/25). The week of the repair, I received a call that said the dealer had not actually ordered the necessary parts and I would need to reschedule. I scheduled another service appointment on 3/18/25 for... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2001
I bought the car in 7/23 at Auto Savvy Sta fe New Mexico, after 3-4 weeks the power steering wheel light on I called the dealer so they checked n then they said nothing is wrong so after that the lights . The car were 3 times at the dealer and the last time was there for 9 weeks. So they said they changed the steering column, the clock spring and the lights came back. So one time I lost the cont... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2023) - POWER TRAIN
Apr 29, 2025
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
Within the last couple of days, my truck went into limp home mode 3 times, "Reduced Acceleration Drive with Care", check engine light on, right after the truck jerked a few times while it was shifting. Each time the message went away after a re-start but the check engine light was still on. Now the truck also has another message, "Service Transmission Now unable to shift soon". again after the tru... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dea... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
Remedy for recall A3B - Passenger Airbag Deployment still not available. Seems to be quite delinquent in determining remedy.
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X6. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, there was a shuddering sound coming from under the driver’s seat. Additionally, while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transfer case and drive shaft needed to be replaced. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
The contact's daughter owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, the contact noticed that the air suspension had collapsed. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that it was a known failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approxim... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
Last week, the collision avoidance braking system activated without being triggered by an actual hazard. I was traveling btw 30 and 40 mph on a straight road, overcast conditions, no pedestrian or oncoming traffic or vehicle in front of me, nor any shadows, or roadworks that could be perceived as a problem. My car flashed the BRAKE sign and immediately braked very hard, car coming to a full stop. ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2025
To whom it may concern, I purchased a new 2020 Chevy Blazer from the dealership five years ago. Since then I have had to replace my battery twice, radiator and now the thermostat all of which have been done at the dealership. The car and all receipts of the repairs are available for inspection if requested. This most recent mechanical issue with the thermostat included the following; fans ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); 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 dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that both headlights were inoperable. The contact stated that the headlights failed to function properly and had become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the lighting control module had failed and needed to be... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2025
Chevy sold me a vehicle knowing that the radio was faulty and known to glitching out. I took it to the dealer and they replicated the problem. GM has known about the issue since 9/2024 when the issued the bulletin about the problem. They sold me the vehicle knowing that the problem existed and did not disclose that to me. That is a violation of CA law.
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
Tried to accelerate and heard a loud pop and the truck didn’t accelerate. Pretty much went idle in the middle of the road. The check engine light, the traction control light, and the ABS light all came on. I would press on the gas and it would rev but nothing would happen till a few seconds later the RPM’s would shoot up and you could tell it was trying to get going but didn’t very slowly a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
Tried to accelerate and heard a loud pop and the truck didn’t accelerate. Pretty much went idle in the middle of the road. The check engine light, the traction control light, and the ABS light all came on. I would press on the gas and it would rev but nothing would happen till a few seconds later the RPM’s would shoot up and you could tell it was trying to get going but didn’t very slowly a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2025
The message/warning light keeps coming on: Stop/start Unavailable - Service stop/start system. This feature is suppose to help reduce the amount of harmful emissions released into the air! Some times this causes the engine/transmission to clunk. Seems to maybe a common issue with the Jeeps. Save fuel from burning while the car is stationary. Such a great feature and is doesn't work!
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Jeep caught on fire in engine bay while parked in a parking lot. Vehicle was not running at the time. Vehicle had not been running for 20 minutes.
Fire
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Jeep caught on fire in engine bay while parked in a parking lot. Vehicle was not running at the time. Vehicle had not been running for 20 minutes.
Fire
Incident date: Oct 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving on the highway at 65 MPH and driving over a pothole, the vehicle started violent shake and the steering wheel seized. The contact pulled over, came to a complete stop and was able to continue driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2025
There was a recall for the HPCM2 where the propulsion power reduced warning would come on whenever the car's cell battery was depleted. This happened with my car and there were several times it slowed on the freeway and on exit ramps as I tried to safely get my car off the road. It first happened on 4/13/25. I took my car to a regular mechanic who charged me 3k of repairs on basic maintenance, new... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2025
See attached vehicle repair orders/Carfax/vehicle registration. The trucks transmission has been slipping/jerking hard since I pulled off the lot at dealer ship. Its burning oil no leaks has been doing so since the day I drove off the lot at dealership. I have asked to fix or address and problem still exist. They sold vehicle as everything was working The Left head light wasn’t workin... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Pull Over Turn Off Vehicle Immediately" was displayed, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, who determined that the engine had seized. The dealer replaced the engine. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number:... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
Cracked oil pump housing/balance shaft module (BSM). The checking engine light came on, and the system requested an oil change after only 3k from the last oil change. I brought it to the mechanic, and the oil was refilled, and the checking engine light turned off. The vehicle keeps asking for an oil change. I opened the hood, and oil was splashed all over, leaving oil stains on the inside of the h... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
While driving the freeway at 70 mph, the truck flashed a message to service shifter. Windshield wipers starting going on their own, all messages popped up on dashboard, and the vehicle started gradually slowing down posing a safety issue. Speedometer was going from 0-50 mph back and forth and steering wheel was hard to maneuver. I was able to get off the freeway and into the frontage safely. Howev... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
The MMI (multi-media interface) frequently reboots during driving, resulting in a black screen and the inoperability of key systems such as the backup camera, rear obstacle detection, navigation, and cell phone tethering (for hands-free operation). These reboots require user input, including entering a PIN to log into the user account (if set up) and repeatedly tapping on the MMI, which can be hig... Read more
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2025) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Apr 28, 2025
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
INCIDENT ONE: On 3/20/25 about 5 minutes after starting Climate Control on my Ioniq 6, I cleaned snow off the car and started it. As I started backing out, there was a loud warning sound and red indicators around the aerial image of the car on the dashboard. I double checked my surroundings and found no obstructions, so I continued to back out. As I began to turn the car into the direction I neede... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
I was driving down the road the engine started making a loud knocking noise and as I pulled over it lost power and shut down it would not crank back up I had to have it towed to my house. There was no warning sign.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); 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. The contact had not experience... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
On or about 2/8-2/13/2025, I was on my way home when suddenly, without warning, I applied my brakes to slow down and the brake pedal was so hard, so stiff that even while I was literally standing on the pedal, I was unable to stop. I nearly rear-ended the vehicle in front of me. I was honking , and honking to get the car to move and thank God without another second to waste, he moved over. I coul... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
My car smells like something is burning, when I drive it for a distance. I had my oil changed back in December and I took it back to the Dealership and advised of the smell and I was advised that my transmission was leaking. When I purchased my car used in August of 2023, I took it back to the Dealership advising that it seemed like it wasn't shifting properly and was advised that 2 mechanics and ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2025
The Evaporative Emissions System (EVAP system), including components such as the charcoal canister, purge valve, and/or fuel tank venting system, appears to be malfunctioning. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. After refueling the vehicle completely, it will stall or shut off unexpectedly while driving, which could cause a collision, particularly in traffic or at highway speeds.... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
Vehicle will not make any sounds. There are no warning sounds, no turn signal sound, no radio sound, absolutely no sound from any speaker in the vehicle. This is about the tenth time it has happened. This lasts until the vehicle is turned off, locked, and left alone for about 10 minutes.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 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 dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
I seen a recall for certain 2021 GLC 300 vehicles for moisture in right side headlamp, causing headlamp to blow (go out). This happened on my 2021 GLC 300. Same moisture issue, same year, same model, however, my vin number does not show that it has a recall. I believe this safety issue needs to be expanded to include my vehicle. Same issue, same year, same make and same model
Incident date: Apr 21, 2025
Complete engine failure at about 175000 miles, also transmission failure at about 125000 miles
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
Self leveling struts continually are trash. They do not last more than 2 to 3 thousand miles of highway driving before they are no longer safe. The adaptive cruise control randomly reads as "radar blocked". And will work only intermittently.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
Self leveling struts continually are trash. They do not last more than 2 to 3 thousand miles of highway driving before they are no longer safe. The adaptive cruise control randomly reads as "radar blocked". And will work only intermittently.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
Jayco pinnacle 37mdqs, frame crack issues. Contacted Jayco while still under the 3-year structural warranty. Jayco stated, there was nothing they could do and sorry for the problem. Lippert frames are the issue and trailer is parked until it’s able to be fixed. Insurance won’t cover it due to being a known issue with frame mfr.
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Apr 26, 2025
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
I bought the car there was no airbag light on it I was driving down my road and it just randomly turned on been on ever since. Sunnyside Acura Told me that the frontal driver side airbag was replaced in 2016, Then they told me that it would not be under recall because they pretty much said they had already fixed it but the problem had occurred. They said it was done it 2016 the air bag should last... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2024
On January 7, 2025, the vehicle started to suddenly brake and pull to the right side of the road when going above 40 mph for less than 2 seconds, and then I regained control. When on the left lane of the highway, the sudden movement was so pronounced that it made the car invade the right lane. This happened over 10 times on a single trip. Since this happened, the vehicle was stopped, and the front... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
Electrical system stalling stopping the car it won’t move breaking system
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
Getting a misfire code P0302 due to a coolant leak. I know it's a coolant leak due low coolant in reservoir. The check engine light comes on and off intermittently and the exhaust blows white smoke at start up.