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: Oct 28, 2024
The component that failed is acceleration. He came from work at the Frywed when he reduced the speed from 65 to 30 and no longer accelerated .. if an independent service had no warning or failure at that time they were detected
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
Malfunctioning electrical and software in the vehicle. Vehicle's speedometer gauge display will occasionally go blank while driving. Longest video recorded event was 15 minutes of continuous operation with no displays on the speedometer or the infotainment screens. Infotainment system will also periodically reset. Dealer has tried many times to fix the issue, replacing infotainment screen mult... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the failure could be duplicated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufactu... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that upon commencing to drive at various speeds, the tailgate would open without user intention, and remain open despite attempting to shut close via the interior controls. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V060000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). The vehicle was not re... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
Was driving the vehicle going approximately 35-40 miles per hour. Lost all power to the vehicle, no ability to steer or control the vehicle. Once vehicle stopped and after additional inspection at the Ford dealership was informed vehicle had experienced engine failure. First was told it occurred under current belt recall, later told engine failure occurred because of coolant leaking into oil. I wa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Honda HR-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 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 not... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2024
The oil cooler lines came disconnected and oil leaked out. Had to have it towed and repair shop fixed it said the front lines where broke and rear lines where coming apart
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
Emissions system error repeatedly produced leading to ultimate engine failure. The initial error was fixed by a mechanic. Within 6 months the light was back on accompanied by a loud knocking in the engine. The check engine light indicated a misfire on cylinder one, the ignition coil was replaced, and the problem persisted. The vehicle was taken to the mechanic where they determined the lower part ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
On 12/30/2024, I received a “4WD SVC” light on the dashboard of my 2019 Jeep Cherokee (odometer reading 61,000). Upon a quick Google search, this is a very common problem with the Jeep Cherokee’s Power Transfer Unit. I took my Jeep in to be diagnosed at an independent service center (1/3/2025), where it was confirmed that my vehicle was reading a code: C14A7-97 (PTU motor component, or syste... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal knocking sound emanating from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the camshaft and timing chain. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of... Read more
KIA
SORENTO PHEV
(2025) — VISIBILITY/WIPER
Jan 8, 2025
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
When blocked from returning to the fully off/down position, in this case by ice, the windshield wipers stop working. In my other vehicle, even if they don't go all the way down they still operate. We had an ice blockage that completely deactivated the wipers while driving in already hazardous conditions.
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling the engine would suddenly stall off and could not be immediately restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the catalytic converter but the failure continued to occur. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who replaced the battery, engine coil pact, and fuel injectors ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
My brand new 2025 Honda Pilot frequently (several times per week) will deploy the CMBS (Collision Mitigation Braking System) causing the brakes to be applied harshly and bringing the vehicle to a near stop, despite there being nothing in the road ahead, behind, or to the sides of the vehicle. This happened the first time with only 100 miles on the vehicle. My concern for safety is that sudden une... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
The front brakes prematurely failed at 5,000 miles and this is a brand new vehicle. We had 3 miles or so at purchase (purchase date: August 7, 2024). By January 4, 2025 or so, the front brakes began making grinding noises. We had a licensed, independent shop inspect this and then replace the worn brakes on January 6, 2025. We have driven the vehicle as we have driven other vehicles and we have ne... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
Tesla 3 was self parking backwards and failed to stop when the car in the adjacent parking spot started moving. The result was a small scratch, but this is definitely a bug in Tesla self-parking software: it had to stop when another car moves into the stop Tesal selected for self-parking. Here is link to 30 sec video: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
Headlights go out randomly usually when using turn signal. Because this happens at night all visibility is lost temporarily. This also confuses other drivers. I haven’t taken the vehicle to the dealer because the symptom is very sporadic and difficult to duplicate. Dealerships will not fix anything unless they can witness the issue. No warning lights or messages were displayed. This problem h... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2025
Car reported to have a fluid leak in the steering rack assembly. Advised could cause spontaneous fire of the vehicle unless the assembly is replaced ASAP. Approx 40 k mileage.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Express. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the “Service Engine” warning light flashed on and off. The contact stated that after arriving to the residence and shifting into reverse(R), the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and the contact was able to park the vehicle. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Express. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the “Service Engine” warning light flashed on and off. The contact stated that after arriving to the residence and shifting into reverse(R), the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and the contact was able to park the vehicle. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2024
Wobbling vibration on exterior mirror, driver side. It looks like incoming vehicles shake sideways. This happens on any bumpy road and it is easier to observe at highway speeds. Purchased on [XXX] Vehicle is available for inspection. The distorted image resulting from mirror wobbling affects driver's awareness of surroundings, visibility gets worse at nights/rain due to blurred lights. This ca... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak into the engine, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted; however, t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Fiat 500L. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 50 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power and failed to properly accelerate. The contact's daughter pulled over to the side of the road, where the vehicle stalled. The service engine warning light illuminated on and off. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
Recently I purchased a 2023 Kia Forte on 11/09/2024 with only 53,848 miles on the odometer. Within a month the car has lost total power four times. The Advanced Driver Assistance Systems keeps faulting and kicks in taking drive control of the vehicle making it challenging to control. The current miles on the vehicle is 58,281. When I called in to have the vehicle serviced through a Kia dealersh... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
While driving 2012 Kia Optima GDI home from work, the power suddenly stopped without warning with the engine, oil, and battery lights flashing on all at once. I was unable to accelerate whatsoever, so with the momentum of the vehicle I parked safely in a parking lot. There I discovered the car would not start and would give a loud clunking sound. A mobile mechanic confirmed that the engine was sei... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
Gas Pump: Over the last few months, the vehicle has stalled twice, with the engine not functioning. Upon turning the ignition switch, the starter engages and the engine cranks, but it does not sustain operation. In both cases, the vehicle was able to start and run only after numerous attempts, exceeding 10 to 15, while consistently pressing the gas pedal.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
The vehicle has no power whatsoever. Upon approaching the vehicle, it did not unlock. I used the physical key to open the drivers door. I then tried starting the vehicle only to have the gauge and center display flashing on and off with a red warning That the 12v was dead, to pull over and top immediately then the displays turned off. There are no lights or power to the vehicle no whatsoever. It c... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
The vehicle has no power whatsoever. Upon approaching the vehicle, it did not unlock. I used the physical key to open the drivers door. I then tried starting the vehicle only to have the gauge and center display flashing on and off with a red warning That the 12v was dead, to pull over and top immediately then the displays turned off. There are no lights or power to the vehicle no whatsoever. It c... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
2025 Tesla model Y cameras and sensors all stopped working within 700 miles driven from brand new. Affected systems included all cameras, including backup camera, as well as GPS navigation, with the GPS system believing the vehicle to be static at a Tesla facility in California. This not only prevented the self-driving and navigation from functioning, it caused numerous safety features to be disab... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
2025 Tesla model Y cameras and sensors all stopped working within 700 miles driven from brand new. Affected systems included all cameras, including backup camera, as well as GPS navigation, with the GPS system believing the vehicle to be static at a Tesla facility in California. This not only prevented the self-driving and navigation from functioning, it caused numerous safety features to be disab... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) experienced an electrical short circuit and engine hardly running.
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the message "Shifter System Malfunction - Service Immediately" was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into the park or reverse. The contact activated the parking brake and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was n... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
My car is undriveable at night due to headlights malfunctioning. They are so dim they barely illuminate a foot in front of the car.
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
This is the 3rd incident with the same issue. I lose power when on a freeway. (Other dates [XXX] and [XXX]). On [XXX] I entered [XXX] and had accelerated onto the freeway. Shortly after getting on the ramp, my check engine light went on/blinking and I couldn't accelerate anymore. I was able to pull over on the shoulder. I turned the car off, waited a minute and then turned it on again and t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
This is the 3rd incident with the same issue. I lose power when on a freeway. (Other dates [XXX] and [XXX]). On [XXX] I entered [XXX] and had accelerated onto the freeway. Shortly after getting on the ramp, my check engine light went on/blinking and I couldn't accelerate anymore. I was able to pull over on the shoulder. I turned the car off, waited a minute and then turned it on again and t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
When coming to a stop, then pressing on the gas, the truck does not move. Its a dead gas pedal for approximately 2-4 seconds and then the truck takes off. Say i am trying to turn right at a light, then go to press on the gas, there is hesitation from the truck. I have brought this issue several times since i got the truck, a TSB from toyota was performed but the problem consistently persists. It d... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
The seat belt on the driver’s side 2nd row captains chair and the 3rd row middle seat spontaneously unlatched while driving. This occurred 5 times over 2 days, at different speeds and locations. One in a parking lot, twice while exiting the neighborhood, and twice on the freeway.
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
Purchased vehicle on [XXX]. The vehicle was brand new and had 12 miles on it. I drove the vehicle home. My family and I went out to dinner and returned home and the vehicle remained in our garage. In the morning, I drove the vehicle to the gym. the vehicle was at that location for approximately two hours. I then drove it to my workplace. When I pulled into the parking lot I noticed some smoke from... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
When driving 2021 Buick Envision, the windshield and side windows do not defrost with HVAC set to defrost mode. Service Climate system is displayed on dash. Vehicle was inspected by dealer finding replacement of HVAC case half housing required on 1/22/24 ( a year ago). GM (OEM) has been in contact but has failed to provide a solution after 1 year of trying to obtain a part from their system. Th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
The car is completely defective,total engine, gasket,water pump,intake manifold,airbag, transmission,torque,drive shaft, universal joints,all rear axles,wheel bearing,bought at auction Aug 19,2024, $4000, the as is was so small and on the back of a sheet we did not see it,we are senior,
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
Check Engine Light came on with Error Code Engine Misfire Cylider 1. Mechanic diagnosed it with a Burnt Valve from Coolant Intrusion. Car only has 85,000 miles on it. Contacted Ford and they said it's a known issue but they refuse to pay to fix the vehicle since my vehicle is 1,000 miles over the 84,000 mile mark.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. The check engine warning light illuminated. Shortly afterward, the message "Reduce Propulsion, Engine will not Start" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with a defective EGR valve. The contact wa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Mini Cooper S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System); 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distrib... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2024
The truck went on fire after 15 min parking on [XXX]. Dodge did an initial inspection and could find nothing. I am glad we moved out of the vehicle with my pregnant wife and a 2-year-old toddler. I seriously feel there is some issue with the 2021 RAM 1500 TRX. I lost the truck as it went into flames to ashes. Please do the needful. Kind Regards, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO TH... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
I was driving my 2015 Kia Soul along a 4 lane highway when the Check Engine light came on and begun to flash. The Kia began to lose about 5 mph off and then return to the previous rate of speed a few minutes later. Then it would repeat the cycle. As the vehicle lost the engine power, the steering also became very tight as if the power steering was also malfunctioning. I could also hear a slight ta... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
At 4100 miles our ZDX started showing the Service Brake Assist system warning, the auto-hold unavailable warning, and the one pedal driving unavailable warning. Took the vehicle to the dealership. Got the car back in 15 days and the problem persists. Dealership says no code was stored, yet the vehicle constantly clicks when the brake pedal is depressed. It also has a jerking sensation when co... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
[XXX] Too bright to the point of visual fatigue and stinging of the eyes.I was recently getting new headlights and bought some LED ones that are 3000 lumens (max legal brightness) Why is it legal for companies to sell LED headlights that are WAY brighter than the legal limit when they clearly identify the headlights as 50000 lumens (the highest I found in my search). I have had multiple instances... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
Eps locked out..unable to drive on way to my brothers funeral..Sept 27 2024
Incident date: May 14, 2024
I was driving on the interstate [XXX] when the car (2015 x3 BMW xDrive28d) went into neutral out of nowhere and the car completely stopped and never came back on. I was just about to get off of the next exit and did not make it I was stuck in the middle of the interstate scared no one would pull over to help me it was dark when all of this was taking place cars were speeding and would come up on t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2025
None of the safety sensors were working.