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 18, 2025
Front suspension is making very weird and loud noises. Issue is associated with the front suspension links becoming loose.
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
Since leasing the vehicle in February 2024, I have experienced persistent failures in the collision prevention system and other critical safety features. Despite multiple service visits, the issue remains unresolved, with Lincoln attributing the problem to a system update that has been repeatedly delayed. Chronology of Issues and Service Attempts: 1.Two Weeks After Leasing (February 2024) oThe col... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Headlight lenses crazing inside lens surface, deminishing headlight brightness.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
•Alleged Defect:
The defect is described as the engines' inability to handle the increased heat and compression of a turbocharger, causing coolant leakage and damage to the engine's head gasket.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, he noticed the instrument panel displayed a blank image. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the instrument panel cluster had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and provided the contact with the recall n... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2025
Very delayed shift from 3rd to 4th and 4th to 5th gear. Sometimes jumping out of gear when attempting to pass or using the interstate on ramp.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
The sunroof on my Hyundai Tucson will not close. Seems to be a motor problem. I brought it to a mechanic and it will be a lot of money to fix. I have looked up if this is a common problem and it’s all over the internet. I am not sure if it should be a recall. Thank you.
Incident date: Apr 18, 2025
Water pump failed causing coolant leaked into engine causing major engine damage
Incident date: Apr 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 BMW X6. 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 local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 BMW X6. 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 local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2025
To whom it may concern, I own a 2021 chevrolet blazer I have been noticing a very large amount of water on the front floor boards since this discovery the windows being moist in the mornings make sence l. The windshield has been replaced several times with no obvious leaks at this location. There is no visible leaks during heavy rain or car washing, the biggest concern i have it if there's moistur... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2025
On several occasions, while driving at night, the Auto dimming headlights would not dim. Last evening, on 2 different occasions , on a rural road, no road signs, mailboxs . nothing that would cause a issues, the headlights would not go from high beam to regular (or Low beam.) 2 different times , vehicles coming at us, the lights would not dim. Time was apx 9pm , not a cloud in the sky. I ha... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
Front suspension is making very weird and loud noises. Issue is associated with the front suspension links becoming loose.
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - ENGINE
Apr 17, 2025
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and idling, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and was unable to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the timing chain tensioner, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - VISIBILITY/WIPER
Apr 17, 2025
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
My back window on my 2020 Acura RDX shattered while it was parked at school. When I opened my passenger door to put my backpack in, I heard some cracking. I walked around the front of my car and when I opened my driver's side door, I heard and saw the back window glass falling inside and outside of my car. I viewed the cameras at school and could tell the glass had cracked earlier, but believe th... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - ENGINE
Apr 17, 2025
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
I was driving down the road at no more the 15 mph up hill in 4x4 when the engine shut off. No warning lights or noise and would not turn over. Had it towed to the local dealership to find out the main thrust bearing seized. I have to wait two to three months for a new engine which is covered under warranty. No wheels in the meantime. Only has 25,640 miles on it.
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); 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: Feb 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while turning into a parking spot at 20 MPH and upon depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle continued to accelerate, causing the contact to crash the front of the vehicle into the concrete wall. The vehicle came to a stop upon impact. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to a local autobody center. No warning lights w... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while turning into a parking spot at 20 MPH and upon depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle continued to accelerate, causing the contact to crash the front of the vehicle into the concrete wall. The vehicle came to a stop upon impact. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to a local autobody center. No warning lights w... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
Driving down the road, my auto start stop failure light appeared on dash, followed by a check engine light and a battery light. Tried to pull over on the side of the road when I lost all electrical components including power steering, ac, radio etc. the truck slammed itself into park abruptly and turned itself off. I was stranded on the side of the road and nearly got hit by passing cars several t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power while driving, which has been attributed to a blown fuse and an underlying engine failure. The dealership has confirmed that the engine needs to be repaired. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and is available for inspection upon request. 2. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
Power steering fails while driving Completely goes out. Shut car off and back on, it goes away. Then driving it will go out again, been to multiple places and nothing seems to fix it.
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
Intermittently, when trying to accelerate from a stop; or a near stop, the vehicle does nothing for a second or so. The vehicle also vibrates at various speeds while the hybrid system is engaged. It is dangerous and a safety concern because you can't merge correctly or go through an intersection, without wondering if someone is going to broadside you, as you wait for the car to make up its compu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
Intermittently, when trying to accelerate from a stop; or a near stop, the vehicle does nothing for a second or so. The vehicle also vibrates at various speeds while the hybrid system is engaged. It is dangerous and a safety concern because you can't merge correctly or go through an intersection, without wondering if someone is going to broadside you, as you wait for the car to make up its compu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
While driving and accelerating the transmission malfunctions and wont shift so as I try to accelerate the car stops accelerating and just goes very slow. This put us at risk as cars were coming fast behind us. The problem happened 3 times before taking it to the dealership where they knew exactly what the problem was because it has happened to so many others. The warning light that came on was the... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving on an Interstate at 50 MPH, the “Transmission Fault Service Now" message was displayed and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and DTC: P07A3 and P2872 were retrieved. The contact was advised that the clutch, transmission, and the passenger’s... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
Each time gas tank is filled completely, there is a strong fuel smell that lasts for a couple days. recently vehicle was parked facing down an incline after a recent fill and gasoline smell became very strong and an oily (shiny rainbow) slick noted leaking from under where the vehicle was parked. I believe this indicates that there is damage to the fuel tank near the top of the tank. I have starte... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
Engine loss of power - engine failure. My vehicle was serviced regularly with Ford dealership. Just weeks after an oil change at dealership I had sudden catastrophic engine failure. They found metal in my oil and stated my engine had failed due to faulty pump. I contacted ford dealership and customer service center, and they refused to repair as I was about 125864 miles (25k over warranty) on a tr... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2025
I bought this vehicle at 80k miles and I have had an on going issue with the transmission. I have done research online and found that GM had put the wrong fluid in the transmission from the factory that has caused internal issues with the transmission leading to hard shifting and transmission shuttering. On my dime I have changed the fluid twice already and also the torque converter as well. This ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2025
Component or system that failed: Flex plate, engine electrical system, and alternator (possible related failures). The issue has been diagnosed by a licensed mechanic and is available for inspection upon request. Incident Description: On April 15, 2025, while driving my 2020 Ford Fusion SE 1.5L Turbo, the vehicle suddenly experienced a total power failure. The check engine light began flashing, a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2025
Component or system that failed: Flex plate, engine electrical system, and alternator (possible related failures). The issue has been diagnosed by a licensed mechanic and is available for inspection upon request. Incident Description: On April 15, 2025, while driving my 2020 Ford Fusion SE 1.5L Turbo, the vehicle suddenly experienced a total power failure. The check engine light began flashing, a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2025
The ABS Control Module Malfunction! I have researching about These Units, only to find That This Has Been An Ongoing Problem with ALL Mopar Vehicles For YEARS. Why Has there Not Been a Recall. I have seen The same model that are before and after the 2017 1500 Laramie Crew Cab With the Trailer Package, RAMBOX, along with even more Options. it Does not STOP l... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
There is a glare from the dashboard that is very visible in the windshield. It obscures visibility through the windshield. This is a brand new vehicle.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
My engine is now in need of replacement after 87k miles due to a coolant intrusion that Ford refuses to do a recall for my car. However, they recalled other 2017 ford fusion se’s with 2.0 engines for the same issue.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); 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 w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
Dash display fails (tablet). Cannot see any of the gauges (fuel, Air, etc.). Downs unit for operation, unable to operate. Dealer fix is to replace with analog display.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the cam phasers had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in Ford Campaign Number: 21N03. The manufacturer was notified of the failure an... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
My wife was driving the vehicle down a major highway in Tulsa and it immediately shut down and started slowing down. She was in the left hand lane had to cross 3 lanes of traffic with a dead engine. Luckily she wasn’t ran into because traffic was very heavy. This could have resulted in injury or even worse. She made it off the highway by about a foot and had to sit there for 30 minutes before I ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
I had a recall for my 2018 Ford EcoSport vehicle. while driving my vehicle the car just lost power and stopped. I was in the middle of the road when this happened, I tried to make it to the side as best as i could. The car was not drivable so i had to call a tow truck. I did know there was a recall, but was never told what, nor that it could cause engine failiure and possibly a crash. My safety wa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
Sometimes goes into neutral when accelerating. In a couple seconds, will then find a gear. From a dead stop, will sometimes shift to tenth gear, making it seem like the transmission is in neutral. Hard shift from 1st to 3rd.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
My 2013 Honda Odyssey is experiencing a serious engine malfunction related to excessive oil consumption and spark plug fouling. On [XXX], the Check Engine Light came on and the vehicle began shaking. A diagnostic inspection at a Honda dealership revealed DTC P0301 (Cylinder 1 Misfire). Three spark plugs in Bank 1 were heavily fouled with oil. The technician recommended piston ring replacement, no... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
E torque system on this truck has had several problems Factory did replace it, but still has issues Before replacing the system, my truck shut down in the middle road several times very dangerous After replacing the system, I now get strange issues remote start stop won't work Had several situations with the truck, stopping and starting again
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
E torque system on this truck has had several problems Factory did replace it, but still has issues Before replacing the system, my truck shut down in the middle road several times very dangerous After replacing the system, I now get strange issues remote start stop won't work Had several situations with the truck, stopping and starting again
Incident date: Apr 6, 2025
The windshield on this vehicle is faulty. On online forms, others have commented on the same thing I am experiencing: the integrity of this windshield is so weak that within a couple months (sometimes just a few days) of having the vehicle, you can get multiple chips or cracks. On my last chip, I was driving on a Michigan highway at least 30 yards from other vehicles when something chipped my wind... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
My Acadia has had a stuttering problem and we have taken it to the dealership many times. They finally changed the torque converter but that didn’t fix it. Now today (4/15/25) I got home and I was getting a steering assist reduced error code and then when I turned my car off the fan went as high as it could and wouldn’t turn off. Finally after a bit of time it turned off. I got my car 4/2... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
I’m filing a complaint regarding a serious safety recall on my 2025 Honda ADV160 (Recall #25V195), which involves a defective oil pump driven gear. This recall can lead to engine seizure and cause the rear wheel to lock, risking crash or injury. I’ve called multiple dealerships to get this resolved, but I’ve been told either the recall doesn’t exist or that I need to “wait for a letter ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
Recall issued in December 2023…Remedy was estimated to be available in Q3 of 2024. It is now Q2 of 2025, and remedy is still not available.
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
Fuel does not pump in correctly and causes spit back. The car has been taken into ford numerous times without a solution & parts have been replaced. The problem still exists. This causes gas to leak at the gas station as it doesn’t flow fast into the tank even on the lowest flow possible. You are also unable to move the nozzles around, in or out to make it work.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Mini Cooper SE. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V302000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the parts to do the recall repair were 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. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
All safety features disabled, srs light turns on, vehicle shuts off when driving, guage cluster is inop doesn’t show speed.