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 19, 2024
OCTOBER 2024 Before the main incident Oct 2024, I started noticing slight changes in the way my KIA was operating: - Delayed response to accelerate when at a light - Tire sensors/ crash collision sensors - Lane assist pulling my off the road or into on coming traffic (random) - Intermittent Power loss while driving. - Lights not working properly. - High beams failed to operate in Sept and was told... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Oct 19, 2024
Apparently there is a known defect on the brake actuator/master cylinder/booster on the 2014 Prius that would have been addressed if the car had been driven for less than 10 years or 150,000 miles. We purchased our car in April 2014 and the part just failed yesterday at only 126,000 miles. We understand that there is a pending class action suit (or perhaps one that was settled) but do not know h... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2024
The fuel line recall is still pending post temporary fix late ’23 early ‘24
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
Horn button is a safety issue. 2023 TeslaX is dangerous without a center horn. Went into a ditch to avoid an errant truck because I looked down to find the tiny button. Blinker buttons are completely ineffective when making a turn, major safety issue. Need a stalk for blinkers.
Crash
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
While driving the vehicle, the power steering suddenly went out without warning.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
I started up my Toyota Tacoma early morning on [XXX] and noticed the engine light came on after it warmed up in the cold climate of Northern Arizona. As such, this occurred at 36,303 miles. The fault code stated the following: “A malfunction in the electronic control of the engine, throttle, or automatic transmission has been detected. Contact your Toyota dealer in order to have your vehicle in... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
The speed control (adaptive) doesn't work. The interior heater doesn't work. Several lights including the 'check engine' light come on the dash. The lane departure system doesn't work. (It appears the thermo control value subassembly may be at fault.) The car has approximately 25K miles on it.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
Around 9/25/23, KIA service technicians confirmed that my vehicle had an engine fire rendering it inoperable. The incident appears consistent with NHTSA Recall Number 23V652: several engine compartment components melted due to the fire.¶For approximately 16 months, I persistently sought a resolution with KIA. Despite my efforts, KIA refused any corrective action & instead presented me with a $66,... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
the truck was at a stoplight and the auto start/stop system shuts off the engine to conserve fuel. The engine will not turn back on. the truck autoshift corrects the transmission to park. The shifter then can not be used. the truck has to be restarted. The restart can happen on the first try or the third. After the restart the engine is running rough and bucking and the acceleration is not ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
the truck was at a stoplight and the auto start/stop system shuts off the engine to conserve fuel. The engine will not turn back on. the truck autoshift corrects the transmission to park. The shifter then can not be used. the truck has to be restarted. The restart can happen on the first try or the third. After the restart the engine is running rough and bucking and the acceleration is not ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2024
Car has broken down, not started, battery dead when fully charged MULTIPLE TIMES. It has been in the Kia service department since March 2024 (9 months) and they can’t figure out where the parasitic drain is from. This is the third time this year getting towed to the Kia dealership with no resolution. No warning lights / labels prior to failure. Danger by leaving me stranded 3+ times this yea... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2024
Around 9/25/23, KIA service technicians confirmed that my vehicle had an engine fire rendering it inoperable. The incident appears consistent with NHTSA Recall Number 23V652: several engine compartment components melted due to the fire.¶For approximately 16 months, I persistently sought a resolution with KIA. Despite my efforts, KIA refused any corrective action & instead presented me with a $66,... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 28, 2024
Around 9/25/23, KIA service technicians confirmed that my vehicle had an engine fire rendering it inoperable. The incident appears consistent with NHTSA Recall Number 23V652: several engine compartment components melted due to the fire.¶For approximately 16 months, I persistently sought a resolution with KIA. Despite my efforts, KIA refused any corrective action & instead presented me with a $66,... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
After my car gets going and warms up, the engine has a problem. When it is time for the engine to shift to a higher gear, it makes a revving sound like the clutch has been pushed in and the gas pedal is being pushed. This mostly happens around 25 and 45mph. When you hit the as to make it stop it jerks and sometimes skids. If you take you foot off the gas it stops, but also slows down. When you hit... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2024
When the key is in the ignition and the car is running to warm up and I've forgotten something in my home and need to retrieve my item the car has automatically locks all of the doors with the car still running, I only was given one (1) key, so I have to eithe remember to roll down a window or leave a door standing open so I can get back in the car. To me it's a safety issue. What if I had a ch... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2024
I started up my Toyota Tacoma early morning on [XXX] and noticed the engine light came on after it warmed up in the cold climate of Northern Arizona. As such, this occurred at 36,303 miles. The fault code stated the following: “A malfunction in the electronic control of the engine, throttle, or automatic transmission has been detected. Contact your Toyota dealer in order to have your vehicle in... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that the vehicle was making abnormal sounds. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally failed to start. The contact stated that the windows would roll up and down independently. Additionally, the contact stated that the infotainment system screen turned black intermittently. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the battery was... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
Due to a recall, the Vehicle computer was reprogrammed by local dealer, Griffith Ford, in San Marcos, Texas. After the reprogramming, the engine and transmission starting to rev differently and could not shift gears smoothly as previous to the reprogramming. The transmission and engine does not synchronize correctly. The transmission tries to do more than 6 speeds when the transmission is a 6 s... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2024
My Passenger window fell down and will not go up, It is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk is that the window is being help up by tape and if it falls all of a sudden while driving could break the glass and spread inside as well as cause object to fly out of the vehicle. This has not been inspected by the manufacturer or anyone No warning lamps or messages. I put my window down ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2024
Our CRV hybrid is experiencing the sticking steering wheel issue. It takes force to move the steering wheel at freeway speeds. It is not included in the recall but clearly has the issue. Our local Honda service dealer blew us off and is unwilling to help.
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
Ford F150 2018 2.7 litre EcoBoost 10 speed transmission. I have a noticed a hesitation/delay in 3-4-5 shift when the truck is cold, first drive of the day. This hesitation/delay sometime jerks me forward in my seat. Last week I was pulling out of my street I needed to give it a little more gas than normal the transmission shifted into neutral without me touching the shifter. This left me in the m... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
I was not made aware of the recall. The driveshaft separated while I was driving, causing significant damage to other parts of the vehicle, including the transmission, motor and transmission mount, cooling, electrical and brake and transmission lines, oil and fuel parts, and much more underneath the van. This happened after a very brief hard vibration moments before it “exploded” and sent me f... Read more
1 injured
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2024) — STEERING
Dec 13, 2024
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 BMW Z4. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH and turning to the left, the steering wheel seized, and the contact had to use force to return the steering wheel back to center. The contact stated that the failure occurred at various speeds while turning left or right. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering while the steering wheel was turned to th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
Vehicle runs with reduced engine power. Was initially told the turbo needed cleaned, and it continued to happen. Then was told it needed to be replaced. The final result is that the tube that connects to the turbo keeps falling off. Being told there is no fix, and no recall, we just need to keep putting it back on when it pops off.
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
Information screen remains on when car is placed in reverse blocking 25% of the rear view camera. No option to disable or remove the Information screen. Should be able to have 100% of rear camera for safety.
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
I’ve been having issues with the front end since I purchased the vehicle. The dealership had not diagnosed this issue yet in 3 years. It had caused my vehicle to be in the shop continuously, my front driver side tire is worn out. I had to replace all brakes and rotors after 2 years, numerous sensor issues, radiator loses fluid as well as software issues.
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
Car filled with smoke and smell. Needed to replace the blower motor l, resistor, and pig tail or it would have killed my child.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
I purchased a new 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited on [XXX]. At about 2000 miles I noticed the speedometer of the car and the WAZE app were reporting different speeds. This is an intermittent problem so sometimes the vehicles speedometer and the WAZE app match and other times the vehicles speedometer and the WAZE App disagree. I've repeatedly taken this car to the dealership where I purchased ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
I purchased a new 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited on [XXX]. At about 2000 miles I noticed the speedometer of the car and the WAZE app were reporting different speeds. This is an intermittent problem so sometimes the vehicles speedometer and the WAZE app match and other times the vehicles speedometer and the WAZE App disagree. I've repeatedly taken this car to the dealership where I purchased ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2024
Water ingress into rear side door latch - froze - door opened while car was in motion
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
Within the first year of purchase, my power train system has beeb throwing codes. I took it to the dealership where they assured me nothing was wrong. My fuel injectors then gave out. The dealership replaced them and told me “yes these things are faulty and we see it a lot”. After replacing it, they did not seal the fuel injectors, causing gas to gush out and set my car to smoke. I was ill fro... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2020
There was a recall due to the rearview camera not coming on when the car is put in reverse. My car was at the shop 3 times for this issue to be fixed and they are unable to fix it. Now the site says there are no recalls on my car. How do I get this fixed? They should be fined for letting this go for years and still not resolving it. They're still selling cars knowing the issue is unresolved.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2020
3/25/2023 784 miles and 12 days after purchasing the vehicle The throttle got stuck, cruise was on but not activated, was going 100mgh, hit the brakes, slowed the speed, every time I took my foot off the brake, I was doing 90-100mph. I hit the brakes 5-7 times to try to cancel the cruise even though it was was set. It said "Activate" so it was not on. Then after hitting the brakes repeatedly, I h... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The upper ball joint on the passengers side failed or separated. This caused the truck to lose brake pressure and put the occupants lives in danger. The vehicle is currently at a GMC dealership in Killeen, TX being repaired. There were no warning signs or lamps.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Thread came off the rim of tire, the car only has 36,000 miles on it. Tire Size P 225/65R17
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
Kia states that they do not have the parts for the current recall. Not sure if this has anything to do with any recalls but my check engine light went on in 2023, after paying for diagnostic testing, the mechanic cannot find any emissions leak. And after spark plugs were changed in Feb 2024, the light went off. Then Nov 2024, the light went back on again. Although there is a code stating there ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
Vehicle was throwing codes P2196 O2 sensor stuck rich, P0290 post catalyst fuel trim lean, P01720 system too rich, P016B closed loop air/fuel ratio control at limit. Brought to local dealership where they did an inspection and could not find any major issue that, in their words, “would affect drivability”. Recommended I start using premium fuel and in the future consider a fuel system cleaning... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2020
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
Driving on highway and car shut off with a "Stop safely soon / vehicle turning off" warning message, a red turtle warning, and the Malfunction Indicator Light on. Pulled off on shoulder. Turned car off. Turned car back on. Malfunction Indicator Light remained on but red turtle was gone. I was able to get to my destination. Malfunction Indicator Light remained on for next few driving cycles, but th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
Driving on highway and car shut off with a "Stop safely soon / vehicle turning off" warning message, a red turtle warning, and the Malfunction Indicator Light on. Pulled off on shoulder. Turned car off. Turned car back on. Malfunction Indicator Light remained on but red turtle was gone. I was able to get to my destination. Malfunction Indicator Light remained on for next few driving cycles, but th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2024
I was driving about 50mph when my car suddenly stopped accelerating. I rolled down the hill a little before I hit the brake and put the car in park right in the middle of the street in traffic
Incident date: Nov 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. While the contact’s wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. The temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinders and engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was no... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. While the contact’s wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. The temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinders and engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was no... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
Driver’s and Front Passenger’s seat belt disengage randomly while driving. Even if you hear the click, the seat belt alarm silences, and you check it multiple times with force to ensure it is latched, it will pop loose later while the car is in motion. Serious safety hazard and while we only have experienced it in the fronts seat, we are extremely concerned it will happen with our daughter’s... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2021
Faulty fuel injectors , that are known to prematurely fail. The same injectors are covered by BMW for model years 2015-2018 Under NHTSA SIB 01 09 19. My complaint is my 2014 has the same fuel injectors as the 2015-2018 that are known to be faulty and yet it is deliberately excluded from the same “limited warranty extension “
Incident date: Nov 10, 2021
Torque Converter malfunctioned causing vehicle to bang into first gear with slow acceleration there after as I was accelerating/merging onto the highway. Tractor trailer that was coming up to where I was merging needed to swerve into other lane to avoid hitting me. Brought vehicle to dealer and they confirmed that my torque converter needed to be changed. There were no previous warning signs o... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that there was oil leaking from the vehicle. The contact stated that the 4-WD warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that oil was leaking from the oil pan. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called Drivers Village (5885 Cir Dr E, Cicero, NY 13039) and Maguire Chrysler Dodge Je... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the contact heard a loud popping sound, and the sunroof glass shattered. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.
Incident date: Dec 11, 2024
ABS modules become defective and give errors. Mopar Part number 68228991AD has been discontinued with no new part number. This module affect stopping in icy and wet conditions. This is critical to the safety of the driver. Mopar needs to make an ABS module!!!
Incident date: Oct 19, 2024
There is excessive reflection from the dashboard onto the windshield in bright and sunny conditions, making it extremely unsafe and nearly impossible to see. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW! SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET INJURED OR KILLED IF NOT ADDRESSED!