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: Mar 20, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Mar 11, 2025
My car started to not charge for more than 10mn at a time. It also showed an error message about the electrical system. I have dropped off my car at the dealership on march 3rd. No information since
Incident date: Mar 11, 2025
My car started having the knocking sound from the engine on 3/26/25. Took it to the dealer on 3/27 for diagnosis and was told that the engine rod block needs replacement and it is not covered under warranty. They quoted $10700 for a new engine with 1 year/12000 warranty. Then, I contacted Honda corporate and after a week of their investigation was told that my car is not under warranty, hence they... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328i. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The contact stated that upon returning to pick up the vehicle, he was informed that the vehicle would no longer start, requiring the vehicle to be towed back to the residence. The dealer diagnosed a f... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
This vehicle is going to kill someone. Not only does it have this unintentional steering issue, but the electrical system keeps going out. The dash has been replaced and there are still issues. The adaptive cruise control used to hard brake now it pulsates when lane changing which isn’t cool if you’re passing people because then you’re turn in front of them and braking right away. The radio ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds in a parking area, the rear passenger’s side doors opened unintendedly. The door ajar warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with both passenger’s side door latches. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, wh... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
ECM Failure with fuel rail/system pressure code. Safety issue due to no prior issue and all of a sudden engine stalling in the middle of a busy intersection and taking 10 mins to get started and shift gears to get out of the way of oncoming traffic with all dashboard lights illuminated to include check engine light, trailer stability assist problem light, hill assist problem light, LKAS light, and... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
ECM Failure with fuel rail/system pressure code. Safety issue due to no prior issue and all of a sudden engine stalling in the middle of a busy intersection and taking 10 mins to get started and shift gears to get out of the way of oncoming traffic with all dashboard lights illuminated to include check engine light, trailer stability assist problem light, hill assist problem light, LKAS light, and... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
ABS module needs replacement. Impossible to find one in stock. Dealership claims it’s on back order for a year.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
Vehicle Info: Make: Tesla Model: Model 3 Year: 2021 Incident Date: April 7, 2025 Mileage: 49,000 miles Component: Electrical System / Software / Powertrain While driving on a public road, my Tesla Model 3 experienced a total system lag and shut down unexpectedly. The screen and vehicle controls froze, and the vehicle became unresponsive, leaving me stranded in the middle of the road. Tesla... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
Car had scheduled routine maintenance done on February 15, 2025 where tires were rotated and balanced. About a month later, the rear differential failed. Car only has 87,000 miles on it and was not driven in any excessive manner. Wheel bearings made noise for two days and then the differential failed before car was able to be seen by the repair shop. This is an example of a critical flaw in the di... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
When I'm driving down the road my car won't shut off. I have to pull over to the side of the road turn my key completely off and take it out put it back in and start it. It takes a couple of times to get it started as I have to move the key back and forth and then it will start. I did a check engine light check. And it is saying something about a Anti-Theft ignition problem. My headlights stay on ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had experienced the vehicle rolling while attempting to park the vehicle. On another occasion, while the contact was attempting to park the vehicle on an incline, the contact depress... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had experienced the vehicle rolling while attempting to park the vehicle. On another occasion, while the contact was attempting to park the vehicle on an incline, the contact depress... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
Upon cold start, the engine makes a loud knocking or rattling noise for several seconds, most noticeable after the vehicle has been sitting overnight. The noise seems to be coming from the timing area of the engine and has been identified by multiple mechanics as likely due to a faulty VTC (Variable Timing Control) actuator. This issue happens consistently during cold starts, then disappears once ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
Vehicle engine ceased operation suddenly at highway speed on busy interstate highway making it very difficult for operator to safely get vehicle to shoulder of interstate and creating a dangerous situation for vehicle occupants and everyone involved in transporting occupants and removing the vehicle from interstate shoulder dealer service repairing vehicle indicated problem was fuel control module... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission independently downshifted. In addition, the contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated, and the speed odometer failed to function as intended. The contact dr... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Civic SI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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 contact stated that the vehicle failed to start on the initial startup intermittently. The conta... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Civic SI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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 contact stated that the vehicle failed to start on the initial startup intermittently. The conta... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Civic SI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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 contact stated that the vehicle failed to start on the initial startup intermittently. The conta... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
ihave?opntitle.2011fordfusionseflexfuel1OFTHEEXPENSIVEMACHANICALREPLACE ,TOREPAIR/ELECTRONICASSISTSHUTOFFTOMANUALSTEER:FORDWILLREPLACEAIRBAGREPAIR:DRIVEABLE'RUNS:ELECTRONICPOWERSTERINGASSISTANCESHUTOFF':DRIVABLE;REPAIRPALSAYONWED'.STEERINGASSIST/#VIN.TOO15YEARS,FORDDEALER,SERVICETELLSMEMILAGEW/YEARSOLDNOAPPLYbut$.288.00.DIAGNOSIS{FORDPROCONTACTCENTEROFEXCELLENCE./DIAGNOSIS288.00-300.00/SERVICEMAN/... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
Bad break booster and was told I can’t get it repaired under the replacement program because it has to many miles! However I purchased my 2015 Prius used that had over 100 K already never received no notice from manufacturer or the dealer I bought the car from this is not fair and if Toyota is putting in faulty brake boosters, they should be replaced for free regardless of the mileage because I ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
Driving my car which has been fine no lights on dash, oil changes done regularly, and no odd sounds or leaks. I got onto the highway and lost all power so I immediately pulled off and turned off my engine. I got out and looked under my car to see all my oil pouring out of my car, had to get my car towed back to my place and had my mechanic come and just take a peek at it. He said it seems as if a ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the message "Steering Assist Fault - Seek Service" was displayed , and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact's husband assisted the contact in driving the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed that the electric steering rack had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
BECM is broken. Not covered under special warranty but have been told the PZEV warranty would cover it. Dealer & GM will not even discuss covering it. This should not be a VIN specific fix as the part is identical in all 2016-2018 Chevy Volts.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
Hyundai "Smart Cruise Control (SCC)" I had my SCC set at 54mph. I entered a broad curve, which was gentle enough that it was safe to maintain that speed. Ahead was a left-turn turnout lane for vehicles wanting to make a left turn off the highway. This turn lane is part of the broad curve, too. A vehicle was stopped ahead in this appropriate turn-off lane waiting for oncoming traffic to clear.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated, and there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and opened the hood to inspect the vehicle. The contact stated that upon opening the hood, the contact became aware that oil was leaking at the rear of the engine compartmen... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cam phasers had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made awa... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at slower speeds, the transmission hesitated to upshift while attempting to drive at higher speeds. In addition, while decelerating, the vehicle was aggressively decelerating. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replac... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
I am having an issue with the driver's front airbag clock spring assembly in my 2014 Hyundai Sonata. I see that there is a recall on the 2011-2014 Elantra vehicles, 2011-2013 Sonata vehicles, and 2011-2014 Sonata Hybrid vehicles for up to 15 years, but my 2014 Sonata is having the same issue. My car is not a hybrid, but what do I need to do in order to get this covered? Everything that the recall ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
The screen was replaced twice still doesnt work. Suspension was replaced twice
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
My Chevy Volt went into Reduced Propulsion System Power Mode, the Engine light came on and the vehicle stalled while sitting at a traffic light on [XXX] at [XXX] in Tyler Texas. Checking the computer and the complaints online I found that my 15 AMP #03 fuse (No Walk Home) had blown. I replaced the fuse and the next day on [XXX] the same thing happened again after driving 30 miles. The vehicle stal... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, exhaust fumes entered the vehicle, causing her to have headaches. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the exhaust pipe had corroded and cracked, leaking fumes through the muffler and Y-pipe. The contact was informed that the Y-pipe needed to be replaced. The ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the RPM's increased rapidly, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mec... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle had stalled. During the failure, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the oil level was extremely low, due to a faulty cam shaft. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in the NHTSA C... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
Last year I paid $2000 to fix an Exhaust Gas Recirculation Cooler. There is a current TSB on this issue. The car overheated. They claim it’s not covered under the drive train warranty. Now a year later, my torque converter is bad and they are quoting me $4000 to fix. This is a 2019 model year with 61,000 miles. Im certain that one problem led to the other. They refused to fix the EGR cool... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
I believed my car had a problem with the seals of the windows allowing severe wind noise. After attempted repair the problem persisted and, on closer inspection, it became evident that the driver side door is mis-installed and crooked. Rivian attempted to reprair this and only made it worse. The amount of wind/road noise that is coming in now is as if the windows was open. The door frame vibra... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and then stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact research and was made aware of an unknown NHTSA Campaign... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the front headlights and instrument panel lights started blinking off and on. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the body control module had malfunctioned due to water intrusion from the moon roof seals. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer w... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
The contact owned a 2021 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that his wife attempted to turn into a parking lot while her foot depressed on the brake pedal, the vehicle jolted into acceleration, ultimately crashing into two parked vehicles at 5 MPH. The front passenger side of the contact's vehicle crashed into the front of two vehicles. No property damage was reported. The vehicle came to a stop ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 7, 2025
Oil Filter Housing Cracked resulting in a major oil leak . My vehicle just turned 125,000 miles. it ended up with an engine knock and needing to replace all of the lifters.
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): [XXX] Vehicle Mileage: 29,200 miles Involved Honda Dealership: McGrath Honda, St. Charles, IL Details of Your Inquiry: I am seeking assistance regarding an ongoing issue with my 2023 Honda Accord Sport Hybrid. The first time I noticed this issue was in the summer of 2024, when I experienced a similar set of alerts while driving in a parking lot. At the time... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
Component/System Involved: Electric Power Steering (EPS) – specifically, a potential malfunction with the assist motor response timing. Description of Incident: While driving, primarily on the highway, I have experienced a recurring issue with the power steering system. The steering assist appears to delay activation after periods of inactivity—such as when driving straight. When I attempt a ... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE PHEV
(2023) - STEERING
Apr 7, 2025
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
I was parking and my steering went out with no warning.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 70-75 MPH and pulling a camper, the vehicle started sputtering and lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the head gasket had allowed a leak onto the alternator, causing the alternator to fail. The m... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
We issued a complaint on 12/2/2024 (#11628353). The dealership found our alternator to be faulty which caused the battery to fail the SUV to completely shut down. This happened again to us on 4/6/2025 with a full vehicle of passengers. The low battery warning appeared on the screen, we lost power steering, we lost our ability to brake, there is no emergency break when all systems are shutting ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
We noticed that the f-150 would down shift and jerk the whole vehicle and the RPM would spike. It would throw you forward when it occurred. We brought it to Hall Ford October 23, 2024. Left it for three days and Hall Ford could not duplicate the issue. We have experienced the issue multiple times and we want to document this issue. It is dangerous. We noticed that NHTSA Investigating 1.3 Million ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2025
the issue is with excessive oil consumption, unknown, suv was taken to the dealership and that's when I was told what the issue was, just inspected by the dealership, warning was the truck was shaking abnormally