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: Dec 4, 2024
My EV9 lunged forward very abruptly when I was parking. I had to slam on the brakes before my vehicle crashed into the building in front of me. My vehicle also lost the signal (blank screen while driving ) the same day my car lunged forward. I could not tell how fast or slow I was going. I pulled over and restarted the vehicle or and my screen came back on. I began driving for maybe 4 minutes an... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
Erratic shifting - Truck will change from 10th gear to 1st gear while driving on road unexpectedly. Also, when pulling on to the highway, the truck will go to neutral losing gear. No warning lights lit and luckily no accident has occurred. Have owned fleet of Ford trucks over 40+ years and this truck is parked for safety reasons. Have Eight (8) Ford trucks, ranging from F150, F250, and F350 curren... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
I want to inform you about a potential safety issue regarding the Lucid Air. A few weeks ago I was in an accident in a parking garage and I believe this was due to a malfunction in the car. The reason I am writing this letter is in hopes of preventing future accidents. In this case, luckily no one was hurt but considering the extend of the damage, that could have easily not been the case. I was ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the contact struck a deer. The air bags did not deploy. Additionally, while driving at slow speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact restarted the vehicle. There was an abnormal sulfur and fuel odor detected. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where i... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 14, 2021
It's very high insurance..I paid twice the amount of the car in insurance and registration Kelly Bluebook said car is worth 5000.00 Brand New...I paid 6995.00 plus taxes There's a recall on my vehicle and it has 147,000 miles and i haven't even drove anywhere but from Palace Station to Decatur
Incident date: Jan 14, 2021
The motor couldn’t handle the weight of the car and cost me $7000 to replace. That’s almost the cars entire value.
Incident date: Jan 14, 2021
On [XXX] We were driving our 2025 Gle350 fourmatic west on [XXX] between [XXX] and [XXX] @ 7:30 pm, driving at 70 mph in the right lane the panoramic sunroof exploded into shards of glass and rained down on the driver and passenger, it sounded like a gun went off as the front moveable roof panel blew apart. The vehicle had approximately 650 miles on the odometer. Nothing struck the car, no for... Read more
2 injured
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
Driving at highway speed, approximately 65 mph. When vehicle drives over uneven section of pavement, for example when changing lanes, front end starts to vibrate violently and steering is compromised. Vibration persists until speed is reduce by approximately 10 mph. Vehicle is stock and has 11,000 miles.
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
While driving on a highway at approximately 40 mph. My car lurched and felt like I lost control of the steering. I slowed down and it felt like the car was straight but the steering wheel was turned. I thought maybe I had a flat tire. I drove again slower and the same thing happened. I heard a sound that sounded like a flat tire- a constant thumping noise. I had the car towed to a repair shop and ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota RAV4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
The infotainment screen remained blank while in reverse. I wasn’t able to detect pedestrians or objects while backing up. After driving less than a mile, the infotainment screen started to work. After stopping at a stop sign, an “air flap warning” light appeared, then the vehicle stalled shutting completely off while in drive. It cranked after the 3rd attempt. We returned home and parked. A... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
How was your safety or the safety o others put at risk? On [XXX], I bought a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. Unfortunately, I fell into the bad and abusive practice of buying a car as is since at no time did that used car dealer in Raleigh inform about the correction and rust that is underneath the car. If they had said so, I would not buy the car since it cannot be fixed and at the Subaru dealer where I... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
I bought the car in September 2023. The first time I found that the blind spot light of the left rearview mirror was not on was in February 2024. Because the blind spot light was not on and I didn't see any vehicles in the rearview mirror, I almost hit the car behind me when I changed lanes. The other party honked at me to show dissatisfaction. I found that the blind spot light on the left was not... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
The front passenger seat in my 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is too low making the seat uncomfortable to sit in. Nissan told me to call the safety board to start a recall.
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
The contact owned a 2014 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while the daughter was driving approximately 70 MPH the daughter lost control of the steering causing the vehicle to roll over and crash into a ditch. During the crash, the vehicle sustained severe front-end damage and was destroyed but no air bags were deployed. During the crash, the driver sustained a concussion that later required... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while his husband was driving approximately 70 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that as the driver was pulling to the side of the road, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that several driver... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. While the contact's fiancé was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle sputtered. The contact's fiancé, who is an independent mechanic, diagnosed the vehicle with fuel pump failure. The contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. Additionally, the check engine warning light illu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal popping and dragging sound coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver’s side bumper had detached, and th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
I am writing to formally express my frustration and disappointment regarding ongoing issues with my vehicle, which I purchased new on [XXX]. Despite repeated efforts to address these concerns with authorized dealers, I have been unable to achieve a resolution. My vehicle currently has 13,630 miles and remains under warranty. However, I feel my concerns are not being taken seriously, and the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
Air bags did not deploy & yes it’s available for inspection. I was in an accident & the vehicle is totaled. Yes, has been inspected & confirmed they did not deploy by VA state police, tow company & insurance company USAA. There were no warnings or other symptoms.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
A recall caused my engine to fail, and needs replacing. it is i believe “campaign 966” They are claiming that i needed to have the system software updated PRIOR to the engine failing. they know that their recall is responsible for the engine failing, but they are trying to go around it by saying that it needed to be fixed before the engine gave out. They NEVER, not one time, reached out about ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2024
While changing a dead battery, the vehicle's transmission control module (TCM) malfunctioned and caused the shift drum to shear off a piece of the aluminum casing inside the gearbox. DTC codes P2837 and P287B were present indicating a shift fork failure. The dual-clutch transmission (DPS6) lost access to reverse, 2nd gear and 4th and 6th gear, but was still able to shift into 1st, 3rd and 5th. Un... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
NHTSA recall # 24V-720 the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle in a timely manner,
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
I leased a 2024 CR-V Sport Hybrid in April 2024. And in early October I backed out of a parking spot. When I applied the brakes there was no response and I back into a parked car. No damage was done to it but I had an estimate of $2000.00 to mine since it was on the hatch back door. I didn't report it because I thought it was my fault. But on Friday Nov. 29, 2024 as I was parallel parking I rever... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2022) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dec 2, 2024
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
Noted the rear sliding window did not work. Upon further research and investigation found fuse 2 in the drivers side fuse box popped. Replaced the fuse and did not solve the problem. Further investigation found the harness that controls the rear sliding window and other items was sheared (all 3 wires cut in half). The harness is routed from the inside of the center console, through the drivers sid... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
I am writing to formally report a critical safety issue with my 2020 Chevrolet Malibu, which resulted in a severe accident and posed significant risks to my safety and the safety of The issue involves the brake vacuum pump, which failed while I was driving. The component is currently with the vehicle, which is stored in a parking facility, and is available for inspection upon request. The failu... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
There was safety recall -S89 on the 2016 Jeep Patriots - seems my vehicle was not affected however I have had to have it replaced 3 times - Aug 2021, November 2022 and again November 2024. Shouldn't this vehicle been part of the recall? If so, am I able to recoup any of the repair fees that I have paid?
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) System had failed, causing the Auto Park, the electronic parking brake, the Adaptive Cruise Control, and the automatic emergency braking system to become inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated that while making a turn from a complete stop, the parking brake engaged unintendedly, causing the rear b... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
Started car up while parked in shopping center to warm up. The entire rear windshield glass popped and shattered. Took pictures and found out that Acura RDX from 2019 to 2023 have known to have this issue relating to faulty rear defroster wiring and glass. Opening a case with our local elite Acura dealership where we purchased vehicle from.
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
Started car up while parked in shopping center to warm up. The entire rear windshield glass popped and shattered. Took pictures and found out that Acura RDX from 2019 to 2023 have known to have this issue relating to faulty rear defroster wiring and glass. Opening a case with our local elite Acura dealership where we purchased vehicle from.
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
Water pump defect with my 2017 Ford Explorer XLT V6. This vehicle has a significant design flaw related to the water pump, which is located inside the engine cover. Recently, the water pump in my vehicle failed, the signal warning light turned on and indicated that the thermostat reaching high engine temperatures and warning the engine could overheat. The failure of the water pump can lead to engi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
We are going through gas at a very accelerated rate. We were told in September that there was a recall for a fuel related part. We were told this by AutoFair Honda in Manchester, New Hampshire, where we purchased the vehicle. We were then told that appointments for the recall repairs would be made in November. Upon calling today, They are claiming there's never been such a recall. I was told by th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V763000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 24V744000 (Steering) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were no... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
I bought this car a few weeks ago and drove only 300 miles so far. I was pulling out of my neighborhood onto the Main Street, when I turned then started to accelerate I received an error saying engine control error and my car came to a screeching halt. The accelerator stopped working and the car made some loud grinding noises and no functions were working.luckily nobody was behind me. I turned off... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
Continues to have issues with dealership to remedy/correct recalls. Have waited for 60+ days since recall remedy was initiated in August 2024 Headlights continue to be a hazzard and due to this we had unfortunate incident of a deer running out and inability to see in the dusk of 6am due to lack of head lights. This has caused immense hardship regarding finances and maintaining a job as we are dow... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
There is a recall on the car’s braking system that can malfunction at any moments. The issue was discovered back in Feb 2024 10 mos ago & no solution it’s a huge risk as per BMW to me my family & anyone on the road. 10 months and no solution is unacceptable it’s DANGEROUS
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
There is a recall on the car’s braking system that can malfunction at any moments. The issue was discovered back in Feb 2024 10 mos ago & no solution it’s a huge risk as per BMW to me my family & anyone on the road. 10 months and no solution is unacceptable it’s DANGEROUS
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
From day one when entering a roadway it would start to move putting me into traffic then just refuse to go leaving stranded for about ten seconds then move again, the whole time it would shudder and shake by engine and the transmission and it was like the system were all fighting for control. Next when entering a freeway I pulled on to the on ramp and immediately got up to 50mph and started to mer... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
On [XXX], I discovered that the backup camera on my 2023 Chevy Colorado was malfunctioning. Regardless of whether I was operating the vehicle in reverse or manually activating the backup camera, it remained inoperable. On the same day, I made a reservation with my local Chevrolet dealership in Elko, Nevada, to have the backup camera inspected. I took the truck to the dealership on July 19 for a re... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2022
Driver seat is ripped at the base interior The seat frame is not mounted to the base.
Incident date: May 26, 2022
Driver seat is ripped at the base interior The seat frame is not mounted to the base.
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
My car has been in recall with Kia motors and nothing has been changed or done
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
When driving the side mirror on the driver’s side vibrates so much that it impairs the drivers ability to see anything in it. I have had the mirror replaced once and the replacement does the same thing. I was told by the dealership that it is a known issue without a solution.
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
I have been without transportation for 3 months now and I’m about to lose my Job
Incident date: Oct 5, 2024
I have been without transportation for 3 months now and I’m about to lose my Job
Incident date: Oct 5, 2024
The main entry door is coming unlatched while driving down the highway. This condition has only worsened with time. With the latches in the locked condition, after stopping the main latch on the door has unfastened (not unlocked). The only part keeping the door closed is the deadbolt and the entry handrail. If this door was to fully open, the entry steps would then deploy and hit the highway whic... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2024
The main entry door is coming unlatched while driving down the highway. This condition has only worsened with time. With the latches in the locked condition, after stopping the main latch on the door has unfastened (not unlocked). The only part keeping the door closed is the deadbolt and the entry handrail. If this door was to fully open, the entry steps would then deploy and hit the highway whic... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
Vehicle randomly dies while driving. Can happen at anytime and at any speed. No warning at all. Does not leave a check engine light so no code is recorded. Very dangerous. Otherwise vehicle runs well but is too dangerous to drive. All steering, acceleration, brakes, etc. are lost when it dies. Will immediately start back up if in park or neutral and foot on the brake. Again - DANGEROUS! This has b... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2021
To whom it may concern, How are you? The reason for me contacting you today is because I am really not happy with the false advertising that Honda has done to me. You see, I recently purchased a 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid Sport Touring because it was advertised on Honda's website (and still is) that the fuel tank capacity is 12.4 gallons. However, today when I went to fill up my new car for the f... Read more