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 21, 2025
Windshield glare from ribbed dashboard reflection under sunlight is distracting and often obstructs visibility so severely that it's impossible to drive safely without wearing polarized sunglasses or placing a dark colored dash mat. Photos do not capture how saturated the reflection appears. In the provided photo it looks like I'm driving into an office building.
Incident date: Mar 21, 2025
My trailer brake controller routinely does not allow me to adjust the brake gain. Multiple times (and on recorded video), I’ve had instances where I could not increase gain while hauling heavy loads in the trailer and this has caused me to lose my ability to stop the vehicle effectively. This has nearly cause accidents a few times while hauling on the interstate, and down my mountain road. Th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
When accelerating the transmission slips. My mechanic said Hyundai has a memo saying they are making a new torque converter due to these problems, and I will need a new torque converter. The torque converter is on backorder and according to my mechanic, will not be available for many months; thus indicating there are many other folks with the same problem. This is very dangerous when accelerati... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
Under warranty with 4500 odometer miles. Front end shudders terribly when applying front brakes, especially when braking hard. Dealer service center said front brake rotors are warped and out of spec. No accident yet but Harley Davidson is refusing to fix the brake problem under warranty, stating brake rotors are a wear item not covered under the basic warranty. It would be covered if I had purcha... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while attempting to make a left turn after the vehicle was idling, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact stated that immediately after purchasing the vehicle, the vehicle experienced various electrical failures that included the vehicle not starting, and the message "Key Fob not in vehicle" was displayed. Additionally, the check engine warning light activated along with the message engine overheating. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlight f... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact stated that immediately after purchasing the vehicle, the vehicle experienced various electrical failures that included the vehicle not starting, and the message "Key Fob not in vehicle" was displayed. Additionally, the check engine warning light activated along with the message engine overheating. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlight f... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
I stopped at street light, Automatic Fuel Management system shut off engine. As engine restarted I experienced several dash lights came on. The engine light continued to blink and E light stayed on. Immediately went to dealer, 1 mile away. Computer said cylinder 5 was misfiring. Upon repair the lifter was bent and the cam shaft was damaged. Repairs were over $7,000.00. Truck had oil changes ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road to wait for assistance from a local tow company to have the vehicle towed back to the residence. The contact disconnected the battery terminals to prevent a fire. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the con... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
My 2020 Kia Telluride completely stalled on me on my way to work. The vehicle was not smoking and it seemed like it went on accessory mode. I had the vehicle towed to Kia Dealership in Perris to get it checked out and was told by Olivia that no codes were read when doing a diagnostic and that my engine seized. I had purchased an extended warranty through AGWS. AGWS reached out to me to request the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
The front trunk (or frunk) of the electric truck has a power lift as the primary means of opening and closing it and this has a failure warning/dash light stating it requires service. The front trunk is where the travel charger is stored by the manufacturer as well as where the positive and negative terminals for the 12 v battery are located. In the absence of the power open function, there is a t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the vehicle was intermittently difficult to start. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the alternator, stabilizer, starter, ignition switch, door panel, axle... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the vehicle was intermittently difficult to start. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the alternator, stabilizer, starter, ignition switch, door panel, axle... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the vehicle was intermittently difficult to start. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the alternator, stabilizer, starter, ignition switch, door panel, axle... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently veered to the left. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle became difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine cradle had failed and was severely rusted and n... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2025
To Whom It May Concern, I am filing an urgent safety complaint regarding my Fisker Ocean One Launch Edition SUV, which continues to experience braking failures despite the latest software recall update (2.2.2). Fisker has now ceased operations, leaving me and other owners without any ability to have our vehicles tested or repaired. Braking Issue Persists: Despite Fisker’s claim that update 2.2.2... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Leaf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V700000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not exp... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
Coolant leak caused head gasket to leak on cylinder which consistently washed the car's spark plug. This caused the cylinder walls to become washed out which has caused significant damage to the car's engine. The consistent washing of the spark plug has caused the car to not be able to accelerate beyond 20mph - 45mph. This is a danger while driving on main roads as well as the highway. The car ha... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2025
My car was taken in for service in early January 2025 after just being serviced in November. The engine was making a ticking noise. The check engine light was not on, and appeared to be running fine otherwise so we drove it in for service. We were told upon inspection that the cam and lifters needed replacement, but we pushed for further inspection which found the car needs an entirely new engine,... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
Component/System Failure: Lane-Keeping Assist: Malfunctioned during highway turns, aggressively steering toward the shoulder, creating a collision risk. Turning off the feature does not prevent it from re-engaging. Braking & Acceleration: After hitting a pothole, braking failed to engage properly, and the car unexpectedly accelerated, requiring immediate action to regain control. Regenerative Bra... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the display screen malfunctioned and displayed a solid black screen. During the failure, several functions and features could not be accessed or activated, including the front and rear defrosters. The contact was unable to clear the front and rear windshields, which created a visibility hazard for the d... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the display screen malfunctioned and displayed a solid black screen. During the failure, several functions and features could not be accessed or activated, including the front and rear defrosters. The contact was unable to clear the front and rear windshields, which created a visibility hazard for the d... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
The transmission is the problem. The truck shudders. I took it to a mechanic, David Gessel's Auto Service 863-401-2860. The mechanic serviced the transmission and informed me that the transmission will need to be replaced eventually and that the torque converter is coming apart. It seems like the same issues 2019 transmissions in Chevys were having. My transmission is an automatic 8speed. The serv... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
Around 50% of the time, the rearview camera video is not available when shifting into reverse.
Incident date: Mar 18, 2025
The right side gauge in the dashboard (fuel gage, odometer, mpg, etc) goes blank or shows giberish intermentently, especially when cold. Currently the display has been permanently blank for some months now. Reading in forums, this is a VERY common problem with 2015 and newer Honda Fit and Honda refuses to acknowledge its a common issue and thus no recall. Not knowing what your fuel level is a v... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
I was driving my car like usual and I almost reached home and my windshield vipers stopped working. I parked my car and checked it and the wipers are not working.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
We started having issues with the battery back in 2023. Smaller batteries were replaced, and the car went in several times for "updates" due to recalls. The last two times were due to potential over-heating of the battery and a "track fault detected" error message displayed on the dash and the mileage decreased. Most recently the car was in the shop for 2 weeks early 2025 to replace a faulty cell ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); 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 contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the cruise control failed to function as intended. The ABS, traction control, and brake warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The contact was informed parts were not available for the repair. The ma... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2020
The problem started when our car died while driving it. After a few different replacements, Kia decided to replace the entire engine under a recall. After driving the car for a short period of time, the check engine light came on. I went to check the oil and it smelled overwhelmingly like gasoline. I took it to my mechanic who said the check engine light was coming on because of the catalytic conv... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
I am dealing with a dual clutch going bad the car is stalling hesitating and loosing power very dangerous to drive. Also i just replaced transmission without finding any help from ford even there was a recall now my dual clutch is going on and there was a recall i never got to be apart of when i first got the car in 2015. I need help please point in the direction i feel like ford should fixed this... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2025
Transmission, Transmission Valve body, speed sensors. After transmission shifting issues while traveling the interstate I had to have the car towed to the dealership. After the multi point inspection was performed serveral recommended itmes related to the ongoing performance and SAFETY of the vehicle listed below: Transmission $10,446.65 Transmission Valve Body $3693.92 The diagnostic code P0720... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2025
Transmission, Transmission Valve body, speed sensors. After transmission shifting issues while traveling the interstate I had to have the car towed to the dealership. After the multi point inspection was performed serveral recommended itmes related to the ongoing performance and SAFETY of the vehicle listed below: Transmission $10,446.65 Transmission Valve Body $3693.92 The diagnostic code P0720... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
Car auto accelerated in parking lot structure. Hit column; air bags did not deploy so no injury to me, the driver. Dealer refuses to confirm the data to support their conclusion that driver was at fault. Vehicle inspected by dealer owned collision center and dealer related insurance company. No warning or messages prior to auto acceleration.
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V025000 (Suspension); 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
The contact’s daughter-in-law owns a 2020 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while his daughter-in-law was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that an unknown flashed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the sound had become louder over time. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2025
The forward collision warning turns off on it's own. Jeep did an upgrade and now the radio turns off and on by itself, changes in preference happens without warning and forward collision warning stays lit. Jeep has replaced the radio 3 times since and I've been to the dealership at least 15 times to address the issue but the issue has not been resolved. This has gone on since 2023. Jeep is aware o... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2025
The forward collision warning turns off on it's own. Jeep did an upgrade and now the radio turns off and on by itself, changes in preference happens without warning and forward collision warning stays lit. Jeep has replaced the radio 3 times since and I've been to the dealership at least 15 times to address the issue but the issue has not been resolved. This has gone on since 2023. Jeep is aware o... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2025
After the recalll to fix the Balmer alternator and changing system. The Balmer alternator has failed. 21k miles. Recall repairs/fix did not resolve the issue.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
The entire vehicle failed with a No Start Issue. The vehicle will not wake up, can not jump off. My safety is being stranded without a workable vehicle. No the problem has not been resolved after being towed into service to the dealer twice. The STAR engineers got involved this last time but asked the service center to release the vehicle to me because they could not replicate the issue. No warnin... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
Product Safety Alert: Mar 19, 2025 Stop using the following item because of a potential safety issue. Visit the public recall notice for more guidance. Evenflo GoTime LX Booster Car Seat (Chardon Black) Important safety information We write to notify you of a potential safety concern with a product that you purchased on Amazon.com. Please review the Recalls and Product Safety Alerts page for fur... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
Product Safety Alert: Mar 19, 2025 Stop using the following item because of a potential safety issue. Visit the public recall notice for more guidance. Evenflo GoTime LX Booster Car Seat (Chardon Black) Important safety information We write to notify you of a potential safety concern with a product that you purchased on Amazon.com. Please review the Recalls and Product Safety Alerts page for fur... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2025
ABS , Traction Control, Power brake booster, AEB inoperative after routine brake pads/rotor service. Vehicle was put into service mode via touch screen radio, rear brake service performed. Upon initial brake pedal application, required to exit service mode for rear brakes, to return caliper piston contact to brake pad. The vehicle disables abs and supporting system and sets codes c0050 , c2227 . A... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2025
The vehicle history does not show any type of accidents. The vehicle history says that the vehicles airbags are in tact. In reviewing my contract from the dealership there is a page that states the vehicle has no airbags.The airbags not being present means the have been deployed due to a collision, right? Im concerned that the vehicle is not the vehicle aligned with the vin. Visually inspecting ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2025
Trailer brake controler will report not connected when it is connected correctly. Systemm was tested and everything on the trailer is working properly. system was working corretly and suddenly stopped when on the interstate. Have had multiple shops look at the issue and no one can locate the issue. The radio/infotanment system will also disconnect radomly. Both act like a wire is lose. disconnect ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
We heard a grinding sound from rear of vehicle while driving into a park lot. Checked road and vehicle to see if there was any damage or objects hit, there were not. Shortly after driving a few miles a BMS warning was showing and we called Kia roadside assistance. They insisted on towing the car but we waited until next day so we could secure a rental. The short drive to the rental agency now gav... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2025
Severe windshield cracking (without a clear impact). I have had my windshield replaced 2x and it continues to crack. Glass seems to be thinner and cracks.
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
1. ABS break system, 2.Breaks not working properly 3 yes 4. no 5. no
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
In June of 2024 the engine hot and oil pressure low light came on in the middle of a busy intersection and the car went limp had to get it towed to dealer. They replaced engine thermostat. March 18, 2025 was driving down interstate at 80 mph when wheel locked up and brakes. The power steering and brake light came on with a red exclamation point and I was unable to barely move the wheel and had to ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
ABS , Traction Control, Power brake booster, AEB inoperative after routine brake pads/rotor service. Vehicle was put into service mode via touch screen radio, rear brake service performed. Upon initial brake pedal application, required to exit service mode for rear brakes, to return caliper piston contact to brake pad. The vehicle disables abs and supporting system and sets codes c0050 , c2227 . A... Read more