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: Feb 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that after fully refueling the vehicle, the fuel gauge incorrectly indicated that the fuel tank was empty. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the dealer associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); and the VIN was included in the recall. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The ma... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
*The end of March, my car suddenly started making an awful grinding noise, jerking, slowing down even with foot on excellerator. Towed to nearest Lia in Leesburg. Couldn't find anything wrong. Happened two more times didn't take in. Next time it happened in April towed in. *My engine was replaced in April of 2025. *Was fine until 12/10/25. Same grinding, etc. Was worse than before. Found out my 5... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
Engine oil light is on and there is a burning smell when I drive. Fear of a fire breaking out in the engine when driving or parked. Had it looked at by a technician and they expressed those concerns to me and that brings me great worry. The service technician believed it was just the oil cap being loose but there was no evidence of that.
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
My vehicle has been in the possession of Koons Kia of Owings Mills since March 15, 2026, for diagnosis and repair of this issue, with service beginning March 16, 2026. During this time, the dealership has replaced the 12-volt battery and performed a software update; however, the defect has not been corrected. On April 10, 2026, I was notified that the vehicle was ready for pickup. When I arrived ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
Sunroof wouldn’t fully close when a rainstorm hit, causing driver panic attack. This appears to be a known issue under TSB BOD-319.
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2025) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Apr 22, 2026
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
4/6/2026 vehicle stalled in traffic multiple times, entered "Limp Mode", unable to accelerate after stopping or after deceleration. I had to press the gas to the floor to get the vehicle to move. While driving, if I had to brake or lay off the gas at all, the vehicle would not accelerate back to the original speed quickly. This put myself and my four children at risk of being rear-ended. I dro... Read more
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2025) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Apr 22, 2026
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
4/6/2026 vehicle stalled in traffic multiple times, entered "Limp Mode", unable to accelerate after stopping or after deceleration. I had to press the gas to the floor to get the vehicle to move. While driving, if I had to brake or lay off the gas at all, the vehicle would not accelerate back to the original speed quickly. This put myself and my four children at risk of being rear-ended. I dro... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
I was backing out of my driveway and backed into a vehicle parked directly behind me. The collision avoidance and emergency braking system should have stopped my car before impact but it did not. No sounds other than the normal backing up beeping. Proximity alert did not ping. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The safety feature of collision avoidance and emergency breaking did... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
ICCU failed after 49,059 miles. Levels 1&2 charging do not work. I must use DCFC to charge the car.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
ICCU failed after 49,059 miles. Levels 1&2 charging do not work. I must use DCFC to charge the car.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
A fuel system-related safety recall (SC356) remains incomplete on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Kia dealership in Jersey City, NJ, where I was informed that the recall repair had been completed. I paid for towing to the dealership for this repair. However, after picking up the vehicle, it immediately began exhibiting worsening symptoms, including engine shaking, rough operat... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
The vehicle’s ICCU unit stopped working out of the blue. This happened on a busy intersection and the car came to a sudden and violent halt. Luckily we were not involved in an accident. It’s a very well known issue with these vehicles and it’s really criminal that Kia has done nothing to fix it. They just change the ICCU unit and then it happens again.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
The vehicle’s ICCU unit stopped working out of the blue. This happened on a busy intersection and the car came to a sudden and violent halt. Luckily we were not involved in an accident. It’s a very well known issue with these vehicles and it’s really criminal that Kia has done nothing to fix it. They just change the ICCU unit and then it happens again.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
The vehicle’s ICCU unit stopped working out of the blue. This happened on a busy intersection and the car came to a sudden and violent halt. Luckily we were not involved in an accident. It’s a very well known issue with these vehicles and it’s really criminal that Kia has done nothing to fix it. They just change the ICCU unit and then it happens again.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
I am reporting a documented and unresolved brake system safety issue on my 2024 Kia K5 involving repeated premature brake pad wear and rotor damage. The vehicle has required three full brake pad and rotor replacements by approximately 40,000 miles, with each set lasting less than 15,000 miles. Service records consistently document uneven wear on the front brakes, particularly the outer pads, with ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2026
Not sure if this is electrical or engine related.... The vehicle has experienced multiple instances (6 times) of unexpected engine shutdown while driving, including a recent event while turning off a major roadway. During these incidents, the vehicle loses power and displays the message: “Engine Off – Shift to P or N then start engine” This creates an immediate and dangerous situation, ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
I am reporting a transmission failure in my 2020 Kia Forte with approximately 54,000 miles. The vehicle experienced a sudden and complete transmission failure on March 19, 2026, on the highway from Cleveland to Cincinnati. after being owned for less than seven months. The vehicle is now at a dealership 2.5 hours away, requiring a full transmission replacement. This appears to be a premature fail... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
The sunroof wind deflector mechanism on my 2021 Kia Telluride failed due to what appears to be a known defect. The passenger side wind deflector arm broke off and upon trying to close the sunroof it made grinding noises. This caused the sunroof to malfunction and created a situation where the sunroof could not operate properly and is now stuck open. Kia has acknowledged issues with this compone... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
My car has only 68,800 miles and the dealer is telling me I need a new engine assembly i reached out to the kia corporate because I am the 2nd owner and I have had this car for 8 years and I have taken it for all the oil changes and maintenence to the dealer and have read on the website this year of car is known for it engine problems I had submitted a request for a goodwill repair for kis to repl... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the braking system became inoperable and failed to function properly. Additionally, while the vehicle was parked, it failed to start and lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
My check engine light came on and I got it checked out and had a c1053 code show up. The repair shop told me I had a recall but my car is 2010 so it’s not falling within the recall year range.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
2019 Kia Rio Hatchback trunk latch failure buzzing actuator but won't open emergency release does not work dealer says not covered under recall #21V622000 which covers the trunk for 4 door 2019 Kia Rio and this appears to be the same or similar issue with the trunk emergency release not opening creating a safety risk
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
While driving Friday 4/17/26, I heard a pop and the car displayed a message to "Check electric vehicle system." The car seemed to still drive so I drive it home. That evening the car would not charge. I called Jim Shorkey Kia on 4/18/26, where I bought the car, to schedule the car to be looked at. They told me to bring it in on Monday and they will try to squeeze me in so they can diagnose the iss... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
This concerns an unresolved airbag safety issue that went undetected due to a negligent recall inspection at a Kia dealership. On March 16, 2026, I brought my vehicle to Ed Voyles Kia of Chamblee, GA for a recall inspection to determine whether damaged wiring under the passenger seat was causing my airbag warning light to remain on. I dealt with the service advisor throughout the process. After th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
This concerns an unresolved airbag safety issue that went undetected due to a negligent recall inspection at a Kia dealership. On March 16, 2026, I brought my vehicle to Ed Voyles Kia of Chamblee, GA for a recall inspection to determine whether damaged wiring under the passenger seat was causing my airbag warning light to remain on. I dealt with the service advisor throughout the process. After th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was made aware of a misfire coming from the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
While driving about 35 MPH, the vehicle began to alarm and stated "the engine is off; pull over, put in park or neutral, and restart the car". I pulled over and found that the engine had indeed turned itself off in the middle of driving. When the engine turns off, both the braking vacuum system and the power steering go off, making it harder to brake and steer to safety. If I were going highway s... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
While driving about 35 MPH, the vehicle began to alarm and stated "the engine is off; pull over, put in park or neutral, and restart the car". I pulled over and found that the engine had indeed turned itself off in the middle of driving. When the engine turns off, both the braking vacuum system and the power steering go off, making it harder to brake and steer to safety. If I were going highway s... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
While driving about 35 MPH, the vehicle began to alarm and stated "the engine is off; pull over, put in park or neutral, and restart the car". I pulled over and found that the engine had indeed turned itself off in the middle of driving. When the engine turns off, both the braking vacuum system and the power steering go off, making it harder to brake and steer to safety. If I were going highway s... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that he had received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000(Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact then stated that soon after the recall was serviced, the vehicle would hesitate to start after multiple attempts without warning. The vehicle had been taken back to the dealer on multiple occasions due to failure; the dealer was ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering with a knocking sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the dealer declined to repair the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer stated t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
The engine in my 2021 Kia Sportage failed while being driven at highway speeds on US 131 in Michigan. The car was taken to the closest gas station where the oil was checked and it was determined that 5 quarts were needed to reach the dipstick's full line. The fact that the car had consumed 5 quarts of oil seems to be a major safety concern. I've attached a note with additional information that h... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
A door lock malfunction occurred involving the front driver-side door. The vehicle would not unlock or open using the key fob. Multiple attempts were made to unlock the vehicle, but the driver door remained locked and unresponsive. At the time of the incident, a child was secured inside the vehicle in a child safety seat. Access to the vehicle through the driver-side door was not possible. Acce... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
Vehicle: 2023 Kia Sportage Issue: Service Brakes / Premature Rotor Failure / Grinding Within approximately six months of purchasing my vehicle new, I experienced brake grinding and premature rotor failure. This condition has reoccurred multiple times despite repair attempts at authorized Kia dealerships, including rotor replacement under a Technical Service Bulletin. Multiple dealerships acknowled... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
Kia has a recall (Campaign SC 368) on a fuel pipe that may be defective causing a gas leak leading to fire. I called the dealer I bought the vehicle from to request an inspection of the part. I was told Kia will not send letters out until June 2 so dealers are under no obligation to inspect the impacted area before then. Why should a family have to wait six weeks or more on such a critical issu... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
Excessive engine oil consumption. I have to add at least a half a quart to a quart of oil every 7 to 10 days depending on how much I drive. The 2019 Kia's are showing the same issues as the 2016 Kia engines that are currently under recall for catastrophic engine failure due to oil consumption. Fix this issue Kia. I love my car. This is the only problem I have with it. I shouldn't have to add oil t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2026
Battery health has gone down to 31% I’ve had it at a dealership three times and they don’t know what’s wrong. They can’t figure it out, but my mileage has dropped significantly.
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
Sudden Unintended Acceleration – 2024 Kia Sportage – Safety Hazard. Incident Date: April 18, 2026. Location: Parking lot. While pulling into a parking space at low speed, I brought the vehicle to a complete stop with my foot on the brake. Immediately after stopping, the vehicle suddenly and forcefully accelerated forward on its own without my foot on the accelerator. I was actively pressing... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
Sudden Unintended Acceleration – 2024 Kia Sportage – Safety Hazard. Incident Date: April 18, 2026. Location: Parking lot. While pulling into a parking space at low speed, I brought the vehicle to a complete stop with my foot on the brake. Immediately after stopping, the vehicle suddenly and forcefully accelerated forward on its own without my foot on the accelerator. I was actively pressing... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
Sudden Unintended Acceleration – 2024 Kia Sportage – Safety Hazard. Incident Date: April 18, 2026. Location: Parking lot. While pulling into a parking space at low speed, I brought the vehicle to a complete stop with my foot on the brake. Immediately after stopping, the vehicle suddenly and forcefully accelerated forward on its own without my foot on the accelerator. I was actively pressing... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
Engine has multiple engine miss fires. Loss of coolant into exhaust. Engine knocking.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
I recently pressed the button to open the sunroof, and it only retracted a few inches before I heard a loud noise. The sunroof stopped, and simply would not go any further. Thankfully, the vehicle is garaged at home (I was stationary and heading out when this occurred), but with Kia topping the list of most stolen vehicles, along with unpredictable weather, I'm sure you can understand why I was co... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned? The engine (piston rings) and catalytic converter failed. The catalytic converter is available for inspection upon request. How was safety put at risk? The engine ran low on oil without any external leak, causing warning lights and engine rattling. Low oil pressure can lead to sudden engine seizure or fire. The failed catalytic converter can clo... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned? The engine (piston rings) and catalytic converter failed. The catalytic converter is available for inspection upon request. How was safety put at risk? The engine ran low on oil without any external leak, causing warning lights and engine rattling. Low oil pressure can lead to sudden engine seizure or fire. The failed catalytic converter can clo... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2024
I own a 2017 Kia Sportage 2.4L (VIN: [XXX] ). In October of 2024 , the vehicle began making a loud engine knocking noise consistent with a known rod bearing failure. I immediately stopped driving and it has been in my garage to prevent further damage or safety risk. I contacted KIA America corporate twice 4/17/26 and was denied engine replacement twice. Kia stated I was not eligible for coverage ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while leaving Walmart and approaching the vehicle, the contact became aware that another driver with a similar vehicle was able to unlock her vehicle with the other driver’s key fob on the passenger’s side of the vehicle. The lights flashed, alerting the contact that the vehicle was unlocked. No warning lights were illuminated prior to... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
Steering rack need to replace after drive almost 1900 miles. It has knocking nosie when turn the wheel, the car had been in the shop for three weeks.
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
The driver’s seat frame and adjustment mechanism failed. The seat broke off from the frame, resulting in the seat only being able to move left and right, with no ability to adjust forward/backward or recline. The dealership confirmed a seat frame malfunction and addressed the issue. My safety was put at risk because I was unable to properly adjust the driver’s seat to a safe driving position... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
The transmission and related drivetrain components malfunctioned. While driving, the vehicle’s RPMs would surge into the 5,000–6,000 range without corresponding acceleration, and the vehicle would not shift properly into the next gear. The issue caused poor acceleration and inconsistent performance. The dealership later replaced the transmission and updated the ECM after identifying a fault co... Read more