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: Feb 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle was pulling to the right and the sensor light was illuminated while purchasing the vehicle. The contact stated that the failures were temporary. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle pulled to the right and the rear end of the vehicle felt as thoug... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
When parked behind another parallel parked car with no one behind me, it Auto shifted into drive instead of reverse which caused me to collide into the parked car infront of me.
Crash
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
I own a 2022 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid, which is affected by Recall 24S79 (NHTSA Recall 24V954). This recall involves a high-voltage battery defect that could result in a fire or sudden loss of vehicle control while driving. Ford has confirmed that there is no fix available until at least the second quarter of 2025, leaving affected owners without a solution for well over a year. However, Ford re... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
Our vehicle will not charge using our home charging system, even though Polestar’s loaner vehicles charge without issue. We took delivery of the Polestar in early January, but it has spent nearly half the time since then at the service center.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
Our vehicle will not charge using our home charging system, even though Polestar’s loaner vehicles charge without issue. We took delivery of the Polestar in early January, but it has spent nearly half the time since then at the service center.
Incident date: Dec 30, 2021
While slowing for a red light my vehicle shut off, completely powered off. I had to press the ignition start button to turn it back on. I pulled to the side of the road, then two messages flashed on the dash screen, Service Transmission and Service Brake Assist. I called and scheduled a vehicle service at a local Chevrolet service center. After the service center evaluated my vehicle (in their p... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving 20-25 MPH, the sunroof assembly completely separated from the vehicle, struck the front of the roof, struck the passenger's side of the vehicle, and flew underneath the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was taken to Gerber Collision an... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2021
When turning the vehicle and accelerating the axle makes a loud clicking noise. Sounds like something to do with the CV joints
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
The electric power steering system failed while I was driving. I was travelling at approximately 20mph the first time it stopped working and had just finished a turn onto a residential street. The dash said "service power steering" and the check engine light came on. I pulled the vehicle over, turned it off, then turned it on again and the power steering started working again but the check engine ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
Lost complete steering with no warning or lights on the dash At risk none was parked and steered perfectly prior to parking There is a recall open for other vin numbers associated with the same issue
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
Lost complete steering with no warning or lights on the dash At risk none was parked and steered perfectly prior to parking There is a recall open for other vin numbers associated with the same issue
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
The check engine light illuminated cause us to park the vehicle until diagnosed. The diagnosis is the Onstar system has failed causing the check engine light to illuminate. Even without paying the fee for onstar the light still illuminates rendering the vehicle “disabled” under Indiana clean air requirements. They will not run the required emissions test to certify or plate your car with a che... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
This is now the THIRD time this has happened, and GM doesn't seem to care, because when my mechanic "fixed" my auto stop problem, it was because GM themselves got the code to "fix" my car. My auto stop worked one time, before today, after my repair last week. I was at a stop light where my auto stop turned on. My brakes WERE STUCK AND COULDN'T BRAKE so I put it in park! THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE WHE... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while the vehicle was either stationary, parked, or being driven, the seat belt buckle failed to operate as designed. The seat belt warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that during the colder months, the seat belt buckle was more difficult to latch securely. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repair... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
Lost complete steering with no warning or lights on the dash At risk none was parked and steered perfectly prior to parking There is a recall open for other vin numbers associated with the same issue
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle was pulling to the right and the sensor light was illuminated while purchasing the vehicle. The contact stated that the failures were temporary. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle pulled to the right and the rear end of the vehicle felt as thoug... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle crashed into a tree impacting the front of the vehicle, but the air bags did not deploy. In addition, the seat belt failed to retract during the crash. The front of the vehicle was severely damaged. The contact did not sustain injuries. The vehicle was towed to a collision center. A po... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
I’ve had to put three water pomp’s in in 3 years. I need a new one. This will be my fourth
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
Front Left CV Axle replaced at 5000 miles. Same CV axle needs to replaced now at 10287 miles.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2024
Both back doors have failed lock actuators. I’ve gotten a repair quote of over $1400 per door to get fixed. Both doors buzz and one has actually locked shut. Extremely inconvenient with children.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Engine Failure, on November 8, not certain engine is available for inspection -2nd Engine Failure, February 27, engine being replaced now and can be inspected How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -first engine failure happened on highway interchange without warning and strande... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving through a snowstorm on the highway at 35 MPH, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power and decelerated to 20 MPH. The check engine and engine temperature warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled off on the next exit and parked the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
The Infotainment system has been glitching repeatedly with each drive I take; I am unable to operate any functions. This interferes with CarPlay. I reported this to the dealership and they informed me I would get a notice of recall in the mail. That was almost 2 months ago.
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
The power train fail on the expressway left lane just shut down it was very dangerous. A Ford dealer service department concluded that the true temperature of transmission fluid was not reading over heating but the fluid it’s self read overheated… also the reported that the transmission fluid was spewing out and had pieces of metal in it. As well as the internal computer not running as it shou... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
This is now the THIRD time this has happened, and GM doesn't seem to care, because when my mechanic "fixed" my auto stop problem, it was because GM themselves got the code to "fix" my car. My auto stop worked one time, before today, after my repair last week. I was at a stop light where my auto stop turned on. My brakes WERE STUCK AND COULDN'T BRAKE so I put it in park! THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE WHE... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
This is now the THIRD time this has happened, and GM doesn't seem to care, because when my mechanic "fixed" my auto stop problem, it was because GM themselves got the code to "fix" my car. My auto stop worked one time, before today, after my repair last week. I was at a stop light where my auto stop turned on. My brakes WERE STUCK AND COULDN'T BRAKE so I put it in park! THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE WHE... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2022
I have a well-maintained 2021 Kia Telluride, however the paint on the roof of the car is peeling off. In my research, I have found that many owners are experiencing the same issue especially in SNOW PEARL WHITE color. I have contacted my local dealership but they are refusing to address the issue and have quoted me $2,470.74 to repaint the roof. I've had vehicles for decades and never had paint... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2022
My horn has quit working. I don’t use it often do it could have been broken for more than 6 months, but I just discovered it following the service for a number of recalls. Apparently, this is a common problem. In 41 years of car ownership and driving, this is a first for me. My car just passed 50,000 miles last week and I’m afraid it might not be covered under warranty.
Incident date: Aug 18, 2024
On December 2023 the vehicle lost power and lost control while driving speed limit 55 Mph followed by check engine light associated codes due to known issue with BCEM controller failing. June 2024 Vehicle experienced the same issue with duplicate check engine codes associated with prior issue. Dealer states the vehicle has a bad battery pack and has been there for over 8 months. Vehicle has a BECM... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2024
A ticking, rattling, or knocking noise from the engine The noise occurs when starting the engine after a long period of inactivity and when the engine is idling after warming up.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
I have not received the 2.2 software update. The software delivered to my vehicle is 2.2.2, which has been communicated as an incomplete remedy of 2.2 that has not been homologated. Also, none of the hardware recalls have been addressed on my vehicle. My only local service provider does not accept any recall related work due to customers not receiving reimbursement. I do not have any available... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
The truck has had ~6 occurrences since purchased where the engine briefly loses power in highway cruising speeds between ~50 and 75mph At first we thought it was a safety feature or governor on the truck – or a malfunctioning of the Auto-idle. I mentioned the incidents to the dealer service techs where we bought it but there was no awareness or acknowledgement of issues or a safety feature that ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
I purchased my vehicle in mid June 2024 used from the dealership. I purchased extended warranty although my vehicle still had original warranty. On [XXX], my parents 50th anniversary party. I packed my car and left my house. Vehicle drove fine, but my husband called me worried stated that after I left our driveway that there was an oil puddle on the drive that concerned him. He took my vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Car was driving fine went into a store came out a couple hours later car wouldn’t start. After jump starting it check engine light is on and AWD system failure reads across the dashboard. The 2 back doors no longer lock/unlock unless you do it manually. Drove car home it is now shifting funny like a hesitation or slipping feeling while driving. There’s a little over 15k miles on it.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Due to grid design of dash, there is an excessive glare on the front windshield while driving in day or night conditions. The glare makes it hard to see the road, oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The radio screen has failed, it sometimes comes on, then goes black. Not allowing the backup camera to be accessed or any of the climate features or hands free features. UNKNOWN to other questions.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Steering Assist is Reduced Drive with Care.
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
The FCW function does not engage if you put the vehicle in gear to soon. You must wait at least 5 seconds after starting the engine before shifting into gear or else the FCW will not turn on. The dealer said there is no fix. I believe this is a software issue. This has been functioning this way since the vehicle was new.
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
While driving during rainy conditions on January 19, the windshield wipers stopped working, resulting in obstructed view through front windshield while driving in the rain. Following, they worked intermittently for a week and then stopped working altogether. The exact failure has not been identified but is either a damage rod or non-functional motor; likely the motor as there is no noise coming fr... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
Put car in park. sUV rolled back & damaged my garage door. Also damaged my trunk of SUV.
Crash
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
My 2020 Audi S6 has been undriveable since September 27, 2024 due to a backordered recall part (Gateway Control Module). Audi has failed to provide a repair timeframe, making my car unusable for over five months. Audi has refused to provide a loaner vehicle despite the long delay. As of March 2025, there is no estimated time of arrival for the part, and Audi has not provided any alternative resolu... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2025
My airbag light suddenly came on this morning and my light blinking off for the airbag was blinking my whole trip to work. I've also had my catalytic converter replaced and my check engine warning still says their is an issue when everything has been replaced Lights on my mirrors also don't cut on when someone is in my blind spots the symbol is there but they don't light up My back up camera ha... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
Unannounced, on February 12, 2025 update 2.1 was pushed to my automobile. It has amplified the already missing and malfunctioning safety features of the car. I started to receive 12v battery warnings, downhill traction warning light, sporadic ADA system failure warnings including: loss of lane departure warning and avoidance, loss of emergency braking capability, and loss of forward collision wa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2023
Vsa modular control unit. Car breaks automatically without object in front of it
Incident date: Mar 12, 2024
My Transmission went out on my 2016 Honda Pilot I bought it on 8/25/24 with 68,000 miles on it, six months later I have 81,000 miles on it and I’ve been quoted $9222 to install a rebuilt transmission at the dealership. 3 mechanics & transmission specialist do NOT even work or offer to replace transmissions on this model of honda pilot due to its known issues in the 6 cylinder V6 3.5 L. My car wa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2024
Was told about the recall awhile ago and they said that my frame was ok. But now I have a perfectly good truck in good condition other than a rusted frame. Had some work done and mechanic said it is unsafe to drive due to rusted frame. They know of the defect and only replace a few and it looks like others are dealing with what I am.
Crash
Incident date: Mar 12, 2024
Transmission slips and misses gears so bad it has almost caused 3 accidents in the last month. Ford knows of this problem with the 10r80 transmission but will not fix the problem. I've contacted ford and they say there is no recall for my truck.
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
Both middle bench seat head rests will not stay upright, making it unsafe for any passenger to ride in thise seats. Happened after folding the seat forward for passengers to get into the back seat. Infotainment system does not work and touch screen will not work. Unable to connect amazon fire and unable to even play DVDs on the screens.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2025
1) When starting the car ( cold ) it makes a rattling sound that goes away after a few seconds and does not make this sound again until the car cools off 2) sometimes when driving the steering wheel shakes during acceleration
Incident date: Feb 16, 2025
ST235/80/R16 The sidewall failed when mechanic was filling with air about 60PSI. Available for inspection. Mechanic had to go the care clinic because of eye irritation. No warning signs. it blew out. We have video of incident available.