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: Oct 25, 2024
The engineer lost all oil and immediately started making a knocking noise.
Incident date: Aug 2, 2024
On at least 5 occasions, my inner tailgate has released itself and gone down during motion. This has been uncommanded. It appears GM has a recall for this but it does not include my truck. The dealership that looked into it agrees this is likely the same issue and GM should include it in the recall.
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a burning odor inside the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that parts to repair the vehicle was not available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the vehicle was making an abnormal rattling sound on cold starts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the powertrain control module (PCM) was flashed under Ford Campaign Number: 21N03; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be left with the dealer for three w... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the vehicle was making an abnormal rattling sound on cold starts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the powertrain control module (PCM) was flashed under Ford Campaign Number: 21N03; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be left with the dealer for three w... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2024
THE PCM UNIT WHICH CONTROLS THE CARS COMPUTERS KEEPS SHUTTING ON AND OFF SAYING DO NOT DRIVE. GET SERVICE ….. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON MANY CARS AND THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION SUIT REGARDING A RECALL. IT IS NOW CLOSED AND I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED.
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
Porsche Macan has known transfer case problem. Should be recalled. I have a 2017 Macan with 15,000 miles and transfer case bad.
Incident date: Sep 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Ridgeline. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufact... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2022
The left turn signal button will occasionally not work. Apparently this is a known issue but I have received nothing from Tesla about a fix. I took the car to Tesla Service today (currently there now) and they are telling me they will look for the problem. They gave me the same model demo car to take for a couple of hours and the same thing happened twice in a row to make lane changes on the freew... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2024
On [XXX], while driving to campus during rush-hour traffic at approximately 15-20 MPH, the car suddenly felt as if the brakes had been slammed, giving me a serious scare and nearly causing an accident. The car stopped in the middle of the road, and I was stuck there, forced to manually push the car to the side to avoid further risk to myself and other drivers. I immediately had the vehicle towed t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X1. The contact stated that the coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond and there was smoke coming out from underneath the hood. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was info... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X1. The contact stated that the coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond and there was smoke coming out from underneath the hood. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was info... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that the second-row seat belts failed to operate as designed. The alarms failed to engage when the seat belts were buckled or unbuckled. While there was a child using a car seat on the second row of seats, the seat belt was unbuckled, and there was no alarm to alert the occupants. While driving at unknown speeds, the information screen disp... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
I responded several times to ford's letters (ford customer relationship center), including today and was told "ford will not fix the problem at this time" putting my family's life at risk, especially our 2 year old son that the engine can go on fire. should i take legal action?
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
I responded several times to ford's letters (ford customer relationship center), including today and was told "ford will not fix the problem at this time" putting my family's life at risk, especially our 2 year old son that the engine can go on fire. should i take legal action?
Incident date: Oct 27, 2024
I was driving on the highway when the power steering suddenly, without any warning, stopped working. The steering wheel jerked and lost all maneuverability. It took every ounce of strength I had to steer it to the side of the road. This could’ve resulted in a horrible crash. This is deadly and should be recalled. The service power steering light came on. The dealer wants $3000 to replace the ele... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2024
Dear NHTSA Defects and Recall Team, My name is [XXX] , and I am writing this email along with my wife, [XXX] , to report a serious safety issue with our 2023 Kia Sportage. I am writing to bring a serious, ongoing vehicle safety issue involving a Kia Sportage to your attention. My family and I are facing repeated, hazardous malfunctions with our vehicle that have led us to fear for our lives, as ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2024
10/2020 - Bought this van at Findlay Honda in Henderson, relied upon Carfax report provided by the dealer that No Manufacture Recalls Reported to Carfax. Vehicle Qualifies for the Carfax Buyback Program. [XXX] - @ around 1am I was driving at [XXX] towards [XXX] when the van lose power and was forced to parked near a safety zone. Waited out for an hour and was able to arrived home safely. 02/... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2024
10/2020 - Bought this van at Findlay Honda in Henderson, relied upon Carfax report provided by the dealer that No Manufacture Recalls Reported to Carfax. Vehicle Qualifies for the Carfax Buyback Program. [XXX] - @ around 1am I was driving at [XXX] towards [XXX] when the van lose power and was forced to parked near a safety zone. Waited out for an hour and was able to arrived home safely. 02/... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
Power train and engine failure and causing my Kia to catch on fire at 11:30 coming back home from work. I was Driving home and smell smoke and car was shaking and when I stopped at the highway to open and look fire was on while driving and I had to call 911 and stop the fire. I had some fire extinguisher in the car I stopped the fire and towed the car and I replaced engine and powered train For ov... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
Main head display in front of driver is blank. No live driving information is displayed, speed, state of charge, etc. This has happened 3 separate times at this point. So far, leaving the car turned off and locked for an undetermined amount of time (over 30 minutes?) has resolved the issue as the next time the car is started the display functions as normal.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
Car suddenly went into neutral and a drivetrain fault error message popped up. Unable to set to drive to continue driving. Powered off car and back on and same error message.
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
Complaint Summary: I am the current owner of a 2014 Kia Optima, which is affected by recall 23V652 related to the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU). The vehicle was imported to the UAE, and the recall was not addressed by the previous owner. As a result, I am now facing significant safety issues. Since taking ownership, I have encountered multiple engine problems, including sudden power l... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
Service Electronic Stability Control error thrown while driving down a main highway. Truck went into max RPM and slowed to 20MPH or less on a high traffic road and could have caused major accident. Truck is currently at the dealer awaiting diagnosis. No warning prior to failure and error message thrown and vehicle is currently on a recall for the same issue for same year make and model, however my... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
In April 2024, My vehicle lost power while driving on the interstate and no warning, just a wrench popped up on the instrument panel. I put the vehicle in neutral and started back up and no more issues since until this past week in October 2024 with about 145000k miles, it happened twice without warning on the interstate. I looked up my Vin# and saw there was a noted issue from Ford Motor Company ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2024
the entertainment screen goes black. screen has been black for 2 weeks. will still show back up camera when in reverse. screen does not work other than back up camera. unable to change air/heat settings. the back right seat will not lay down. the electrical component will not work. there is no manual way to let down seat. 3rd row seat stuck in up right position.
Incident date: Oct 26, 2024
2017 Chrysler Pacifica Touring L with 3.6L engine. Odometer 78623 miles. Noted rough idling of engine for a few seconds when started. Later in day, at low speeds, check engine light came on solidly (no flashing) for a few seconds and then turned off. Early next morning took van to reputable local mechanic who has maintained the vehicle according to Chrysler recommendations. They pulled error ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2023
The engine has had counts of misfire in all 4 cylinders, since 1 week after I bought this brand-new pickup truck. The misfire counts are getting more and more, although there is NOT any warning codes, nor loss of power.
Incident date: Oct 9, 2024
The heat in my 2013 Ford Explorer won't work. The Rad fan isn't working so any antifreeze I put in is gone after 1 trip to the store. It's burning it. The sunroof has never opened fully, it wobbles. The electrical is shot on it. There are so many safety issues with this vehicle and I see I'm not the only one but yet I search my Vin and there are no recalls that's not right
Incident date: Oct 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted from fourth to first gear, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The air bag and power train warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the PCM needed to be reprogra... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Charger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V198000 (Air Bags); 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 experienced... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal was pushing his foot upwards. The contact had to step on the brake pedal very hard to stop the vehicle to prevent a crash. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the forward camera was obstructed. The steering over corrected while turned off. The vehicle was accelerating and decelerating independently. The Forward Collision Avoidance system engaged without an object being nearby. Additionally, the driver’s side seat belt randomly unlatched. There were no warning lights illumina... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2024
The contact owned a 2020 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped on the expressway for roadway construction, another vehicle rear-ended the rear driver's side. The contact's head and face struck the steering wheel, causing a nosebleed. The vehicle spun and collided with two to three other occupied vehicles; however, the contact did not know if anyone was injured. The a... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 17, 2024
The contact owned a 2020 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped on the expressway for roadway construction, another vehicle rear-ended the rear driver's side. The contact's head and face struck the steering wheel, causing a nosebleed. The vehicle spun and collided with two to three other occupied vehicles; however, the contact did not know if anyone was injured. The a... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
Coming to a stop the engine just quit, as if I turned the ignition switch off. The dash was also blank. I turned the switch to the off position and then back to the on position, and it started as normal. I have read about this same sort of thing happening to numerous other riders of this bike. Triumph needs to have a recall to fix the glitch in the ecu.
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
Coming to a stop the engine just quit, as if I turned the ignition switch off. The dash was also blank. I turned the switch to the off position and then back to the on position, and it started as normal. I have read about this same sort of thing happening to numerous other riders of this bike. Triumph needs to have a recall to fix the glitch in the ecu.
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
purchased vehicle on 10/12/2024 was driving it home the car started knocking, and loosing acceleration on freeway. the car was smelling of very volatile gas fumes. i put some gas in car for the trip home . drove about 15-18 miles had to pullover into the v shape of the merging section of a on ramp,. could not make it to the emergency lane on the freeway. used family members road side assistance to... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
NHTSA Recall Number 16V643 After 3 attempts in 2 years, it is become evidential that Ford dealers are deliberately NOT willing to complete this recall for customer, probably because it takes too much time. [XXX]: rear left door latch failed. Call Robinson Brothers Ford, 11455 Airline Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70816, was told there is no parts, so I had to replace it by myself using part bought from Am... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
The engine revs a s will not accelerate. I have to stop put car in park and turn it off and on. This has happened many times. Dealership says they can’t do anything unless an engine light or code is present. I even showed them videos.
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
All of a sudden, the accelerator pedal stopped working --- all I really know is that the car wouldn't accelerate, regardless of how much I pressed on the pedal, and the car had to roll to a stop. A bunch of warning lights came on about the brakes malfunctioning, but I don't remember if the brakes actually stopped working (I was more focused on the fact that I couldn't accelerate --- this happened ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
All of a sudden, the accelerator pedal stopped working --- all I really know is that the car wouldn't accelerate, regardless of how much I pressed on the pedal, and the car had to roll to a stop. A bunch of warning lights came on about the brakes malfunctioning, but I don't remember if the brakes actually stopped working (I was more focused on the fact that I couldn't accelerate --- this happened ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
3 different episodes suv will start by appear warning lights downhill, slippery road, abs, engine , decrease speed, shuts down, tire pressure finally battery dead and rubber smell. I've had it fixed once mentioned it was Altarnator, second time battery, finally third time something electrical or unknown. Total cost now $3000 and my life in danger al 3 times and towec.
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
Brakes would lock up, posing safety risk to occupants. Other times, brakes go to floor posing risk to occupants and pedestrians. Multiple repairs, over 3 years and car cannot be driven still. Hyundai unwilling to reimburse 1000s in repair and thousands in rental/loss of use.
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
Brakes would lock up, posing safety risk to occupants. Other times, brakes go to floor posing risk to occupants and pedestrians. Multiple repairs, over 3 years and car cannot be driven still. Hyundai unwilling to reimburse 1000s in repair and thousands in rental/loss of use.
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
I noticed that on the passenger front has a boge on the sidewall. Than I received a call from Firestone that front driver side has a boge on the sidewall. That tire the boge was on the inside not visible. So we had to replace both tires.( 215/45R17)
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
all camera work off and on had it at dealer 6times cannot fix it
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
Oil consumption issue caused timing chain to go causing catastrophic damage to the engine resulting in over 3000$ in repairs the oil light does not come on nor does it have a low oil pressure warning
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
I lost my speedometer, mileage reading go out along with losing 1st 2nd and 6th gear. I got home turned it off and turned it back on and everything started working again. From what I read this is the same problem that ford had and did a recall on 1.2 million of the same year of truck. But my truck doesn’t show it was recalled
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 428I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a ... Read more