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 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
Incident date: Jul 16, 2024
Reason is unknown, was driving down road and car yanked to the right cause family to wreck in to a guard rail, no lights appeared before wreck, it was not raining and was not speeding. Clear sunny day. Police report has been made and has made several attempts to contact KIA, car has been in body shop since July. Wreck has happened in July. Car is still at body shop KIA told body shop there was no ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 16, 2024
Driving on an Interstate Highway in Florida, hit a small "rut" in the roadway at Highway speeds and the front end started shaking "VIOLENTLY" to the point I though the vehicle was going to "Roll Over". I had to slow down, switch from the center lane of a three lane highway crossing over the outside lane then onto the shoulder of the Highway, get the speed down from 70 to 50 mph before the "Violen... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the “Service 4WD” warning light was illuminated. While driving approximately 45 MPH and decelerating, the vehicle suddenly stalled from the transmission independently shifting into neutral(N) and failing to release. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed and determined that the transfer case (PTU) had failed and needed t... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2024
The shift to park constantly appears when you go to park the vehicle only to be resolved with shaking the stick and clicking the button to get it to park fully. Additionally this car has had to have the alternator replaced after only 4 years of having it which I find to be ridiculous and have heard many other customers have had the same issue of it failing early on I think there must be something ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
Complete engine failure, knocking like crazy, fuel smell in the oil, The shop said the fuel in the oil broke it down and allowed the motor to fail. We were driving down the highway when it happened with family and kids which was not safe at all. No warning message at all, no check engine light, the shop has inspected and said it’s failed. The kia dealership has said many of the Kia’s have... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
NHTSA Recall # 23V-487 Manufacturer Recall # 6023G issued July 14, 2023 After repeated phone calls to the Manufacturer and the Mazda Dealership, the recall has not been fixed. I have been told that the parts are not available. As of this date, 16 months after the recall, Mazda has not fixed the problem. I have been told by the Manufacturer and the Mazda Dealership, that parts are not available. Th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Vehicle was manufactured from the factory with defective frame/left upper coil spring mount causing the coil spring to move off it's locking perch making the coil spring unsecured to the vehicle frame. Yes, the vehicle available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
When driving the car normally suddenly there was an extremely loud sound above us. After pulling off the road and inspecting the vehicle we saw that the front sunroof had shattered. Fortunately the bottom cover had been closed else the glass would have fallen on the driver and passengers and very well could have caused an accident and/or injuries. The remaining glass was bowed upwards and there... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
I purchased the car on 10/07\2024, the dealer said there was a recall and I assumed it was for this issue: When I fill the tank it shoots fuel all over the place. Ive tried different gas stations but it doesn't help, it still shoots or spills fuel all over the place. I checked online and this seems to be a known problem caused by the ethanol in the fuel reacting with a check valve. HAVING FUEL SHO... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
I was riding on the freeway when my brakes failed. i was not able to press down on my brakes with zero warning. I had to swerve to miss cars and pull on the shoulder of the freeway and my car still would not slow down. I finally got from 65 to 35 and pressed on my emergency brakes. I stopped the vehicle then my engine light came on and I got my car towed to the car shop where my car would not stop... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the low oil pressure warning illuminated. The contact slowed the vehicle down below highway speed and drove to the residence. The contact parked and turned off the vehicle; however, while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer ... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) — ENGINE
Oct 24, 2024
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
I was driving east from Austin, Tx on [XXX], and as I approached a major intersection in Elgin, Tx., a warning light appeared on my dashboard that said "hybrid system failure: pull over safely". I was able to pull over into the left turn lane and then was barely able to make it over a curb and onto a highway median strip, before my car engine stopped and all dashboard lights went out. This ha... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) — SEATS
Oct 24, 2024
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
While driving, the safety mechanism on my driver's seat headrest malfunctioned and launched forward. I was distracted for a minute after while I tried to figure out what just happened. At first I thought someone rear ended me until I saw there was no one behind me. I saw what happened to the headrest after I pulled into a gas station. I didn't take it to a mechanic because they would've wanted ove... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) — AIR BAGS
Oct 24, 2024
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
The recall has been an ongoing issue; since I am from a smaller valley, Imperial Valley, my dealership has not been able to provide the parts for the repair, this is a major recall seeing as the passenger seat airbag may not deploy. I see no urgency to repair and no customer care. I personally have had to call the dealership asking for updates multiple times and no one is able to assist with the r... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X3. 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failur... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2024
When driving at highway speeds (generally around 50 to 80 mph), the steering wheel has a "sticky" feeling when trying to maintain a straight line. Making minor adjustments with the steering wheel requires excessive force to correct minor lane adjustments. This, in turn, creates a very unpleasant and unsafe driving condition as it feels like you are constantly fighting the steering wheel, just to m... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2022) — STEERING
Oct 23, 2024
Incident date: Oct 20, 2024
The steering gear has failed and is making a popping noise every time you steer to the left or right. The steering gear has been recalled for certain models but not all, my car has the exact same issue but its not listed on the recall. This problem could lead to loss of steering and a crash per the Safety Recall V99/NHTSA 19V-637. The car has been inspected by a Jeep dealer and they confirmed the ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
I was driving into a parking lot and heard a loud bang. I get out of my car and see that the metal that connects the tire to the car came down and screws came out. It is not drivable. I know this is not something normal and shouldn't happen. This is very dangerous and I am grateful I wasn't on the freeway when it happened. I was not involved in any collision and i did not hit anything. This simply... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
I was driving into a parking lot and heard a loud bang. I get out of my car and see that the metal that connects the tire to the car came down and screws came out. It is not drivable. I know this is not something normal and shouldn't happen. This is very dangerous and I am grateful I wasn't on the freeway when it happened. I was not involved in any collision and i did not hit anything. This simply... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
While driving at highway speeds, the driver initiated what was to be a standard lane change from right to left to accommodate traffic merging onto the highway into the right-hand lane. About halfway through the lane change, the vehicle automatically and unexpectedly braked hard, locking the wheels. This led to high stress and back/neck pain. If traffic had not been light at the time, the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH and turning right onto a main road, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact pulled over, turned off and restarted the vehicle to reset the steering functionality. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, an... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
I have had 2 incidents in which the 2nd row seat belts on either of the end seats fails to release. The first incident resulted in a seat belt being wrapped around the headrest and unable to release. I had to take the car to a mechanic for it be undone resulting in a broken headrest. This was in May 2024. Today the seatbelt was stuck around my child's abdomen. The seatbelt got tighter around his ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The fuel temperature sensor is faulty.The car is no longer under warranty but is only 31k miles, the fuel temperature sensor can be purchased by itself so the entire fuel pump has to be replaced and they’re very expensive.I know this is a common problem with this temperature sensor. Also the electronic emergency button stopped working about 2 years ago.
Incident date: Jun 26, 2024
The contact owned a 2015 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, and while at a complete stop, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood and through the A/C vents. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the A/C only blew hot air. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the ti... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
2023 f350 4x4 6.7 powerstroke diesel and engine is knocking and seems to a spun bearing metal.shaving all in my oil
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Currently have 518 Diagnostic History Codes (DTC)in memory. Additionally, I have 3 Active DTC’s. The codes are: DTC C160C87 DTC System CHASSIS DTC Sub System LKAS, and DTC C160C87 DTC System CHASSIS DTC Sub System SCC, and DTC C163881 DTC system CHASSIS DTC Sub System SCC FIRST OCCURRENCE: during actual assembly in Montgomery, AL plant. I have asked three Hyundai Service dealers for help. Al... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 70-75 MPH, the transmission was shifting hard and unintendedly shifted to various gears continuously. The power train warning light was illuminated. The message "Power Train - Engine Failure - See Owner’s Manual" was displayed. Additionally, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the transmission assembly. The mess... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
Multiple Safety Concerns: 1)The vehicles Emergency Braking System engaged TWICE, SUDDENLY, and in busy traffic/highway situations. Now told BREAK PADS AND ROTORS are worn and rusted badly-unusually soon for a newly purchased car-less than a year old. The Austin Jaguar Land Rover dealership’s service person told me “most clients are replacing at 9,500 miles.” If this is truly the case, th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
Middle row passenger seatbelt malfunctioning. Waiting on part on back order. Available for inspection until it gets replaced. Numerous occasions noticed the belt would lock when getting children out of car and didn’t think anything of it. Had to move middle row seat to get it to retract out of the lock position. Today my child got tangled in the seatbelt and he was trying to get out of car and ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The car had a recall, and they worked on it. A few years later the power steering went out while driving and almost had an accident. They did not replace the steering gear they only worked on the steering module. If they had replaced the steering gear, it may have solved the whole problem. They know there was a problem and did not do their best to solve it. There may be thousands of vehicles waiti... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
I turned on my car and the screen did not turn on. I couldn’t see my speed or did not know if my turn signals were actually on or not.
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
Air conditioning became less cool over the summer. Early October 2024, slight rattling noise heard in engine on acceleration. Approximately a week later, the battery died and was replaced. In the following days, rattling noise became louder and also heard a tapping sound. No warning lights, check engine light, etc. Taken to a local mechanic who inspected and informed us the timing chain is nearly ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2024
Vehicle has been under recall since February of 2024. The exterior A-pillar applique trim clip attachments were not properly engaged due to improper assembly. This trim piece fell off in highway traffic of 70 mph. Ford is still showing that the repair is not yet available.
Incident date: Oct 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (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 contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was made a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
I brought my vehicle to my dealer in March to have my brake system repaired as there was a known recall on this vehicle and was told there is no remedy available but it was safe to drive. The power brake booster in my 2024 BMW X7 failed on October 17, 2024 while I was driving downhill with a child in the car around a blind turn. I was not able to stop for several hundred feet and would have pote... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, and the steering wheel seized. In addition, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with power steering rack assembly failure. The contact was informed that the power steering rac... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2025 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V763000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 24V744000 (Steering); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact had not experienced a fa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven back to the residence. A dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Incident date: Feb 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 BMW X7. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic); 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, ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
I take my wife's Nissan Altima (2015) to dealer (Jackie Cooper, Tulsa) regularly and (in 2020) asked them why the headlights were so dim. Told me there was a class action suit ongoing and that we could fix it and wait for the settlement to submit receipts, or we could wait and that they would call when the suit was settled. Was never notified by dealership that we could bring it in to get replaced... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
My fuel pump has been failing multiple times over the last 4 months. It has left me stranded in the middle of intersections, freeways, and highways on multiple occasions that has cause back up traffic and areas of the road completely closed until I can move my car. I have had this car diagnosed twice with a certified mechanic shop and a master tech with these issues and it is confirmed both times ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
The sunroof broke while being opened which required immediate repair since it was propped open. The only fix according to the dealer was to replace the entire unit which cost more than $5k with parts and labor
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
Fuel injectors, transfer case prop shaft
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
The PTU on my 2014 Jeep Cherokee failed and was replaced. The attached documents were sent to Stellantis as a “reimbursement request”, was denied per the attached 10/17 email from Jeep Customer Care. As evidenced by numerous online complaints as well as NHTSA Recalls and class action lawsuits, replacement of the PTU was the result of a faulty design and safety concerns. The Stellantis refu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2024
No warning lights have come on and the car is braking on its own. I try to push the gas and it doesn't want to go. The car has around 42k miles on it. I took it to tom bush mini last week, the said the front axle was leaking some fluid, they ordererd the axle, changed all brake pads, changed the brake fluid and said it was good to go, cost about $2300. Got the car back, doing the same thing. ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
My kia has always used a lot of oil to the point I need to top it off regularly despite getting recommended oil changes and doing recommended maintenance. Recently My engine started misfiring so I replaced all spark plugs and ignition coils, but was still having issues. Found out today that catalytic converter is main issue and needs to be replaced. Dealer is requiring I bring in to determine if a... Read more