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 21, 2024
The contact owned a 2023 BMW 760i. 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 while driving at an undisclosed speed, t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2014
My 2014 Kia Soul ! has had 2 codes, P1326 which is related to a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) which has ties to a known Rod Bearing issue. And a P0420 code related to the Catalytic converter. There was a lawsuit which led to a Recall issued for this vehicle, however, it appears only for 1.6L engine. Mine is 2.0. Just basic online searches have discovered an overwhelming amount of other ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2014
The horn location is a button to the right of the center airbag on the steering wheel. It is small, difficult to find when under stress and needed. Impossible to find when in a turn. In the past 10 months I have had multiple occasions needed to alert another vehicle of an unsafe situation, and have never been able to activate the horn when needed. This is simply not safe. My car is a 2023 Model S.... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2014
The contact owns a 2024 Mazda CX-30. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate from a stop light, the braking system erroneously activated causing the vehicle to abruptly stop. The failure also occurred while driving forward into a parking space. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate or determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The ma... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
The cluster information display on the dashboard that shows fuel level, odometer, oil life, and trip mileage blinks and flashes and sometimes disappears completely, leaving only a blue screen. When it blinks parts of the characters disappear and it is not possible to read any of the information. The problem is intermittent but getting worse.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
Car is still driving good, but after I've had it for a little over a year now the first thing I noticed was my horn went out, then the headlights went out, then my temp gage is flashing and the engine light comes on & off. Certain dash lights come on & off. I just got an oil change. I've been taking my vehicles to Pep Boys for several years now. My last oil change on the Sanoto was the 3rd or 4t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2024
My start-stop system engaged while I was in a turning lane at a traffic light and turned my engine off. When the light turned green, I lifted my foot off the brake and the vehicle attempted to restart but stalled. My emergency parking break engaged and multiple service lights appeared on my dash including: service transmission, service engine, service traction control, service emergency breaking s... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
Earlier last year, we had suddenly had an issue with the Kia Soul. We received a check engine light and noticed a loud clicking noise as the vehicle began accelerating and noticed the vehicle had difficulty accelrating. We left the vehicle parked and then attempted to change the battery and oil to see if either were a contributing factor. When we noticed no improvement upon turning on the car, we ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
RAM 1500 - 2019 - about 50,000 miles Vehicle had check engine light, code was failed spark plug. Also lost coolant. Took it to a independent mechanic shop near home and they confirmed the head gasket has failed via pressure test. Truck is 4 months out of warranty and the dealership / manufacturer is not helping me resolve the issue. The coolant was leaking into that particular spark plug. Can’... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2024
the brake booster stop working or shortated out and broke the belt now the brakes are hard to push while i was driving
Incident date: Oct 8, 2024
Under normal operating conditions all sensors malfunctioned causing all abs systems to stop working.
Incident date: Oct 8, 2024
My vehicle was impacted by NHTSA Recall 24V-720. FCA has done nothing to fix the problem and has no forecast for the parts or repairs. Meanwhile, I cannot charge my $60K vehicle, or park it at my house. I have been trying to reach FCA for 3 days now and nobody answers their phone calls either. This is the worst customer service on a safety issue that I have ever seen. I know most Jeep owners are ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2024
I have had this car since May 2024 and the current mileage on the vehicle is 7,130 miles. In the past few weeks, I have had to completely replace both rear OEM aluminum alloy wheels due to cracks caused by normal road driving, which caused both rear tires to go flat. Per Tesla, this costly replacement is not covered under their warranty. I am now learning that this is a common issue with these par... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
While placing an item in the rear of my Honda Odyssey mini-van the hatch began to close on me. The safety sensor did not activate and the hatch was closing with great pressure. I was able to slide out before being pinned or severely injured. After investigating why it happened, I discovered and was able to replicate the behavior. The key fob was in my right front pocket at the time I was almost ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
Internal engine failure causing coolant to leak into the cylinders. Have been advised that a new engine is necessary. Car warranty has expired due to age. Mileage is 53,042.
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
The ignition cylinder was replaced in my vehicle because the key would not turn in the ignition to start the car. It is actually, the fourth time this has happened. I understand that there have been two recalls on this issue in the past. The reason it was recalled is because the ignition has turned to the off position killing the car's engine while the driver is driving on the road which has cause... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
While driving with the cruise control set to 55 mph, the car began an uncommanded acceleration. When I looked down on the dashboard display I noticed that the cruise control target speed was set to 95 mph. I switched of the cruise control and resumed manual control of the speed. When I switch the cruise control back on I observed the target speed rapidly increase from the intended 55 mph to 95 ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
The contact owned a 2023 BMW 760i. 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 while driving at an undisclosed speed, t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
I purchased my vehicle new from Rivian Automotive in November 2023. My rear tire went flat (to 4 PSI) while driving on the freeway on Dec 11, 2023. There was no warning message on the dash that my tire was even low. The truck kept swerving left and right between the lane markers like the lane assist was malfunctioning. Another driver got my attention to let me know my tire was flat. I had my SUV ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Earlier last year, we had suddenly had an issue with the Kia Soul. We received a check engine light and noticed a loud clicking noise as the vehicle began accelerating and noticed the vehicle had difficulty accelrating. We left the vehicle parked and then attempted to change the battery and oil to see if either were a contributing factor. When we noticed no improvement upon turning on the car, we ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
Was driving down the highway with no indication of any problems with my car. It just shuts off completely had to coast to the side of the road get someone to tow me home. While on side of the road opened the hood and saw white smoke come from the engine. Just had an oil change and coolant is fine.
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
I was driving on a highway. All of the sudden sunroof glass explored and shattered. There was no rock chip or any cracks on the sunroof it happen instantly.
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
Rusty frame undercarriage. It’s not going to get any better due to the fact I have to drive on hwy 80 with all the construction, that’s a hazard itself, potholes everywhere that puts stress on your frame and the salt every winter.
Incident date: Oct 20, 2024
I was in a car accident .A woman failed to yield at a stop sign and rammed into the front of my car at a high accelerated speed. I was restrained but the right side of my forehead hit the rearview mirror .causing two huge knots on my head. My eye glasses also smashed into my right eye and I had a cut above my eye .I was thrown to the right passenger seat area , my right hip hit the gear shift an... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Oct 6, 2024
While driving I heard noises, like “flap,flap,flap”. Pulled over to look at the tire and saw that the tire was peeling. Changed to the donut spare tire and went to “Firestone” 5 days later to have a new tire put on because the original service shop, “Mr King auto services center”, would not take any responsibility for a the tire that was purchased and installed by them 6 months prior. ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2024
While driving I heard noises, like “flap,flap,flap”. Pulled over to look at the tire and saw that the tire was peeling. Changed to the donut spare tire and went to “Firestone” 5 days later to have a new tire put on because the original service shop, “Mr King auto services center”, would not take any responsibility for a the tire that was purchased and installed by them 6 months prior. ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2024
I am writing to let you know that 10/2/2024 my 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid Sport had sudden loss of drive-line power while I was traveling on the highway at 75mph. I was able to safely coast/navigate to the shoulder and stop. Steering and braking systems were normal. The car would not drive or restart once stopped. A tow truck was called to tow my car to the nearest Honda dealer to be fixed. The... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
In August of 2024, my 2010 Prius with less than 100,000 miles - all the brake warning lights on the dash suddenly came on - without any prior warning. The brakes felt a little "funny" at the time, so I took it to my mechanic immediately because my safety or the safety of other was at risk if the brakes completely failed. My mechanic informed me that there was a TSB for the brake booster with mast... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2023
My Hyundai sonata is burning oil internally from the engine
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
This vehicle will reduce or cut throttle application/response relative to how many degrees the steering wheel is turning. When trying to pull out in traffic if you have the wheel turned beyond a set angle the throttle doesn't respond as expected and acceleration is greatly reduced. It will also cut the throttle if you pull out and then turn only to fully accelerate as the wheel is straightened o... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2024
Failed tcm. Shaking and jerking car. Under 80k miles. Breaks stopped working in drive. Won't reverse. Same make,model,year and problem as recall warranty but for some reason my vin isn't included.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The windshield wipers do not work. When the wipers are turned on, the spray comes on and does not turn off. You are unable to see as the spray keeps spraying the entire time the wipers are on. I took the dealer twice and they have been unable to repair. They now say are waiting for parts. I can't be the only one. This is very concerning. Luckily I live in Las Vegas and we have little rain. What ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
Three warnings light up: Antilock Brake Fault, Hill Start Assist Warning, and Pre-Collision Assist Not Available. Brakes failed. I was fortunate that no one was in front of me but the truck barely stopped. Took full pedal to the floor to force lockup. I am filing the matter as it does appear to be a frequently occurring concern in 2021 and 2022 models based on what I have read to date.
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the transmission fluid was leaking. The dealer diagnosed that the power transfer unit had failed, causing the rear differential to be replaced. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
There are two open recalls, and I have tried reaching out local dealer as well as Honda email, to get these repaired. However, I have been told that fix is not available. It has a year plus and I worry driving car with these issues ignored by Honda. Thanks.
Incident date: Oct 13, 2024
Oil pan is rusted out and leaking.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
There is a recall on the breaks and parts will not be available until January.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
P0236 , p0238, p007d, p0456, charged air sensor A fault, boost sensor range/performance fault, and other faults , crank car engine service now pops up everytime, clear codes pops rite back up, car stumbles ,misfires , no boost, no throttle shuts off . Only had this car a week . Performed wire splice and anything I saw that I could do to fix this . No help making payments on a car I can't drive is ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
P0236 , p0238, p007d, p0456, charged air sensor A fault, boost sensor range/performance fault, and other faults , crank car engine service now pops up everytime, clear codes pops rite back up, car stumbles ,misfires , no boost, no throttle shuts off . Only had this car a week . Performed wire splice and anything I saw that I could do to fix this . No help making payments on a car I can't drive is ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The car is having electrical issues that the dealer service is unable to diagnose. They have since ordered a part but they are not certain that this will fix the problem. The car has been in service 3 times. Twice for an uncontrollable shaking that comes from no where, this has fixed the problem temporarily, however it continues. If I hit highway speeds the car shakes making it difficult to drive.... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The car is having electrical issues that the dealer service is unable to diagnose. They have since ordered a part but they are not certain that this will fix the problem. The car has been in service 3 times. Twice for an uncontrollable shaking that comes from no where, this has fixed the problem temporarily, however it continues. If I hit highway speeds the car shakes making it difficult to drive.... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2024
Noticed clunking noise from rear of car when going over sharp bumps. Inspecting rear suspension revealed the rear driver side coil spring is broken near the bottom of the coil. Judging by amount of rust on the broken ends this has been broken for some time. Searching online this is a common issue for this generation Odyssey, and Honda do not have replacement springs in stock, with estimated wait t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
Passenger seat was unbolted from floor during a service appointment and not secured when dealer returned vehicle to me. Passenger safety was at risk due to the seat rocking during acceleration and deceleration and in turns. The issue was confirmed by the dealer and has since been repaired. No warnings issued by vehicle. The dealer error occurred 10/16/24. It was corrected 10/17/24 after vehicle wa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
Car intermittent problems with not starting. Believe it has to do with smart alternator not charging cause of short distance driving and not getting full charge so it runs down the battery.
Incident date: Sep 29, 2024
The vehicle had a light for emissions. Brought to Honda dealer. Charged me for two diagnosis fees. The tank / neck and fuel pump all rusted out at connection. No rust under or on the vehicle. Obviously the manufacturer has poor quality tank. This does not happen on 8 yr old vehicle and they want $4500 to fix.
Incident date: Sep 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the RMPS were fluctuating, and the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted to second or to third gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the road, and then the contact resumed driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the dealer for a routine oil change, it was discovered that the roof rack was loose and advised the contact to bring the vehicle to the dealer the following day to have it inspected. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer the following day as instructed and it was advised that the roof rack needed to be repla... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
I received a recall notice in Feb of 2024 for a faulty integrated brake module and issues with the antilock breaking system which may result in seemingly catastrophic issues. There is still no fix for this issue-- 9 months seems like a long time to be driving around a car which may "lose control". I'm not sure if I am safe in my car. I'm not totally sure if this is a reasonable amount of time? But... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to charge. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V720000 (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 ... Read more