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: Aug 24, 2024
SVC 4WD warning. Diagnosed at Jeep Dealership (Recommend replace due to CODE C14A7-97 - PTU Motor-Component or System Operation Obstructed or Blocked. Part is on a back-order status, the only information provided from the manufacturer is they are working to obtain part status. We have no ETA on part at this time.) Part is not available, and car can't be driven
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
There is a recall on my vehicle. I received my first letter in May2024. I took it to dealership and they ran test but said they couldnt fix the recall bc Kia hasn't sent them the remedy so they sent us home. I called Kia customer service and they said when remedy is ready I'll get another letter. I just got that letter a few days ago and called dealership (Superior kia Orangeburg SC). They will fi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
While driving on the highway at 60MPH, the check engine light came on first, then got an overheating issue. Let car cool, then drove city streets and took car to an independent auto repair shop. They read the engine and it had error code P0304. Shop bore scoped into cylinder 4 and found engine coolant. Took to dealer to confirm, they did find that engine coolant was leaking into cylinder 4 and r... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
While driving on the highway at 60MPH, the check engine light came on first, then got an overheating issue. Let car cool, then drove city streets and took car to an independent auto repair shop. They read the engine and it had error code P0304. Shop bore scoped into cylinder 4 and found engine coolant. Took to dealer to confirm, they did find that engine coolant was leaking into cylinder 4 and r... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH, the sun visor had detached both the driver and passenger sides. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the sun visor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.
Incident date: May 16, 2024
It's clear that my abs module is bad but it consists of three components. Mopar online doesn't have any components available to fix the problem. And the Dealer is selling the components separately and telling you which one they will sell you first and also at a higher price than what's available to you online
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
The infotainment screen has delaminated rendering it unusable and will intermittantly interrupt the backup camera while moving. This is the second screen already with this issue in my vehicle
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine had experienced rough idling, the coolant reservoir was continuously low and the check engine light had remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that engine coolant was present inside the engine cylinders. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be repla... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
When pushing the gas car will not accelerate then they’ll be like a big “clunk” like it’s not into gear and then the car will slow slowly accelerate then it’ll shoot off. Also my screen goes crazy like something electrical is happening .
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
Driving the car on the road the car stalled went off and I could not turn it on at all. It has to be towed to the dealership. Luckily, we avoided an accident
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
Sporadically, when in snow mode, the car refuses to accelerate at all. Moderate pressing of the gas pedal or completely flooring it, the car will not respond and accelerate. The only way to fix this is to change it out of snow mode. This does not happen 100% of the time when in snow mode. It is sporadic. This has happened multiple times to me and it always seems to occur when in the middle of maki... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle downshifted with the transmission speed sensor warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the same diagnos... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
Big oil leak on 3.0 Eco-Diesel front lower timing chain cover Dealer been trying to repair leak for over 2 years. Keepes leaking more and more. Yesterday driving smoke and oil fumes were coming inside the vehicle. You could smell burning oil. This vehicle is a major fire hazard and unsafe to drive. It's also hazardous to the environment and salmon streams. I see from the internet lots of other ow... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
Left screen where odometer should show become blackout at the middle of my driving. Went to drive for 200 miles without odometer and other warning signs because the screen are all blackout, 3rd time happen. 1st was Gear also not emgaging and blackout screen 3 months ago, then same incident happen 2 months ago and then another incident with same reason for this month.
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
Loud grinding noise coming from engine compartment accompanied by a loud shrill alert. When attempting to pull over to a safe place, I put my foot on the brake pedal, but immediately became distressed because it felt like I had no brakes at all. After applying extreme pressure to the brake pedal, the car did begin to slow down, albeit very slowly. I had 2 passengers in the car (ages [XXX] and [XX... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
2017 Ford f150 Raptor transmission 10r80 has been many complaints of Ford owners due to safety issues. My truck jerks from Park to drive. Also when driving, the gears don't shift correctly. I'm hoping their is a solution that Ford needs to pay and take care of this transmission problem. As in the meantime I have my Ford truck in the Dealership hoping it can be a Recall.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
The drivers display went blank. There is one indication so speed, break settings, turn signals or any of the safety related items such as blind spot, collision warning ect.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
Does not start reliably. When driving vehicle sputters and even stalls or complete shut offs while driving. Will loose ability to accelerate and lack power. Taken to 4 different mechanics / 2 of which Dodge Dealerships and no one can find whats wrong. Engine light on.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
Does not start reliably. When driving vehicle sputters and even stalls or complete shut offs while driving. Will loose ability to accelerate and lack power. Taken to 4 different mechanics / 2 of which Dodge Dealerships and no one can find whats wrong. Engine light on.
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
The initial incident happened when I was accelerating uphill. When I pressed the gas pedal to accelerate, the car began jerking and sputtering. I released the gas pedal and let the car coast, as I was heading toward a stop sign. After I stopped and then accelerated the second time, the engine seemed to smooth out. Nothing further happened until about 1 week later. The second incident, I was 35 mi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
My check engine light keeps turning on and off. I took it to the dealership and they gave me a list of things to fix in the future but nothing too serious. They fixed the intake manifold, which I was not aware or informed that it had a recall on it, and they cleaned the valves. They turned off the check engine light and when I picked up the car, it came back on. I informed them about it and they t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH as the contact depressed the brake pedal, he felt that the brake pedal was soft and he had to depress the pedal with more force to stop. No warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake booster needed t... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE PHEV
(2024) — EQUIPMENT
Oct 15, 2024
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the dealer informed them that there were chip shortages regarding the steering of the vehicle and that when a remedy was released they would be included. The contact had learned of the Ford Technical Serviced Bulletin with the NHTSA ID Number: 10243408 (Equipment, steering). The contact called the dealer who informed them the VIN was not ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
Severe rust to vehicle frame COMMON TO THIS VEHICLE, no accident. Rust has corroded frame despite normal use and normal care. Vehicle hasn't reached 75k miles yet, and the frame is failing. How is this not a recall?
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
I was slowing to a stop for a red light while in traffic. My foot was lightly on the brake. I felt a bump on the front right I think, like perhaps I had hit a small pothole. The pavement was dry. It was about 100 degrees. My car lurched forward. I applied firm pressure to the brake. It made no difference as far as slowing the car. The brakes seemed locked. I thought I was going to hit the car in f... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
Sept. 9, 2024 - called local dealer to schedule repair. Parts were not yet available. Placed on a list for them to call when the parts were available. October 15, 2024 - called dealer again. No parts have been received. ETA unknown. Confirmed I was still on the list.
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
Brake pedal sinks all the way to the floor to be able to break. Dealership changed brake booster to solve the problem. It was replaced but it’s still doing the same thing. Next recommendation was to change the brake master cylinder. It was also replacement but still having the same issue. Now the dealership is recommending to change the HCU (hydraulic control unit). I did some research that some... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
while i was driving the van started acting like i was driving a stick shift car. stalling out . Now the car jumps and wants to turn off when I'm reversing or trying to drive. It feels like i am driving a stich shift car and cant get out of first gear.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Ridgeline. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V064000(AIR BAGS) and 24V321000(BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall rep... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a loud rumbling noise that sounded like rocks in the engine. In addition, the contact stated that when the vehicle was parked and the engine was turned off, the vehicle was started, however, the vehicle did not start. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechani... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
My 2022 Nissan Rouge S model began experiencing a strong gas smell inside the vehicle. Upon further inspection of the oil dipstick it smells heavily of gas. It has been to the dealership twice with absolutely no help or answers. It has also caused my engine oil levels to rise. I am concerned not only from a monetary stand point but more importantly from a safety standpoint i.e. engine stalls, fire... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
My 2022 Nissan Rouge S model began experiencing a strong gas smell inside the vehicle. Upon further inspection of the oil dipstick it smells heavily of gas. It has been to the dealership twice with absolutely no help or answers. It has also caused my engine oil levels to rise. I am concerned not only from a monetary stand point but more importantly from a safety standpoint i.e. engine stalls, fire... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2024
Ford currently has a TSB (15-0192 idle smoking) out on the Ford Mustang, specifically my car. They know it is an issue, and that several people are having problems with it. But they are not considering it a recall. These cars are having heavy amounts of smoke residuals, which is both damaging to the environment, and to people’s respiratory care as it is blowing major amounts of smoke in the air,... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
Noting that prior to this we only had one issue with transmission and we did the flush and it did fine for several thousand of miles. Fast forward to a few days ago. As I was driving down the highway I came to a stop at the red light. Once it was green and I pressed on the accelerator with my foot per usual. And it did not move it pushed the gas peddle and nothing at all happened. I was stuck in t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
Noting that prior to this we only had one issue with transmission and we did the flush and it did fine for several thousand of miles. Fast forward to a few days ago. As I was driving down the highway I came to a stop at the red light. Once it was green and I pressed on the accelerator with my foot per usual. And it did not move it pushed the gas peddle and nothing at all happened. I was stuck in t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
I am experiencing episodic loss of power steering assist without warning. This lasts for several seconds then power steering is restored. "StabiliTrak” message may be displayed during the event. On one occasion my radio also went off when my power steering failed. On one occasion my vehicle died shortly after losing power steering which almost resulted in me having a motor vehicle accident.... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
The main instrument panel went black just shift indicator is visible. Did not know how fast i was going. No warning messages or lamps came on prior to not coming on.
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
Car transmission is having issue and car has only 64000 mile, also multiple place that I got opinion mentioned this car model is having transmission issue.
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
There is a creaking noise coming from underneath the steering wheel when turning the wheel left or right. The sound is audible when driving at slow and moderate speeds when turning the wheel greater than ~90 degrees in either direction. The main concern is that the noise could indicate a more severe safety problem in the future. Vehicle is currently being inspected by the dealer after recreating t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2023
To be clear, the vehicle was not in an accident. The check airbag light keeps pinging every few minutes while driving. So I took to the Chevrolet of Watsonvill dealership and said the truck has a faulty passenger door airbag, which raises safety concerns for me. I have a [XXX] son as well as two [XXX] parents that sit in the passenger seat often and would hate for that faulty airbag to either ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2024
Electrical warning issue, totally stopped and showed all the faults on the dash. Seems like starter/alternator problem. Located in Spain, car is from US. Will tow the car to the dealer.
Incident date: Oct 12, 2024
Ford performed a safety recall for driveshaft repair and the recall was performed - as a result of the upgraded parts (first section of driveshaft and ujoint) installed due to the recall, the driveshaft is out of balance due to the newly changed design of the driveline (going from a giubo joint to a ujoint). The vehicle now needs the rest of the driveshaft balanced (a ~15ft long driveshaft) as a r... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2024
This car has been in the shop on 6 different occasions and has yet to have anything properly repaired. It has brake/rotor issues since about 15,000 miles. It has a really bad oil leak that it has been in twice for now.
Incident date: Oct 6, 2024
This car has been in the shop on 6 different occasions and has yet to have anything properly repaired. It has brake/rotor issues since about 15,000 miles. It has a really bad oil leak that it has been in twice for now.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
My 2018 Ram rear turn signals intermittently work. They can be working and the in the middle of a turn stop working. They may not work at all on any given day. They may work all day. Has been looked at. Not short in wiring, has good solid connection, just intermittent working
Incident date: Jun 5, 2023
The start button doesn’t work properly. I have to push it many times to start the car or turn it off. Sometimes doesn’t work at all.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2023
the engine has failure has been twice 5500 repair, because the ECO mode that was known in a former class action. HONDA Motor has done nothing to actually cure the problem and continues to sell faulty engines that can cause engine failure mid drive and causes a safety issue, and has proven over and over again that this failure has not been resolved. We were told by a few places so the engine doesn'... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2020
Hydraulic Control Unit & ABS Module. 2018 Ram 2500 4x4 Bought truck new, the HCU & ABS Module parts failed issuing constant alarms on dash. Parts were replaced in April 2021 under warranty with approximately 22,000 miles on truck. Now getting the same alarms again and dealer says the Hydraulic Control Unit has failed again. Truck only has 47,000 miles and are in need of replacement again. Look... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
The vehicle has coolant leaking into the cylinders. The dealership shows that it was due to overheating but the vehicle has not overheated. The dealership states that the engine needs replacement but is unable to verify any damage in the cylinders. The vehicle was taken in due to misfiring and the vehicle dying upon starting after a short period of time being turned off.
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2023) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 14, 2024
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
After the PGM-FI update was put into our car, the engine cuts out entirely while at stop lights and will not wake back up. The Honda dealership is saying that there is nothing they can do.