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: Jan 10, 2025
I drove for about 45 minutes and when I went to back up into a parking spot, the lettering from the main screen was visible on the screen while backing up
Incident date: Feb 8, 2025
My Jeep has stalled while driving 3 times. It has been happening about once each year. The center console no long works. The screen just turned off one day and has never turned back on. Now it will not start. At first the dash turned on with all lights, would not start would not turn off break locked. Then the dash started flashing and the slowly diming until it no longer work. Then the RPM and MP... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2025
The seatbelt timer module has failed. The part is available for inspection upon request. The seatbelts lock up and cannot be unlocked. This means I cannot put in my seatbelt and drive the vehicle safely. The component has not been previously inspected. A seatbelt light comes in when the issue occurs
Incident date: Feb 8, 2025
Just Stopped Working Windshield And Rear Wipers
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
We are writing to describe an issue we had with our 2025 Hyundai Tucson PHEV this past [XXX] day We were returning from Bellingham heading south on [XXX]. The Driver Assistance Eyes on the Road notice came on often, making beeps ([XXX] has experienced this message often even though his eyes are definitely on the road). Suddenly, it came on constantly, and then the alert in the center circle on ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
We are writing to describe an issue we had with our 2025 Hyundai Tucson PHEV this past [XXX] day We were returning from Bellingham heading south on [XXX]. The Driver Assistance Eyes on the Road notice came on often, making beeps ([XXX] has experienced this message often even though his eyes are definitely on the road). Suddenly, it came on constantly, and then the alert in the center circle on ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
The component that failed was the right front differential. My safety and the safety of others was put at high risk as I was driving at 60 mph on the highway and my vehicle suddenly and abruptly reduced speed to about 15mph without any warning. This created an extremely dangerous and potentially hazardous situation as I tried to maneuver my car at this very low speed on the highway in the middle ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the C-shaped LED light at the outer corners of the driver's side headlight was significantly dimmed, which reduced the road visibility. The contact stated that the failure had progressively worsened. The dealer was notified of the failure and charged a repair fee for the headlight replacement. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started to lose power. The contact was able to continue driving and the check engine warning light was later illuminated. The contact stated that upon inspection, the contact discovered that the coolant reservoir was empty. Despite the failure, the contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic, and it ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
Power steering went out while driving on Interstate around 70MPH. Check enginge light along with what seems all the lights and bells started going off. Tuuck shot down and would not restart. Towed to dealer and they said the Power steer rack had a short and needed to be replaced. All parts on on BO with no ETA
Incident date: Feb 7, 2025
My 2016 Honda Accord has approximately 137,000 miles. I change the oil, filters, etc. at regular intervals. One night I noticed a ticking when going uphill. I thought it might be a belt.(no warning lights) The next day I had to go somewhere, and on my way back the ticking got noticeably worse and then the engine started screeching. Massive loss of power. Shortly after, a loud bang/thump nois... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2025
There is a problem with my tourqe converter with 100k miles. My car won't accelerate.
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating abnormally while driving at approximately 70 - 80 MPH. The contact stated that the failure had not occurred at slower speeds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer 4 times; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The tires were replaced, the ri... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
I am writing in regards to the 5 vehicle recalls that were for the make, and model of my car that is showing as having no recalls for. The recalls involved air bags, air bag software, fuel filter flange, and I am also wondering with the driver headrest deployment module if that is associated with an airbag module; as when I had purchased the vehicle I had found out that both my airbag modules had ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V298000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle a week later, the brake warning light and the check engine warning light were illuminated, and the message "Take to Service Center" was displaye... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
Sunroof leaks into the car in rear shorting out subwoofer and components apparently the drain tubes are not secure and separate many complaints on this issue should be a recall no warnings just tons of moisture
Incident date: Feb 7, 2025
The car was placed in park, and somehow it rolled backwards into a gas station post causing serious damage. The very badly designed 9 speed transmission is designed to shift into park when the door is opened this is a safety feature that failed! My child could have been in there! It could have rolled back into the file pump! DANGEROUS! I have heard of others complaining this happened to them too. ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
My 2018 Toyota Tacoma started showing a "forward collision detection system malfunction" "Contact your dealer" light came on that also indicates system is not on/functioning. I went to the dealer and was told the Millimeter Wave Radar Sensor Assembly #88210-04020 wad defective. My replacement cost and labor would be $1,543. I refused the service as I wanted to better understand the issue. I fou... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
The disabled vehicle when delivered by flatbed car hauler unit to the nearest dealership, Petro Nissan, 47 miles from the breakdown site would not move at highway speed but only jerked/bucked and crept along at little more than a fast walk. This condition was last experienced when the vehicle had been on a remote undulating interstate for about 2 hours. The check engine light had reappeared after... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
The disabled vehicle when delivered by flatbed car hauler unit to the nearest dealership, Petro Nissan, 47 miles from the breakdown site would not move at highway speed but only jerked/bucked and crept along at little more than a fast walk. This condition was last experienced when the vehicle had been on a remote undulating interstate for about 2 hours. The check engine light had reappeared after... Read more
KIA
SORENTO PHEV
(2022) - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Feb 6, 2025
Incident date: Jan 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Lexus NX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH the vehicle suddenly experienced a loss of automotive power and stalled. The contact indicated that the failure had occurred while driving on a very busy freeway. During the failure, the warning messages "engine power lost" and "traction control off" were displayed along with the check engine light illumin... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
I had warning lights flashing on my dashboard continuously "parking assist off" "AWD off" "Collison Assist Off" I could not change my car over to snow, ice, or deep snow it all showed not available. This happened 3 or 4 days before I took it back to the dealership. I researched online and found out there were a lot of complaints about the 2020 Ford Escape 2.0 Titanium which is what my car is. I al... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
I had warning lights flashing on my dashboard continuously "parking assist off" "AWD off" "Collison Assist Off" I could not change my car over to snow, ice, or deep snow it all showed not available. This happened 3 or 4 days before I took it back to the dealership. I researched online and found out there were a lot of complaints about the 2020 Ford Escape 2.0 Titanium which is what my car is. I al... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the exterior A-pillar applique trim clip detached. No warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was dia... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
Excessive front nose cap/upper deck movement during travel (bouncing), suspect welds holding the riser wall and upper deck may be broken. Bottom flange of I-beam buckled over two foot span. Both diver and passenger side walls have pulled away from structural support. Floor dropped on both sides (bowing). Living room floor has slope to the back left since I purchased it new. Kingpin or pin box ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
Excessive front nose cap/upper deck movement during travel (bouncing), suspect welds holding the riser wall and upper deck may be broken. Bottom flange of I-beam buckled over two foot span. Both diver and passenger side walls have pulled away from structural support. Floor dropped on both sides (bowing). Living room floor has slope to the back left since I purchased it new. Kingpin or pin box ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
I see there is a lot of battery issues with KIA EV6 out lately; my car randomly died near my house and nothing was working, doors wouldn't open/close, hazard light wouldn't come on.. had the car towed to the dealership same day. they claim that they fixed my car properly and fixed the recall issue with the battery.. drove the car back home the same night. next morning; car is again dead and nothin... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
My drivers seat moves, the back is breaking off of the bottom, as I drive the seat moves and is breaking. This is a big safety issue. I took it to Nissan and they want to charge me over $5000.00 for parts to replace the finisher, the track/ frame and the seat back. This is a 2018 vehicle, driven by a small female, with 68,000 miles. This did not break, it is a defect, and Nissan should have to... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that upon inspection, the adhesive on the front driver’s and passenger’s side A-Pillar trims were deteriorating. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
Car started to misfire and sometimes accelerate by itself ended up spending over to 3000 on mechanic and dealership to ended up have to rebuild the ECM because dealership after pay them close to 2000 said the ECM was discontinued so it was nothing they can do about it so my local mechanic ended up sending the ECM to be rebuilt and it worked but after spending over 3000 so this car need to be recal... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the contact noticed a loud roaring sound and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle rolled over to the shoulder of the road. In addition, there were several warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving out of state and towing a trailer. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2025
Rust only on brackets that hold the arm on the rear sway arm stabilizer
Incident date: Jan 19, 2025
NHTSA Recall ID: 24T009 Continental Claim Number: [XXX] While driving on the highway from Lake Tahoe to Los Angeles with my family in the car, the front passenger-side tire unexpectedly exploded. The entire tread detached from the tire, causing damage to the right side of the vehicle as it separated. Prior to the incident, the car had undergone an inspection at an official Audi dealership, which ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
In Dec 2024, I began to hear a noise under the car. I dropped off the car for the recall and to see if they could figure out the issue. Recall was completed and no issue found after blowing out the dust shield around the brakes. 1 week later, the problem came back sounding a little different. We found a plug in the aluminum pan under the car. After removing it, the original noise returned (may not... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
In Dec 2024, I began to hear a noise under the car. I dropped off the car for the recall and to see if they could figure out the issue. Recall was completed and no issue found after blowing out the dust shield around the brakes. 1 week later, the problem came back sounding a little different. We found a plug in the aluminum pan under the car. After removing it, the original noise returned (may not... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
After the car warms up it will not accelerate like it should. I was stopped at a light - when I went to turn left at the light my car would not accelerate. It slowly rolled out into oncoming traffic. Like it was in limp mode or something. Then at the last minute the car jolted forward like I had the gas pedal fully depressed. Very scary and unsafe. I’ve had this happen many times. I’ve taken i... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact discovered that an unknown fluid was leaking behind the brake pedal. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that brake fluid was leaking and that the brake booster pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet rep... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The engine has had camshaft and lifter failure multiple times. The dealership has replaced the camshaft and lifters twice already , and now they have failed a 3rd time which has lead to metal in oil lubrication system. This has caused further damage to the engine crankshaft bearings, in my case the engine was still running with a tapping/knocking noise. However, this can result in engine locking u... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
I was driving on the freeway for about 5 minutes and literally out of no where my car began to make a strange noise and then my engine light came on. Following that my car shut off and I immediately lost power I pulled over as best I can and turn my hazard on eventually the car died because I couldn’t get a tow out fast enough and I’ve had it sitting at a shop ever since this incident.. tell
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
While parked car engine stopped and got a message that said “ Steering Wheel Power Low”. Windshield wipers had been on for a while. Car will not start.
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
Experienced a rapid, dangerous downshift on the highway that took me from 70 mph to 50 mph. After that, the truck shifts roughly into gears 1-7 then hesitates into gears 8-10. Additionally, trucks downshifts cause passengers to lunge forward at random times as it skips and slips in and out of all gears. I took the vehicle to my local Ford dealer immediately and was told i need to spend $10,000 on... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
Auxiliary radiator has developed a leak which has led to “coolant low” message in the dash. ASE Certified shop inspection confirms auxiliary radiator needs to be replaced. This should be a recall covered repair as it is a known issue under TSB - JLRTB02027NAS1.
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
I was driving at a highway speed of 65 mph when suddenly the check engine light came on and the speed quickly dropped to 25 mph. The alert that appeared on the truck computer was low fuel pump pressure. This put myself and my family at risk of a severe accident. The dealership found corrosion in the fuel line and a problem with fuel pump. They felt it was possibly from contaminated fuel. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
The truck suddenly started misfiring, running rough and lost power while driving. All the dash lights illuminated and the check engine light began flashing. We were a couple hours from home so we had to have the truck towed home. This could have been much worse as we were towing a trailer on a busy highway but luckily we were able to pull over to the side of the highway. Upon returning home we had... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2025
See GMBulletin #19-NA-206 I am getting the "shift to park" warning which makes it difficult to turn off/safely park my vehicle. I know the NHTSA is aware of this as well as numerous lawsuits in progress against GM for significant safety issues. Will this go to recall status soon?
Incident date: Jan 27, 2025
On two occasions the engine has stalled while trying to accelerate from a stop sign. Both instances were not complete stops and when I tried to accelerate, a warning chime sounded and the engine shut off. I shifted the vehicle into park and it applied the parking break. When restarted the battery light was on and the voltage going to the battery was low. About half of what it normally is. I s... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the turbo was replaced. The contact stated that months later, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal with the c... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2025
Have replace 5 tires since April 2024 due to damage from pot holes