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: Sep 28, 2024
When I park my car, I have to press extremely hard on the brake pedal before I move the gear shift into park. If I do not, it will not let me remove my keys from the ignition and the car stays on. It seems as though the keys get stuck and the car will not turn off. I have not taken it in for servicing yet. It started happening after I got it inspected. Sometime in July/August. It happens almost ev... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2024
The car has a screen which contains the speedometer, battery charge level, odometer miles, turn signal operation and other information including the parking collision warning and the forward collision warning. The screen went blank and dark
Incident date: Sep 28, 2024
The vehicle will not turn over and start. Unable to drive to work, water accumulated in the back spare tire area. No warning or alerts appeared on the dash the vehicle would not turn over.
Incident date: Sep 28, 2024
When trying to open the sunroof, the wind deflector broke and knocked the sunroof off its track. I had to remove the sunroof and get it back on the tracks to get it to close and prevent water from entering the vehicle from rain.
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
The lane assist kept pulling to the right when the lane markings were unclear. Entering highway, lanes go from 2 to 1. We were merging when a car tried to merge into us. We moved over to the right and the lane assist pulled us into a curb. We ended up in a roll over accident and NO air bags opened or went off.
Crash
1 injured
KIA
SPORTAGE PHEV
(2024) — SEAT BELTS
Sep 28, 2024
Incident date: May 29, 2024
As per NHTSA there was a recall the replace OC3 SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT but I never received recall notice and just passed 10 years with 40K millage and started getting air bag light, dealer is not replacing it under warranty, if they was a recall they should have replaced my seat earlier so that I would not have this issue today. is there a way to extend warranty to longer time or recall all the cars ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2024
While traveling on curvy roads, lane keep assist jerked steering wheel to the left into oncoming traffic. Incident occurred twice, and only when on a right hand curve. Lanes are clearly, and freshly, marked
Incident date: Sep 23, 2024
1. Air bag light has been on for over a year. Was checked at dealership, and was told there is a recall on sensor. 2. Power Train, unknown of what's going on. Riding down the road all of a sudden it stalls for a minute. It's a hard jerk, like it's not getting gas, or the transmission is out of sinc. This started about two years ago. Took it to my local repairman, and he said it was a warning in th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
My car has stalled out on me 6 times in traffic and wouldn’t restart for hours. I took it to the Mazda dealership and they told me nothing was wrong but it continues to happen. I need something done as soon as possible
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
1. Air bag light has been on for over a year. Was checked at dealership, and was told there is a recall on sensor. 2. Power Train, unknown of what's going on. Riding down the road all of a sudden it stalls for a minute. It's a hard jerk, like it's not getting gas, or the transmission is out of sinc. This started about two years ago. Took it to my local repairman, and he said it was a warning in th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
I bought this vehicle in 2024, I have been having issues one after another with it, I have taken it to the dealer and all they keep doing if fixing the problem and couple of months it happens again. I am really worried about my safety if I keep driving the vehicle. One problem from the battery to the shift sensor. Thank you
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
My Stereo/Navigation console went out, just went black and stopped working. I bought it to my local garage and they said it was a costly repair and that there is a recall/service bulletin on it and that i should take it to a Ford Dealer. I did and they acknowledged the issue but said my VIN wasn't covered, but it was a known issue with C-Max of this year. So I didnt have the car services. A few m... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2024
Recurring ABS and traction light warning lights, with trouble code C0020 for the ABS pump control motor. Loss of function of ABS, traction control, and cruise control when it occurs. Truck has ~50k miles on it.
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
Since 09/23/2024 my 2021 ford f150 the ABS ,service advance trac and pre-collition assist not available messages are displayed every time i press the brakes, the truck is only 3 years and has 21077 miles
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
1. Faulty vehicle stability assistance (VSA) and antilock braking system (ABS) Module. Common issue and reported by thousands of Accord Owners, Other models of same Honda generation have been recalled for same exact issue. Vehicle is available for inspection on request. 2. Faulty VSA module poses increased risk of “loss-of-traction” events that could result to injury or death on roads. Faulty ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
1. Faulty vehicle stability assistance (VSA) and antilock braking system (ABS) Module. Common issue and reported by thousands of Accord Owners, Other models of same Honda generation have been recalled for same exact issue. Vehicle is available for inspection on request. 2. Faulty VSA module poses increased risk of “loss-of-traction” events that could result to injury or death on roads. Faulty ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
While driving with a trailer connected the display in the truck will say trailer disconnected. Then the light will go away and come back on. The trailer plug and the trailer are connected and the plug is tight. When this happens the trailer braking system is disabled (trailer has no brakes) I can plug the same trailer to Ford or Dodge with no issues. Have had the Chevy to the dealer 4 times n... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
While driving with a trailer connected the display in the truck will say trailer disconnected. Then the light will go away and come back on. The trailer plug and the trailer are connected and the plug is tight. When this happens the trailer braking system is disabled (trailer has no brakes) I can plug the same trailer to Ford or Dodge with no issues. Have had the Chevy to the dealer 4 times n... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
The digital display that shows the driver gauge cluster that includes current speed, as well as other crucial information, is not functioning. It displays nothing other than the current gear selection. None of the audible collision safety features are functioning either.
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact called another local dealer, Hopkins Acura of Fairfield (2459 Auto Mall Pkwy, Fairfield, CA 94533); but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contac... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an engine misfire, and the vehicle jerked abnormally with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, causing engine failure. The contact ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
The service stabilitrak and service powersteering will come up. Have had vehicle hooked up to computer multiple times no codes. The vehicle would not drive. The vehicle has started shaking. The engine light comes on. There is 30k miles on the vehicle. I bought this 3 months ago to have a safe vehicle. My spouse and I are disabled and we do not feel secure. I googled and it says probably a computer... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle leaned to the right and then to the left intermittently. The contact observed an audible warning chime and a message to "Service Air Suspension Soon" was displayed. Additionally, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2024
ABS light and traction control keeps coming on. Dealer says there is no recall. If you look through the Internet, you’ll find thousands of complaints of this issue. I find this to be a major safety problem, I haul a heavy trailer with this truck and if my ABS and traction control fails, this is very dangerous.
Incident date: Sep 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model. The contact stated that whether driving, or while the vehicle was parked, the hood and the trunk of the vehicle occasionally opened independently. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer, and it was determined that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
Vehicle dies during operation becase of mas airflow sensor. Replaced sensor now it needs nossan diagnostic tool to relearn and I'm being required to pay a minimum of 300 for this service on top of the 250 I paid for the part. This car is shutting off in the middle of intersections.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
Size: P205/60R16 My Daughter was driving when all of a sudden the Front Driver Tire exploaded while taking a turn on a residential street. There was no nail or puncture to the tire (see photos). We do have a video showing that there is no puncture damage via nail or sharp object, but the video file is too large.
Incident date: Jun 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road and attempted to jumpstart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the property and was later towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed b... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the wheels were shuddering. Additionally, the contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the steering wheel was locked. The message "EPAS System Inspection Required" was displayed, and the Advancetrac warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Lexus ES300 Hybrid. The contact stated that upon investigation, the contact became aware that the VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact had not received notification of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the A/C system was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the blower motor fuse was burned, melted, and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred several times. The mechanic replaced the blower motor fuse several times; however, the failure pe... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
My 2018 Hyundai sonata with only 20,821 had to have the starter replaced on [XXX] because the car would not start. I had 3 different people including AAA road service to verify why it would not start and what the problem was. I end up having my car towed with AAA to a local mechanic shop, Mike Hepler auto repair St. Cloud Florida 34769 407-593-0152, and Mike did the diagnosis saying the starte... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
Our 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid developed an issue with the forward radar. At speed, the car produces a warning ding and then a warning message is displayed stating, "Critical Forward Safety functions are limited. Radar blocked." If the adaptive cruise control is engaged at the time of the warning, it immediately disengages, forcing the driver to quickly respond. If there is a vehicle in the adjace... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
The issue I have been having since i bought the car has been a wobble/vibration from the front end. took the vehicle in to planet honda rt22 in union nj, where they told me my factory rims where bent which was false. i ended up selling my factory rims and buying a pair that i liked same size as factory. i put new wheels and tires on same problem. i then went back to the dealer ship for a second ti... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
I have had to replace the exhaust manifold and catalytic converter twice since owning my car. I have owned my car since 2020 and bought it at 23,000 miles. The car now has 100,000 miles - all highway. The code P0240 has displayed again and the dealership said I need to replace the catalytic converter and manifold for a third time. The car burns synthetic oil very quickly as well. Dealership has fo... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
Stopped at a red light at busy intersection. The Auto Stop/Start was enabled and activated when stopped at the light. When the light turned green, tried to go, but the AS/S system failed. A “No Eyesight” warning flashed and disappeared; various symbol lights blinked. Car would not start. Driver activated hazard lights, which flashed for no longer than three to five minutes before stopping comp... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2024
I had to put 3 sets of tires on my car by 50,000 miles. The Ford company told me to go to an alignment specialist because without putting some sort of aftermarket part on my car they can't properly align it and they are tired of fooling with it. I had taken my car for a regular 25,000 mile service, and my tires were so bad that the Ford company would not allow me to leave without rotating the ti... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
Forward collision warning stopped working which in turn caused the cruise control to not work. Then the PSCM (power steering control module) just went out all at once. Was driving and it showed warning on the dash. I drove on and parked. When I went to start back, it started fine but couldn’t move steering wheel. I’m seeing this has been a problem with other owners and the same year model. ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2024
We bought this car used from the Ford dealership in Ellensburg WA in 2021. It had 79k at the time. We performed a lot of maintenance on the vehicle; new tires, alignment, coolant flush, transmission flush, spark plugs, and updated the Synce software. Then the turbo failed about 5 months later. And we replaced the turbo with a brand new one at the same dealership for 5k. Then we replaced the coolan... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V534000 (Structure); 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 failure. VIN tool confirms parts not avai... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
Electrical power steering goes in and out and the dash displays “steering assist fault” warning, and the power steering goes out entirely. You can still turn, but it takes a lot more physical effort to do so. Since it goes in and out, it can happen at any time and is very hard to get diagnosed through a diagnostic if the mechanic or dealer cannot replicate the issue.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
On 4 plus occasions, the steering wheel would lock up, I would get warnings that the stabilitrak, the park assist was disabled. The engine shut off. This happens during driving.
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 25, 2024
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Mini Copper Countryman. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at the residence, the vehicle became flooded. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was not notified of... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
Hello on 8/3/22 I was driving on the highway and as I was accelerating at around 50mph the steering wheel started to violently shake back and forth. I thought I was going to loose control and crash. I have never experienced this in a vehicle before. To date I have replaced most of the front components and within the past month, both front Tie rods left and right. Steering tie rod including ste... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
The output shaft flange for the transmission that mounts to the driveshaft coupler the flange starts to break away and then breaks . I can provide photos but the metal on the part is close the the end and if I did not find this problem by mistake the drive shaft would have came free
Incident date: Sep 22, 2024
The main display of the vehicle which shows Speed, Range, Blind Spot Cameras, etc - essentally all the critical vehicle information needed to drive - goes blank randomly. While the vehicle is driveable during this time, the driver does not know their speed, range, any other alerts/warnings that would typically be shown on the guage screen (including seatbelt warnings, mechanical failure warnings ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the power liftgate failed to close as needed. The contact was able to manually close the liftgate. Additionally, the roof was leaking near the sunroof and roof rails. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the power liftgate failed to close as needed. The contact was able to manually close the liftgate. Additionally, the roof was leaking near the sunroof and roof rails. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred ... Read more