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 29, 2025
The ESL system malfunction causes either steering lock or ignition switch to fail resulting in a failure to start the vehicle creating safety issues and a failure to reach safe destination. This problem is reported to be an extremely common issue in the Mercedes Benz W204 C-Class models.
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2025) - STEERING
Feb 5, 2025
Incident date: Feb 4, 2025
The ESL system malfunction causes either steering lock or ignition switch to fail resulting in a failure to start the vehicle creating safety issues and a failure to reach safe destination. This problem is reported to be an extremely common issue in the Mercedes Benz W204 C-Class models.
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 5, 2025
Incident date: Feb 4, 2025
I HAVE FORD MACH E 2023 E SELECT MODEL, I HAVE TAKEN MANY TIMES TO DEALERSHIP, THEY ARE MAKING EXCUSES AND SAYING ITS SOFTWARE ISSUE BUT ITS NOT ADN THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIX THAT, IT HAS SCREEN PROBLEM THE SCREEN FREEZES FULL WAY,HALF WAY SOMETIME ALL BLACK OUT, CONNECTS DISCONNECTS ITSELF, ITS ANNOYING AND ITS SAFETY ISSUE YOU GET DISTRACTED BY IT, IF YOU HAVE NAVIGATION ON OR ON THE PHONE ALL OF S... Read more
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2025) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Feb 5, 2025
Incident date: Feb 4, 2025
I HAVE FORD MACH E 2023 E SELECT MODEL, I HAVE TAKEN MANY TIMES TO DEALERSHIP, THEY ARE MAKING EXCUSES AND SAYING ITS SOFTWARE ISSUE BUT ITS NOT ADN THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIX THAT, IT HAS SCREEN PROBLEM THE SCREEN FREEZES FULL WAY,HALF WAY SOMETIME ALL BLACK OUT, CONNECTS DISCONNECTS ITSELF, ITS ANNOYING AND ITS SAFETY ISSUE YOU GET DISTRACTED BY IT, IF YOU HAVE NAVIGATION ON OR ON THE PHONE ALL OF S... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Honda CR-V. 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The conta... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was difficult to turn, and the hazard indicator warning light illuminated. In addition, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with rack and pinion failure. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
My 2016 KIA Optima is burning 5quarts of oil very fast every 2,000 miles. When I put oil in my car then 2 weeks later or a few weeks past, my car empty from oil
Incident date: Feb 4, 2025
Due to a leak on the back sliding window water entered the vehicle and caused the “RFO” box to break. Dealership told me that is the box that connects the fob keyes to the truck causing the truck to not recognize any keys.
Incident date: Feb 2, 2025
steering wheel jerks hard out of my hands. Car, especially in direct sunlight jerks the wheel thinking that I'm not in the center of my lane, even though I was centered. Hard to control the car.
Incident date: Feb 2, 2025
While driving on the highway with my four year old with me the truck jerked and then triggered 3 lights on my dashboard, this made getting to a safe spot uneasy as it was jerking and sounded like it was reving up and down and overall sounded not good. Truck was towed to mechanic and was discovered the lifter failed due to the Active Fuel Management (AFM) or Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) in that ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2025
While driving on the highway with my four year old with me the truck jerked and then triggered 3 lights on my dashboard, this made getting to a safe spot uneasy as it was jerking and sounded like it was reving up and down and overall sounded not good. Truck was towed to mechanic and was discovered the lifter failed due to the Active Fuel Management (AFM) or Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) in that ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while his son was driving 70 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The contact was unsure whether there was a warning light illuminated. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle returned to normal functionality. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diag... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
So my vehicle, the key fob for some odd reason goes from in the run position to the off position, which caused my car to turn off while driving shuts down the entire car and with that makes it hard to stop
Incident date: Oct 5, 2022
passenger safety restraint system light came on, Tesla says to fix needs to install OCS filter module and replace existing OCS sensor because its not compatible with existing OCS sensor...cost is $806....there are no broken parts in my car. according to Teslas service bulletin Sep 21, 2020 this problem is caused by electrical interference in the seat harness causing the airbag restrain system mes... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
passenger safety restraint system light came on, Tesla says to fix needs to install OCS filter module and replace existing OCS sensor because its not compatible with existing OCS sensor...cost is $806....there are no broken parts in my car. according to Teslas service bulletin Sep 21, 2020 this problem is caused by electrical interference in the seat harness causing the airbag restrain system mes... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
Wife and I bought a truck from Serra Chevrolet on May 28 2024. We drove 180 miles and the engine blew up. Had it towed to another dealership in Louisville Kentucky at that point they replaced the engine. When we picked up the truck we had to pay $16,275.08. We contacted Gm and was told that the selling dealership should have taken it off of being certified pre owned but they didn’t. Was told t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
Oil pressure sender unit is failing on these vehicles. There are several reports on the forums about this issue. First, the oil pressure warning light appeared on the dash. I brought my vehicle to an independent service center and they performed a diagnostic. They confirmed that the oil pressure sender was bad and filling with oil. This is a fire risk as oil is leaking in a hot engine compar... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated while driving 63 MPH, and towing a 15,000 lb. 5th Wheel RV, the contact heard the rear wheels make an abnormal squealing or chirping sound. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle was pulling to the right. The contact adjusted the steering wheel to the left to compensate. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing motive ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL); 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 stated that while driving on the interstate at 75 MPH, th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
When slowing down for a stop the transmission will shift into neutral and a warning will pop up on display “shift to park then desired gear” this is happing on my 2020 ram and my sons 2019 ram but the dealer says there is no fix. I checked online and it looks like it’s happening a lot.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
Steering sticks and does not return to center in sweeping turns. Clicking noise over bumps in very cold weather (may or may not be related--steering issue most concerning). Most prominent at higher speeds (for example, getting off of the highway) but occurs at any speed. Once you turn the wheel, it will return slightly then stick in place. It takes a small amount of extra force to correct it back ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2024
My motor blew out of nowhere. I took it to a shop and there was no explanation as to why. I barely drive my car and keep up with oil changes. Please help asap!
Incident date: Jan 25, 2025
My 2018 Ford Explorer rolled backwards down a hill while in park and engine off.
Crash
Incident date: Jan 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximat... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2025
The audio system changes radio stations on its on. It also attaches or disconnects Bluetooth devices on its on. This has affected the video player and it no longer works.
Incident date: Jan 26, 2025
While operating vehicle at highway speeds the speedometer suddenly drops to zero and the transmission downshifts to first gear without warning. Apparently a failure of the transmission speed sensor. (?) A driver unaware of this issue that continues to drive results in excessive heat and pressure developing in the differential..A recall has been issued by NHTSA but Ford and the local dealer refus... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2025
While operating vehicle at highway speeds the speedometer suddenly drops to zero and the transmission downshifts to first gear without warning. Apparently a failure of the transmission speed sensor. (?) A driver unaware of this issue that continues to drive results in excessive heat and pressure developing in the differential..A recall has been issued by NHTSA but Ford and the local dealer refus... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
I currently own a 2022 GMC Sierra with 75823 miles on the vehicle. I purchased the vehicle new from Bill Cramer GMC, and just learned today that the engine has to be rebuilt due to bad lifters, cam shaft damage, and excessive oil consumption. According to the dealership and further research, this is a common issue with the GM 5.3L engine that is currently in my truck. Because the truck is now o... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
I was driving to work from Livingston to Bozeman and the roads were bad so I was only going about 60 maybe 65 which was reasonable for the conditions this day, and out of nowhere my truck locked up and I slid it directly into the center median.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
I was driving to work from Livingston to Bozeman and the roads were bad so I was only going about 60 maybe 65 which was reasonable for the conditions this day, and out of nowhere my truck locked up and I slid it directly into the center median.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
I received a recall notice that my vehicle was affected for a battery cell that needed to be replaced and scheduled a date with Porsche and when I finally took the car in they said it’s not a active recall which seemed odd
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
Jeep recently pushed an update through the vehicle over the air. Since the update the forward collision disable warning light has been illuminated on the front cluster. All attempts to correct the issue have rendered useless. The update has caused the safety feature of the front collision warning (sound and/or breaking) inoperable.
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Maverick. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V684000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility which prevented the dr... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
I am writing to formally raise a significant safety concern regarding my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. I recently discovered a malfunction in the transfer case (pictures attached), specifically involving the center differential gear set, which necessitated immediate replacement. This issue first became apparent while driving at low speeds when I heard a loud, distinctive "clunking" noise, indicating a po... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
The complaint is against Reading Truck Body, LLC regarding safety concerns left unresolved and property damage incurred because of the recall remedy work (NHTSA Campaign Number 18E-021) performed on my 2017 Silverado 3500HD Crew Cab service truck by Reading Truck Body, LLC. In May 2020, I was notified by Reading Truck Body, LLC of a safety recall specific to the aluminum service body on my truck. ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
The engine shuts off while driving and attempting to accelerate, happens frequently.
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
On or around January 27 2025 my 2022 sierra loss power and shut down at night and dropped to 0 rpm. I was close to the house and got pulled home by relative. When I did get it cranked lifters were tapping which was common in the 6.2 but I drained my oil and filter and saw the glitter look. Truck was still tapping after warmed up. Last night I about got hit at an intersection when same thing happen... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
When starting again and driving in Slidell Louisiana only 70458 car is making loud noises from console radio network seems as if it's a tracking device linking into my car causing it to break gas is just draining starting Is loud just went to jeep in Nola jeep Xtreme on 29th all was fine seems as if there plugging in broke cars or trucks on my car. When off it makes noises every 20 min it's very... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
When starting again and driving in Slidell Louisiana only 70458 car is making loud noises from console radio network seems as if it's a tracking device linking into my car causing it to break gas is just draining starting Is loud just went to jeep in Nola jeep Xtreme on 29th all was fine seems as if there plugging in broke cars or trucks on my car. When off it makes noises every 20 min it's very... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
intermittent brake issues, primarily characterized by a "brake release" sensation where the brakes momentarily disengage while slowing down, causing the vehicle to lurch forward unexpectedly, sometimes happening during turns or on uneven roads and downhills and even while stopping at any light or a normal road sometimes
Incident date: Jan 25, 2025
Traveling at high speed on major 5 lane highway. The engine shut off vehicle lost power went to neutral on shifter on it’s on would not shift . There was no warning no lights nothing that would have indicated a problem at all. Luckily my husband was able to get over 3 lanes and pull on shoulder which was very difficult and extremely dangerous in traffic. The vehicle would not start back up . The... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2025
I was pulling into my driveway and I heard a "clunk" and then an error appeared on the dashboard saying "Check electric vehicle system." My 12V battery then died. After recharging the 12V battery with an external charger, the "Check electric vehicle system" message came up again when I started the car, and I could only drive a block or so before another message on the dashboard said "Stop vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2023
I noticed my brake pedal suddenly sink to the floor, and I have to press the pedal all the way to the bottom to get a little bit of brake. Was able to make it back home. Upon inspection, I noticed brake fluid dripping from rear passenger side brake pipe, I took off a plastic cover that covers the brake line, and noticed heavy rust on a "Manifold" where two brake lines coming from front of the car... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2023
Front or rear sensors Slamming on breaks multi times called on star not able to get in for service sometimes car for would have many error message systems not available key not in car while driving - cameras not working while on atleast 25 calls to on star and 4 or 5 hours on hold with chevy ev department Because of this CAR was traded in financial loss was over $18,000
Incident date: Mar 7, 2023
Front or rear sensors Slamming on breaks multi times called on star not able to get in for service sometimes car for would have many error message systems not available key not in car while driving - cameras not working while on atleast 25 calls to on star and 4 or 5 hours on hold with chevy ev department Because of this CAR was traded in financial loss was over $18,000
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
Two times I have been driving in busy areas and when I brought my car to a stop at red lights and it’s turned green, my car will no longer move, but stays running so then I have to turn it off and turn it back on for it to gain motor function again. I have almost been rear-ended twice.
Incident date: Jan 23, 2025
On highway, engaged cruise control at 70 mph. Engine light came on, simultaneously with loss of power (pressing on gas pedal did nothing) and Apple CarPlay disconnect. We were near an exit and managed to drift off, at lower off-ramp speed engine again could respond to accelerator however was chugging very badly. Went to nearby oil change place. Mechanic there advised going straight to dealer a sho... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2025
On highway, engaged cruise control at 70 mph. Engine light came on, simultaneously with loss of power (pressing on gas pedal did nothing) and Apple CarPlay disconnect. We were near an exit and managed to drift off, at lower off-ramp speed engine again could respond to accelerator however was chugging very badly. Went to nearby oil change place. Mechanic there advised going straight to dealer a sho... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
Less than 48 hours after getting the latest Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) recall performed (Hyundai Recall Number 272, NHTSA Recall Number 24V-868), the ICCU on my car failed. This resulted in the 12V battery no longer being charged by the EV's main battery, and the car entering "Limp-Home Mode", limiting the car's speed to 20mph. Error messages include "Check electric vehicle system" ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2025
The report does not specify the exact component that failed, but the fire originated under the hood of the 2016 Hyundai Accent. The vehicle and related documentation, including the fire department report, insurance claim, and incident photos, are available for review. The fire under the hood posed a serious safety risk as it occurred while the vehicle was in motion on a busy highway. Fortunate... Read more
Fire