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: Jul 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with bearing failure. The contact was informed that the bearing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to the d... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
The rear passenger side suspension coil fell out of my car in my driveway at less then 2 mph. The spring and rubber piece holding the spring in both fell to the ground with no damage done. The vehicle was towed to a jeep dealership where they confirmed there was no damage to any part of the vehicle, and it just fell out with no explanation. The dealer insists that we cannot reinstall the same spin... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
Digital speedometer stop working. It won’t display. It has happened before, and it’s happening again. This is dangerous to my driving as I have no idea how fast I’m driving when there is no display of my speed. I read from Honda Pilot community there are many others Honda Pilot owners have this same issue. This should be safety recall as it’s driving safety issue. Thank you for looking int... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
The steering on my ‘25 Honda HRV is sticky, at freeway speeds it makes even slight corrections dangerous. What was meant to be a slight curve turns into a swerve. Steering feels sticky and requires more force to move. I was driving on a curve and attempting to follow the curve on the freeway and the wheel wouldn’t smoothly go
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
The transmission will intermittently shift out of gear and sometimes in and out of gears at will when driving and slams into gears sometimes. This creates a massive liability when on the road.
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 173,000.
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2026) - ENGINE
Jul 13, 2026
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
Vehicle is a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport with the 2.4L Theta II GDI engine. A Hyundai dealer documented excessive oil consumption in December 2025 (3 quarts consumed over 1,703 miles during a dealer-administered oil consumption test; repair orders on file and available for inspection). On April 19, 2026, at 160,913 miles, following a highway drive, the engine developed a pronounced knock and vibra... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2026
The vehicle will not accelerate past 30 mph on the highway. The fuel system will not engage, and the vehicle continues to run on hybrid mode which causes the battery to drain and acceleration to throttle. This occurs on all drive modes and fuel conditions.
Incident date: Jul 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine started knocking. The contact pulled over immediately and contacted an independent mechanic, who recommended continuing to continue driving at a slow speed. The contact resumed driving to the residence. The contact's son, who was a highly skilled mech... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2026 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH in the rain, the front windshield wipers suddenly stopped operating. The front power windows failed to operate properly and failed to go up or down. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
On July 8, 2026, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled while I was driving in the middle lane on the I-95 highway, creating a safety concern. There was complete loss of engine power and low power to steering. The vehicle had to be towed to BMW of Peabody, Massachusetts. The vehicle had 30850 miles during the incident. During the inspection at service centre, I was informed that the safety fuse box an... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
On July 8, 2026, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled while I was driving in the middle lane on the I-95 highway, creating a safety concern. There was complete loss of engine power and low power to steering. The vehicle had to be towed to BMW of Peabody, Massachusetts. The vehicle had 30850 miles during the incident. During the inspection at service centre, I was informed that the safety fuse box an... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350. While the contact’s wife was driving approximately 30 - 35 MPH, the message "Do Not Drive Vehicle" was suddenly displayed. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic, and the brake fluid reservoir was topped off. The mechanic was unable to find any leaks. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The message turned off and was displayed again 4 hours later.... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350. While the contact’s wife was driving approximately 30 - 35 MPH, the message "Do Not Drive Vehicle" was suddenly displayed. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic, and the brake fluid reservoir was topped off. The mechanic was unable to find any leaks. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The message turned off and was displayed again 4 hours later.... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350. While the contact’s wife was driving approximately 30 - 35 MPH, the message "Do Not Drive Vehicle" was suddenly displayed. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic, and the brake fluid reservoir was topped off. The mechanic was unable to find any leaks. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The message turned off and was displayed again 4 hours later.... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2026
FRONT RADIATOR COLLANT OVERFLOW EXPANION TANK W/CAP & SENSOR FLUID LEVEL GETS EXTREMELY LOW AND SETS OFF A DASHBOARD MESSAGE STATING ENGINE OVERHEATING - ONCE I FILL UP THE COLLANT THE LIGHT GOES OFF THIS CONTINUALLY OCCURS EVERY FEW WEEKS/MONTHS WHAT IS CAUSING THIS TO OCCURED? I HAD IT SERVICED AND A LEAK HAS NOT BEEN DETECTED 2019 BUICK ENCORE AWD
Incident date: Jul 12, 2026
Vehicle flashing warning signs for multiple system functions including battery and mechanical, forcing driver to pull over, unable to put vehicle in neutral to tow. Took vehicle to Honda dealership in Phoenix, AZ dealership unable to recreate issue. Stated it was cleared as a certified used Honda. Continued to have reoccurring issues, less than 2 months later vehicle engine completely seized. Hond... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2026
My 2020 E450 has not been serviced on schedule due to Mercedes-Benz of Indianapolis and its service manger banning and blacklisting me for months. This service department would not allow my vehicle to be serviced under a prepaid maintenance and wheel and tire plan, and most importantly my vehicle's warranty. When I went there for an appointment, a flat tire, or help with my vehicle, they kicked me... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
The multipurpose camera has failed. I went online saw tons of people with same issues happening right after the warranty period. Even with extended warranty they dont want to help .
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
The multipurpose camera has failed. I went online saw tons of people with same issues happening right after the warranty period. Even with extended warranty they dont want to help .
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
My 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite (purchased new May 2025) has repeated, intermittent failures of the electrical system and drive-power (propulsion) function, beginning at ~16,700 miles. Severe symptoms first appeared in May 2026: multiple dashboard warning lights and error messages illuminating at once, and the instrument panel cutting in and out while driving. Sometimes a cascade of warnin... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2026
My family drove from [XXX] to [XXX]. Upon arrival check engine light came on, we proceeded to a local shop, by the time we arrive check engine light was flashing and engine was knocking and was clearly malfunctioning. Shop owner recommended we transport the vehicle back home as service shops in the area were experiencing high volume and parts shortages. We had vehicle towed to a local shop in [... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
While driving in Sport mode on an interstate, during descending downhill, the transmission started down shifting. At that time near the bottom of the hill was standing water on an area. It was suddenly like hitting the brakes & I hydroplaned, but luckily I never touched the brakes. The down shifting at the same time as hitting the water caused the vehicle to loose control of the road. Luckily I re... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2026
The AED, Braking, Cameras and lane centering systems failed and caused a crash into the highway barrier suddenly due to defects in the driver assist systems defect in the electronic safety systems causing the steering wheel to turn forcefully to the barrier striking it. This happened without any warning despite driver input to stop the sudden steering inputs and braking.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The pre collision avoidance system doesn’t activate at all even though the adaptive cruise control works properly. Has been seen and evaluated by Dealership technician as well as having a Ford engineer remotely logged into the vehicle. All modules have been updated and the issue still isn’t resolved. I was told by the dealership to take it to a different dealer or figure it out on my own.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The pre collision avoidance system doesn’t activate at all even though the adaptive cruise control works properly. Has been seen and evaluated by Dealership technician as well as having a Ford engineer remotely logged into the vehicle. All modules have been updated and the issue still isn’t resolved. I was told by the dealership to take it to a different dealer or figure it out on my own.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
Center rear buckle fails to latch. Plastic case separated after normal operation of closing/folding down the rear seat. Buckle case separated from buckle latch. Buckle would latch with plastic cover missing, however would be a considerable risk, as a the retaining bar feature is not captive to the buckle and would separate in use, if used. As well as a pinch hazard. The center buckle was only us... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2026
I was slowing down, actively pressing the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a full stop. As the car decelerated to what my senses and perception registered as a full stop, I pressed the “P” (Park) button while keeping my foot on the brake pedal. I felt the physical click of the “P” button under my thumb while still holding the brake, and my mind registered that the vehicle had successfu... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 12, 2026
Purchased used 6/12/2026 at 188,882 miles from a franchised Chevrolet dealer. The integrated trailer brake system master fuse and passenger-side turn signal fuse were blown at delivery. When the fuses were replaced, the trailer brake system faulted and the failure disabled the ABS, traction control, and StabiliTrak (electronic stability control). Significant safety concern: with the master fuse bl... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2026
Purchased used 6/12/2026 at 188,882 miles from a franchised Chevrolet dealer. The integrated trailer brake system master fuse and passenger-side turn signal fuse were blown at delivery. When the fuses were replaced, the trailer brake system faulted and the failure disabled the ABS, traction control, and StabiliTrak (electronic stability control). Significant safety concern: with the master fuse bl... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2026
The passenger headrest exploded. 1 year ago the driver side headrest exploded while I was driving. Luckily I was not hurt badly or in an accident. Dealership said they would only fix the driver side and to comeback when the other blew up. Now that the other one blew up I am being told it is past the warranty and I will have to pay out of pocket to repair. The warranty extension that would have ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2026
The passenger headrest exploded. 1 year ago the driver side headrest exploded while I was driving. Luckily I was not hurt badly or in an accident. Dealership said they would only fix the driver side and to comeback when the other blew up. Now that the other one blew up I am being told it is past the warranty and I will have to pay out of pocket to repair. The warranty extension that would have ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2026
Driver-side mirror (glass part only) vibrates while driving, no matter the speed. This causes a distorted rear view — for example, it's hard to read the license plate of a car on your left.
Incident date: Jul 5, 2026
The vehicle was bought in CA and hasn't had any issues till about after 3-4 yrs later. 1) Adaptive cruise control / emergency braking system / forward collision notification will occassionally state "not availble/unavailable" or "visibility" is not available and to clean windshield, but the windshield is not dirty or obstructing the camera. 2) The fuel emission system has had several diagnostic ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2026
Phantom braking while driving under a bridge. No cars around but Tucson warned collision while driving under a bridge and slammed on the brakes! This has happened multiple times. This fake safety feature is actually a hazard!
Incident date: Jul 11, 2026
Phantom braking while driving under a bridge. No cars around but Tucson warned collision while driving under a bridge and slammed on the brakes! This has happened multiple times. This fake safety feature is actually a hazard!
Incident date: Jul 11, 2026
Rear backup camera turned purple in color and not accurate when backing up to a trailer.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
Spark plugs, fuel injectors, cylinders and cylinder walls, pistons, oxygen sensor. Our safety was put at risk because the vehicles "reduced performance" was triggered and it affected the acceleration of the vehicle. The Volvo dealership was able to reproduce the issue because of the engine misfires.The only alert we received was the day prior our engine needed a liter of oil. We topped off the oil... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
Spark plugs, fuel injectors, cylinders and cylinder walls, pistons, oxygen sensor. Our safety was put at risk because the vehicles "reduced performance" was triggered and it affected the acceleration of the vehicle. The Volvo dealership was able to reproduce the issue because of the engine misfires.The only alert we received was the day prior our engine needed a liter of oil. We topped off the oil... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
Spark plugs, fuel injectors, cylinders and cylinder walls, pistons, oxygen sensor. Our safety was put at risk because the vehicles "reduced performance" was triggered and it affected the acceleration of the vehicle. The Volvo dealership was able to reproduce the issue because of the engine misfires.The only alert we received was the day prior our engine needed a liter of oil. We topped off the oil... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
I am reporting a premature and dangerous failure of the engine head gasket on my 2019 Honda Accord Sport (1.5L Turbo engine, 68,220 miles). While driving, the vehicle suddenly lost power due to severe engine misfires. Simultaneously, the dashboard experienced a total cascade of safety system failures, illuminating warning lights for the Check Engine Light, Electric Parking Brake, Traction Control ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
I am reporting a premature and dangerous failure of the engine head gasket on my 2019 Honda Accord Sport (1.5L Turbo engine, 68,220 miles). While driving, the vehicle suddenly lost power due to severe engine misfires. Simultaneously, the dashboard experienced a total cascade of safety system failures, illuminating warning lights for the Check Engine Light, Electric Parking Brake, Traction Control ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2026
rear back up camera displays poor visibility during night-time driving.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
My vehicle has experienced transmission-related issues that have affected its safety, reliability, and overall performance. The symptoms include hesitation during acceleration, delayed response when pressing the accelerator, jerking, loss of power, and unpredictable driving behavior. These issues have made it difficult to safely merge into traffic, cross intersections, and maintain normal driving ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2026
Incident involving my 2026 Tesla Model 3 equipped with HW4 hardware and the latest FSD (Supervised) software. During a garage reverse maneuver performed under FSD supervision, the vehicle had sufficient time to assess the surrounding environment before initiating the maneuver. There were no pedestrians or moving obstacles nearby. An adjacent parked vehicle was present next to the intended reversi... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
I have a big problem with this van’s brakes I couldn’t brake when I was driving on the freeway it didn’t brake properly and so dangerous and I was terrified luckily didn’t get into accident I complained about this issue to the nhtsa about this Chrysler Pacifica
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
I am getting an electrical fault which has disabled my front passenger seat airbags. They need to replace the wiring, which means they also now need to replace the passenger airbag itself because wiring has changed and the old airbag is not compatible with the new wiring. Replace Occupant Classification System (OCS) of Front Passenger Seat while Servicing Subcomponents Update Front Passenger Air... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
I work at Tuolumne County Public Health and am a CPST. We distribute these seats to community members. A parent was given this seat at a car seat safety event. Parent came back to TCPH because the buckle was not locking. I inspected and the buckle is broken - it is permanently stuck "pushed in" so it doesn't lock. I have the seat available for inspection. The child's safety was at risk because the... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2009 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front driver’s side and passenger’s side exterior mirrors moved out of place and failed to remain in a set position. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was garage-kept and was concerned about the failure. The manuf... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
We purchased this 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid about a year ago from a dealership in Florida, and the vehicle is now located in [XXX]. The issues involve a malfunctioning high‑voltage hybrid charging system/battery and a possible steering or suspension component failure. For now, the vehicle has been under dealer inspection since XXX. Our family’s safety is at risk due to a charging failure i... Read more