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: Jun 12, 2026
It will not drive forward and only in reverse. There is a known bearing issue but unfortunately this is past the 60k and no recall.
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
I was on my way to work, and the power steering stopped working as I was making a turn. The power sterring light came on in the dash. The mechanic told me he had worked on a few with the same issue, and that it was probably the rack, but he checked the fuses and wiring first. A new rack is $3800.
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
Turn signal inaccessible.
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
When backing up, either on a hill or flat surface, the brakes fail to stop the vehicle. There is a pulsing sensation with the brakes due to failure of the vacuum. The brake pedal also becomes impossible to depress. No warning lights appear when this occurs.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
My 2022 Toyota RAV4 has experienced failures of the power door lock actuators on both front doors. Neither the driver's side nor the front passenger door consistently locks or unlocks using the key fob, interior power lock switch, or automatic locking system. This creates a significant safety concern because the doors may remain unlocked when the vehicle is parked, creating a security risk, or th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2026
(Transmission and motor) I had taken my car to the dealership on XXX for recalls and all the signal were fine before going there. They took my car back to do the recalls and my son and I waited . Once they were done we left closer to closing time is noticed there was a burn mark on my dash board that wasn’t there before the recalls. Going forward on the way home. We were waved down by a man stat... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
I own a 2018 Honda Odyssey EX-L (VIN [XXX]). The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power and entered limp mode, with multiple safety and driver-assistance systems shutting down at once (adaptive cruise, braking assist, lane/road departure mitigation, EPS, etc.). A Honda dealer (Allen Honda, College Station, TX) retrieved DTC P0369 and documented that the front camshaft is worn and has thrust fo... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
I own a 2018 Honda Odyssey EX-L (VIN [XXX]). The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power and entered limp mode, with multiple safety and driver-assistance systems shutting down at once (adaptive cruise, braking assist, lane/road departure mitigation, EPS, etc.). A Honda dealer (Allen Honda, College Station, TX) retrieved DTC P0369 and documented that the front camshaft is worn and has thrust fo... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
I notified the dealership where I bought the vehicle of the issue when it first happened in Feb 2025. I have since notified them 3 additional times and I have called Ford Motor Company, twice. The roof leaks in heavy rain while driving and when going through a car wash. The water streams inside and runs down onto the lighted vanity mirror which is connected to the electrical system of the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
The electrical radio backup camera does not work it's all malfunctioned.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2026
While driving on a smooth paved road at normal speed, the active head restraint on the passenger seat suddenly deployed without any impact or collision. The headrest struck the passenger in the back of the head, causing pain and a potential injury. The vehicle did not experience a crash, bump, or sudden stop. After deployment, the headrest could not be reset or latched back into place. This appear... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
On July 2nd, I was actively driving my 2015 Ram 1500 equipped with the 5.7L Hemi V8 gas engine. The vehicle is completely factory-stock with zero aftermarket electronics, wiring modifications, or accessories. While operating the truck, the dashboard instrument cluster suddenly began flickering wildly, indicating a severe voltage drop or electrical system failure. Immediately following the flickeri... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
I was on a highway going 75 and my car just slowed down and i was in front of a semi truck then the gears wouldn’t shift i was stalled in that lane everything else worked but the gears wouldn’t shift into place i got it in neutral and pushed it to the side
Incident date: Jul 5, 2026
My car had begun to accelerate when pressing the brake pedal. The first time it happened the car kinda stuttered as it fought itself, but the car stopped. That was also the only time it stuttered and corrected itself. The next few times it happened, the car was not as easy to control but was able to stop safely. I took the car in to the dealer to have it checked, but the problem could not be repl... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 5, 2026
My car had begun to accelerate when pressing the brake pedal. The first time it happened the car kinda stuttered as it fought itself, but the car stopped. That was also the only time it stuttered and corrected itself. The next few times it happened, the car was not as easy to control but was able to stop safely. I took the car in to the dealer to have it checked, but the problem could not be repl... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 29, 2026
Lateral control arm bolt has fallen out with no impact/collision or reasonable explanation.
Incident date: May 29, 2026
I was stopped at a red stop light waiting to turn left when my 2025 Acura MDX engine auto-stopped per the auto-stop feature. When the light turned green, I removed my foot from the brake and pressed the gas. The engine did not auto-start and displayed a message on the dash telling me to depress the brake and press the ignition button to continue driving. I did this several times, each time the das... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2026
I was stopped at a red stop light waiting to turn left when my 2025 Acura MDX engine auto-stopped per the auto-stop feature. When the light turned green, I removed my foot from the brake and pressed the gas. The engine did not auto-start and displayed a message on the dash telling me to depress the brake and press the ignition button to continue driving. I did this several times, each time the das... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
On XXX, while my wife was driving our 2017 Honda Pilot Elite (VIN: [XXX]) southbound on [XXX], approaching the intersection with [XXX], the vehicle experienced a complete engine stall due to the Auto Idle Stop feature. The engine shut off at a stop but failed to automatically restart when she released the brake to proceed. All dashboard warning lights flashed, and the vehicle became inoperable in... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
transmission, skipping and shuttering and according to dealership not catching gear occurs during slow speeds. When in drive car will roll backwards and when in reverse car will roll forward. Transmission runs high until gear catches. Engine will then go in to neutral until clutch catches.in according to dealership repair will cost $7000-$11,000. i was told this is unusual. And none of it is c... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
transmission, skipping and shuttering and according to dealership not catching gear occurs during slow speeds. When in drive car will roll backwards and when in reverse car will roll forward. Transmission runs high until gear catches. Engine will then go in to neutral until clutch catches.in according to dealership repair will cost $7000-$11,000. i was told this is unusual. And none of it is c... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
When shifting to park, car alerts to “shift to park”
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and turning on the air conditioner, a loud abnormal sound was heard, and the rear windshield independently fractured. The contact stated that the failure occurred during extremely hot outside temperatures. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the rear windshield was replaced. However, the contact stat... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
The front passenger brake caliper came completely off when I was driving.the only warning I had was when my brake pedal went straight to the floor when depressed.i was forced to pull into a gas station and keep driving in circles till the vehicle slowed enough to drive into a curb to stop so I could put the vehicle in park.i then had my vehicle towed home and replaced the part myself as I dont fee... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
I am writing regarding my 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe (VIN [XXX]), which has been out of service since January 2026 as a direct result of a manufacturer safety recall involving the high-voltage battery (Safety Recall 68C). The vehicle became inoperable because of this recall-related issue and has remained at the dealership ever since. Since that time, Aventura Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram and Stellantis en... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
I am writing regarding my 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe (VIN [XXX]), which has been out of service since January 2026 as a direct result of a manufacturer safety recall involving the high-voltage battery (Safety Recall 68C). The vehicle became inoperable because of this recall-related issue and has remained at the dealership ever since. Since that time, Aventura Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram and Stellantis en... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
While traveling with my fifth-wheel camper attached, my 2022 Ford F-350 Super Duty (6.7L Power Stroke) suddenly developed a complete no-crank condition. Prior to the failure, the vehicle displayed multiple electrical warnings, including U0100 (Lost Communication with PCM), High Engine Temperature, AdvanceTrac, Blind Spot System Fault, Hill Start Assist, and Pre-Collision Assist warnings. The vehic... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2023) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jul 6, 2026
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
When driving, the rear passenger interior trim cup holder heats up to an unsafe temperature. The vehicle was in the shop for 4 weeks and I was told this is normal and it was because of radiant heat from the axel/wheel well. After driving approximately 100 miles, I used a temperature gun to screen the area. The hotspot was 126 degrees, with temperatures around in ranging from 77-85 degrees. ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
Driving on the road and heard static noise from the infotainment system after an update. I pressed the Collision Mitigation Braking System button and the dashboard had multiple warnings and disabling the entire Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The drive light starting blinking and a message appreaed to get to a Honda dealer. The Honda dealer inspected the front camera in the top of the w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
The trunk does not open. The lift gate error message comes on. The lights stay on longer than they should and the battery is drained. This all resulted after the b pillar flew off on the high way. I have had duct tape on my car for over a year and unable to access the trunk.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
The trunk does not open. The lift gate error message comes on. The lights stay on longer than they should and the battery is drained. This all resulted after the b pillar flew off on the high way. I have had duct tape on my car for over a year and unable to access the trunk.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
"I have a Tesla Model Y that experienced what looks like a steering malfunction, with documented data and repair records already in hand. "While driving our 2024 Tesla Model Y when the steering wheel suddenly turned itself, hard left, and driver couldn't regain control. The car went up a hillside, between a utility/ electricity pole and an electrical box, coming to a stop just inches from the pole... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
After fueling, vehicle idled fine with no warning lights. Once pulling onto the highway and making highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost acceleration, and was stranded in the highway. We required the assistance of law enforcement to direct traffic. It was 10pm and the temperatures were 35 degree below zero with the windchill. The vehicle was towed to a Kia dealership, where they diagnosed loss... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Stolen radar sensor on Honda CR-V. Thief able to unscrew without causing any damage. Resulted in multiple sensor warnings (brake system, cruise assist, lane departure, power steering, etc.).
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Stolen radar sensor on Honda CR-V. Thief able to unscrew without causing any damage. Resulted in multiple sensor warnings (brake system, cruise assist, lane departure, power steering, etc.).
KIA
SORENTO PHEV
(2025) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jul 6, 2026
Incident date: Jun 11, 2026
DRIVING HOME FROM CHURCH SUNDAY JUNE 28TH DOWNSLOPE OF A SMALL HILL SMELLED HOT METAL; WASN'T SURE IF THE ODOR WAS FROM US, THE LARGE TRUCK THAT JUST PASSED US OR ENVIRONMENTAL; SUDDEN "POP" WAS HEARD ACCOMPANIED BY A "JERK" IN THE VEHICLE; LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKES; DASH WAS LIT AND SHOWED RPM/MPH/ETC THEN BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON SMOKE BILLOWING FROM ENGINE FOLLOWED QUICKLY BY COMPLETE FIRE FROM ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 28, 2026
Got into the Truck on Thursday 7/2/26. When I shut my door I heard what sounded like something falling out of the bed of the truck. When I got out to investigate I realized the back glass of the truck had shattered and was laying in the bed of the truck. There was no indication of vandalism, the glass had pushed out from the inside, apparently related to the recent high heat in my area. i parked t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2026
The low beam headlight projector lens has degraded to the point of being extremely unsafe and therefore unable to drive at night. Repair for the defective headlight is costly and should be addressed by Honda/Acura as it is a HUGE safety concern. Acura recalled/replaced the defective lens on the 2014-2015 RLX model but has chose not to do so on the RDX with the exact same problem.
Incident date: Feb 16, 2023
Electrical issues: Media screen blacks out/glitches including speakers. Gear switch "Dial" will move on its own and park itself. Switching from "Drive to Park". "Transmission not in park" on dash , Lights on dash for engine 4x
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
While driving approximately 53 mph on a main road, my 2017 Ford Focus suddenly displayed the message “Engine Fault Service Now.” The vehicle immediately entered limp mode, downshifted into 2nd gear, and would not accelerate above approximately 31 mph. During the event, the engine shook noticeably and made abnormal noises. No check engine light appeared during this initial incident. This probl... Read more
KIA
TELLURIDE HYBRID
(2027) - ENGINE
Jul 6, 2026
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
While driving approximately 53 mph on a main road, my 2017 Ford Focus suddenly displayed the message “Engine Fault Service Now.” The vehicle immediately entered limp mode, downshifted into 2nd gear, and would not accelerate above approximately 31 mph. During the event, the engine shook noticeably and made abnormal noises. No check engine light appeared during this initial incident. This probl... Read more
KIA
SORENTO PHEV
(2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 6, 2026
Incident date: Jul 5, 2026
In 2018 shottenkirk desert lexus marked two recalls as completed but also simultaneously typed in a note saying "customer declined worked and is out of town" The original part number and quantity fields are left blank. The dealership was paid for these items. I do not have anywhere in the vehicle history after that date showing any recalls were addressed. The recalls are the airbag which is a saf... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2026
The vehicle experienced a complete failure of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) motor, matching the identical failure symptoms of NHTSA Recall 15V064000, but this specific VIN is excluded from the campaign. Operating this vehicle without electronic power assist put extreme torsional stress on the manual steering linkage over time. On August 14, 2025, while executing a low-speed turn in a drive-thr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
Rear hatch window spontaneously shattered for no apparent reason. Car was parked in a Florida parking lot, no use of rear hatch and no use of rear defroster. I understand there is a potential class action lawsuit for the Ioniq 5 model years 2022-2025 for this problem.
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
Rear hatch window spontaneously shattered for no apparent reason. Car was parked in a Florida parking lot, no use of rear hatch and no use of rear defroster. I understand there is a potential class action lawsuit for the Ioniq 5 model years 2022-2025 for this problem.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
The screens (odometer and center entertainment console) both went blank while driving on the highway today. I had brought the vehicle in for the previous recall to have the update installed to prevent this problem.
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
COMPONENT: 2021 Ford Expedition Max 10R80 transmission. The CDF clutch cylinder (7H351) sleeve exhibits axial movement, breaking the clutch apply-pressure seal so commanded torque is not transmitted to the wheels. Engine revs while the vehicle fails to accelerate or move forward. Vehicle is available for NHTSA inspection and testing. INCIDENTS (7/5/2026, same drive cycle): (1) Highway — after b... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
Sudden loss of braking power on June 29, 2026, with sudden brake warnings. We had the same error after taking delivery of the vehicle in September 2025. The dealership repaired the vehicle (brake sensor). We have another dealer appointment on July 6, 2026 to repair this again. Very concerning from a safety perspective that this is occurring again.
Incident date: Oct 5, 2024
The day before that all these issues started popping up my battery was completely dead, and I had to jumpstart the 12 V battery the next day while I was driving down the highway I started getting all these error messages and also the video from the Ford camera started glitching with my navigation.