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 2, 2026
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.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2026
On XXX, I was driving my Audi Q6 e-tron southbound on [XXX] in the HOV lane at highway speed with my family inside. Without warning, the vehicle suffered a complete power failure, dropping instantly to zero acceleration.Because I had no propulsion, I was forced to coast the unpowered vehicle across three lanes of active traffic to reach the right shoulder. Trailing traffic approaching quickly from... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
Drivers side rear sway bar bracket missing. Can cause stability issues in evasive maneuvers to avoid an accident. Parts falling off vehicle can cause damage to other vehicles
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
Driving on highway at 80 MPH and accelerator stopped working and car turned off. We had to coast off toll rd and hope for the best. No warning and happened with our whole family in the car. I had a recall notice from manufacturer but last time I tried contacting manufacturer/dealer they said no resolution was available to repair recall yet and that I couldn’t drop off my vehicle.
Incident date: Jul 4, 2026
While driving on the highway the vehicle lost power and then lowered the transmission gear and would not accelerate over 17mph regardless of pressure on accelerator. I switched from auto hybrid mode over to sport mode so the gasoline engine could be used yet the transmission would not increase power to the tires. I stopped several times and restarted with no corrections. Vehicle battery drained... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2026
I have a 2022 Escalade with 98,000 miles at 70,000 miles I complained about engine and transmission issues On June 14 I lost my transmission I brought it to the dealer and they diagnosed it as a valve body failure Valve number 6 stuck and binding Unfortunately I inquired about the special coverage and my vin is not in the special Recall This problem extends beyond what gm is saying
Incident date: Jul 4, 2026
I purchased a 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid from Dulles Kia. Since I've owned it, I've had the same problem three times — my car randomly goes into limp mode while I'm driving. It doesn't matter what speed I'm going. The car just starts slowing down on its own, won't let me accelerate, and the RPMs start surging up and down. It's terrifying. The first time it happened, it was towed to Fayetteville Ki... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jul 4, 2026
Incident date: Jun 16, 2026
I recently had the C2200 Code for ABS module failure. The fact there are no current parts available and there has been a waiting list for years is extremely troubling. I'm not sure how having a faulty ABS system is not an issue that warrants an investigation. There are a lot of Chrysler/Jeep vehicles on the road that are having to be driven in an unsafeanner due to not being able to repair the dam... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2025) - POWER TRAIN
Jul 4, 2026
Incident date: Apr 19, 2026
My car is literally stalling out on me. It started by sputtering when I put my foot on the gas a week or so ago. Then today It literally started just losing power while driving. It’s not throwing any codes but that’s super dangerous and this car is only a year old. I am extremely concerned for my safety.
Incident date: Jun 28, 2026
The rear lower arm control snapped while driving on even surface road. I’m a female and when I heard the pop I got out and inspected the car. Could have caused injury to myself or other motorists. Confirmed with two mechanics that this in fact was the rear arm control and that they have had these issues with a lot of Nissan Altima and Sentra. Was advised to take to Nissan dealership to see ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2026
Vehicle was traveling straight approximately 70–80 mph in very light drizzle. No warning lights or messages before the event. Vehicle suddenly entered an uncontrolled spin multiple times. During the spin, I heard a grinding noise. After stopping, brake/parking brake system warnings appeared on the dash, video after the event recorded.
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 28, 2026
Vehicle was traveling straight approximately 70–80 mph in very light drizzle. No warning lights or messages before the event. Vehicle suddenly entered an uncontrolled spin multiple times. During the spin, I heard a grinding noise. After stopping, brake/parking brake system warnings appeared on the dash, video after the event recorded.
1 injured
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2025) - POWER TRAIN
Jul 4, 2026
Incident date: Jul 4, 2026
On XXX at approximately 1002am, [XXX] was on the exit ramp from [XXX] northbound to [XXX]. At the end of the ramp, she stopped and tried to make a left turn onto [XXX] northbound. The vehicle was still in Electric mode (plenty of battery life remaining). The Jeep crawled through the intersection, with the accelerator all the way to the floor. [XXX] feared that she would be struck by oncoming t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2026
On XXX at approximately 1000am, [XXX] was driving the Jeep on [XXX] at a speed of 72mph. The vehicle was in E-Save mode and had 16 miles of battery life remaining. [XXX] switched over to Electric mode and slowly began to lose speed. She put the accelerator all the way to the floor, but the gas motor did not activate. The Jeep dropped slowly down to 62mph where it leveled off. Shortly thereaft... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
In most circumstances the adaptive cruise control (ADC) works well. There is one case where it does not, however. When ADC is active and the vehicle immediately in front shows, perhaps to make a turn, the ADC-equipped vehicle slows appropriately. The problem: Once the front vehicle is *well clear* of the driving lane, often operating 90 degrees to the marked lane on a perpendicular roadway, th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
I was using FSD any driving on XXX between [XXX] and [XXX]. Suddenly the car put on the 4 way flashers, slowed down and started to pull to the side of the road. There was no shoulder so the car would have stopped in the driving lane. I immediately turned the wheel back into the center of the lane and stepped on the accelerator to avoid being rear ended. Fortunately the traffic was light. There wa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
Once the vehicle's auto idle stop system engaged at a traffic light, and the engine failed to restart automatically leaving us stranded in active traffic. We usually disable the system but forgot that time. It has also required multiple manual push-button attempts to start from a parked position at home and in public parking lots. The vehicle was brought to an authorized Honda dealership for this ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
We started driving and after driving the tire pressure light went on. We stopped checked all tires pressure everything was fine. Then about 2 or 3 hours later every light on my dash board lit up. Check Engine Light: Brake System Light: Traction Control Light: Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS) Light: Adaptive Cruise Control Light: Power Steering Light. There was no weird Sounds and no smoke or smell. Got... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
There are vertical splits from the sidewall seam to the tread line. Oil spurted out when I checked the tire pressure. Bubba is the person who put on the tires. +1 (386) 868-9696
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
The vehicle has stalled in traffic multiple times, it sends emergency messages while operating that the vehicle must pull off of the road or shut down, it is constantly displaying "service stop/ start system" messages and service lights, it sometimes doesn't start after having gotten to a location but will start up without having the vehicle jump started later, it drains the batteries quickly, as ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
Power steering went goes out and come back periodically while driving
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
As soon as the vehicle turns on, the vehicle alerts "service charging system. vehicle may stall". Vehicle has under 5000 miles and is new.
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
The dealership where I get my 2020 Chevy Tahoe service, stated that there is a recall for the water pump for the 2020 Chevy Tahoe, due to a manufactory defect, causing the water pump to leak. On XXX, mileage 62,777, I had to replace my water pump for that same reason, but my vehicle was not part of the recall; therefore, paying for a placement water pump myself. The dealership is Musson Patout A... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
The dealership where I get my 2020 Chevy Tahoe service, stated that there is a recall for the water pump for the 2020 Chevy Tahoe, due to a manufactory defect, causing the water pump to leak. On XXX, mileage 62,777, I had to replace my water pump for that same reason, but my vehicle was not part of the recall; therefore, paying for a placement water pump myself. The dealership is Musson Patout A... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
A squealing sound was coming from the top of my engine and I had low/rough idle and it progressed to a low voltage output and check engine lights. This happened while i was driving on the highway and my speed was eratic and I had to cross 2 lanes to get the next exit. The problem has been reproduced my an indepent service center. The PCV vent constantly pulled vacuum (was stuck open to atmosphe... Read more
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2026) - ENGINE
Jul 3, 2026
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
Engine smoking when started up engine has oil in it scared to move vehicle because I have no idea if it’s going to catch fire or anything
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
On June 4, 2026 I got into my 2017 Escape to head out for the day. Upon startup my car began to buck/idle roughly. Then my check engine light came on. I brought it in to be checked and was told that I had a cylinder 3 misfire. All coils and spark plugs were replaced at that time. The rough idling returned 2 days later and when checked the mechanic informed me that it may be a coolant intrusion. He... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
Days after changing the purge valve on my car, because it had failed. I was driving on the freeway confident because my screen said 15 m left before running out of gas, then the engine stalled and lose power. The lights were on but the engine stopped running while driving on the freeway. Turned out I had runned out of gas but the computer was misreading it.
Incident date: Jun 13, 2026
While operating a 2025 Tesla Model X on Full Self-Driving (FSD Supervised), the vehicle engaged in leader-car following behavior and trailed a slow-moving vehicle onto an active railroad crossing. FSD failed to ensure the exit path was clear, causing the vehicle to suddenly decelerate from 12 mph to 0 mph, stranding the car directly on the tracks just as the crossing's active warning lights and ga... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
My right headlight stopped working, even after replacing bulb several times. The exterior paint is chipping from different areas. The middle seat seatbelts middle and behind driver keep getting stuck, they will not retract. My vehicle is only 4 years old it started with the headlight issue within 2 years. Now the seatbelts and paint, this vehicle has been a pain.
Incident date: May 4, 2026
CVT issue my Rogue Sport has 81000 miles and now needs a transmission according to the mechanic shop. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: May 12, 2023
Mother single , sole support 4 babies and going through divorce needed a vehicle right away . Carvana rated this car 94 after its 150 pt inspection . It was noted that it was in an accident. Driving the babies on interstate the Pilar flew off, later on still on interstate , ck engine light came on, then steering warning, brake warning and sudden loss of speed . Car would not accelerate beyond 40 ... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2023
Mother single , sole support 4 babies and going through divorce needed a vehicle right away . Carvana rated this car 94 after its 150 pt inspection . It was noted that it was in an accident. Driving the babies on interstate the Pilar flew off, later on still on interstate , ck engine light came on, then steering warning, brake warning and sudden loss of speed . Car would not accelerate beyond 40 ... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2023
Mother single , sole support 4 babies and going through divorce needed a vehicle right away . Carvana rated this car 94 after its 150 pt inspection . It was noted that it was in an accident. Driving the babies on interstate the Pilar flew off, later on still on interstate , ck engine light came on, then steering warning, brake warning and sudden loss of speed . Car would not accelerate beyond 40 ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
The vehicle suffers from a persistent transmission defect including shuttering bucking slipping torque converter failure valve body failure twice metal debris improper down shifting chirping noises and related liability and safety issues. The vehicle has undergone multiple unsuccessful repair attempts at authorise GM dealerships. These repairs include torque converter replacement valve body replac... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); 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 contact stated that after his wife had parked the vehicle, the message "Parking Malfunction" was displ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
Most of the dash lights are on scan code U1412. Says traction control not working, ABS not working, speedometer not working, and airbags not working. The Power Control Module (PCM) needs replaced. A known issue with the Jeep Wrangler JKs. No one stocks the parts and used ones are way over priced. How can Jeep not have to replace it or at least stock a replacement part that has the issues resolved?
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
I am filing this complaint because my 2019 Honda Pilot has developed a serious safety-related defect. When I started the vehicle, multiple warning lights remain on, including the LKAS, ACC, CMBS, and Brake System warnings. I haven't had it inspected by the dealer yet, as the closest dealer is 25 miles away down a curvy mountain road. I expect that it will be determined that the front-facing camera... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
I am filing this complaint because my 2019 Honda Pilot has developed a serious safety-related defect. When I started the vehicle, multiple warning lights remain on, including the LKAS, ACC, CMBS, and Brake System warnings. I haven't had it inspected by the dealer yet, as the closest dealer is 25 miles away down a curvy mountain road. I expect that it will be determined that the front-facing camera... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
The contact owned a 2007 Hummer H3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the AC was turned on, and the contact became aware of smoke entering the cabin of the vehicle. The smoke was coming from the front passenger's side underneath the dashboard. The AC was turned off, and the smoke ceased. The contact exited the vehicle and went into the store. The contact exited the store and wa... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service 4WD" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign: 25V011000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnose... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2026
My Ford Fusion with the Ecoboost 2.0L 4-cyl engine has the design flaw that has the issue with a coolant to leak into the combustion chamber. Mine is in cylinder #2. The local dealer quoted $10K to replace the engine because it has the design flaw. I need this repaired because I need it to get to work. my 2016 fusion should also be covered by the recall.
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Tucson. While the contact’s son was driving approximately 55 MPH on a three-lane highway, the brakes locked up. While attempting to move the vehicle to the shoulder, the driver lost control of the vehicle and struck the guardrail and rolled over several times. The air bags deployed, and the glass shattered. There were no injuries reported. A Police report was file... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 9, 2026
Vehicle is affected by the sudden transmission downshift recall (Recall 24V-473). The manufacturer states that the remedy is not yet available. The dealership refuses to provide a safe loaner vehicle, forcing me to drive a truck with a known, catastrophic risk of a highway wheel-lockup.
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
In 2023 I leased a Subaru Impreza base model for 3 years and found Subaru no longer includes a spare tire, and only has a kit. This means paying to be towed to a service center when I could have a spare tire loaded by AAA. I bought myself a spare Firestone P225/40 R16 in event I needed it. 2025 State inspection found that all four tires had treads worn and I needed to get the tires replaced un... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
This is related to the Faulty Spiral Cable Assembly (HORN) that on line evidence suggests should have been a Toyota Recall item for this year and model. In 2014, Toyota issued a recall for 97,000 Hylanders for this very thing however it only covered 2008-2010 at that time. In review of safety recalls for faulty Spiral Cables on other Toyota models, it's evident they have had issues. On Decembe... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
This has happened several times where the transmission will not go into drive and makes an electronic noise while trying to shift into drive. If you turn the car off, open the driver's door, wait for complete power down then restart the vehicle, it will then go into drive. Sometimes it just takes one attempt, sometimes several. Seems to be a computer malfunction similar to a recent recall but for ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
using adaptive cruise control if a car comes in front of you from the side street etc the car can go from 55 to 30 in seconds and if someone is following too close or not paying attention that car can hit you in the rear . on curvy roads a car coming the other way will almost stop the car quickly annoying the driver behind you
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
The exterior side mirrors have intermittent electrical/memory malfunctions. When locking the vehicle, the side mirrors begin to fold, pause or glitch briefly, and then continue folding. Separately, when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, the right-side mirror tilts downward to assist with backing/parking, but when shifted back to drive or park, the mirror does not reliably return to its original... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
The exterior side mirrors have intermittent electrical/memory malfunctions. When locking the vehicle, the side mirrors begin to fold, pause or glitch briefly, and then continue folding. Separately, when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, the right-side mirror tilts downward to assist with backing/parking, but when shifted back to drive or park, the mirror does not reliably return to its original... Read more