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.

2,245,377 Total Complaints
140,173 Reported Crashes
56,794 Reported Fires
8,580 Reported 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

How to Read NHTSA Consumer Complaints › How NHTSA Investigations Work › Used Car: 7 Recall Checks to Run First › The Takata Airbag Recall: Full Story › OBD-II Codes Explained › All Articles ›
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Showing 62,191 complaints for KIA

KIA FORTE (2016) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Jul 1, 2026
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
My vehicle completely lost power and stalled on the freeway, requiring a tow. A Toyota dealership has diagnosed it with a total internal failure of the UA80 transmission and quoted me $9,000. This vehicle has been properly maintained, including a documented transmission fluid service at a Toyota facility in March of this year. A modern powertrain should not suffer a life-threatening failure at 130... Read more
KIA SORENTO (2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jul 1, 2026
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
Honda Accord 9th Gen ABS/VSA Issues - DTC Code 81-20 /32-11. TPMS/ABS/VSA/Brake/Power Steering lights are on. Dealer claim is an ABS module issue and need replacement.
KIA TELLURIDE (2023) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jul 1, 2026
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
The rear-view camera intermittently fails to engage when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. When the camera does display, the image sometimes shows horizontal glitch lines/artifacts. This affects backing visibility and parking safety and creates a risk of collision with pedestrians, objects, vehicles, or property. The concern was reported to Audi service along with other electrical/driver-assis... Read more
KIA SORENTO (2016) - ENGINE Jul 1, 2026
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50-60 MPH, the check engine warning light flashed and several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode, lost motive power, and failed to properly accelerate. The contact restarted the vehicle; however, the vehicle remained in LIMP Mode. The contact exited the interstate, left t... Read more
KIA SORENTO (2016) - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Jul 1, 2026
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while his son was driving 50 MPH, the ABS warning illuminated, and the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. The vehicle was driven to the residence and parked. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer associated the failure with TSB: NTB21-045a. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the warranty... Read more
KIA SORENTO (2016) - SUSPENSION Jul 1, 2026
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while his son was driving 50 MPH, the ABS warning illuminated, and the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. The vehicle was driven to the residence and parked. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer associated the failure with TSB: NTB21-045a. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the warranty... Read more
KIA CADENZA (2018) - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Jul 1, 2026
Incident date: Jun 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the fuel gauge remained unchanged and read lower than the correct fuel level. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V337000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Electrical System). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. ... Read more
KIA SOUL (2019) - ENGINE Jul 1, 2026
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
In March had issues with driver and passenger seats not moving up and down without getting stuck have to mess with it for awhile to move up or down and sometimes won't go to a directions it can move to seat even though setting it in a certain position every time turn off car and start goes to a position to high up in a way can't get In till you put it down then get in car when moving the 2nd row s... Read more
KIA CARNIVAL HYBRID (2026) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jul 1, 2026
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
Vehicle shuts off randomly. Restarts after stopping but it’s consistent as if the car over heated yet the coolant temperature reads 194-200
KIA CARNIVAL HYBRID (2026) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER Jul 1, 2026
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
I am reporting a spontaneous sunroof glass failure involving my 2022 Kia Telluride. While driving at normal highway speed, I suddenly heard an extremely loud bang that sounded like an explosion or gunshot. I did not see or hear any object strike my vehicle before the incident. After safely pulling over, I discovered that the panoramic sunroof glass had shattered. The glass appeared to have blow... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2022) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER Jul 1, 2026
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
There have been multiple complaints of the mechatronics unit failing prematurely. I am facing that right now and it should be under warranty but is being challenged. So many people have mentioned the mechatronics unit failing prematurely upon research and discussion with the dealership. The car stalled on the freeway and I was unable to accelerate. It was confirmed and being worked on by the dea... Read more
KIA CARNIVAL (2025) - SERVICE BRAKES Jul 1, 2026
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
Trailer brakes continuously fault due to known problem GM technical bulletin 23-NA-149 This should be a recall. Nothing but the runaround getting it fixed by GM.
KIA CARNIVAL (2025) - ENGINE Jul 1, 2026
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
I am losing the engines oil every 500 miles. It is an ongoing problem and I have to check my oil on a regular basis so the engine does not seize or catch fire as my mechanic has instructed/alerted me to do.
KIA SOUL (2018) - SERVICE BRAKES Jul 1, 2026
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
In September 2004, I filed a complaint on my 2019 chevrolet Silverado was making a noise from under the steering wheel (like a click noise at least twice) also the brakes were changing the movement when I pressed the brakes. One night the brakes completely went out while driving at 55 mph. I tried everything from pumping hard but the pedal went all the way to the floor with no result. I related t... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2020) - ENGINE Jul 1, 2026
Incident date: Jun 10, 2026
2019 F150 5.0 v8 Coyote engine consuming oil excessively even after TSB - 19-2365 Exhaust/Engine smoking on startup no matter what time of year.
KIA TELLURIDE (2023) - ENGINE Jul 1, 2026
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The vehicle experienced a coolant intrusion failure involving the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. While driving, the engine began to misfire and run rough, and the check engine light illuminated. Diagnostic testing confirmed a cylinder misfire. A dealership inspected the vehicle and confirmed that coolant was leaking internally into one or more cylinders due to engine coolant intrusion. The dealership advis... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2023) - POWER TRAIN Jul 1, 2026
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
In reference to report filed already. Complaint: 1174738. Had problems importing some worksheets from Manufacturer acknowledging problem with truck and safety issues.
KIA TELLURIDE (2025) - EQUIPMENT:MOTORCYCLE:HELMETS Jul 1, 2026
Incident date: Jun 24, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
KIA SOUL (2021) - STRUCTURE:BODY Jul 1, 2026
Incident date: May 15, 2026
The front grille/hood trim flew off driving down the highway. No, it is not available the cheap plastic shattered. My safety was put at risk b/c parts are flying off the truck that should never. More importantly other people's safety is put at risk b/c a long SHARP plastic piece is flying off a large truck driving down the highway!! Yes, Glenn Polk has seen the damage and can confirm. No, no one e... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2025) - ENGINE Jul 1, 2026
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) Phasers on my 2018 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost have failed, resulting in violent, un-commanded camshaft movement within the engine. The vehicle is currently in my possession, and the failed components are available for inspection upon request. This failure puts my safety and the safety of surrounding motorists at extreme risk. The internal locking pins inside the c... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2021) - POWER TRAIN Jun 30, 2026
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The entire transmission had to be replaced. The water pump also. Currently it continues to have issues with the check engine light coming on, the code it says is the fuel sensors.
KIA SOUL (2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING Jun 30, 2026
Incident date: May 20, 2024
Control for AC poorly illuminated causing distraction and posible accident. During Daytime The automatic fan level and synk indicators on round outer knobs of A/C
KIA SOUL (2020) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING Jun 30, 2026
Incident date: Jun 15, 2026
The front camera failed and made all driver assist, automatic braking, lane departure and collision warnings to fail. The cost of a new camera and calibrations is $2000. This critical piece of safety should not fail so soon or be that expensive to replace.
KIA SPORTAGE (2025) - ENGINE Jun 30, 2026
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
Component: Automatic transmission, 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum AWD. Available for inspection. Purchased new 11/21/2025 at zero miles. Beginning ~2000 miles (est Feb 2026), intermittent transmission malfunction during acceleration: transmission holds gears at elevated RPMs beyond expected shift point, then shifts harshly or shudders violently. Documentation began 6/1/2026; cur... Read more
KIA OPTIMA (2017) - POWER TRAIN Jun 30, 2026
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, with the check engine and the power train warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagn... Read more
KIA K5 (2021) - SERVICE BRAKES Jun 30, 2026
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
Replaced rear brakes and rotors in August 2025. By may 2026 they had worn down to the metal and needed replaced again. Only had 13000 miles on them. After multiple diagnostics testing was done, no issues were found with the brake system. Monitoring new pads and rotors. Still wearing rapidly but even. After only 6 weeks, they have reached about half of their life.
KIA K5 (2021) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER Jun 30, 2026
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
I bought this RV as a new 2023 Thor Quantum MB24 . After a recall performed by Mercedez of Pleasanton , California ( after the VIN no. was punched on their computer ) , it shows as a 2021 Model year . How would I know if I was sold a pre - owned Motor Vehicle or a new one ? It has 2000+ miles in accordance to RECVAN @ Fremont , California , was acquired driven from Elkhart , Indiana to California ... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2020) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jun 30, 2026
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the infotainment system and screen display became inoperable. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that an unknown part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The fail... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2020) - TIRES Jun 30, 2026
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
My yellow 2016 Honda Fit (18560R15) right front tire recently developed a bump in the middle and outside tread wear. My other car, 1994 Honda Ccivic, had its front tire worn as well. This Dextero tire is manufactured in Fujian, China and is distributed by Giti and we bought them from Walmart. I had a similar defect on my Civic back in 11/2025. I found that the Dextero tire was recalled in 2016 f... Read more
KIA CARNIVAL HYBRID (2026) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS Jun 30, 2026
Incident date: Jun 16, 2026
The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), specifically the airbag system, is the component of concern. During a two-impact collision involving my 2025 Toyota Sienna XLE, none of the airbags deployed despite significant front-end damage that resulted in the vehicle being declared a total loss. The vehicle is currently in the possession of the insurance company or its storage facility. I do not know ... Read more
Crash 5 injured
KIA CARNIVAL HYBRID (2026) - AIR BAGS Jun 30, 2026
Incident date: Jun 16, 2026
The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), specifically the airbag system, is the component of concern. During a two-impact collision involving my 2025 Toyota Sienna XLE, none of the airbags deployed despite significant front-end damage that resulted in the vehicle being declared a total loss. The vehicle is currently in the possession of the insurance company or its storage facility. I do not know ... Read more
Crash 5 injured
KIA EV6 (2022) - POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY Jun 30, 2026
Incident date: Dec 31, 2022
See attached document for complaint.
KIA OPTIMA (2019) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jun 30, 2026
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
Nothing has happened. They dont know when they can fix this issue and its a fire issue. The solution now is to park away from buildings, but car theft is high, and break-ins happen all around here, so that in itself is an issue. Should be at a dealer lot waiting for a fix and a loaner should be provided by Jeep.
KIA OPTIMA (2012) - ENGINE Jun 30, 2026
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
Manufacturer has delayed repaired vehicle under campaign 23V905. Loss of use / unable to use this unsafe vehicle. It has been at the dealership and supposedly awaiting parts since September 2025. Manufacturer’s customer service people cannot provide additional details around delivery dates. Customer service both at the dealership and manufacturer have been polite; however, the dealer has provi... Read more
KIA EV6 (2022) - LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH Jun 30, 2026
Incident date: May 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS AMG 4MATIC. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. While exiting the vehicle, the vehicle shut off. The vehicle automatically locked after closing the door. The contact's child became locked inside the vehicle on several occasions. The contact's husband was able to unlock the doors with his phone. ... Read more
KIA SOUL (2012) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Jun 30, 2026
Incident date: May 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25-35 MPH on the highway, the engine and oil check warning light was illuminated. The Kia App alerted the driver to check the engine when convenient. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. There was a loud knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was ta... Read more
KIA SPORTAGE (2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING Jun 30, 2026
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
Both set of running lights on my Atlas have burned out and were replaced since purchased of car in 2021 and again both left and right running lights are no longer working. The first time the car was under warranty. The cost to fix the LED running lights are 1500.00 + per light! This is clearly a defect on VW‘s design and should be fixed and fall under a recall.
KIA SPORTAGE (2023) - STEERING Jun 30, 2026
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving and turning the steering wheel to the right, the steering wheel locked up and failed to return to center. The contact grabbed the steering wheel aggressively and turned it to return to center. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure was not duplicated. The manufactur... Read more
KIA SELTOS (2021) - POWER TRAIN Jun 29, 2026
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
The 9 speed automatic transmission suffered a catastrophic internal failure (codes PO893 and PO876), forcing the vehicle into limp mode. The vehicle loses propulsion unexpectedly in traffic, and the transmission risk complete mechanical lockup while driving. The vehicle is unsafe to operate on public roads, creating a severe crash hazard.06
KIA SORENTO (2017) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING Jun 29, 2026
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
Tesla model y is experiencing a front passenger airbag sensor failure (OCS) covered by factory bulletin SB-23-20-002 alongside TMPS and EAEB alerts. Tesla corporate resolutions is refusing to fix these safety system failures with out charging $1400 out-of-pocket, citing warranty expired.
KIA SOUL (2021) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jun 29, 2026
Incident date: Jun 24, 2025
The rear power liftgate on my 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid (VIN [XXX]) repeatedly opened and closed on its own, without any command from the key fob, interior button, or any occupant. This occurred over a period of several months. It happened while the vehicle was parked and, more dangerously, while the vehicle was in motion at normal driving speeds. An un-commanded liftgate opening while driving... Read more
KIA SOUL (2021) - VISIBILITY/WIPER Jun 29, 2026
Incident date: Jun 24, 2025
Windshield cracked without any trauma being done to cause it to crack. This is the second Honda CRV windshield to crack spontaneously
KIA SOUL (2021) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jun 29, 2026
Incident date: Jun 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4XE. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V741000 (Electrical System); however, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Electric not Available" was displayed, with the RPM elevated to high. Additionally, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the engine compartment. The vehi... Read more
KIA SORENTO (2026) - POWER TRAIN Jun 29, 2026
Incident date: May 30, 2026
2018 Chevy Silverado 2500Diesel Duramax (63,000 miles & Garage kept) While pulling 37' camper on flat terrain, Push Rod bent and broke in half - violently shaking and missing; Engine was ruined. Engine light did not appear until after it started shaking. Luckily this happened before crossing over steep mountain where we would not have been able to get off road or control vehicle and camper be... Read more
KIA SORENTO (2026) - ENGINE Jun 29, 2026
Incident date: May 30, 2026
2018 Chevy Silverado 2500Diesel Duramax (63,000 miles & Garage kept) While pulling 37' camper on flat terrain, Push Rod bent and broke in half - violently shaking and missing; Engine was ruined. Engine light did not appear until after it started shaking. Luckily this happened before crossing over steep mountain where we would not have been able to get off road or control vehicle and camper be... Read more
KIA CARNIVAL (2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jun 29, 2026
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
My 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited has had an issue since I purchased it in March 2024 that has a loud booming sound that comes out of the speakers when you turn it on. It exceeds 70 dBA when it happens and causes me ear pain. My dealer has reported it numerous times and it is known to Jeep but they still have not come up with a fix. You can see this issue documented in a reddit post: [XXX]... Read more
KIA SORENTO PHEV (2025) - ENGINE Jun 29, 2026
Incident date: Nov 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine started making knocking sounds. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be disassembled for further diagnostic tests. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHT... Read more
KIA SORENTO PHEV (2025) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Jun 29, 2026
Incident date: Nov 21, 2024
My wife had a collission on June 25th at 2 30PM CST while she was parking her vehicle in her office parking spot. The car suddenty sped and hit a tree. We suspect it be a misfire in Tesla.
Crash 1 injured
KIA EV6 (2022) - POWER TRAIN Jun 29, 2026
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
- The all electric drive system intermittently fails. The vehicle drive shuts down and stops suddenly when decelerating to a stop in full electric mode while in drive. The vehicle "drive" light on the gear shift then starts flashing when the drive system shuts down. Vehicle motors lock up and the vehicle comes to an abrupt stop. The vehicle then has to be shifted into Park, and then back into ... Read more
KIA SORENTO (2014) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jun 29, 2026
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Over my time owning this vehicle i have had several different safety concerns. although they have been resolved by the dealer, i have concerns for anyone purchasing this make and model. 1. lane departure. i have turned off lane detection because i have had the car try to auto correct and jerk me to the left into oncoming traffic 2. i have had incidents where the driver door was unable to be open... Read more
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