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 1, 2026
Daytime running lights on my car gave out. This has been an issue with 2020+ Defenders as the LED module burns out overtime due to a lack of sufficient cooling. Land Rover quoted over 5000 dollars for headlight replacements just for a simple LED bulb. This needs to be addressed.
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
This is my fourth Subaru Outback windshield. The car has 80K. I had it replaced in 2019 when a rock hit the screen by safelight. I had another crack (no rock) fixed in July 2021 and another crack (unclear source) fixed in August 2025, both by Subaru. This weekend I got my fourth crack in the windshield, no rock. The last two times, the crack extended across the screen. This time the crack is so ba... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2018
In January my parents Tesla in self driving mode drove them straight through a building. The breaks didn't deploy, the airbags didn't deploy and the steering wheel was shaking and unresponsive. Thankfully no one was seriously injured. That said, there was a lot of physical damage to the restaurant/building and the car was completely totaled. We are certain that there were catastrophic failures wi... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 20, 2026
On 3 separate occasions while driving at highway speeds, the transmission has rapidly moved from 10th gear to 1st resulting in a rapid decline in speed. Additionally, this vehicle loses power between 3rd and 5th gear, resulting in hesitation that has nearly caused accidents on two occasions.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2026
Gear: When going through an sutomated car wash on a conveyor belt car was put in neutral and hands were off the steering wheel as instructed. about 3/4 wasy through the car wash, even though the car was still in Neutral the car started to reverse : the rear camera did not go on and there was no warning beep about a vehicle behind us and it was bumping into the front of that higher vehicle that sto... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 23, 2026
The contact owned a 2026 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while her husband was driving on a perpendicular road at an undisclosed speed, entering a highway, the driver yielded; however, a truck in the median was attempting to cross the highway during oncoming traffic, and an oncoming vehicle crashed into that vehicle, causing the truck to crash into the front of the vehicle. The front air bags... Read more
Crash
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 20, 2026
I am writing to formally raise a serious concern regarding the functionality of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system. On May 11th, while the vehicle was operating under FSD, I experienced an unexpected disengagement of the system, which then reengaged on its own without any input from me. This erratic behavior caused the vehicle to hit the garage door and resulted in a crash.
Crash
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
The dashboard on my 2012 Lexus IS 250 has developed significant cracking across the surface despite the vehicle being garage-kept, low mileage, and well-maintained throughout my ownership. The cracking is not the result of any accident, impact, or misuse — it appeared spontaneously and has progressively worsened over time. Lexus acknowledged this as a known defect by establishing Customer Suppo... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
Hi! I [XXX] [XXX] my vehicle streeing wheel struck or lock when the vehicle slow down or stopped. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Jun 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle was abnormally jolting and sputtering. The contact stated that the engine warning light was activating and deactivating. The contact stated that failure was a recurring failure. The dealer was contacted, and a transmission flush was performed; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not a... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2026
The transmission seems to be sluggish. When making a rolling left turn around 25 to 30 mph after no power to the transmission, when coming out of the turn the trans seems to spin and then slam into gear. I mean slam where everyone in the vehicle says "what the hell was that" kind of slam. This has been intermittent since I purchased the vehicle 1 1/2 years ago at 79,000 miles. I've had the tra... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
Active distance assist inoperable, active brake assist functions limited, adaptive cruise control not working, lane keeping assist glitching. I was driving the vehicle home after purchase and the lane keeping assist was glitching, it was actively pulling the wheel to the left, like I was over the fog line (I wasn’t) and it was hard braking, Making driving very unsafe. I slowed down and got off a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
Active distance assist inoperable, active brake assist functions limited, adaptive cruise control not working, lane keeping assist glitching. I was driving the vehicle home after purchase and the lane keeping assist was glitching, it was actively pulling the wheel to the left, like I was over the fog line (I wasn’t) and it was hard braking, Making driving very unsafe. I slowed down and got off a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
The vehicle randomly but regularly experiences a grabbing in the steering when turning and requires a pulling on the steering wheel that then seems to overcorrect momentarily. This vehicle could be available for inspection upon request. I've taken it to my regular mechanic and he reproduced the problem and believes it is due to the steering rack or the electronic controls therein. No warning lamps... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
Valentine day a car side swiped me on the 91 freeway my car went out of control but I was able to get control of the vehicle driver side got banged up from the back bumper all the way to the driver side front fender.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
Valentine day a car side swiped me on the 91 freeway my car went out of control but I was able to get control of the vehicle driver side got banged up from the back bumper all the way to the driver side front fender.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
Steering rack failure. Steering wheel "sticks" when straightening out of a curve. This causes a need to force the steering wheel more which then causes an over-correction, possibly into another lane. Very unsafe. Steering rack failure has been confirmed by dealer. It is a known problem by Honda, but yet has never been recalled for 2022 crv's. This problem could get someone killed, a child killed. ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
On Monday [XXX] were driving on [XXX] going north up [XXX]. I was doing about 60-65 mph in traffic which was flowing in both directions. While ascending the pass, the car suddenly started to misfire, rapidly lost power, power steering failed and all dash lights lit up. With no shoulder to pull out this was a very scary experience. Eventually managed to limp to a spot where I could pull out off t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, there was a loud bang coming from the engine compartment, followed by a clunking sound. The contact stated that the engine started running rough and the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated prior to the failure. The Check Engine warning light illuminated after the failur... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2026
My 2013 Ford F-150 (VIN: [XXX]) suffered a catastrophic rear-wheel lockup while traveling at highway speeds, mimicking a sudden, unprompted hard braking event. The vehicle's speedometer dropped to zero and the dashboard went blank. A certified Ford dealership has just scanned the vehicle and pulled Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0722, confirming an Output Shaft Speed sensor/molded leadframe failur... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2026
My 2013 Ford F-150 (VIN: [XXX]) suffered a catastrophic rear-wheel lockup while traveling at highway speeds, mimicking a sudden, unprompted hard braking event. The vehicle's speedometer dropped to zero and the dashboard went blank. A certified Ford dealership has just scanned the vehicle and pulled Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0722, confirming an Output Shaft Speed sensor/molded leadframe failur... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The vehicle is a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. It had previously been included in an engine-fire-related recall/service campaign, and Hyundai replaced the engine between approximately October 2024 and January 2025 at about 113,000 miles. About 10,000 miles and 14 months later, the vehicle developed engine/performance problems. A Hyundai dealership service center performed about $6,500 in repairs, i... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The vehicle is a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. It had previously been included in an engine-fire-related recall/service campaign, and Hyundai replaced the engine between approximately October 2024 and January 2025 at about 113,000 miles. About 10,000 miles and 14 months later, the vehicle developed engine/performance problems. A Hyundai dealership service center performed about $6,500 in repairs, i... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 17, 2026
When the engine shuts off while braking at a light/stop sign etc occasionally the car will fail to turn the engine back on and the car will go in to park and the only way to get in to drive is to restart the car. This happens once or twice a month.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2026
When the engine shuts off while braking at a light/stop sign etc occasionally the car will fail to turn the engine back on and the car will go in to park and the only way to get in to drive is to restart the car. This happens once or twice a month.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2026
When the engine shuts off while braking at a light/stop sign etc occasionally the car will fail to turn the engine back on and the car will go in to park and the only way to get in to drive is to restart the car. This happens once or twice a month.
Incident date: Jun 22, 2025
We were traveling north on hwy 23 in southern Minnesota pulling a 5000 lb trailer in the rain and it was windy. When the road split to 4 lane I stepped on the gas to speed up from 55 to 65 and the vehicle studderd and lost all power. Many warning lights cam on and I think it said stop within .3 miles. We pulled to the side of the road and basically coasted to a stop. It was on hybrid power. We cal... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2025
On March 30, 2026, a safety issue was documented regarding a 2018 Honda CR-V currently located at Crash Champions collision center. The driver-side steering wheel airbag module is entirely missing from the vehicle due to a physical loss/theft, rendering the supplemental restraint system (SRS) completely non-functional and leaving the vehicle unrepairable due to an indefinite OEM manufacturer backo... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Vehicle is a safety hazard my jeep compass stalks while driving or sitting in traffic without warning. After sitting at traffic lights jeep stutters and hesitates before going again. My 2022 compass has stalled on me a couple of different times since I have had it. The car is unsafe.
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2024) - SUSPENSION
Jun 22, 2026
Incident date: Jun 20, 2026
My front suspension is making squeaky and chuckling noice, went to service center they say its out of warranty the issue was there years before but I have ignored thinking weather related issues also make them aware about, since its 4 to 5 thousand miles over warranty I asked for little discount on fix, also made them aware that i have heard similar issue report all over the web also show them rel... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger's seat lumbar system independently inflated and failed to deflate as intended. The contact stated that the excessive inflation caused the seat back pocket to fracture. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure was a safety hazard because of the air bags. The dea... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2026
The front passenger seatbelt will not adjust and is stuck. It worked when last used. I parked and when we got in to go, it wouldn’t work . It was not due to any misuse and is a safety issue as the passenger has to plug it in so the seatbelt notice will go off. I don’t know why it is not able to be adjusted.
Incident date: Jun 8, 2026
The brake line on the front passenger side was rubbing and failed. We were put at risk because the brakes lost fluid. We have had 4 identical vehicles with the same issue, 3 failed and 1 was replaced before failure. Not to my knowledge has it been inspected other than a dealership and tech. There were no warning lights.
Incident date: Mar 8, 2025
I purchased the above-listed 2016 Chevrolet Volt through Carvana, relying on the contractual promise that the BECM was covered under Special Coverage N232432680 for up to 15yrs or 150k miles. The vehicle has suffered persistent, severe mechanical and electrical issues resulting in a prolonged loss of use: 1. Initial Breakdown and Delivery: The vehicle originally had a Reduced Propulsion Power Ale... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2025
I purchased the above-listed 2016 Chevrolet Volt through Carvana, relying on the contractual promise that the BECM was covered under Special Coverage N232432680 for up to 15yrs or 150k miles. The vehicle has suffered persistent, severe mechanical and electrical issues resulting in a prolonged loss of use: 1. Initial Breakdown and Delivery: The vehicle originally had a Reduced Propulsion Power Ale... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2026
If I have a sensor that will malfunction due to water then there should be a water indicator alert. My sunroof vent was blocked and water went into my trunk where the core module is. I had just come to a red light to turn on to a major highway and my car began to smell like fuel. I rolled down the windows and realized the smell was not as strong as inside. The light turned green and as I stepped o... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2026
If I have a sensor that will malfunction due to water then there should be a water indicator alert. My sunroof vent was blocked and water went into my trunk where the core module is. I had just come to a red light to turn on to a major highway and my car began to smell like fuel. I rolled down the windows and realized the smell was not as strong as inside. The light turned green and as I stepped o... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
Door Lock Actuator, the door latch is stuck on unlock and it won’t close or lock when the lock button is pressed on key fob.
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
Car has worn down both rear tires to wires and dealer has said alignment is way out and could be suspension issues. Checked recalls and don’t see any but it’s clear there is a serious issue as these tires should have worn like this
Incident date: Jun 21, 2026
I feel asleep at the wheel somehow ended up hitting the car in front of me i know adaptive cruisae was on. After i hit the car i woke up and then ended up in a ditchg no airbags deployed or anything. I don't remember what happenedf up until i woke up. which was after i hit the car in front of me.
Crash
Incident date: Jun 20, 2026
I feel asleep at the wheel somehow ended up hitting the car in front of me i know adaptive cruisae was on. After i hit the car i woke up and then ended up in a ditchg no airbags deployed or anything. I don't remember what happenedf up until i woke up. which was after i hit the car in front of me.
Crash
Incident date: May 11, 2026
On February 25, 2026 the car was brought to the service department where it was determined that a front tire had a separated belt which caused vibrations and failure to accelerate . On June 16, 2026 the car was brought to the service department for the same thing. Again a tire had a separated belt again 235/55R19101H
Incident date: May 8, 2025
On June 18, 2026, I was driving my 2024 Grand Wagoneer on a busy city road. As I approached a busy intersection, I stopped at the red light. When I attempted to move forward when the light turned green, it moved a few feet (putting us in the middle of the intersection), the vehicle seized and became immobile. Almost every light on the dashboard lit up. Several messages flashed back and forth o... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2025
On June 18, 2026, I was driving my 2024 Grand Wagoneer on a busy city road. As I approached a busy intersection, I stopped at the red light. When I attempted to move forward when the light turned green, it moved a few feet (putting us in the middle of the intersection), the vehicle seized and became immobile. Almost every light on the dashboard lit up. Several messages flashed back and forth o... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2025
The front driver-side door lock and opener (actuator) stopped working using the key fob and needs to be manually locked from the inside. When I try to access the door after manually locking driver side and using my key fob for the remaining 3 locks, the unit won't automatically open. This causes a safety risk considering I need to access the driver's side back or front passenger side to open the... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
In early 2022 I was going to retrieve my wallet from the console area of my wife's 2019 Ford Expedition when thumb was lacerated by something on the vehicle. I was unable to find what exactly had cut my thumb. A few months later on June 7, 2022 my wife was injured when her hand was lacerated by a sharp piece of chrome trim in the console area of the same vehicle. The injury to her hand was much wo... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Recall number 25V-767 engine may stall during driving. I was told by my local Tempe Toyota dealership that my engine was going to be replaced and they would contact me when my line number came up. Now I learned that Toyota can't keep up with the demand so they are going to scan vehicles to see if there is any damage. My vehicle only has 20,000 miles on it so how can a scan determine that the engin... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
At 35k miles our 2024 Yukon Denali with a 6.2L engine blew on a roadway with no known warning. Extremely dangerous situation with my pregnant wife and child in the car.
Incident date: Jun 19, 2026
When the vehicle is in "Eco" mode, and an attempt is made to rapidly accelerate in an emergency situation, pressing the accelerator pedal to the floor results in a significant delay before *any* engine response is detected, far beyond what is reasonable for a normal gasoline powered vehicle. In several situations, I was in heavy traffic; traffic in the lane in which I was travelling was relatively... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
I am writing to formally escalate my concerns regarding an open, unresolved safety recall on my vehicle. I have repeatedly reached out to the manufacturer to get this issue fixed, but I continue to receive nothing but the runaround. According to official safety notices and documentation, this recall involves a critical, high-risk defect. Because this issue is so serious, I am now driving in const... Read more