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: Sep 1, 2025
The electric power steering light came on and has caused difficulties driving the vehicle.
Incident date: May 17, 2026
Car shut off whike driving and couldn't control the vehicle
Incident date: Jun 10, 2026
Vehicle would not start while on vacation. Called a tow to take to GM dealer. Turns out the fuel pump control module was bad. Some 2023 with a 5.3 had recalls. I was told my bin didn’t qualify so GM told me to contact you.
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
Engine problems. Car stop running and I had it towed to a local KIA dealer in Medford, Oregon. They said the engine didn't have any oil even though it wasn't time for my next oil change per the mileage sticker. They said the engine has to be replaced. I'm waiting on KIA's approval since it is still under warranty. They have had the car for a week. It's a 2021 KIA Seltos and I'm assuming other ... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2026
The air conditioning fan has five fan beats starting with extra low, low, medium, high and extra high. The extra low is too low, but when you turn the fan speed up to one, it becomes as loud as the highest setting often sounding way too loud where it is hard to hear anything. Causes a problem then when adjusting buttons to get it to your temperature, especially while driving on an expressway. Vehi... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2026
Transmission locked up while driving with no warning.
Incident date: May 26, 2026
Transmission locked up while driving with no warning.
Incident date: Jun 11, 2026
The car has had I repaired recalls since I purchased it from the dealership last year. None of the dealerships want to provide alternate transportation or even take me home with my kids but want me to leave the car for several days and figure it out. There hasn’t been an incident yet but the recall states the car can catch fire while parked and I live in one of the hottest states.
Incident date: Jun 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the heat and A/C control knobs had melted twice, and the contact had purchased and personally replaced the entire control panel. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormal strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2024
Whenever the self driving feature is disengaged, a pop up menu is forced into the user asking for a reason for the disengagement. The user is forced to submit a response for the pop up menu to go away. This menu shifts sections of the screen around and can cause distractions due to the user looking for specific information that is typically there but is not due to the pop up menu.
Incident date: Jun 18, 2024
Whenever the self driving feature is disengaged, a pop up menu is forced into the user asking for a reason for the disengagement. The user is forced to submit a response for the pop up menu to go away. This menu shifts sections of the screen around and can cause distractions due to the user looking for specific information that is typically there but is not due to the pop up menu.
Incident date: May 31, 2026
Safety Issue: The UConnect screen which displays backup camera image, has delaminated causing the display to not show the backup camera view. The same Uconnect screen , because of the delaminating failure auto selects radio channel changes and climate control to not respond to touching the screen.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
Continental Cross Contact RX, 245/50 R20, M&S I was driving my 2025 Cadillac Optiq. I was about 1 mile from my home driving at 35 mph or less when the rear passenger side tire blew out. There was a fist size hole in the track (bottom of tire) . I definitely didn’t run over anything. The car was towed to a Cadillac dealer who put on a new tire at my expense. At the dealers they said it was “u... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
Vehicle has experienced multiple electrical and mechanical failures at unusually low mileage. Purchased at 32,000 miles. At approximately 50,000 miles, the factory radio/infotainment system failed completely. Electrical systems were observed remaining active after the vehicle was powered off, suggesting an underlying electrical fault. At approximately 60,000 miles, the power steering rack and fuel... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
The contact owned a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the vehicle was designed with a right-hand steering wheel and was used as a mail carrier vehicle. The contact stated that after parking and dropping off mail, the contact returned to the vehicle and noticed that the vehicle was overheating, and the battery warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact noticed an abnormal po... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
The contact owned a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the vehicle was designed with a right-hand steering wheel and was used as a mail carrier vehicle. The contact stated that after parking and dropping off mail, the contact returned to the vehicle and noticed that the vehicle was overheating, and the battery warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact noticed an abnormal po... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Ridgeline. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V365000 (STRUCTURE, SUSPENSION) and 26V332000 (AIR BAGS); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the bolt set needed to perform the suspension recall repair, and the parts needed to perform the a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
While driving at highway speeds vehicle changes the drive mode at random. Even attempting to go into 4 low at high speeds. If the vehicle is able to change into 4 low at high speeds this could send the vehicle into uncontrollable lock down to the drive train and potently creating uncontrollable spin out. Car has been at the dealership for this issue, but they cannot find any problems or able to re... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2026
Accelerator lag from any speed or stop. The care will take several seconds to hunt for the correct gear before shifting to accelerate. Or it will delay acceleration for several seconds while your pressing the accelerator. No SES indicator active. Mechanics can’t find issues. Other owners on forum a report the same sluggish behavior. These 1.5 turbo cars seem to need a software fix that they a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
While driving my 2024 Honda Prologue Elite at anywhere from 10-30 MPH, the One-Pedal Driving system suddenly and without warning faults out and disabled mid-drive. The regenerative braking abruptly cut out, causing a sudden loss of expected deceleration, creating a 'lurch forward' feeling. A dashboard warning light illuminated instructing me to press the brake pedal immediately. This has happened ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2026
Following an engine replacement performed at Billion Auto Kia in Rapid City, SD, I began experiencing persistent electrical system failures in my 2017 Kia Sorento. The vehicle alarm would activate randomly without cause, including while I was inside the vehicle with the engine running. Additionally, the door locks would engage spontaneously, trapping me inside the vehicle and preventing me from ex... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2026
The vehicle failed to shift back into Drive after being placed in Park, rendering it inoperable. As a result, the vehicle had to be pushed out of a busy driveway and towed to a local repair shop. The local repair shop was unable to diagnose or repair the issue because the required diagnostic equipment is specific to Ford vehicles and was not available to them. The shop advised that the transmissi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2026
1. The L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion failed and is available for inspection at the service department at Power Swain Chevrolet dealership, Fayetteville, NC. 2. I, other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians were at risk. That vehicle could have come down on the highway, causing a vehicle pileup, which could have caused mass casualties. 3. The problem is known; the service advisor informed me the veh... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2026
1. The L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion failed and is available for inspection at the service department at Power Swain Chevrolet dealership, Fayetteville, NC. 2. I, other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians were at risk. That vehicle could have come down on the highway, causing a vehicle pileup, which could have caused mass casualties. 3. The problem is known; the service advisor informed me the veh... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2024
The vehicle experienced a sudden transmission/powertrain failure while driving. The transmission began slipping, with engine RPM increasing but the vehicle failing to accelerate normally. The vehicle would move very slowly or not move forward at all, creating a significant safety risk in traffic because the driver could not reliably accelerate, merge, or clear intersections. Prior to complete fai... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2024
We are the original owner of a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The vehicle is experiencing issues from internal engine oil consumption caused by a manufacturing defect in the GDI powertrain. In 2023, while driving under normal operating conditions, the vehicle began severely jerking, shuddering and hesitating during acceleration. This hesitation and sudden drop in power creates a severe and immediate traff... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The truck has had three alignments and it still pulls to the right.
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Vehicle: 2026 Honda Pilot Elite AWD Current Mileage: ~3,850 miles Persistent component defect and failure within the steering column assembly, specifically involving the steering clock spring (cable reel assembly). The vehicle experiences an audible clicking, rattling, and binding sensation during normal steering wheel rotation. Authorized Honda dealership warranty repairs have failed to remedy t... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The front bumper under the drivers side headlight is detaching from the car. I brought the car to the dealership, they looked at it, said they pushed the bumper back in but i needed to make an appt. When i came back for the second appt, I was immediately turned away. They stated it was body work and they didn't do that type of work. I was sent to Bob Maloney Collision. There they took the bumper o... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
On [XXX], my 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali equipped with the 6.2L engine suffered a sudden loss of power while driving. The vehicle lost propulsion and could not continue operating normally. The vehicle was taken to Orange Buick GMC in Orlando, Florida. The dealership advised that the engine is locked and unable to rotate manually, and that the engine requires replacement. The vehicle has approxima... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
WHEN YOU PRESS ON THE GAS ACCELERATOR- THE CAR ONLY MOVES AT A FEW MILES PER HOUR. THIS IS INTERMITTENT BUT MAKES THE CAR UNDRIVEABLE AND VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE IN TRAFFIC. THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED BUT NOW GENEIS SAYS IT IS ANOTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUE AND THE CAR NEEDS A NEW HARNESS- BUT GENSIS NO LONGER MAKES THIS PART (THE HARNESS) SO GENESIS EVEN UNDER MY WARRANTY CANNOT FIX THE CAR GENES... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2025) - POWER TRAIN
Jun 17, 2026
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
4WD has issues with the transfer case and cars up to 2019 had issues. I cant get parts and it is not safe to drive.
Incident date: May 9, 2026
while driving, the steering sticks and has gotten worse over the past 2 weeks. took to a Honda Dealer and they diagnosed the Electronic Power Steering Rack needs replaced/gear box, $3500-5000 estimated. Then told us if we continue to drive it we could wreck and end up in a ditch. Our teen drives this car and now we are without a car and out $22,000, which we paid 2 yrs ago for the used car. ... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
The passenger airbag in my 2019 RAM 1500 (VIN: [XXX] LP: [XXX]) is completely missing. The dashboard was cosmetically repaired to hide the absence, and the warning light was tampered with so no airbag/SRS alert appears. This was only discovered during a recent inspection; I had no prior warning. Inspection by an independent service center is scheduled and I can provide the vehicle for examination ... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
The passenger airbag in my 2019 RAM 1500 (VIN: [XXX] LP: [XXX]) is completely missing. The dashboard was cosmetically repaired to hide the absence, and the warning light was tampered with so no airbag/SRS alert appears. This was only discovered during a recent inspection; I had no prior warning. Inspection by an independent service center is scheduled and I can provide the vehicle for examination ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V099000 (Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the dealer sent a mobile mechanic to place of employment to inspect the vehicle and the contact was informed that the seat belts were in proper working order. Recently while attempting t... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
2019 Subaru Crosstrek; Battery is drained even when car is fully turned "off". If the car is not driven every day, battery may drain completely and car won't start. If not driven for several days, battery will discharge so low that it is damaged, in which case it may not have sufficient charge to start the car after sitting overnight. After battery is discharged to the point of damage, it must... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
I was driving on FSD mode, my car suddenly changed very fast to left lane by itself and hit the car on that lane right behind me.
Crash
Incident date: May 15, 2026
Steering wheel sticks when driving. Seems like I am always having to correct to stay in lane. It is available for an inspection. I am always afraid it won’t go back to center of the lane to drive and will Continue into the passing lane. I called a dealership and they said that my VIN # is not one that was recalled. No one there has inspected it, and there are no warning lamps. The car was driven... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2026
The camera located behind the rearview mirror is faulty. In hot weather locations (like mine in Florida) it stops working. And that means all electronically assisted driving systems LKAS (like cruise control, auto high beam, lane departure, auto distance monitor/collision warning, etc.) malfunction, giving flashing messages about all non-working features. This is due to CMOS image sensor degradati... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2026
ON MONDAY, 6/15/26, WITH APPROX 45,400 MILES, I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND TRUCK SAID SERVICE TRANSMISSION. THE GEARS WOULD SHIFT, BUT IT LAGGED A LITTLE BIT. I SCHEDULED AN APPT FOR TWO DAYS LATER, AND ONLY DROVE IT WHEN I ABSOLUTELY HAD TO, WHICH WAS ONLY TWICE BEFORE MY SCHEDULED APPT. I GET IN IT TO DRIVE AND IT SAYS SERVICE TRANSMISSION- UNABLE TO SHIFT SOON, THEN ON MY WAY TO THE DEALERSH... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2025
2018 Enclave w/106k on the odometer and the catalytic convertor cracked. $2200 repair.
Incident date: Oct 22, 2025
All safety systems warned of failure due to faulty camera. Camera needed to be replaced.
Incident date: Jun 14, 2026
On June 15th 2026, I was at a red light and the Auto Start-Stop feature shut off the engine. When light turned green, my car lost power and started rolling downhill. During this rolling downhill, the brakes stopped working, I was unable to engage parking brake, and I wasn't able to do anything except find a place to safely use gravity to slow the vehicle down. If the hill was steeper, this scenari... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2026
Unable to control steering properly when driving, steering wheel sticks when trying to turn it. The Honda dealer said it is caused by the steering gear box and needed to be replaced. I saw where there is a recall for this problem on all 2017-2018 Honda CRVs, all trims included. When I checked our VIN it wasn't listed but we have the problem. Please help. Thank you
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
The 2019 Tucson has 60,413 miles. My daughter drives it very low mileage - a couple of miles a day back and forth to school. Friday she was driving and the car lost engine power and it stopped driving. No warning lights. There was a cloud of smoke and it smelled like burning plastic. She was on a busy road but pulled over and quickly exited the vehicle. I had it towed and the mechanic says the ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
Corrosion of the exhaust pipes lead to an exhaust leak.
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V558000 Rear Defogger Coil Antenna Module may Overheat If the coil antenna generates excessive heat, not sure what is happening but car does seem to overheat off and on especially when radio is turned on
Incident date: Jun 16, 2026
Recall service not available right now. We have a remedy but parts are not available right now. We will inform you when the service is available. Or, you can contact your dealer.Description On your vehicle it is possible that the trailer module trm may lose communication at vehicle start-up. If a trm loss of communication occurs and a trailer is connected to the vehicle, trailer stop lamps and tu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2023
I had intermittent loss of back-up camera picture, with initial repair paid by me on 8/3/22. The problem persisted intermittently, I was told the only option was to replace the camera, which I found with online search didn't fix the problem. 9/11/24 the dealer "fixed" the problem when a recall was issued. It worked for a short time. I returned 11/11/24 with the same problem, but because it was int... Read more