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 7, 2026
According to Toyota the exact same engine that is in my vehicle has a recall on it. However, since my vehicle has also had a hybrid system installed my engine is not covered. Basically, because the hybrid system offers the engine power relief there saying that the engine is okay which is not true. The same engine is the same engine. The faults of the engine in non-hybrids is the same faults in th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2026
My X7’s front differential went bad at 50k miles. I paid over 100k for a vehicle of this caliber to have something like this fail and have to pay 8k with no help from BMWNA. I’ve been a loyal customer with bmw having owned over 5 bmw vehicles in the past. And for me to get treated like this is unacceptable. I hope we can have a law suit against bmw for this.
Incident date: Jun 13, 2026
We just brought this vehicle in for the ongoing transmission problem (previously reported to your agency after the car self-accelerated), as well as the missed seatbelt recall that was not addressed at the last dealership. I advised the service advisor that the seatbelt recall needed to be fixed. The service advisor contacted us several hours later to tell us that they were replacing the transmiss... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
The car is giving external right head light issue. The light turns off suddenly at night which we need to turn on again after 2 minutes. This happens frequently and we have to turn on the lights very often. The dealer examined the issue and he expressed regret in repairing the vehicle and estimated price of $2.500.The Service Manager though stated that the issue is same as it pertains to the rear ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
At 613 miles, this 2025 Land Rover Range Rover SE experienced simultaneous brake fluid loss from the rear right wheel area, partial loss of engine power, and multiple warning lights including “Stability Control Not Available” and “Restricted Performance.” The vehicle required emergency flatbed towing. DFW Land Rover Dealer inspection identified damage at two points on the brake line near ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
At 613 miles, this 2025 Land Rover Range Rover SE experienced simultaneous brake fluid loss from the rear right wheel area, partial loss of engine power, and multiple warning lights including “Stability Control Not Available” and “Restricted Performance.” The vehicle required emergency flatbed towing. DFW Land Rover Dealer inspection identified damage at two points on the brake line near ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2026
While driving in EV mode my Wrangler 4XE starts to limit power when the battery falls below 50%. The dash display which shows power output clearly starts to limit around 75%, then 50% once the battery hits 40-45% and then even lower as the battery depletes. This makes the car barely powerful enough to hold 50mph and it cannot even climb a hill and hold speed. Then the engine abruptly kicks on i... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
This happens about 30%to 40% of the time when using Full Self Driving Supervised on HW3, FSD version 12.6.4, software version 2026.14.6. When changing marked lanes to the right, either initiated by FSD or the driver asking FSD to move to the right by engaging the right turn signals, it will do one of 2 things: 1. Change lanes properly about 70% of the time 2. Start and abort the lane. Hange swer... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Cherokee. Purchased XXX from RightDrive Muncie / AGWB Investors LLC, [XXX]. I am filing this complaint to document: (1) the sale of this vehicle with multiple pre-existing electrical defects and open safety recalls not disclosed at sale; and (2) a pre-existing mechanical defect preventing routine engine maintenance. DIAGNOSTIC EVIDENCE — OBD REPORT #108 (XXX) — 8 FAULT CODES, 6 MODULES U0010-... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2026
The 48V eTorque Power Pack Unit (PPU), BPCM, and associated cables failed on my 2019 Jeep Wrangler, causing the vehicle to stall and lose all acceleration while driving on the highway. All components are available for inspection upon request. In June 2025, a non-Jeep service center identified stored diagnostic code P0A9C-00 (48V hybrid battery temperature sensor circuit performance failure) along ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2026
The 48V eTorque Power Pack Unit (PPU), BPCM, and associated cables failed on my 2019 Jeep Wrangler, causing the vehicle to stall and lose all acceleration while driving on the highway. All components are available for inspection upon request. In June 2025, a non-Jeep service center identified stored diagnostic code P0A9C-00 (48V hybrid battery temperature sensor circuit performance failure) along ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2026
Vehicle experiences severe, intermittent, un-commanded steering inputs from the Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) system at highway speeds (55-70 MPH). The steering wheel violently jerks toward adjacent traffic lanes/shoulders without operator input, lane drift, or warning, requiring immediate high-force manual intervention to overpower mechanical torque and prevent a collision or roadway departure. Chro... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
I am submitting this regarding the remedy implemented under NHTSA Recall 26V-160 (Hyundai Palisade, second/third-row power seat obstruction detection defect). I support the intent of this recall — the underlying defect was serious and the software update appropriately targets improved occupant/object detection. However, I'm concerned about the adequacy and scope of the remedy as applied to the L... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2026
The vehicle's security system malfunctioned immediately after service at Parks Hyundai of Gainesville on 05/27/26 for Recall 256 & Campaign P33. The alarm blares & emergency lights flash while I am driving on public roads. This defect first presented in the dealership parking lot upon pickup. This creates a severe safety risk: the high-decibel alarm is a major distraction, the flashing lights conf... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2026
My 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan is experiencing excessive engine oil consumption. The oil level drops rapidly between oil changes, and I have had to add oil multiple times to prevent engine damage. The low oil warning light has appeared unexpectedly while driving, creating a safety hazard. I am concerned about potential engine failure, stalling, or loss of power at highway speeds. I have reviewed multip... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2026
This was not an incident. Instead I’d like to report it as a design flaw. I discovered low speed noise and got it fixed at Tesla service center. Upper control arms and lower control links have both been replaced at ~70k miles and the cost to repair was over $2k at Tesla service center in Feb 2026. Later in May 2026 Tesla published a service bulletin acknowledging this is a design flaw
Incident date: Jun 7, 2026
Right side sliding became stuck in closed position. Door was not openable by inside nor outside door handles. Not openable by automatic means such as push button. This situation slowed egress and could be a safety issue during emergency evacuation. During repair, KIA mechanics informed me that the forward latch (not the rear latch) of the sliding door was mechanically locked in closed position. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2026
Rattling noise experienced going over small bumps. Dealer confirmed rear shocks were leaking/rusted and needed replacement. Was charged almost an additional $1450 since I am out of warranty period. Car only has 44,275 miles after 6.5 years of owning.
Incident date: Jun 7, 2026
For a couple of weeks we have been having issues with our 2018 Honda Odyssey's back right door. When you go to open it, something happens where it makes it shut after fully opening. Our resolution for the time was to just push on the door harder and it would continue to slide open. Today, on XXX I was going to put my [XXX] son in his carseat, which is located mid van right side. He snuck infront o... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
85,000 miles Tam phaser and timing system fail along with misfires fuel injector. At 115,000 miles engine failure on the freeway.
Incident date: Jun 6, 2026
I have a misfire and all the warning lights came on. This is due to Honda having the fuel pump recalled that has damaged all the fuel injectors. It took them almost a year to get the recall parts and now myself and a ton of others are now having to pay for these fuel injectors to have a car that doesn't stall and die on the road. Honda should have taken care of this knowing it damaged the fuel inj... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2024
The car brakes for cars parked on the side of the road when using cruise control if the road curves. Today, it braked on train tracks while there was nothing impeding our path for at least a mile.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
The forward collision/emergency brake engages when it is not needed, necessary or appropriate, and even when the brake pedel is already being pressed. I have adjusted the sensitivity of the emergency braking and forward collision system and I still have this issue.
Incident date: May 20, 2026
Cowl vent grille openings allowed normal environmental debris to accumulate, plug drainage and divert water onto electrical components and potentially result in a fire if not addressed. Some of the debris passes through into the hvac system and cannot be cleaned without dealer removal/repair of the hvac motor, which costs the customer more than $500 in repairs and disincentivizes mitigation. Fu... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2026
My display screen (infotainment) that has almost all the setting to my car on it has been glitching every single time I drive my car. It has what is being described as "ghost touch". It will just flick back and forth between all different settings to my car, turn on and off the radio and go between stations, set destinations on my maps, submitting incidents on my maps, calling my contacts, request... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
While braking in slow traffic at about 11-15 mph, the vehicle hit a pothole/road irregularity and the ABS appeared to activate. The brake pedal vibrated, but the steering wheel also began shaking rapidly left and right. Braking effectiveness was greatly reduced. Even with firm brake pressure, the vehicle did not slow as expected and continued toward stopped traffic ahead. The brake pedal pushed b... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
Vehicle shuts off with with the start/stop feature. then will not restart the motor after taking foot off the brake causing a dead vehicle in the road with no warning. Then its a scramble to get it to restart and its difficult to start. this happens at random and seems like honda refuses to fix.
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
Vehicle shuts off with with the start/stop feature. then will not restart the motor after taking foot off the brake causing a dead vehicle in the road with no warning. Then its a scramble to get it to restart and its difficult to start. this happens at random and seems like honda refuses to fix.
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
While driving I saw smoke and when I pulled over I seen fuel leaking from the gas tank area. Where it was leaking it ignited and the fire department had to put out the fire and the truck is totaled
Fire
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
While driving I saw smoke and when I pulled over I seen fuel leaking from the gas tank area. Where it was leaking it ignited and the fire department had to put out the fire and the truck is totaled
Fire
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
Catastrophic engine failures AT 57k miles while driving, resulted in engine replacment under recall warranty. Timing chain replacement done at 93K miles. Second Engine failure while driving at 107K. Hyundai refuses to fix the engine.
Incident date: Nov 14, 2025
Driver airbag warning light illuminated. Vehicle was diagnosed at BMW of Sherman Oaks (RO# 176741) and confirmed as a faulty driver airbag module - part# 32-30-6-870-366. BMW technician found fault code 930904: Driver's airbag interval stage 1, resistance too high stored. BMW NA declined goodwill repair assistance despite the failure occurring within 20 days of warranty expiration. This is a safet... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2026
Vehicle purchased new December 2026 and vehicle experienced loss of power and abnormal shifting while driving at only 9000 miles. Engine produced clicking noises and was immediately brought to the closest dealership. Vehicle has been out of service since May 8, 2026, with no repair completion date due to parts availability. Owner continues making payments and insurance payments while without use o... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, a loud knocking sound was heard, and the vehicle's speed decreased to approximately 25 MPH. The contact was able to safely pull over into a parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The appr... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, a warning message advising to reduce acceleration was displayed, the Check Engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over safely. The contact stated that the failure was recurrent. The dealer was notified of the failure and diagnosed the vehicle with a valve fai... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2026
For months in early 2025, I was unable to fill gas tank without gas pump stopping ( so gas dispensers work to prevent gas from leaking?) Got progressively worse so less fuel could be put in gas tank. I took car into dealership to diagnose and fixed on April 25, 2025. I was at risk because the car can’t be filled and then unable to operate. Fuel filler neck was broken. I meant to report earlie... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2026
2023 L series II Wagoneer 84,444 miles full bench 2nd and 3rd row - My family was travelling in the car and the second row driver side seat unlatched and forcefully slammed my daughter into the back of the driver seat. No aggressive driving and no warning lights on the dash. The car dinged then slammed my daughter's face into the back of the driver seat. Caused swelling and a black eye on the left... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 10, 2026
The cruise control was set at 75 mph and we were driving down the interstate when the engine suddenly lost power and shut off. This happened with no warning and no warning lights activated. Several days later, we were driving down the interstate with the cruise control set at 72 when the engine again lost power and shut off. We were able to get the car to move again both times by shutting off ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2026
The cruise control was set at 75 mph and we were driving down the interstate when the engine suddenly lost power and shut off. This happened with no warning and no warning lights activated. Several days later, we were driving down the interstate with the cruise control set at 72 when the engine again lost power and shut off. We were able to get the car to move again both times by shutting off ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55-60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly became inoperable; the power steering became inoperable, and the brake pedal became difficult to depress. The message "No Key Fob Detected" illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. No repairs were performed. The manufactu... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55-60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly became inoperable; the power steering became inoperable, and the brake pedal became difficult to depress. The message "No Key Fob Detected" illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. No repairs were performed. The manufactu... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2026
I purchased my 2023 Toyota Tundra new and immediately had concerns as at low speeds it jerked badly. This problem has not gotten better but worse. It is noticeable to passengers when riding in the truck. Early on the fuel pump quit and was replaced. The spark plugs were replaced after the dealership said this might be the problem. My issue is I purchased a $70,000 vehicle with the expectation... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Maverick. The contact received the recall notification letter for NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V340000 (Suspension); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact had no other means of transportation. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed neither the recall remedy nor a loaner vehicle was available. The contact was referred to another ... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while his wife was attempting to exit the vehicle, the passenger-side sliding door failed to open after several attempts. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V795000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufactur... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2025
The Hydraulic Clutch Actuator has caused functional driving issues and caused my vehicle to go into limp mode. I was never informed of the recall issue prior to purchase, and the recall was marked as complete, when it was not. The fix for KIA NIRO Recall SC276 was incomplete in January 2024, and I purchased my vehicle in April 2024. My issues started in November 2025, and the incomplete recall i... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2025
While cruise control was active, the vehicle initiated un-commanded physical acceleration and deceleration in unpredictable 5 mph increments (up or down), forcing the vehicle to change speeds without driver input. This required me to immediately deactivate the system and override the accelerator/brakes to maintain control of the vehicle in while driving, creating a severe and direct safety hazard.... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
Turned on car in garage and sounded like it was in gear but wouldn’t shift into any gear and all the warning lights in the dash came on. Had to be pulled out of garage by tow truck and towed to dealership where it has been since May 12.
Incident date: Jun 11, 2026
WHAT FAILED: The engine — the 3.3L Lambda II GDI V6 (engine family GHYXV03.31XE per the federal emissions label) — failed catastrophically: a connecting rod penetrated the engine block. The failed engine IS available for inspection on request. It has been preserved unrepaired since the failure, the rod penetration of the block is externally visible, and the vehicle is currently at Niagara Hyun... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 11, 2026
There is a problem with the 2017 Buick Encore turbocharger. From speaking with the auto shop I took it to for a check they have seen many Buick Encore’s with the same turbocharger problems. He spoke to me about it prior to me dropping off the vehicle and then confirming the issue after inspecting the vehicle. The turbocharger inspection revealed a distinct structural crack at the wastegate flang... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2026
Car acceleration literally jumping from 30-50mph this is all something that can be felt happening car accelerating when braking is occurring so when slowing the car down it does a speed up then it will begin slowing down then we have the car not wanting to accelerate at all almost like it is stuttering to go this occurs when I get to a red light and it goes green and I press that gas I acts as if ... Read more