Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 60,583 complaints for KIA
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
Went to Genesis Cadillac for oil change and they recommended the replacement of both my rear toe links. As stated on their service bill Caused by loose rear toe links. GM has been selectively recalling certain makes, models and model years recalling toe link for replacement. Most recently March 10, 2026 Buick Regals 2012 and 2013. Seems GM is aware of rear toe link issues but doesnt want to ha... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
On December 21, 2025, my vehicle experienced abnormal knocking/ticking sounds coming from the engine while driving on the interstate (60 mph), and it was difficult going up hills. The check engine light was intermittingly blinking, and there was a strong burning smell. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone and the code displayed P0304 indicating a cylinder 4 misfire. The spark plugs were replaced. ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2025
Vehicle shut-off while driving on the expressway, around 70-75mph. Upon vehicle turning off, I had no option but to "coast" off to the left side, which thankfully, freed me from traffic for the most part. If anyone who have been a foot over, they would've hit me. I have had numerous electrical issues with this vehicle and have taken it to the dealership but they have been "unable" to duplicate the... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac XT6. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera intermittently displayed a blank image. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure and informed the contact that the contact had to pay for the rear-view camera software update. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was previ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
Vehicle stalled out. Then would not start. Daughter was stuck for 30 minutes until it finally turned over took it into dealership. Was told it’s the fuel pump. My issue is that now. These fuel pumps are back ordered indefinitely found out because all of the fuel pumps are going bad on the jeeps. Now we have a faulty part that the dealership is aware of that you cannot get replaced due to so many... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
Collision with deer. The vehicle cannot be driven because Nissan cannot supply a bumper with no ETA.
Crash
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
My main headlights became DIM after 7 years of ownership. I have gone to the Dealership and had BOTH bulbs Replaced with No Visible Improvement in the Brightness. Given the age of my car, I've also had the Lenses Polished to ensure there's no significant Film on the Outside. Again... No Improvement in the Brightness of the lights. I asked the techs at the Shop about the problem and they said... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2026
When driving to our local store I noticed my down shift to be rough, so I turned into the back roads, I heard lots of noise coming from the back of the vehicle and then I heard a loud pop and it was my rear axe differential bolt that snapped causing me to lose power.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
Twice my 4 year old grandson has had the foldable seats begin to fold while he was sitting in the chair. Once, while in his car seat and once while the car was parked in the garage while he sat in the rear seat. Both times were accidental. The first time he accidentally pushed the button reaching for a toy, the second time his shoe hit the button while he was climbing into the car to sit. Both I h... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
As I was entering [XXX] between [XXX] and [XXX] the check engine light came on and a warning about finding a service charging station. The accelerator then stopped working, the car stalled out and I was unable to drive the vehicle. Thankfully, I was able to navigate the car to the breakdown lane as it decelerated. I then had to get a tow to the dealership. The engine light came on severa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
While turning left, the transmission stuttered and got stuck in first gear. I did some basic research and learned that this is a known issue with 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado vehicles. I attempted the suggested fix which worked briefly. I then took the vehicle to my local Chevrolet dealer for repairs. After further research I learned that this is a known issue with my year and model of Silverado.... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
My engine smells like fire and fuel my can will not start or do anything. There was smoke coming out of it. The van has had several issues since buying it. Now it’s completely disabled I heard a popping noise as I was driving and then it died and has not started since.
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
Check engine was flashing in front of my house in Brookhaven Pa. Took to mechanic around the corner, diagnosed with a blown head gasket & oil in my anti freeze over flow. Internal engine failure. Had towed to Kia dealership in NJ
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
While stopped at a stop light engine quit running and after three attempts to restart MIL appeared and stated low oil pressure. Safety hazards included; being stuck at an intersection blocking traffic and putting myself at risk of being rear ended. was below freezing temperatures and stranded for an hour before tow arrived GM dealership found engine to be bad and needs replaced.
Incident date: Dec 30, 2025
Car shakes due to Transmission rough shifting
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rear-view camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rear-view camera image was blank. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was no... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
My car began losing power and jerking sensation when accelerating from a stop. I took the AAMCO transmissions and the vehicle was diagnosed with a torque converter shutter.
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim detached, and duct tape was used to secure the piece into place. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure), 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
My car will not charge at my home power charger or any L1 or L2 AC based power system. It will only charge at higher price fast DC chargers which are limited and not at my house. This is apparently a commonly known flaw with this vehicle that has not been addressed and I am now waiting more than 20 days for a replacement part to be ready.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
My teenage daughter regularly drives this vehicle. The vehicle began experiencing significant oil consumption, oil leaks, and intermittent loss of power. During an early inspection at an independent repair facility, a check engine code P1326 was identified. Due to the symptoms and diagnostic code, the repair facility advised that the vehicle could be heading toward engine failure and recommended t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
The speedometer is off 3%. When the speedometer indicates 65mph The vehicle is actually traveling at 68mph. At 55mph Indicated the vehicle is actually traveling at 57mph. The faster you go the more off the speedometer is. This was verified using GPS on two separate smart phones. After doing some research I've discovered that all mid to late 2024 VW Taos 4-motion vehicles are the same as my vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where a computer update was performed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle sta... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2025
hello I am formally reporting: Safety‑Critical Failures and Applicable Federal Requirements the attached 2019 BMW X3 – VIN [XXX] 1. Rearview Camera Failure Federal Requirement: FMVSS 111 – Rear Visibility Relevant Obligations: - Rearview image must activate automatically when shifting into reverse. - System must provide a minimum field of view. - System must function reliably under no... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
Started driving, engine light comes on and it shows error code “start/stop error” Car won’t go past 30pmh.
Incident date: May 7, 2024
I am submitting this complaint regarding a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe that has been subject to multiple safety recalls involving the high-voltage battery system and a risk of fire or explosion.The manufacturer, Stellantis, issued safety instructions advising owners not to charge the vehicle and not to park the vehicle in garages or near structures or other vehicles due to the potential fire risk. It ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
My 2020 Kia Telluride EX experienced a sudden engine shutoff / loss of motive power while driving in traffic. The vehicle stopped in the roadway, would not immediately restart, and restarted later after sitting. This was not normal stop/start operation, the car shut down. No low-oil warning appeared before the event. I am also aware of multiple similar owner reports online describing high oil cons... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
My 2020 Kia Telluride EX experienced a sudden engine shutoff / loss of motive power while driving in traffic. The vehicle stopped in the roadway, would not immediately restart, and restarted later after sitting. This was not normal stop/start operation, the car shut down. No low-oil warning appeared before the event. I am also aware of multiple similar owner reports online describing high oil cons... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
The 10R80 transmission is known to have issues with the CDF drum resulting in extremely hard downshift while driving and ultimately leads to transmission damage
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
Approximately one month ago, I noticed that the vehicle would not accelerate the way it normally does. A error code came on. I took the vehicle to Auto Zone for error code check. I was informed that the powertrain control module speed sensor had gone bad. I looked this up and found that Ford had a recall on 2011 Ford F-150s for similar issues. I disconnected the battery, as recommended on an inter... Read more
KIA
SORENTO PHEV
(2022) — POWER TRAIN
Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
The drive train and motor slow to a near stop in traffic when trying to clear a lane and makes it very dangerouos for other traffic to have to wait for me to clear a lane. There is something wrong and we complained about this before the warranty ran out, but they could not find anything. The car stops in traffic unexpectedly. I am not sure if sensors are causing this or what, but it has put me ... Read more
KIA
SORENTO PHEV
(2022) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
Rear glass window shattered due to the defroster getting too hot. Some smoke was noticed
KIA
SORENTO PHEV
(2022) — SEATS
Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
The manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall remedy. They have declined my requests for them to set expectations for a number of months or years after which a remedy will be available.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
I purchased a vehicle from Banter Auto here in Wichita, Kansas. I reviewed the Carfax beforehand and nothing stood out that scared me so I signed off and purchased the vehicle. I have had nothing but problems since buying which was 7 months ago and have spent $9000 on repairs. I’ve been told by several mechanics the last 5 times I’ve been in and out of mechanic shops it’s evident my car sat ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Trailer lights operate intermittently (basis of Manufacturer Recall Number 03D NHTSA Recall Number26V-059). Manufacturer states that the repair parts are available, but they are not allowing dealerships to make the repair for some undisclosed reason. The Manufacturer is misrepresenting that a repair is available when it is not and is not able to provide any more information on when this will be r... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
While driving down I35 South of wellington Ks in our new 2026 Chevy Tahoe we experienced a vehicle shift to neutral and no transmission correction available. Coasted to ditch saw “Service Transmission” notice and so turned off and on engine . Went to Derby Ks and Davis Moore Chevy in Wichita where staff removed the warning service notice on driver info and we continued to Molle Chevy in Blue... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2026
When it is too windy or rains my blindspot warning light will indicate there is something there when there isn't. I'm unsure of when I really started to notice it and watch for it to occur
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
We were driving on the highway when the service lights came on along with the check engine light started flashing. The truck sounded like it hesitated a little, but the lights turned off and it drove his normal. We exited the freeway as we were close to home came home, parked it turned it off and turned it back on to test it, and it hesitated to turn on so we took it straight to the dealership whe... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
I own a 2022 MDX Type-S. I recently read about complaints about TLX and MDX models losing their AWD system and only resulting to FWD. I was a victim of this in Montana and it was a long fight with Acura / Honda to look at the problem. It was also very dangerous as I worked up in Big Sky and would rely on the AWD system in snowy conditions. This system would always fail. After a long fight, they fi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds on several occasions, the steering wheel seized. No warning light was illuminated. The brakes locked up, causing a tire blowout. The contact stated that the tie rod was replaced. The contact stated that a neighbor assisted with freeing the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mech... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2025
225/60R17 tire purchased new started going flat in the first week. Walmart tire said there was no warranty. Receipt says otherwise. P&M tire of Blackwell, OK found defects in the interior sidewall and told us the tire had manufacturing defects. Reported to Nexen by making an account and filing a warranty request which they denied. They keep saying we are lying to deflect blame. We have the tire, i... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2025
225/60R17 tire purchased new started going flat in the first week. Walmart tire said there was no warranty. Receipt says otherwise. P&M tire of Blackwell, OK found defects in the interior sidewall and told us the tire had manufacturing defects. Reported to Nexen by making an account and filing a warranty request which they denied. They keep saying we are lying to deflect blame. We have the tire, i... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
PICOSCOPE test passed on 2/3/2026 with mileage of 58061 at Everett Chevrolet, Benton, AR. On [XXX], while driving received an error code, no oil pressure and vehicle became disabled in the middle of the road. Tahoe was towed to Teeter Chevrolet in Malvern, AR. We were notified on Friday that the engine was bad and would need to be replaced. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMAT... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and accelerating to enter the highway, the parking brake activated unintendedly, and the vehicle stalled. The failure also occurred while driving 5 MPH. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and lost automotive power on... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, an... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2026
Touch screen system has completely stopped turning on (and wont turn on) any time the outside temperature drops below about 70 degrees fahrenheit. Per online research this is a common, known issue and given that this prevents the use of key saftey features such as the backup camera and climate controls I am unsure why this has not yet initiated a safety recall. I have dealt with this for the past ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2025
2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5i, approximately 48,000 miles. CVT transmission failed suddenly with no prior warning signs. Vehicle was exclusively dealer-serviced for its entire life. While driving, the transmission began shuddering, slipping, and making metallic grinding noises. Vehicle could barely climb a small ramp and was locked in limp mode, making it unsafe to operate in traffic. Diagnostic codes P... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
ICCU failure within three (3) days of buying vehicle. Only 300 miles on it. Failed to charge with known working Level 1 charger on day 1, successfully charged with Level 3 charger on day 2, and then failed to charge at same Level 3 charger on day 3. Simply connecting the Level 3 charger on day 3 had the car emitting "charger errors", and then followed that up with an "On board charger" fault. Vehi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
Good evening, I’m emailing to you regarding my ford fusion q20212. My steering has went out non drivable. I did see where that year had a lot of power steering issues.. could you help me out on the power steering recall and the power train.. also need to get airbag completed. Text me a Time to meet I can’t drive it ar all will need towed. Thank you for print ur time… I really need to get fix... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
Good evening, I’m emailing to you regarding my ford fusion q20212. My steering has went out non drivable. I did see where that year had a lot of power steering issues.. could you help me out on the power steering recall and the power train.. also need to get airbag completed. Text me a Time to meet I can’t drive it ar all will need towed. Thank you for print ur time… I really need to get fix... Read more