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.

2,215,138 Total Complaints
138,663 Reported Crashes
56,255 Reported Fires
8,561 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 2,215,138 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

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 60,583 complaints for KIA

KIA SORENTO (2023) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Mar 7, 2026
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
[XXX] nearly three minutes after dropping my kids off to school, driving near the [XXX] ! My jeep begin to accelerate, I couldn’t control the brakes or steering wheel! I became very scared as I approached a curve upon me reaching the curve, the dashboard and radio screen completely blacked out! I lose complete control of the vehicle, hit and embankment and tree! Cause injuries to my left wrist! ... Read more
Crash
KIA K5 (2023) — ENGINE Mar 7, 2026
Incident date: May 21, 2025
My vehicle was one of the vehicles that was subject to the engine failure recall by GM. I took it to the dealership for the “repair“ where I was told the oil was changed to a different weight. Last night, I was driving down the road and all of a sudden my car just stopped. It still had power, but the engine had stopped. I tried to restart was unable to.
KIA K5 (2023) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Mar 7, 2026
Incident date: May 21, 2025
My vehicle was one of the vehicles that was subject to the engine failure recall by GM. I took it to the dealership for the “repair“ where I was told the oil was changed to a different weight. Last night, I was driving down the road and all of a sudden my car just stopped. It still had power, but the engine had stopped. I tried to restart was unable to.
KIA OPTIMA (2014) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER Mar 7, 2026
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
I own a 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe (VIN [XXX]) that is subject to a federally mandated safety recall involving the high-voltage battery system. I attempted to have the recall performed by an authorized Jeep/Stellantis dealership, Carson Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Carson City, Nevada. During communications with the dealership’s Service Manager, I was informed that the dealership would not pe... Read more
KIA OPTIMA (2014) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 7, 2026
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
I own a 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe (VIN [XXX]) that is subject to a federally mandated safety recall involving the high-voltage battery system. I attempted to have the recall performed by an authorized Jeep/Stellantis dealership, Carson Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Carson City, Nevada. During communications with the dealership’s Service Manager, I was informed that the dealership would not pe... Read more
KIA EV6 (2022) — ENGINE Mar 6, 2026
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
Continuously stalls out regardless of speed it has stalled on the highway, in the middle of intersections losing power steering. sometimes restarts right away, sometimes not. leaving me stranded in in the middle of highway/intersections sometimes in very dangerous places. It has had a recall repaired in 2017 before I owned the vehicle however it has had the exact same issues as the recall since I... Read more
KIA SOUL (2020) — STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HANDLE:INTERIOR Mar 6, 2026
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
The driver's door is not opening from the inside. To open the driver's door while I am in the vehicle, I have to roll down the window and use the exterior door handle to exit the vehicle. This is a huge safety concern, as the window cannot be rolled down manually. If the car did not have power, I would have to break open the window. The potential for being trapped in the car with this defect is hi... Read more
KIA SOUL (2020) — LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH Mar 6, 2026
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
The driver's door is not opening from the inside. To open the driver's door while I am in the vehicle, I have to roll down the window and use the exterior door handle to exit the vehicle. This is a huge safety concern, as the window cannot be rolled down manually. If the car did not have power, I would have to break open the window. The potential for being trapped in the car with this defect is hi... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2021) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 6, 2026
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
Infotainment screens went black as I was shifting from reverse to drive. It took about 15 seconds for the screens to come back.
KIA SOUL (2021) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER Mar 6, 2026
Incident date: Jul 14, 2024
Drivers side door does not unlock in cold temperatures (physical key, fob button, keypad, and handle lock do not work).To unlock I have to enter through the passenger side door and use the interior handle. Seems to be an ongoing issue and there are "recalls/TSB" for the same issue happening on 2015-2019, 2021-22 models but not 2020. "The major frozen door latch recalls (such as 17S33) officially c... Read more
KIA EV6 (2023) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Mar 6, 2026
Incident date: Feb 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with ABS failure. The contact was informed that the ABS needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the failure was a known failure with similar vehicles. The cont... Read more
KIA EV6 (2023) — STEERING Mar 6, 2026
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
While going around turns (left or right) over 30mph the vehicle has knocking that can be felt coming through the steering wheel. This is not the driver assist feedback. If the turn are longer (like highway on ramp) you can hear a slight clunk associated with the knocking that is felt.
KIA EV6 (2023) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Mar 6, 2026
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
Vehicle is experiencing sudden loss of drive power without warning. There is no error code, nor dashboard indicator (check Eng, etc.). It suddenly just loses power - engine still running. This loss of motive-power safety condition is identical to the fuel pump cavitation issue, consistent with the NHTSA recall 23V630000. My VIN is currently not on the recall, but was manufactured exactly in t... Read more
KIA SORENTO (2014) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 6, 2026
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
"The vehicle is experiencing an intermittent, loud popping/crackling noise coming from the speakers and infotainment system. This is a known symptom of a failure in the MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport) bus network, specifically related to defective FAKRA connectors and coaxial cabling. This issue was previously the subject of NHTSA Recall #23V-431 for 2018–2023 models, but the defect pers... Read more
KIA FORTE (2017) — POWER TRAIN Mar 6, 2026
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
Despite having the EGR replaced under recall the unit still exploded while driving on wed 4 Mar 2026. Fluids were leaking and had indicated issues with the electric shifter. The local dealerships states the egr cooler needs replaced, coolant tank, DPF and oil change (despite just being done the Saturday before). Refusing to acknowledge any connection to previous recall or associated damages. Cont... Read more
KIA FORTE (2017) — ENGINE Mar 6, 2026
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
Despite having the EGR replaced under recall the unit still exploded while driving on wed 4 Mar 2026. Fluids were leaking and had indicated issues with the electric shifter. The local dealerships states the egr cooler needs replaced, coolant tank, DPF and oil change (despite just being done the Saturday before). Refusing to acknowledge any connection to previous recall or associated damages. Cont... Read more
KIA SELTOS (2021) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Mar 6, 2026
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
For the last 14 years, a check engine light has been coming on telling me that I have a fuel canister emissions leak because the canister is cracked. In 2016 2.87 million Toyota Priuses were recalled with the fuel canister crack issue. For unknown reasons Toyota has refused to fix this dangerous issue and has told me that my car was NOT included in the recall. I do not believe Toyota is being hone... Read more
KIA NIRO (2017) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 6, 2026
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
Tailgate control module damaged by water leaking from faulty rear body seam seals on left top of vehicle Doors would lock and unlock on their own while driving and tailgate signaled it was open but never unlatched Manual tailgate opening/closing did not work at all Constantly beeped when unlocked and alarm went off randomly All electrical activity drained battery and made vehicle undriveable; tow ... Read more
KIA SEDONA (2016) — TIRES Mar 6, 2026
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Forest River XLR Toy Hauler equipped with Castle Rock Tires, Tire Line: ST Tires, Tire Size: 225/75/R15, DOT Number: TJULT 1MT. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the RV suddenly started to swerve, and the steering wheel became unstable. The contact regained control of the steering wheel and parked the vehicle on the shoulder of the roadway. Upon inspection, it was discove... Read more
KIA K5 (2025) — SEAT BELTS Mar 6, 2026
Incident date: Dec 25, 2024
I have multiple malfunction codes on my car. without any incident in the car I have 4 separate codes of airbag ECU malfunction (3) and airbag ECU power supply voltage. B1149 Airbag ECU Power Supply Voltage History B1195 Airbag ECU Malfunction Current B1196 Airbag ECU Malfunction Current B1185 Airbag ECU Malfunction Current This has caused failure of safety components in my car. Warning lights c... Read more
KIA K5 (2025) — AIR BAGS Mar 6, 2026
Incident date: Dec 25, 2024
I have multiple malfunction codes on my car. without any incident in the car I have 4 separate codes of airbag ECU malfunction (3) and airbag ECU power supply voltage. B1149 Airbag ECU Power Supply Voltage History B1195 Airbag ECU Malfunction Current B1196 Airbag ECU Malfunction Current B1185 Airbag ECU Malfunction Current This has caused failure of safety components in my car. Warning lights c... Read more
KIA FORTE (2019) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER Mar 6, 2026
Incident date: Feb 27, 2026
Engine-Excessive oil consumption. Other-backup camera does not work and hasn’t for some time is 2028 sant fe sport included in recall
KIA K5 (2022) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Mar 5, 2026
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
The engine continues to have a burning smell or rotten egg smell at high speeds, the car continues to hesitate when taking off from a red light like it is going to shut off and then jumps forward, and the engine continues to lag as does the battery or power when turning on the vehicle most mornings. I have brought the car in several times to the dealership and due to there being no codes showing, ... Read more
KIA K5 (2022) — POWER TRAIN Mar 5, 2026
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
The engine continues to have a burning smell or rotten egg smell at high speeds, the car continues to hesitate when taking off from a red light like it is going to shut off and then jumps forward, and the engine continues to lag as does the battery or power when turning on the vehicle most mornings. I have brought the car in several times to the dealership and due to there being no codes showing, ... Read more
KIA K5 (2026) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 5, 2026
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
The car only has 150 miles on it and I bought it 3 days ago and there is a LOW ENGINE OIL warning on the dash.
KIA K5 (2026) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS Mar 5, 2026
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
Intermittent electrical failure with the front monocular camera confirmed via DTC codes. Upon inspection, Camera is hot to the touch and all ADAS systems on the vehicle cut on/off with warning lights while driving. Was going down interstate utilizing ACC, system cut off throwing warning codes, then disappeared, then came back on. System continues to have intermittent issues indicating a failing ca... Read more
KIA K5 (2026) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING Mar 5, 2026
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
Intermittent electrical failure with the front monocular camera confirmed via DTC codes. Upon inspection, Camera is hot to the touch and all ADAS systems on the vehicle cut on/off with warning lights while driving. Was going down interstate utilizing ACC, system cut off throwing warning codes, then disappeared, then came back on. System continues to have intermittent issues indicating a failing ca... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2024) — ENGINE Mar 5, 2026
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
This vehicle is a 1 year old (2025) Honda Odyssey with roughly 11,000 miles. On two separate occasions now, the auto start-stop feature has caused the engine to die altogether. On both occasions, the vehicle stopped at a red light in a busy intersection, the auto start-stop feature turned off the engine (intentionally), but when the light turned green and my foot came off the brake and onto the ga... Read more
KIA NIRO (2019) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER Mar 5, 2026
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
Suddenly car is excessively loud when first started for roughly 30 seconds and then quiets to normal. However when placed in Drive there is a loud "clunk" that takes place to allow the car to shift into gear. While driving the car shakes vigorously. These issues all point to the enigine mount recall that did not include my vehicle, but should have. NHTSA Recall Number 20V788000 should be expanded ... Read more
KIA NIRO (2019) — ENGINE Mar 5, 2026
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
Suddenly car is excessively loud when first started for roughly 30 seconds and then quiets to normal. However when placed in Drive there is a loud "clunk" that takes place to allow the car to shift into gear. While driving the car shakes vigorously. These issues all point to the enigine mount recall that did not include my vehicle, but should have. NHTSA Recall Number 20V788000 should be expanded ... Read more
KIA SOUL (2015) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL Mar 5, 2026
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Rav4 Prime. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel displayed a blank screen. There was an audible beep, but no image was displayed, and the safety features were unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer three times. The vehicle was diagnosed with an instrument panel failure. The contact was informed that the instrum... Read more
KIA NIRO (2017) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 5, 2026
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while using the key fob to unlock the vehicle, the vehicle failed to open unless the key fob was nearby the front driver's side exterior door lock button. The contact stated that while idling, the steering wheel locked up on one occasion, and on another occasion, the vehicle lunged forward while depressing the brake pedal. Additionally,... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2024) — POWER TRAIN Mar 5, 2026
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
When at proceeding from a stop or a "rolling stop", the vehicle has delayed throttle response or lag. Causes big problem when trying to get into traffic. This has been ever since I have owned this vehicle.
KIA OPTIMA (2016) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 5, 2026
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle unexpectedly shut off. An unknown flashing warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle was manually restarted. This failure occurred frequently. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage... Read more
KIA EV6 (2025) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER Mar 5, 2026
Incident date: Feb 11, 2026
Radiator Hose began to leak coolant. Faulty radiator hose. This could have caused engine failure and potentially caused an accident or may have put others at risk for hazards. No warning other strange sound. Inspected by authorized dealers service center.
KIA EV6 (2025) — ENGINE Mar 5, 2026
Incident date: Feb 11, 2026
On February 28, 2026, while preparing to leave our home with our two children in the vehicle, we experienced a critical vehicle malfunction. Upon attempting to start the car, all dashboard warning lights illuminated, including transmission error, “service needed,” and “automatic emergency braking system needs service.” The battery warning light was also on. The vehicle would not start init... Read more
Crash
KIA TELLURIDE (2022) — SERVICE BRAKES Mar 5, 2026
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
The ABS module that controls the antilock braking system is defective for mine and many other Jeeps from 2013-2017. Jeep is no longer manufacturing this part, and essentially this renders the vehicle undriveable. I have sought modules both locally and online, and the experts are telling me that Jeep has not made this part in years. When driving with the bad ABS module while trying to search for th... Read more
KIA SOUL (2011) — STRUCTURE Mar 5, 2026
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experience... Read more
KIA SOUL (2011) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 5, 2026
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 200. The contact stated that occasionally, while driving at various speeds at night, the headlights intermittently became inoperable. The failure occurred with the high beam and low beam headlights. Additionally, the windshield wipers only operated at high speeds because the variable speed control was inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The battery ... Read more
KIA SPORTAGE (2019) — SEATS Mar 5, 2026
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
During a one-hour car ride, the front passenger side seat heater burned a hole through the seat, damaging my wife's skirt and leaving a hole in the upholstery. The overheating definitely originated within the seat. We immediately turned the seat heater off and have not used it since. It could have started a fire, which is very scary, or burned my wife, which is a serious safety risk. This issue ha... Read more
KIA SELTOS (2022) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 5, 2026
Incident date: Oct 6, 2025
Vehicle communication failures. One point unable to start the vehicle. Then the wipers and all warning lights came on without being able to turn the vehile off. Had to disconnect both batteries while the wipers destroyed themselves on a dry windshield. This is also causing a Service Shifter warning light then total loss of power steering while driving down the road at any speed. This includes high... Read more
KIA K5 (2026) — ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) Mar 5, 2026
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that a message to complete the recall was displayed. The local dealer was contacted several times. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exce... Read more
KIA K5 (2026) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Mar 5, 2026
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Odyssey. While the contact’s wife was stopped at a red light, the Auto START/STOP feature engaged, and the engine failed to automatically turn off as designed. The brake pedal was released, and the vehicle completely shut off. The vehicle was restarted, and the vehicle operated normally. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dea... Read more
KIA SORENTO (2021) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING Mar 5, 2026
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were on backorder. The contact called another dealer, Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Utica Service Center (5017 Commercial Dr, Yorkville, NY 13495); however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The... Read more
KIA EV6 (2023) — ENGINE Mar 4, 2026
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
Copied this from a forum and it's the same thing for me. I'm editing to fit my unique situation. This is an $800 repair at my dealer for a $40 part! 5 day backorder so I'm without a vehicle. The upper radiator hose on some huge percentage of these trucks fail (mine has failed at 37500 miles). You can check the Colorado Chevy forum, youtube, etc., et al, and find plenty of instances where this has... Read more
KIA EV6 (2022) — STEERING Mar 4, 2026
Incident date: Feb 27, 2026
I was driving to work when suddenly my steering wheel gets supper heavy as I was making a turn shook the life out of me my eps went out if you could please do a good will repair or see if there’s any extended warranty please check for a TSPs
KIA STINGER (2020) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Mar 4, 2026
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the dealer to be serviced, the contact was informed that the oil pressure was low. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer confirmed an oil leak. The contact was informed that the manufacturer had not developed a particular part to fix the vehicle. The contact was informed that blue silicone was used ... Read more
KIA STINGER (2020) — STRUCTURE:BODY Mar 4, 2026
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
Paint failure and delamination on a 2021 Kia Telluride with Snow White Pearl (SWP) paint. The paint on the roof above the windshield and the hood has begun peeling in sheets, exposing the underlying layer. The vehicle has not been in any accidents and has never been repainted. The paint failure appears to be a manufacturing defect involving the adhesion of the factory paint. The issue began aroun... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2020) — BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA Mar 4, 2026
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Everything working properly and just fine until Monday 3/2/26 when I started the vehicle to go to work, the main radio multimedia screen was black and did not display anything. No sound was playing either along with when I placed the car in reverse, there was not the backup camera display as well. Everything was pitch black. I then proceeded to drive the car to work and then decided to take it to ... Read more
KIA EV6 (2023) — POWER TRAIN Mar 4, 2026
Incident date: Jan 24, 2026
Powertrain/engine performance (acceleration control): vehicle struggles to accelerate when pressing the gas. Transmission / drivetrain (gear engagement / shift control): vehicle drops from Reverse into Neutral without driver input (unintended gear disengagement). Water intrusion: ongoing water intrusion, power tailgate was already replaced due to water erosion, when it rains or snows water gets in... Read more
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