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: Apr 23, 2026
The brake pump and actuator on my 2015 prius has been faulty and the repair was apparently covered under the customer support program but it expired in December. I had no knowledge of it and when I took my car in to a toyota dealership, no one told me about about the profram but told me that they needed to be replaced. I did not get the repair because of the hefty cost and I missed the deadline. M... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE PHEV
(2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 3, 2026
Incident date: May 30, 2026
The rear driver side door does not lock/unlock when pressing the lock/unlock buttons on the key fob nor the buttons on either of the front seat door panels. It is only able to be locked/unlocked by manually flipping the lock/unlock switch on the (rear driver side) door. No other doors have this issue. I believe either the door switch actuator or faulty wiring is the cause of the issue. I believe i... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2026
Loosing oil putting oil in every 3 to 4 days no leaks on ground or oil pan or drain plug.oil don't smell or looks burnt happened around did 2 oil changes in a week still the same. Car will sputer hesitation on acceleration every so often
Incident date: May 21, 2026
Loosing oil putting oil in every 3 to 4 days no leaks on ground or oil pan or drain plug.oil don't smell or looks burnt happened around did 2 oil changes in a week still the same. Car will sputer hesitation on acceleration every so often
Incident date: May 21, 2026
I am reporting premature and abnormal tire wear on two consecutive Nissan Pathfinder vehicles (2022 and 2024 models). In both cases, tires required replacement at low mileage (approximately 20,000–25,000 miles) despite normal driving and proper maintenance. My 2022 Pathfinder also experienced brake-related issues, which raises additional concern about potential underlying defects. The repeated p... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
Seat occupancy sensor failed for the second time. The car will randomly shut off if I am inside because it does not detect a passenger. When I exit the vehicle, the car will stay on for an extended period of time due to failed seat occupancy sensor. This is a widespread issue affecting all makes and models of Tesla. They are aware of the high rate of failure and have not made any attempt to issue ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
The Pre-Collision Assist false-triggers on turns daily, flashing the red collision warning and actively applying autonomous emergency braking without any obstruction present. This phantom braking is a severe safety hazard. The vehicle has been serviced before for this issue - and is going back to the shop next week (for the same issue).
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
The Pre-Collision Assist false-triggers on turns daily, flashing the red collision warning and actively applying autonomous emergency braking without any obstruction present. This phantom braking is a severe safety hazard. The vehicle has been serviced before for this issue - and is going back to the shop next week (for the same issue).
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that distorted image would appear on rear view camera every time contact would go in reverse with his vehicle. The contact stated that distortion on camera started happening today, 06/03/2026. Contact stated they contacted dealer but has not contacted manufacturer. The vehicle failure damage regarding rear view camera distortion was 90,686... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Edge. The contact recieved notice of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while waiting for a community get to open, and the brake pedal was depressed, the brake pedal floored and the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was carefully taken to the residence via back roads and parked. The vehicle was then taken t... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2026
I was driving down the road and came to a stop at a stop light. After accelerating again my car lost the ability to increase speed above 20 miles/hour and would not shift gears. I was heading to the turn lane to get on the interstate and quickly had to change lanes to find an area to pull over as I could not reach highway speeds. I turned the car off. I turned the car back on and the problem resol... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2026
While using Highway Driving Assist/Lane Following Assist on Interstate highways, lane markings frequently disappear on overpasses and in construction areas. When this occurs, lane-centering assistance silently disengages. The only indication is a small dashboard icon changing color. There is no audible warning, steering wheel vibration, or other prominent alert. The vehicle may begin drifting befo... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
Even after the recent recall for backup camera freezing, my backup camera froze again today. I took the car in, in the past, to report the problem and was told to reset the computer even after the technician witnessed the problem. Got charged $300 so haven't been back. Problem has been there for a couple of years. I had hoped the software update would fix it but no such luck.
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
Even after the recent recall for backup camera freezing, my backup camera froze again today. I took the car in, in the past, to report the problem and was told to reset the computer even after the technician witnessed the problem. Got charged $300 so haven't been back. Problem has been there for a couple of years. I had hoped the software update would fix it but no such luck.
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
Even after the recent recall for backup camera freezing, my backup camera froze again today. I took the car in, in the past, to report the problem and was told to reset the computer even after the technician witnessed the problem. Got charged $300 so haven't been back. Problem has been there for a couple of years. I had hoped the software update would fix it but no such luck.
Incident date: Jan 31, 2026
I am submitting this complaint in reference to NHTSA Defect Petition DP26001, opened March 6, 2026, investigating loss of all-wheel drive capability in 2021-2023 Acura TLX vehicles due to interfacing spline failure between the transmission and the power takeoff unit (transfer case). I am the owner of a 2021 Acura TLX SH-AWD with 55,300 miles. I purchased this vehicle on June 2nd, 2026. I have not... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2026
• The wipers do not distribute washer fluid at all to the passenger side of the windshield. The design of washer fluid distribution is terrible and this is obviously quite dangerous. • All vehicle occupants, and others outside the vehicle are at risk due to poor visibility that can occur when dirt/salt accumulate on the windshield and can't be wiped away properly and the driver cannot see cl... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2026
Auto Idle Stop (AIS) system fail to restart: The engine fails to restart on its own after a complete stop at a traffic light or intersection with the Auto Start/Stop function engaged, putting the driver in dangerous and panic situation.
Incident date: May 27, 2026
Auto Idle Stop (AIS) system fail to restart: The engine fails to restart on its own after a complete stop at a traffic light or intersection with the Auto Start/Stop function engaged, putting the driver in dangerous and panic situation.
Incident date: May 27, 2026
The bolt holding the hatchback piston that opens the trunk in place snapped and the piston went through the gap between the hatchback and the roof
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
Subject: 2019 Jaguar XE – Recall H535 Did Not Restore Rear Camera Function I own a 2019 Jaguar XE that experienced rear-view camera failure consistent with Recall H535 regarding rear camera wiring issues. My rear camera stopped functioning before recall service, which is why I brought the vehicle to the dealer. After performing the recall repair, the dealer advised that the camera itself may h... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2026
I own a 2020 Lincoln Aviator. After starting the vehicle, I exited without intentionally placing the vehicle in gear. The vehicle began rolling backward unexpectedly after I exited. I was struck and injured by the vehicle, resulting in a laceration to my shin requiring eight stitches. At no point did I intentionally place the vehicle in a position that would allow it to move. The vehicle did not a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
While driving the LCD screens would go blank intermittently. Sometimes staying off for 30 secs or more. I could still hear sound and could control volume. This has happened on two different occasions while traveling to work. I have a 35 minute commute on interstate highways.
Incident date: May 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and taken to the dealer and diagnosed with turbo, catalytic converter failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer wa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
During low speed driving, mainly stop and go traffic the truck will randomly lunge forward when the brake pedal is engaged. It happens when accelerating and the truck will shift in to second gear, then if you apply the brake the truck will act like it is going to stall, the engine rpm will spike and the truck will launch forward. If you dont force the brake pedal to the floor, the truck will con... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
Transmission failure, sounds like there is a rattle inside of the transmission.
Incident date: Mar 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the fuel door had failed to open intermittently. The contact stated that the failure had progressively worsened, causing the contact to seek assistance to open the fuel door. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was being repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
The horn on my vehicle activates (blows) when I turn the steering wheel to certain positions. I believe this to be a road hazard. Especially since I had to remove the horn relay to prevent the horn from blowing in traffic until I can get it repaired. Several other Ford vehicles have been recalled for this exact problem. Just to diagnose this problem at the Ford dealer is $170.00. Help!
KIA
OPTIMA HYBRID
(2017) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 2, 2026
Incident date: May 27, 2026
One day, the bright headlamps stopped working. The light on the dashboard indicating that they are on still works but the lights themselves, do not turn on. Yes, it is available for inspection. There was and has been no warning. It has not been looked at by a dealer or anyone else.
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
285/65R18 All four tires have accelerated wear on the outside edge at approximately 20k miles while the middle and inside o the tires has about 80% tread left. I believe the tire was not cambered correctly as delivered from the factory settings.
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the front driver's side tire was replaced several times due to air loss. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced an unknown filter. The failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2026
When driving the car through a busy intersection there was a sudden, brief surge of acceleration, followed by deceleration and the vehicle cutting all motor power and becoming inoperable. The MIL lamp illuminated and the "Ready" light went out. I was unable to move the vehicle out of traffic until I got out and disconnected / reconnected the 12v battery to reset the car systems. The problem is ... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2026
On or around March 20, 2026, my 2017 Kia Niro Hybrid experienced a complete failure of the high-voltage hybrid battery system, rendering the vehicle undriveable. The vehicle was towed to Kia of South Austin. As of the date of this complaint (74 days later), no diagnosis has been provided, no parts have been ordered with trackable confirmation, and no repair timeline has been given. Kia Techline co... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
New motor put in due to drive train seizing up sept 2025. “Oil pressure low” and died while stopping at a red light in May 2026. Would not crank back. New motor only had 40k miles. Supposedly GM will not cover tow or rental.
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
New motor put in due to drive train seizing up sept 2025. “Oil pressure low” and died while stopping at a red light in May 2026. Would not crank back. New motor only had 40k miles. Supposedly GM will not cover tow or rental.
Incident date: May 5, 2026
El problema es exactamente en el tanque de la gasolina, se está saliendo la gasolina en la unión de la manguera de llenado con el tanque de gasolina. Esto representa un riesgo no solo para mi seguridad sino también para cualquier persona.
Incident date: May 29, 2026
I was travelling on a two lane surface road with a speed of 45 mph, travelling at or below posted speed and just starting to slow to make a right hand turn when I encountered / wandered over the solid white line into a pothole at the edge of the road where there is no shoulder. Airbags on the passenger side including the sidecurtain and airbag inside the passenger seat deployed instantly. There w... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: May 29, 2026
The steering wheel gets stuck when doing gentle turns at moderate speeds (30-50mph). This is a safety issue because you have to fight hard to return the steering to neutral, leading to the possible to overcorrect. The problem seems to get worse when the vehicle is hotter, or after driving for several minutes. The problem has happened for several years and is getting worse and more frequent. Changi... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2026
Pulled up in my drive way turned car off and when I went to start ut to go to work it just would not start anymore
Incident date: May 29, 2026
While driving, the engine began making a loud knocking/rattling noise and the check engine light began flashing. The vehicle experienced a loss of power and was unsafe to continue operating normally. The vehicle was taken to a Hyundai dealership for diagnosis. The engine requires replacement. Hyundai denied coverage, claiming excessive oil consumption and/or maintenance concerns. However, upon in... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2026
The factory installed dashboard leather has pealed away. I was informed that the airbag safety issue of it not deploying is a serious concern that needs to be addressed. I have contacted Maserati directly but they weren’t of any assistance in this matter. I have photos showing the issue and clear concern.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2026
CV axle making clicking noise when turning with all CV axle boots in good condition.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2026
I was driving my car would not accelerate on the highway and it almost caused me to get into an accident with my niece in the car. When I took the car to Audi this is what I was told my the service adviser. “Good afternoon. The technician has been looking into the vehicle and has found the cause of the issue. He has found the coolant water pump has failed internally causing coolant to leak inter... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
I was driving my car would not accelerate on the highway and it almost caused me to get into an accident with my niece in the car. When I took the car to Audi this is what I was told my the service adviser. “Good afternoon. The technician has been looking into the vehicle and has found the cause of the issue. He has found the coolant water pump has failed internally causing coolant to leak inter... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
While driving the motorcycle at random times the engine stops running and looses power. The motorcycle has been looked at by a dealer multiple times and found no issues. The motorcycle screen goes blank and reboots. That is when it looses power. The screen when it reboots flashes a red bar at bottom of screen that first says TC failure, then changes to ECU failure. The Engine warning light is... Read more
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2025) - ENGINE
Jun 1, 2026
Incident date: May 30, 2026
Had my car in at a Volkswagen dealership for its routine maintenance they called me back, letting me know that I had the head gasket leak and that coolant was leaking.
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2025) - STEERING
Jun 1, 2026
Incident date: May 30, 2026
Cluck noise when turning at slow speed leaking oil both sides from the axel
Incident date: May 2, 2026
As I was easing my 2024 BMW i4 xDrive40 onto Church Street from a cross street on May 11, 2026, my car suddenly accelerated and crashed into the car in front of me. The acceleration was "un-commanded." The accident occured a bit before 2:20 pm. Driving conditions were ideal. I had the car in Eco Mode, and I was using one-pedal driving (braking when one eases up on the accelerator pedal). Wh... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 2, 2026
As I was easing my 2024 BMW i4 xDrive40 onto Church Street from a cross street on May 11, 2026, my car suddenly accelerated and crashed into the car in front of me. The acceleration was "un-commanded." The accident occured a bit before 2:20 pm. Driving conditions were ideal. I had the car in Eco Mode, and I was using one-pedal driving (braking when one eases up on the accelerator pedal). Wh... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 29, 2026
[XXX] [XXX] , [XXX] 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T (EV) (VIN: [XXX] Dick Poe Dodge, El Paso, Texas on XXX and is financed through XXX, El Paso (loan #60486681). Since owning this car, I have experienced frequent software related problems of which has left me stranded (3) three times with one time requiring a tow to the dealership for service. As well, my Charger has been in the shop 6 times for ... Read more