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 18, 2026
While actively parking, my car accelerated and slammed into a wall an arm's length away. The collision was impactful enough to cause my seatbelt to engage and slam into my sternum. While attempting to turn off the car, the computer system glitched, engaging all three different drive modes (N, R, D). The breaking command I gave the vehicle was ignored, and the vehicle accelerated into the parking g... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
While actively parking, my car accelerated and slammed into a wall an arm's length away. The collision was impactful enough to cause my seatbelt to engage and slam into my sternum. While attempting to turn off the car, the computer system glitched, engaging all three different drive modes (N, R, D). The breaking command I gave the vehicle was ignored, and the vehicle accelerated into the parking g... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
While actively parking, my car accelerated and slammed into a wall an arm's length away. The collision was impactful enough to cause my seatbelt to engage and slam into my sternum. While attempting to turn off the car, the computer system glitched, engaging all three different drive modes (N, R, D). The breaking command I gave the vehicle was ignored, and the vehicle accelerated into the parking g... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
All tail lights of suv go in an out randomly.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
All tail lights of suv go in an out randomly.
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while driving in sunlight, the contact became aware of bubbles on the windshield, causing blurred vision while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not inspected. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,000.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled but restarted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to TSB: PI2002 / PI2002A. The contact discovered there was an issue with the damage to the connecting rod bearing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mecha... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2025) — POWER TRAIN
Mar 2, 2026
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
The vehicle experiences a sudden and complete loss of power while driving. Specifically, the vehicle loses the ability to accelerate. During these incidents, the battery indicator shows critically low battery levels despite there being sufficient gasoline in the vehicle. The exact component causing the malfunction has not been identified by the dealership, as they report no diagnostic codes are pr... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2025) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Mar 2, 2026
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
The vehicle experiences a sudden and complete loss of power while driving. Specifically, the vehicle loses the ability to accelerate. During these incidents, the battery indicator shows critically low battery levels despite there being sufficient gasoline in the vehicle. The exact component causing the malfunction has not been identified by the dealership, as they report no diagnostic codes are pr... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2025) — ENGINE
Mar 2, 2026
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
The vehicle experiences a sudden and complete loss of power while driving. Specifically, the vehicle loses the ability to accelerate. During these incidents, the battery indicator shows critically low battery levels despite there being sufficient gasoline in the vehicle. The exact component causing the malfunction has not been identified by the dealership, as they report no diagnostic codes are pr... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
Shifter Lock is engaged and would not shift from park unless I bypass the lock by pressing the release. It was a recall item, I had it replaced, but if failed a few days later. I called the dealership, I told them about the problem. They told me they replaced it and I could bring it in for a $200 diagnoses fee, but it would not be covered as it was replaced already. I was made to feel like I was t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
ICCU unit lost power and the car was unable to drive. Luckily I was parked when it happened but if I had been driving it would have been very dangerous. The part was replaced under warranty but they said it could happen again which really scares me.
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 10 MPH, after making a left turn, the sunroof shattered with the sunroof cover closed. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and inspected, but the contact was unaware that the sunroof had exploded. The vehicle was taken to the residence, where the contact’s husband became aware that the sunroof had... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
Shift lever/gear control and indicator devices: The vehicle can be switched off even when it isn't in park, and this action does not engage the parking function. Instead, it remains in Neutral, which means the car may roll—even on a slight slope like a driveway. This poses a safety risk as the car could potentially move and endanger people exiting the vehicle. If the person is not attentive ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
2/27/26 Kept regularly scheduled oil changes with dealer. Car began to knock and lose power, Oil light is periodically flashing on and check engine light came on. Took car to Valvoline oil change-they state no fluid on the oil dipstck. Scheduled oil change was not for another month. No oil leaks at all. Vehicle is bucking and knocking and loses acceleration. I have an appt at the dealer tomor... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
2026 Yukon Elevation with 3,957miles. I was driving down the road and pulled into the turn lane at an intersection. Vehicle cut off with the Auto Start/Stop function and would not start back up. I continued and tried to restart the vehicle but would not start; I was blocking the lane with cars continuously going around me. Vehicle stated service transmission on the display- I was unable to put it ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
Persistent ICCU failure causing charging interruptions, “Check Vehicle Charging System” → “Stop vehicle and check power supply” warnings, low 12V battery voltage (down to 12.1V), and risk of power loss/strand. Kia Connect sent “Charge Interrupted” alert during a session that reached 99%. Multiple prior recalls/attempts failed to resolve (Sep 2023 TSB ELE291 BMS, Jun 2024 SC271 ICCU S... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
Persistent ICCU failure causing charging interruptions, “Check Vehicle Charging System” → “Stop vehicle and check power supply” warnings, low 12V battery voltage (down to 12.1V), and risk of power loss/strand. Kia Connect sent “Charge Interrupted” alert during a session that reached 99%. Multiple prior recalls/attempts failed to resolve (Sep 2023 TSB ELE291 BMS, Jun 2024 SC271 ICCU S... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
On [XXX] I was traveling with my [XXX] daughter from Phoenix, AZ up to Flagstaff, AZ. The Nissan Rogue associated with the VIN number is my wife's. Vehicle only has 24,000 miles on it and we currently have a Nissan Security+Plus extended warranty, [XXX]. We were cruising along nicely and all of the sudden many warning signs appeared stating "Malfunction, See Owner's Manual". The vehicle turbo... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
My vehicle is involved in the Toyota 25TA12 recall. There is no date for the repair, my car is at the dealer, I am in a loaner vehicle. I am interested in a buyback or replacement and am starting that process via a demand for arbitration.
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
Fuel tank has swollen over time, causing body panels to no longer fit properly, fuel tank is under the seat and is a structural component of the motorcycles frame by design, my concern is that the tank is in very close proximity to exhaust system and is now considerably closer to exhaust from swelling, which concerns me that it could continue to swell and cause a fire when it contacts exhaust, als... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
When the brake pedal is pressed on the brakes will grab. It snatches the car kinda hard. Also when you give the car gas it will hesitate and will not accelerate. Another with the gas is that you can be driving at a higher speed such as 45 to 55 or so and you press down the gas pedal like your going into passing gear and it will not accelerate it’s like it’s trying to stop. Feels like the car i... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
Preliminary don’t want it to happen to my truck.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
Car was driving find and suddenly check electric system message came in with a red battery indicator. The application for the car indicates an ICCU P1A9096 error code. ICCU errors seems to be common with Kia/Hyundai electric cars. Car went to limp mode and wouldn’t let drive it more than 45mph which it was dangerous in the highway. I was able to get the car into the dealer but the last mile the... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
Car was driving find and suddenly check electric system message came in with a red battery indicator. The application for the car indicates an ICCU P1A9096 error code. ICCU errors seems to be common with Kia/Hyundai electric cars. Car went to limp mode and wouldn’t let drive it more than 45mph which it was dangerous in the highway. I was able to get the car into the dealer but the last mile the... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2026
I was driving my 2025 Chevy Silverado RST L87 (6.2) with 37,836 miles on the highway and suddenly my engine lost power and my dash said “Needs to restart”. My truck went into neutral and I was able to coast off of the highway. After coming to a complete stop, I tried to restart with no success. I had the vehicle towed to the dealership where they found metal shavings in the engine and told me ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2007
In 2019 Toyota repaired my 2010 Prius(120,189 miles) braking system under the ZJB program. The brake cylinder assembly and brake booster pump assembly were replaced as they had a known defect that caused the braking system to fail. As of February 27, 2026 the replaced components are failing again. The auto has approximately 224,000 miles. So the replacement components failed in less miles and... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2023
I am reporting a serious safety concern involving a 2016 Dodge Dart GT (VIN: [XXX] ). The selling dealership represented the vehicle as accident‑free and undamaged, but after delivery I discovered significant, undisclosed front‑end and structural issues. The affected components include the front bumper, radiator support area, subframe, suspension, brakes, and cooling system. These components a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
While traveling on a major Route, the truck just turned off while driving. The truck was stuck in the middle of a two lane major route. Truck would not start or turn on. I was unable to put hazards on or put the truck in neutral. The engine siezed due to the GM recall. After having the engine replaced by a certified GM dealership, a few days later the Throttle body stopped working. Again, keep... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2026
Subject: Safety Defect Report – B58TU Oil Pump Failure Causing Sudden Vehicle Disablement I am submitting a safety defect report regarding BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update engine, primarily model years 2019 to 2021 including 340i, 440i, 540i, X3 M40i, and Toyota Supra models using this engine variant. These vehicles utilize a variable displacement oil pump that contains an i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2026
1. Instrument panel failure, can’t see speed, fuel, mileage. Blind spot warning does not work, lane assistance does not work. This issue was not solved by recall related to software update. 2. Unsafe to drive with no way to see speed, blind spot warning failure, can’t tell if blinker is on or how much gas is in car. 3. Dealer reproduced. It’s not a sporadic issue, the panel does not turn o... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2026
1. Instrument panel failure, can’t see speed, fuel, mileage. Blind spot warning does not work, lane assistance does not work. This issue was not solved by recall related to software update. 2. Unsafe to drive with no way to see speed, blind spot warning failure, can’t tell if blinker is on or how much gas is in car. 3. Dealer reproduced. It’s not a sporadic issue, the panel does not turn o... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
1. Instrument panel failure, can’t see speed, fuel, mileage. Blind spot warning does not work, lane assistance does not work. This issue was not solved by recall related to software update. 2. Unsafe to drive with no way to see speed, blind spot warning failure, can’t tell if blinker is on or how much gas is in car. 3. Dealer reproduced. It’s not a sporadic issue, the panel does not turn o... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
While driving on I-95 at 60mph the car began to jump as it attempted to shift gears and the speed stalled to where it slowed down to 20mph and would not go any faster. The car slowed while I was in the fast lanes of the highway and I had to work my way to the right to the slower lanes to avoid abusing traffic congestion or any accidents. It was scary. Separately, my engine light has been on for th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
Transmission going out with car having only 71,000 miles on it .a know fact that Ford knew when I bought this car new .and going out when on freeways or just about anywhere could me in danger
Incident date: Sep 19, 2025
Head gasket leaked coolant into the engine and now the engine is not working and needs replaced.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the rear glass unexpectedly shattered without impact. The vehicle was not occupied at the time of the failure. The dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 15,000.
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while attempting to reverse(R), the rearview camera became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the rearview camera image appeared upside down. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet av... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
My Tundra Truck is having throttle lag. I pull out into traffic and there is no power. I put the throttle all the way to the floor and still nothing. After 2 to 3 seconds the engine starts to slowly throttling up, but very slow and no turbo. This has happened at least 15 times now since I owed it in July of 2025. That scared me so bad I now have it at the dealer for diagnostics. They had better fi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
Purchase this vehicle at 30,000 miles have problems with it since day one with the ABS rear brake dragging I've done had two ABS control modules replaced the ABS control pump the torque converter because the brakes are tearing the torque converter out of it from all the strain. It does it intermittently. All of the repairs have been done through Ford they had to replace the when the brake rotors t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
I have less than 100,000 miles on my 2018 Kia sorento. When I reached probably 50,000 miles this car went DOWN HILL. I feel like I’ve replaced everything on this car. Now every oil change was saying no oil on the dip stick, so I take it to the Kia dealership. They tell me that I need an ENTIRE engine. My car is less than 100,000 miles. I saw something that said if it was under that threshold, it... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Grand Design Solitude. The contact stated that the rear wall between the rear bedroom and bathroom had excessive frame flex after the RV was moved. The RV was taken to the dealer, who determined that the rear door was off track and needed to be adjusted, resulting in the wall bowing out. The RV was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE2402... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
My 2019 Honda Odyssey is currently diagnosed with a connecting rod bearing failure, which matches the safety defect in NHTSA Recall 23V-751. While my VIN is excluded, I am reporting this as part of the NHTSA Investigation PE25-008. For several months leading up to the failure, I noticed a faint, repetitive knocking sound coming from under the hood. During my regular service visits to authorized H... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2026
clicking from left front wheel when turning left at low speed unpon first use of day
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
Power steering randomly cuts out very random and intermittent. So far only done at low speeds but worried if turning in an intersection and i lose steering.
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that after the vehicle was taken to a local car wash, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence; however, the next day, the vehicle hesitated while starting. The message "Stabilizer - Power to Engine Reduced" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local indepen... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
As in May 2025 , I purchased 2013 Kia Optima LX sedan with airbag already deployed before bought it. And in June 2025 I took my car to nearest Kia dealership , I found out that I had recalls over other things as well. I made Kia dealership to look at the airbag and do inspection on it. None of Kia employees did not informed me about the airbag, CARFAX information about previous incident to this ca... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
As in May 2025 , I purchased 2013 Kia Optima LX sedan with airbag already deployed before bought it. And in June 2025 I took my car to nearest Kia dealership , I found out that I had recalls over other things as well. I made Kia dealership to look at the airbag and do inspection on it. None of Kia employees did not informed me about the airbag, CARFAX information about previous incident to this ca... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the automatic high beam headlights were activated, but failed to illuminate as needed; however, the high beam headlights illuminated when there was oncoming traffic, affecting the vision of the oncoming driver. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the vehicle was performing a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to steer to the left or the right. The power steering and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a corroded body ground strap. The error codes were cleared, and a test drive was pe... Read more