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.

2,245,377 Total Complaints
140,173 Reported Crashes
56,794 Reported Fires
8,580 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 2,245,377 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

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 62,191 complaints for KIA

KIA CARNIVAL (2026) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM May 27, 2026
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
Faulty fuel injectors are causing consistent engine misfires and occasionally causing the check engine light to illuminate and for the vehicle to reduce power greatly. This poses a great safety risk to both myself and other drivers on the road because in the event of a large misfire, my vehicle suddenly slows and I have to navigate to the shoulder of the road. A Kia dealership has confirmed that t... Read more
KIA SPORTAGE (2021) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM May 27, 2026
Incident date: May 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the Traction Control, ABS, Electric Trailer Brake, and Brake warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was purchased, and it was scanned with an OBD2 scanner; however, it was cleared for error codes and diagnosed safe to drive. The vehicle was repaired; however, the... Read more
KIA SOUL (2020) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM May 27, 2026
Incident date: May 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated that while turning the key the vehicle failed to start. The blinkers were inoperable at times. There was an abnormal grinding sound detected while turning the ignition. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V400000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was taken back t... Read more
KIA SORENTO (2023) - STEERING May 27, 2026
Incident date: May 3, 2026
My 2017 Chrysler Pacifica steering wheel started locking in place at approximately 10 a 2 o'clock the other day as we were on a couple hundred-mile trip over the Memorial Day weekend. We looked up the symptoms, it said there was a recall for the Power Steering Assist v53/NHTSA 19V-348. I drove the car slowly the entire way home and set up an appointment at CDJR of Morgantown for the next day May25... Read more
KIA SORENTO (2023) - STEERING May 27, 2026
Incident date: May 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated while her husband was driving 75 MPH in the far-left lane, with the contact in the front passenger's seat, the vehicle completely lost power steering functionality in heavy traffic. Both the contact and her husband were significantly frightened. The contact's husband was able to drive to the right lane and pulled over to the side of the road... Read more
KIA SPORTAGE (2022) - LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION May 27, 2026
Incident date: May 22, 2026
Rearback up camera intermittently unavailable even after recall with software update. Sometimes is distorted and delayed, sometimes blue or black screen and says camera unavailable. Have to repeatedly reboot camera system.
KIA TELLURIDE (2025) - ENGINE May 27, 2026
Incident date: May 26, 2026
While driving the engine stalls. It has jolted back-and-forth at times and had to be taken to a dealer. It’s still stalls when trying to slowly accelerate especially uphills. Low gas mileage barely getting 18 miles per gallon. Warning lights flickering while car stallling. It’s like it’s having a seizure. This has happened a few times.
KIA SOUL (2015) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING May 27, 2026
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
My vehicle activates the emergency braking system while driving. It has happened several times now, almost causing a collision. I took it to the dealership, they held it for a week and gave it back to me telling me they could not find anything wrong with it. They did not fix anything at all. It has since done it once more.
KIA SOUL (2021) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING May 26, 2026
Incident date: May 25, 2026
While approaching traffic light at approx 4-5 mph the vehicle slammed to a dead stop with a car length between us and the next vehicle. This was not the auto stop feature and it automatically engaged the parking brake while moving causing whiplash To myself and 2 additional passengers. Causing neck and back injuries. The vehicle was coming to a stop with the assistance of the one pedal drive br... Read more
3 injured
KIA SOUL (2021) - SERVICE BRAKES May 26, 2026
Incident date: May 25, 2026
While approaching traffic light at approx 4-5 mph the vehicle slammed to a dead stop with a car length between us and the next vehicle. This was not the auto stop feature and it automatically engaged the parking brake while moving causing whiplash To myself and 2 additional passengers. Causing neck and back injuries. The vehicle was coming to a stop with the assistance of the one pedal drive br... Read more
3 injured
KIA SOUL (2021) - STEERING May 26, 2026
Incident date: May 25, 2026
Vehicle experiences intermittent steering sticking/catching while turning. In March 2026, an independent repair facility verified the steering concern and documented: “Technician found Rack and Pinion will lock when manually turning.” The technician also referenced Honda Technical Service Bulletin / Safety Recall 18-103 regarding the 2017–2018 Honda CR-V EPS gearbox and recommended steering... Read more
KIA SOUL (2023) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL May 26, 2026
Incident date: May 9, 2026
My throttle got stuck and i hit a fence.
Crash
KIA SOUL (2023) - BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA May 26, 2026
Incident date: May 9, 2026
On February 6, 2026, my wife was operating our 2026 Lucid Gravity when she shifted into reverse. The rearview/backup camera failed to activate on the center display. Simultaneously, the electronic gear selector became unresponsive and would not change gears. The combined failure resulted in a near-collision; no impact or injuries occurred. Both affected systems remain in the vehicle and are availa... Read more
KIA SOUL (2023) - VISIBILITY/WIPER May 26, 2026
Incident date: May 9, 2026
On February 6, 2026, my wife was operating our 2026 Lucid Gravity when she shifted into reverse. The rearview/backup camera failed to activate on the center display. Simultaneously, the electronic gear selector became unresponsive and would not change gears. The combined failure resulted in a near-collision; no impact or injuries occurred. Both affected systems remain in the vehicle and are availa... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM May 26, 2026
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
Safety Component Affected: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA Description of the Safety Defect: The rearview camera system on my 2022 Ford Transit fails completely, displaying either a distorted image, a completely blank blue screen, or a black screen when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. This total loss of rear visibility creates a severe blind-spot hazard and an immediate risk of a... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2025) - POWER TRAIN May 26, 2026
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
CAN-BUS PCM system
KIA TELLURIDE (2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM May 26, 2026
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
CAN-BUS PCM system
KIA SPORTAGE (2018) - STEERING May 26, 2026
Incident date: May 21, 2026
Driving at 30mph and all the dashboard lights turned on and all the warnings kept popping on the dashboard and 30 seconds later the brakes were not working when I was approaching a busy intersection. I was able to pump the brakes and stop the vehicle and put it in park and the vehicle shut off and nothing would work - not even the hazard lights. The vehicle is currently at the dealership being ass... Read more
KIA EV6 (2024) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM May 26, 2026
Incident date: May 15, 2026
Driving at 30mph and all the dashboard lights turned on and all the warnings kept popping on the dashboard and 30 seconds later the brakes were not working when I was approaching a busy intersection. I was able to pump the brakes and stop the vehicle and put it in park and the vehicle shut off and nothing would work - not even the hazard lights. The vehicle is currently at the dealership being ass... Read more
KIA EV6 (2024) - SERVICE BRAKES May 26, 2026
Incident date: May 15, 2026
Driving at 30mph and all the dashboard lights turned on and all the warnings kept popping on the dashboard and 30 seconds later the brakes were not working when I was approaching a busy intersection. I was able to pump the brakes and stop the vehicle and put it in park and the vehicle shut off and nothing would work - not even the hazard lights. The vehicle is currently at the dealership being ass... Read more
KIA SPORTAGE (2018) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS May 26, 2026
Incident date: May 21, 2026
Constant forward driving aids disabled due to blocked camera. Has been to the dealer on 6/11/25 7/16/25, 8/7/25 and was scheduled to go back tomorrow for the same issue as well as recall repair and oil change. That was cancelled due to the rear window blowing out this morning and having to have it repaired before driving in all the rain we are having. The "Forward Driving Aids disabled due to blo... Read more
KIA SORENTO HYBRID (2025) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER May 26, 2026
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The Auto Idle Stop (AIS) system malfunctions during normal driving. When coming to a stop, the AIS shuts off the engine as designed, but the vehicle then fails to restart when the brake is released. The vehicle shifts itself into Park automatically without driver input, either before or at the same time as a dashboard message appears instructing the driver to depress the brake pedal and press the ... Read more
KIA FORTE (2016) - SERVICE BRAKES May 26, 2026
Incident date: May 8, 2026
C2200-49 code received for ABS control module internal fault. No replacement part available.
KIA FORTE (2023) - TIRES May 26, 2026
Incident date: May 24, 2026
The contact stated that while driving, a slow leak on the inside side wall right rear passenger side. The vehicle was taken when taken to the dealer to replace. Left front driver side, had a bubble in the side wall. The tire was replaced. In another occurrence, was noticed on the The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with front right and back right bubbles on the outside wal... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2020) - POWER TRAIN May 26, 2026
Incident date: May 25, 2026
The truck has a studder that comes from the transmission when at highway speeds. the studder can be felt at random intervals (seconds) from all passengers. The studder is also present on starting up a slope or accelerating from a stop at a slow pace. when accelerating slowly the jerk is more prominent. We have taken it to the GM Dealership, they confirmed the issue was present. The dealership... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2020) - TIRES:TUBE May 26, 2026
Incident date: May 25, 2026
TIRE SIZE 235 / 55 R 19. Vehicle is a 2024 IONIQ 5. Issue began at/around 10k miles of use. Sound dampening foam inside of the tires comes loose and bunches up in the tire, creating varying degrees of car shaking and vibration. At its worst, the steering wheel and tires violently shake, especially between 50 - 75 mph. On the highway this causes a very dangerous situation of the driver fighting t... Read more
KIA SORENTO (2017) - STEERING May 26, 2026
Incident date: May 18, 2026
Steering gear box. UNKNOWN. For some time now I've noticed that my steering has been acting very unusual on a straight away. I would describe it as a sticky feeling. Just checking, have your ever heard of this on Hondas? Could this possibly be a safety issue?
KIA OPTIMA (2017) - SERVICE BRAKES May 26, 2026
Incident date: Mar 7, 2023
I was driving my 2015 prius for years and occasionally the brake, abs and traction light would come on this is a sign of a failing Brake actuator and booster. Toyota and the Ntsb ordered the following warranty enhancement https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10181800-9999.pdf My Brake Booster had been exhibiting signs of failing for years and I tried to get a toyota dealership to replace ... Read more
KIA NIRO (2018) - POWER TRAIN May 26, 2026
Incident date: May 8, 2026
THIRD RECALL - Just Issued May 20, 2026 NHTSA Campaign 26V320000 43,566 additional vehicles (2024 Tundras including mine) Brings total recalled to 272,566+ vehicles Remedy status: "Currently under development" Two years and three recalls later, Toyota STILL has no proven fix The Pattern: First Recall (24V-381) - May 2024: 102,000 vehicles (2022-2023) Second Recall (25V-767) - November 2025: 127,00... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2023) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM May 26, 2026
Incident date: May 1, 2026
While driving, there is a loss of fuel pressure at random. It has happened when stopped at traffic light and while driving on the freeway, the vehicle does not respond to the gas pedal being pressed. This is unsafe for myself and my passengers, as I cannot confidently change lanes as I never know when it will happen. The problem has been reported to the dealership, but no confirmation on their abi... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2027) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:MODULE:ACCESSORY May 26, 2026
Incident date: May 24, 2026
The unit on the wall is emitting a burning/melted plastic smell. I can no longer use the charging station. The company is now completely shut down as well.
KIA SORENTO (2017) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING May 25, 2026
Incident date: May 12, 2026
The Driver side Daytime Running Light (DRL) has stopped working. This is not a replaceable bulb, an entire head lamp assembly must be purchased, its also not really a user replaceable item. It involves removing the from bumper cover an other body parts. Im reporting this because this is a common occurrence on 2021 and up model year Dodge Durango and Im hoping you get enough reports to force a rec... Read more
KIA SORENTO (2017) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER May 25, 2026
Incident date: May 12, 2026
No collision warning; completely break failed. Vehicle had some fuel leakage which was fixed on May-21-2026 and break was failed on May-22-2026 which caused due to this repair. It was a major accident and my car got total due to this. I need full refund of my car; same amount when I bought this car.
Crash 2 injured
KIA RIO (2006) - STEERING May 25, 2026
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
Electronically controlled thermostat and sensor fail or get stuck at a much lower coolant temperature causing the dash to display the “steering assist is reduced drive with care.” It isn’t just a message, the steering is much harder to use potentially causing an accident. The ac completely doesn’t work causing potential for sensitive, elderly, or young children and pets to overheat inside... Read more
KIA SPORTAGE (2025) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS May 25, 2026
Incident date: May 25, 2026
Component/System Failed: Engine — excessive oil consumption and oil leaks leading to complete engine failure requiring full engine replacement. Vehicle is currently at my home and available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: My vehicle became completely inoperable while in use as my primary family transportation. As a parent of three children this has left my family without safe reliable ... Read more
KIA SPORTAGE (2025) - ENGINE May 25, 2026
Incident date: May 25, 2026
Component/System Failed: Engine — excessive oil consumption and oil leaks leading to complete engine failure requiring full engine replacement. Vehicle is currently at my home and available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: My vehicle became completely inoperable while in use as my primary family transportation. As a parent of three children this has left my family without safe reliable ... Read more
KIA SPORTAGE (2025) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM May 25, 2026
Incident date: May 25, 2026
On [XXX] at 106,266 miles, Brandon Honda (Brandon, FL) diagnosed my 2016 Honda Pilot with DTC P0219A (Air/Fuel Ratio Variation, Cylinders #1 & #2). The dealer quoted $2,637.99 to replace fuel injectors. This is a known manufacturing defect documented in Honda Service Bulletin A20-100 (issued 11/24/2020). Honda acknowledged that debris from the high pressure fuel pump or fuel injector machining p... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2020) - STEERING May 25, 2026
Incident date: May 23, 2026
My wheels will not stay aligned. I’ve had all the property services done to the car, and extra, by a Honda Dealer. I have 8 repair records to alignment on a new car, in under 18 months. Under my state of Virginia laws, only three safety fixes on a car authorize the car as a ‘dud’ and should be a buy back. Honda Corp has in their possession all documents and all notices needed under the law, ... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2020) - WHEELS May 25, 2026
Incident date: May 23, 2026
My wheels will not stay aligned. I’ve had all the property services done to the car, and extra, by a Honda Dealer. I have 8 repair records to alignment on a new car, in under 18 months. Under my state of Virginia laws, only three safety fixes on a car authorize the car as a ‘dud’ and should be a buy back. Honda Corp has in their possession all documents and all notices needed under the law, ... Read more
KIA K4 (2026) - LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING May 25, 2026
Incident date: May 1, 2026
I set out to make a quick trip to the store after work and the car was hesitating and I looked at the dash and noticed the check engine light was on. I stopped was in the store about 10 minutes when I came out I restarted it and it sounded fine and then engine light was not on. I was about 2 miles in towards home when the braking system failure message came on, steering failure message came on and... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2021) - ENGINE May 25, 2026
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
I set out to make a quick trip to the store after work and the car was hesitating and I looked at the dash and noticed the check engine light was on. I stopped was in the store about 10 minutes when I came out I restarted it and it sounded fine and then engine light was not on. I was about 2 miles in towards home when the braking system failure message came on, steering failure message came on and... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2021) - LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST May 25, 2026
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
While driving a 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid Titanium (approximately 157,000 miles), the Electronic Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) system suddenly failed without warning during heavy rain in Philadelphia, PA. I was driving near the riverfront area by [XXX] when the steering immediately became extremely stiff and difficult to turn. No prior warning lights or steering-related symptoms were present befor... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2021) - LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING May 25, 2026
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
While driving a 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid Titanium (approximately 157,000 miles), the Electronic Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) system suddenly failed without warning during heavy rain in Philadelphia, PA. I was driving near the riverfront area by [XXX] when the steering immediately became extremely stiff and difficult to turn. No prior warning lights or steering-related symptoms were present befor... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2025) - POWER TRAIN May 25, 2026
Incident date: May 19, 2026
CEL on, code PO101 indicates MAF sensor is faulty with related ABS, FCW, and slippery road lights illuminating when braking on a curve or at a stop sign. Car often loses power and need to be turned off to reset and become driveable again. Cleaning and replacing the MAF sensor and air filter does not fix the problem. This is a known issue for 2019 Kicks that Nissan is failing to address. This issue... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2025) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER May 25, 2026
Incident date: May 19, 2026
Driving my car and it just shuts off. I have read numerous complaints but there seems to be no recall already 1000.00 into fixing the car. Today it rained and my car has leaks all around the lights on the roof. Worse car ever. bought it brand new now I read about all these complaints around the same milage.I don’t have money to keep checking possible causes when Jeep knows this should be a reca... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2025) - WHEELS May 25, 2026
Incident date: May 19, 2026
At about 5000 miles the car began a slight clicking noise after turning left. When the wheel was straightening out. As time progressed it started happening both left and right turns and the noise got louder. Honda dealer said that was normal without looking at it. How is a loud clicking noise normal on a car with under 7000 miles. Trying to get axles replaced but they are denying the repair as... Read more
KIA SELTOS (2021) - WHEELS May 25, 2026
Incident date: May 8, 2026
The warnings on the car all failed and I was lead off the road while going on a roundabout. This has trigged my car to completely lose all control and even though I was attentive to my steering wheel I still didn’t stop the car from leading me to that curb and off road onto grass etc.
1 injured
KIA SELTOS (2021) - SUSPENSION May 25, 2026
Incident date: May 8, 2026
The warnings on the car all failed and I was lead off the road while going on a roundabout. This has trigged my car to completely lose all control and even though I was attentive to my steering wheel I still didn’t stop the car from leading me to that curb and off road onto grass etc.
1 injured
KIA SELTOS (2021) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER May 25, 2026
Incident date: May 8, 2026
This complaint documents a recurring automatic transmission failure resulting in three complete vehicle shutdowns during active operation — two at highway speed and one in an active turning lane. The most recent failure occurred within 15 minutes of the vehicle being released from an authorized Hyundai dealership in College Park, Maryland, whose general manager admitted in a recorded call that t... Read more
KIA K4 (2025) - SERVICE BRAKES May 25, 2026
Incident date: May 15, 2026
This complaint documents a recurring automatic transmission failure resulting in three complete vehicle shutdowns during active operation — two at highway speed and one in an active turning lane. The most recent failure occurred within 15 minutes of the vehicle being released from an authorized Hyundai dealership in College Park, Maryland, whose general manager admitted in a recorded call that t... Read more
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