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: May 14, 2026
my vehicle has had a recall since November 2024 For the HCU/ABS module that falsely reads pressure in the primary circuit may illuminate the brake lights (up to 4.5 mph), disable the ABS and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and allow the vehicle to start and shift out of park without the brake pedal being depressed. Well back in November 2025 i had to pay for towing twice and have it in service... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the tailgate was opened, however the tailgate failed to function as intended. The contact noticed an abnormal grinding sound and the tailgate independently closed while the contact was removing packages from the trunk of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure occurred when using the key to open the tailg... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
Both of the turbos on my truck failed with a code description of "waste gate actuator stuck closed". This resulted in a significant drop in power while on the interstate. This code appeared several months before this incident when it was at the dealer for service and Toyota cleared the code and sent me on my way without mentioning it. I only saw it later when I was looking through the history in... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2026
Car randomly turning off/on. Key stuck in ignition, cannot turn off or on. Bouncing from on to accessory mode without user control. Vehicle was taken to dealership, VW North America has not been very helpful. Could have gotten into an accident as this occured in the road turning into a restaurant. No lights came on about this. Dealership has had car for 3+ weeks "waiting for parts". VW North Ameri... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2026
Bought the vehicle used and two months later engine and transmission needed replacement after several transmission faults and check engine light stayed on due to coolant intrusion in the cylinders and the known transmission defects in this model.
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25v695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part for the repair was unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the remedy to be available. The contact stated that when in reverse, the back over prevention camera would fail to activate. The contact ... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received the recall notification letter for NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The rear camera was blank and backwards. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,0... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to release from low gear while at a stop. The transmission was backed up. The engine light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed there were no recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 213,766.
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
Attached is a photo of the lower driver-side knee bolster/under-dash panel after it detached while I was driving. The panel dropped directly into the pedal area and interfered with normal foot access to the brake and accelerator pedals. Given that no broken attachment points or damaged clips were reportedly identified, I am requesting a formal review of both the safety concern and the handling of... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
OnStar Super Cruise, while using super cruise the vehicle tried to change lanes with another vehicle in the other lane. I had to fiscally override the super cruise to prevent an accident. This happened on three separate occasions.
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
OnStar Super Cruise, while using super cruise the vehicle tried to change lanes with another vehicle in the other lane. I had to fiscally override the super cruise to prevent an accident. This happened on three separate occasions.
Incident date: May 13, 2026
Rear sunroof glass imploded spontaneously and shattered while driving
Incident date: May 19, 2026
I was accelerating to onto the freeway to merge and my engine suddenly made a loud noise and my vehicle immediately lost power and the dashboard alert lights began going off to service engine. I was able to get to the edge of the highway and make it to the next exit to slowly make my way back to my office to have my vehicle towed to a garage. Luckily I had not fully merged into traffic when my v... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
The ABS/traction warning lights came on. On April 29,2026, I took it to Beck and Masten Group 1 Kia inTomball, Texas and they diagnosed as HECU failure. The repair cost $2377.16. KIA corporate denied reimbursement. Lights were resolved after HECU replacement. There was no accident/injury/fire. mileage was 60400. I wanted to note and document as a potential safety trend.
Incident date: Apr 29, 2026
2019 Honda Odyssey purchased new and one owner. Vehicle's VIN didn't fall under Honda TSB # 21-010 despite vehicle suffered a known defect pattern so Honda denied assistance soley due to VIN exclusion. Sequence: emissions system warning, P0420, injector failure diagnosis, consequential catalyst failure after injector malfunction.
Incident date: Apr 29, 2026
When driving transmission has issues in low gears specificially when starting from a stop and accelerating, often shifts very hard, or shifts into neutral and engine just revs. Very unsafe in all aspects as normal accelration does not take place. I have taken it to my local mechanic who advised that this is just how these transmissions are, and my next step will be to take it to FORD directly. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2026
Transmission problems and my car is still under 100000 and it’s a 2013 ford focus
Incident date: May 17, 2026
"I own a 2018 Subaru Outback VIN [XXX] . I have experienced a recurring failure with the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) three times within the same year. In January 2026, I brought my vehicle to the dealership and had to replace the TPMS sensors. Shortly after, the issue returned and I had to replace the TPMS module. I picked the vehicle up on Monday, May 18, 2026, and by Wednesday, May 20... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2026
CDF Drum Failure is a known issue to Ford. They have issued a technical service bulletin (TSB 22-2428) to replace poorly designed components that have since been redesigned. The failure mode can cause violent gear shifts (from gear 10 to gear 1) at high speeds, which is a significant safety concern. While driving on the highway, the transmission would not shift between gears and the car lurched. C... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2026
Truck Trembling/Rumbling notices when idle . The truck has seen 2 mechanics dealers inspection, concluding that the truck needs a new engine.
Incident date: May 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a grinding/humming noise would come from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that both the front and rear Power Transfer Units failed, causing additional damage to the bearings. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic informed the contact about NHTSA Campaign Nu... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2026
I had a coolant leek that I could smell from the exhaust. I constantly had to refill the coolant. At 59k miles the engine was replace and not at 61k the car is stalling at idle.
Incident date: May 20, 2026
The last 2 weeks my wipers have nearly quit functioning. They don’t go all the way up, will stop in the middle of the windshield, will not go down and when I use the wiper stick to try and get them to go back down the back wiper will start going as well even when I’m not hitting the switch for the back wiper. For the last year, three out of four TPS sensors have quit working as well. The deal... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
The idle stop on my 2025 Odyssey sometimes does not turn back on when it turns off at a red light. I have to then completely turn off my vehicle and turn it back on in order for the vehicle to work again. Also, when first turning on my car sometimes It’s very laggy in fully starting. This is a great safety concern, especially when at a red light or at a stop sign when trying to apply gas and it ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
I keep receiving a “shift to park,” message after putting the car in park and shutting it off.
Incident date: May 19, 2026
I have a Hyundai Sonata 2017 one year after I bought the car I started having acceleration problems. I have had the throttle changed and the valve gasket cover repaired. On April 15, 2026 the check engine light came on. On April 29th I got theta 2 emissions update installed at Hyundai Auburn, Al. I took it too auto zone the same day the code P1326 was showing up and P0014. On May 5th my car enter... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2026
In the second year of ownership I noticed that occasionally I would get no throttle response from the gas pedal when trying to accelerate. After several occurrences I began to pay close attention as to when this was occurring. I found that this occurs mostly, not exclusively, when I am slowing the vehicle to a near stop, not a full stop and then accelerating to continue, like slowing to round a ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
Back piece of hardtop cracked on each side, front three pieces had honeycombing and ripples down each side that you could see and feel. The dealership warrantied them out , but my front three pieces still have issues. The dealerships also told me if this happens outside of my 3yr/36,000mi warranty that they will not fix the issue even though parts typically have a 2 yr warranty on them after being... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
The contact owned a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 65 mph and slowing down to enter a parking garage, she observed black smoke emanating from under the hood, and the vehicle stalled. The contact then observed flames near the windshield wipers coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and called 911. She observed flames coming from under th... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle's brakes did not depressed, it maintained the same speed the warning indicator stating service brake assist illuminated and then the check engine light illuminated. The emergency brakes were engaged in order to allow the vehicle to slow down. The vehicle was towed to the dealer ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
Unintended acceleration, brakes unable to stop vehicle. Almost hit a car stopped at red light. I was able steer right avoiding hitting the stopped car and quickly put the car in neutral and then applied the brakes again. I was able to drive home another 10 miles. I had the car towed on 5/18/2026 to the car dealership for inspection. This put the car stopped and me and my wife at risk of injur... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
After the car was.parked in sun for aome time during shopping at Costco, it did not start. We had to use remote starter which worked. However, upon doing some research I found that overheated starter is a known and recalled problem with 2021 X5 and remote start could have caused fire. Dealership also confirmed it to be the smae pronlem , but BMW has not listed this vin as recalled. I contacted... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
The Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system activates unexpectedly and dangerously. Incident 1 5/7/2026: While driving approximately 2 mph in a drive-thru and rounding a curve, the vehicle suddenly applied full braking without warning. The braking force was severe enough that I struck my face on the steering wheel and my child was thrown forward in a secured car seat. Incident 2 5/19/2026: While ... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2026
System warning lamps -- Hill Descent, Park Fault Brake Detected, Stability Control Not Available, Brake System Fault Detected, Suspension Fault Detected, Electrical Fault Detected, Car not being able to be put in gear. Safety at risk - no, happened in the driveway Problem was reproduced by the dealer Subsequently the infotainment system was resetting resulting in the loss of all options includ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
I was driving my 2024 Toyota Corolla SE gas model (with the convenience package) on the interstate in [XXX] during stop-and-go traffic. Traffic had been moving slowly for about 15 minutes, and I had Brake Hold turned on, cruise control was off, Proactive Driving Assist was on. I was behind a semi truck and was moving very slowly, getting ready to stop. I had maybe 3 or 4 car lengths between me an... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Backup camera failed, screen turns black or freezes when the car is put in Reverse. While driving or in reverse the screen becomes pixelated with red, green stripes. The camera is unuseable which creates a safety hazard. A recall is currently active for Ford 2015 explorers but not 2014 ford explorers. It is the exact problem the 2015 explorers are experiencing. The recall needs to be expanded ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
The Jayco manufacturer cut structural support members (“X” supports) during assembly, allegedly to provide plumbing clearance. These modifications caused drainage problems and plumbing chafing issues. We were further advised that the rear tank itself may not require replacement, contrary to prior dealer diagnosis, but instead requires proper replumbing and structural repair including rewelding... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
- the car's automated systems randomly applies severe breaking at improper times - the cars head gasket has blown and in turn has blown the radiator and thermostat
Incident date: May 16, 2026
While driving my LKAS, ABS, and Lane assist lights will come on intermittently. When this happens I am not able to use cruise control. I have noticed that my vehicle has an issue accelerating before the lights come on. This is putting the safety of me and passengers at risk. The dealership has not been able to replicate the issue. The dealership and independent mechanics are not able to figure out... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2026
While driving my 2013 Chevrolet Malibu (2.5L), I experienced a sudden and severe failure of the braking system. [Insert exactly what happened here—for example: 'The brake pedal suddenly went completely to the floor,' 'The brakes unexpectedly locked up,' 'The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of braking power,' or 'The brake warning lights illuminated right as the brakes failed']. This occurred w... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
The vehicle exhibits a severe, structural inability to retain its factory suspension and steering alignment specifications under normal driving conditions, creating a severe tire blowout and safety hazard. At approximately 8,400 miles (January 2025), the dealership documented that the alignment was heavily out of specification. At approximately 9,400 miles (February 2025), a certified third-party... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
Air bags did not deploy after a direct driver side hit, and I was injured because of the accident. Car was declared a total loss by the insurance. The car is being held by State Farm if inspection needs to happen. I was hurt because of the car accident, and I fear for my life or my child’s life if they would have been in the car. I want to prevent any future injuries. I was driving 50 MPH o... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
Steering rack and pinion worn with approx 38,000 miles. Dealerships (2) advised the” clunking” was “normal” on the model. Another dealership advised it was more likely the CV-axles worn. Took to two independent garages who advised steering rack was bad. I advised them the dealer stated it was CV-axles. They stated the axles were fine. No wrecks, no driving off-road, and no driving in a ma... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
At 76000 miles, the daytime running light on the passenger side went out. I took the vehicle into the dealership for repair and I was told that because there is an internal open circuit, the entire headlight assembly will need to be replaced. I was quoted $1600 for the part, not including labor. This is a safety issue due to one daytime running light being a distraction for other drivers as well a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2025
I noticed that my passenger side headlight was out but no warning was given in the dashboard. If I hadn’t noticed that the ‘round the corner’ lights were not working it might have taken me a while to figure it out presenting a safety issue
Incident date: May 11, 2026
P0128 code produced when scanned. Cooling fans on high. No ac. Steering Assist Warning. Had to replace the thermostat. ECM also replaced and caused the tire pressure sensors to fail and had to replace the tire sensors. There is a recall on models 2021 to 2025 but none on the 2020 for the thermostat. I have paid $3500.00 to have my vehicle fixed.
Incident date: May 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 15-20 MPH, the vehicle stalled after 7 months of ownership. The vehicle stalled in the intersection. A few guys were able to push the vehicle out of the roadway. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed ... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2026
The driver-side headlight assembly failed unexpectedly on my 2020 Land Rover Defender 110. This appears to be a known and recurring issue with this vehicle model involving the headlight or related electrical/control system. The failed component and vehicle are available for inspection upon request. The failure significantly reduced nighttime visibility and made the vehicle less visible to oncomi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
This is the most recent time that the automatic brake on my car kicked in for no reason. It has happened several times and I have made Acura aware of it, but this is the first time it has almost caused an accident because the car behind me almost rear-ended me. A Similar incident happened last year and I brought it in and they did nothing since they could not replicate it. I let the dealership kn... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
My wheel on front driver's side is wobbly and I just decided to look up for any recalls and I'm lucky we didn't have a major accident I drive the interstate almost daily also I want to report that my door handles have had to be replaced 6 times since we've bought the car in 2019