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 20, 2026
Head on collision on February 19, 2026 in a 2023 Ram 2500 Rebel. Air bags did not deploy anywhere in the vehicle even though driver was traveling 55-60 MPH. Significant damage occurred in front of vehicle as well as all along the passenger side of the vehicle. Pictures will be provided showing damage and no air bags being deployed.
Crash
Incident date: Feb 21, 2026
Car is throwing a P1327 error code which aligns with this recall: 25V099. However, my VIN is not included in the recall despite being a 2022 Kia Seltos.
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Adaptive headlight motor does not work. It makes a huge noise. Unfortunately it is not under warranty but Mazda dealerships have informed me that this is a known issue. This is a concern because the headlight does not function properly and does not work. The issue is a motor that fails, however you cannot just replace the motor. The entire headlight assembly needs to be replaced and is over 2,000.... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Engine oil is disappearing in my 2020 Kia Telluride. This has been occurring for an extended period of time ( Since 2020) Early on, I was not driving frequently and did not immediately recognize the severity of the issue. However, about a year ago, when my work required significantly more driving, I began noticing that a large amount of oil was missing between checks, at times approximately half ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
There was a previous recall for my vehicle July 21, 2015 R36 15V•459. The recall was handled at the dealership to fix the recall. But now I'm experiencing the exact symptoms of Recall R36. Steering Wheel: •Ghost right blinker - When engaged, all lights are on and in working condition and blink at a normal rate on the outside of the vehicle. •No menu navigation •No cruise control •Can... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
My car was not accelerating all the time I was pressing the pedal. a mechanic said it was the engine.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
Front differential complete fail. 56k miles. Replaced with new part, not an improved one but the same as factory at BMW dealership. My vehicle is 2021 x7 m50i. Reading other forums this is common if not standard on same models of this year. Very upset to have had to come out of pocket $9k to replace. Just outside of warranty. Was told will likely happen again in 50k miles. I wanted to keep this ca... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
was driving truck and reduced acceleration drive with care comes up on dash pull over shut truck off start truck warning gone in 30sec back on and repeat drive off again then truck shut off while driving and try to start again and the dash went black motor did not turn over then tried again and same thing called tow company and had towed to dealership. dealership said it had 2 pages of codes and n... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
After owning this Telluride for a year the engine started stalling. I took it into the nearest Oil change company, and they informed me that the oil was completely out and dry. I always stay up to date with my oil changes, so this was a huge shock. There was no light that ever came on stating an oil concern and there was no light that came on even when the engine stalled. This company sent me dir... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
My passenger headlight low beam went out. And it is a widely known problem with the 2020 year.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
I have now been in 2 serious accidents that resulted in all other vehicles deploying airbags and being totalled, but mine have never deployed and it has been suggested there may be a recall for this
Crash
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
I was driving everithing was normal but suddenly the light of the Engine was on and the car lost power and the engine shut off everything happened in like one second, dont let me time or opportunity to think something safe, it was a lot of traffict on the street and the car behind almost crash on me. it was like a nigthmare.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
I was driving everithing was normal but suddenly the light of the Engine was on and the car lost power and the engine shut off everything happened in like one second, dont let me time or opportunity to think something safe, it was a lot of traffict on the street and the car behind almost crash on me. it was like a nigthmare.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
My truck lost power steering while driving, a red flashing light came on saying power steering, pulled off and could not turn wheel. Managed to get it to a shop close by and upon scan for codes it came up C2217-00 electric power steering and shop verified that my truck came up with a recall regarding this same issue but when I called a dodge dealership they said I had no open recalls yet needed to... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the message "Service Transmission - Unauthorized Shift" was displayed. While attempting to shift into drive(D), the gear shifter failed to move to the intended selection. The contact stated that a tow truck arrived and while loading the vehicle onto the flatbed, the driver attempted to shift into neut... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2024
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle, the contact became aware of black smoke coming from the floorboard with a burning plastic odor, and the battery warning light illuminated. The contact called her husband and was informed to exit the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and seconds later the vehicle exploded. The front of the vehicle blew up ... Read more
Fire
1 injured
1 deaths
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle, the contact became aware of black smoke coming from the floorboard with a burning plastic odor, and the battery warning light illuminated. The contact called her husband and was informed to exit the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and seconds later the vehicle exploded. The front of the vehicle blew up ... Read more
Fire
1 injured
1 deaths
Incident date: Dec 30, 2024
ICCU failed second time wednesday february 18, 2026. First ICCU failed November 2024 and replaced under warranty. The car went in turtle mode.....20 mph or less. Limped along safely on side of roadway and used sideroads. The dealer says the ICCU and fuse need to be replaced. The dealer wants me to pay for this part, third time is a charm? I don't think I could ever trust this part again. They wan... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2025 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at speeds over 55 MPH, the hood vibrated abnormally. The contact stated that while being overtaken by a box truck or semi-truck, the vibration of the hood was more pronounced. The driver's side of the hood had a quarter-inch to a half-inch gap. After arriving to the destination, the hood was closed; however, the hood failed to l... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
LIGHTED RUNNING BOARD LIGHTS CONTINUOUSLY QUIT WORKING. HONDA HAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED BUT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM.
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
The contact owned a 2008 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked at a friend’s residence, the contact exited the vehicle and took the baby she was caring for inside the residence of the friend. Upon returning outside, the contact became aware that the vehicle was on fire and the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The Fire Department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
After stopping at a stop sign and proceeding through an intersection cruising over ac one way street my vehicle lost power in the middle of the intersection. Thankfully the vehicle traveling straight was far enough away and was able to Shan this brakes and stop avoiding a tbone collision. Out of no where the car stopped and started back up but not before almost causing an accident
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
The rear-view camera hasn't worked for several months. I was going to get it repaired until I received the recall letter in October of 2025. I use this when backing up and need to see how far from the vehicle behind me is. Just curious, how long before this has been resolved?
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
While driving the automatic brake stopped the car while turning in a curve. However in another incident I was cut off and brakes did not automatically stop. The brakes works when they want too. Not reliable or safe. Separately, the steering wheel randomly squeaks while turning. It doesn't do it often, every other month or so I will hear the speaking sound.
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the transmission sensor had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was mad... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
The steering rack internal seal inside the steering rack failed/ "blew" per mechanic and is leaking. I could lose my ability to steer at any time while driving my vehicle and wreck. It is currently at the Toyota services center in Gladstone, OR and has been diagnosed. No other representatives have inspected the vehicle. There were no warnings or signs of failure. I had originally taken my tr... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
Car was parked at my house. After a heavy heavy rain, I saw 1/2" standing water on the passenger side floorboards. The cowl drainage had been blocked, and I was told water had found it's way into the cabin. It's an EV, so this is a serious issue. My climate control was inoperative, the tire pressure sensors also affected. And not sure what other systems may have been damaged. This had never... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2025
MFTR Recall 28S75 NHTSA Recall 25V 455 This is a safety risk recall issued over 7 months ago and Ford still does not have a remedy to fix the problem. So far my F150 has not experienced the problem, but do I just keep driving and one day the vehicle stops running, maybe while I'm traveling on an interstate at 70 mph. I think it's time to pressure Ford for a fix before someone has a tragic accide... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V512000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormal rattling sounds. The vehicle was taken to th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2025
While driving the car with the flow of busy traffic, the engine failed and the car stopped. It eventually turn back on (side of the road) but now drives with hesitation, a strange noise, and with the engine light on. This cycle continued until we arrived at the repair shop. And after much research, it seems that this experience is common for other Kia engines. Why was mine not included? Someone co... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
1. The power steering failed when I was driving my 2016 GMC Truck. 2. The failure caused the steering of the truck to be very difficult putting myself and any passengers at risk. 3. This issue occurred on 2/19/26 at about 3:00PM Central time while driving. Power steering warning lights did illuminate. 4. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone at this time. Please note there is a safety re... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
initially filed XXX (1/2/2026) 2nd (additional info) filed XXX (2/10/2026 3rd (3 page service report) XXX (2/11/2026) Vehicle is registered to Christopher Rojik, however it is my car that I drive, etc. today I am filing this for you folks that since I filed the complaint with Kia Corp. and sent them the service report, etc. Today, 2/19/2026 I received a formal Settlement Agreement and General R... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
initially filed XXX (1/2/2026) 2nd (additional info) filed XXX (2/10/2026 3rd (3 page service report) XXX (2/11/2026) Vehicle is registered to Christopher Rojik, however it is my car that I drive, etc. today I am filing this for you folks that since I filed the complaint with Kia Corp. and sent them the service report, etc. Today, 2/19/2026 I received a formal Settlement Agreement and General R... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
The CVVT broke. The dealership said a part broke and agreed that it was a "known issue" with this vehicle. Toyota was contacted (Engagement Center) and insisted that it is not a known issue.
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
The vehicle has less than 75k miles, and I am the second owner. I was driving, and the vehicle lost power. Creating a traumatic experience that could have been fatal. After Kia had inspected the vehicle, I was informed that I needed a new engine and it would cost 8k or more, and my extended warranty would not cover it. Kia has current recalls for similar issues.
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
The vehicle has less than 75k miles, and I am the second owner. I was driving, and the vehicle lost power. Creating a traumatic experience that could have been fatal. After Kia had inspected the vehicle, I was informed that I needed a new engine and it would cost 8k or more, and my extended warranty would not cover it. Kia has current recalls for similar issues.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
There was a recall on headlight leaking and this happened to my left headlight no damage but leaking and this caused headlight to not work
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Feb 19, 2026
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Mazda CX-70. The contact stated that while attempting to stop at a stop sign, the vehicle shut off unintendedly. The engine malfunction warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The contact had asked about the failure two times. The vehicle was repaired twice for the same... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Feb 19, 2026
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
3 times in the last two days, and dozens of times over the last six months, while driving or while idling, the "check hybrid system" warning has flashed. When it happens the car does into limp mode, where it will go no faster than 13mph. this has happened in the left lane of a highway where there is no where to pull over except the lane, since there is no time to get over before the vehicle shuts ... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 19, 2026
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
3 times in the last two days, and dozens of times over the last six months, while driving or while idling, the "check hybrid system" warning has flashed. When it happens the car does into limp mode, where it will go no faster than 13mph. this has happened in the left lane of a highway where there is no where to pull over except the lane, since there is no time to get over before the vehicle shuts ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and confirmed that the part to do th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
Car was driving, stopped at a stoplight, never moved again. 3 lights came on, Check Engine, Check Oil (Which had been serviced previously by a month and a half), and Check Battery. Bob Sight Kia has stated Engine issues associated with the rods failing and the starter not functioning due the the manifold, I am uncertain to the technical terms. It was late at night, the area only semi lit up and ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
My transmission failed at around 69,000 miles. This was confirmed by the dealership. I bought my vehicle from and was covered under warranty. I purchased my vehicle in 2019 from a Dodge dealership and it came with a 10 year hundred thousand mile warranty for the powertrain. The tech indicated that the torque converter failed sending metal fragments through the transmission, coolant lines and tra... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
Engine Failure, Engine cooling and lost power
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
Water coming from top part of the front windshield. This was previously fixed but after few years problem persists and started causing electrical issues. I already had to replaced computer out of my pocket even it was under warranty cause did not wanted to fix it.
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
Vehicle Information: 2024 Kia EV6 (VIN: [XXX] ) Mileage at time of failure: 14,005 Complaint Description: My 2024 Kia EV6 experienced a complete failure of the 12-volt battery system despite the high-voltage traction battery showing approximately 80% state of charge. The vehicle became completely inoperable without warning. The 12-volt battery was fully discharged and the vehicle would not ente... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
Car seat was purchased for CPST certification course, it was stored in the box it was shipped in 2/10/26. Upon using the seat on 2/13/26, it was noticed that the entire recline indicator moved within the shell of the seat (a video can be provided, unable to upload here). Because of this movement, an accurate reading of the indicator cannot be achieved. Upon closer inspection, we realized the pl... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2025) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 19, 2026
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
Hi, my name is [XXX] . I own a 2024 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4xe. My vehicle has been at the dealership since January 19 due to a defective hybrid battery, and there is still no estimated arrival date for the replacement. It has now been over 30 days without my vehicle. I need a formal case opened INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2025) — ENGINE
Feb 19, 2026
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
Currently at a Kia dealership for the 3rd time since the end of December. While driving the electric refuses to switch to gas after the battery drains, it is a hybrid. Maxes out at 18 mph and then an alarm goes off for Hybrid System error. First two time check engine light also came on. Have had vehicle towed to Kia dealerships all three times. Never the same thing repaired or replaced but p... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
Sometimes we feel like sparking noise when driving from battery i dont know wat is that properly.bt my wife drives a lot she told me every time.she dnt feel safe sometimes