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 9, 2026
Description of Incident: On February 9, 2026, at approximately 3:00 PM, I was driving my 2021 Kia Soul on Calvine Road and Winterberry in Elk Grove, CA. A vehicle suddenly merged into my path. I immediately attempted to apply the brakes, but the pedal failed to depress or engage normally. Despite the imminent collision, the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) failed to provide any alert, and ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
Description of Incident: On February 9, 2026, at approximately 3:00 PM, I was driving my 2021 Kia Soul on Calvine Road and Winterberry in Elk Grove, CA. A vehicle suddenly merged into my path. I immediately attempted to apply the brakes, but the pedal failed to depress or engage normally. Despite the imminent collision, the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) failed to provide any alert, and ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
I was in a car accident on February 9th, in which my airbags did not deploy, however, I did receive an error in my Chevy app that my Air Bag system requires attention. I sustained facial injuries due to impact with the steering wheel. I believe the airbags should have deployed, but did not.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
I bought a Kia 2020 from Long Lewis 3 days after i got it the check engine light come on, I called and told them, then around the 5th day black smut started covering the back of the suv, and i was smelling a burnt oi; and antifreeze smell, took it to a shop and they pulled the codes and one code was P045600 and another was P074100 then airbag codes, not even a month it started jerking they told me... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2025
I bought a Kia 2020 from Long Lewis 3 days after i got it the check engine light come on, I called and told them, then around the 5th day black smut started covering the back of the suv, and i was smelling a burnt oi; and antifreeze smell, took it to a shop and they pulled the codes and one code was P045600 and another was P074100 then airbag codes, not even a month it started jerking they told me... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2025
I am the owner of a 2025 Toyota Sienna currently grounded at an authorized dealership due to safety recall NHTSA #25V668 (improperly welded 2nd-row seat rails) and I suspect NHTSA #25V099 (3rd-row seat back bolts) also may apply (but has not been tested). As of today, the vehicle has been out of service for nearly 60 consecutive days. The dealer confirmed the defects but stated that no remedy is a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2025
On December 27, 2025, at approximately 150,556 miles, my 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid experienced sudden engine knocking, power loss, and failure while driving at 65 mph on a highway. The vehicle dropped into limp mode and I had to pull off the highway. The car required towing to the dealership as it would not drive safely. Diagnostics revealed a knock sensor error (P1326 code) and failing connecting ro... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
The rear windshield spontaneously cracked. There was nothing wrong with the vehicle and no physical damage was done. The car was started with remote start and the rear windshield defroster turned out. After approaching the vehicle and opening the trunk, pieces of the window began to fall as it was shattered. Small vibrations made the window continue to crumble until nothing was left in the back. T... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
Our 2016 Kia Sorento had 96k miles on it, my 2.4 Liter, V4 GDI engine. I was driving it to my house on the streets, when the vehicle it completes died on me in the middle of the streets, it won't turn on, had it tow to my house. Made an appointment to take it to body shop on 2/12/2026, when it died while driving it to the auto shop, won't turn on, had it tow to auto shop. It has been burning oil f... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
Seat back on driver side caught fire burn 2" x 2" hole in the seat back
Fire
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
Battery was DEAD after being parked for one week. Car was in residential garage (outdoor temp about 10 degrees. garage temp measured 46 degrees. Please Note: The SAME problem happened to my 2025 plug in RX and 2025 plug in NX. I doubt this is a coincidence and there are plenty of websites that indicate a significant problem.
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Golf. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and it was determined that there was a leak in the evaporative emissions system after scanning the vehicle and retrieving DTC: P0456. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
I came home from vacation and found my car completely dead. We took the battery in and ended up changing this. Soon later my cars power steering and dashboard would go in and out. I took it to Mark Kia who believed it to be the alternator, so they replace this. I picked the car up and not even 20 minutes later the same issues were occurring so I took it back where then they replaced the connector.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2026
The service engine light , service hill start ,traction light , airbag light warning , escape system , parking brake, lights warning system all continuously flash on and off , when vehicle is in motion. The service dealership had my vehicle for two weeks and couldn't find the problem so then told us that while the lights are on that those features would not function. 0
Incident date: Jan 3, 2026
Engine failed while driving at a high speed while driving in the middle lane on the Garden State Parkway. The engine light came on and my speed started to decrease. Thankfully I was able to pull to the shoulder before the car stopped completely. I got the information about the recall after this happened and was dated for the day after the failure. It has since been replaced through warranty.
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
Improper welds on second-row seat rails... We purchased a brand new 2025 Sienna, as we have three small children in car seats, and the minivan is convenient. I used the 2nd row for 2 of the car seats. I have contacted all of the Toyota dealerships within an hour of our house, and they either don't offer service rentals for recalls, don't have anything suitable available, don't have rentals at all,... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
My car totally stopped on me due to one of the 8 recalls I have undone related to my car. My insurance company verified that the recalls were open related to my car. I verified it to make sure by vin number at NHTSA.gov. up until today 2/13/2026 as I spoked with a representative at NHTSA my 8 recalls went from 8 to 0 recalls all of a sudden. I'm pretty sure the young lady went updated they websit... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
My car totally stopped on me due to one of the 8 recalls I have undone related to my car. My insurance company verified that the recalls were open related to my car. I verified it to make sure by vin number at NHTSA.gov. up until today 2/13/2026 as I spoked with a representative at NHTSA my 8 recalls went from 8 to 0 recalls all of a sudden. I'm pretty sure the young lady went updated they websit... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
The contact's daughter owns a 2020 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact attempted to inspect the vehicle but could not determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the contact was informed by the technician that the failure might be from the wiring conne... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V586000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle unintendedly shifted to neutral(N) and lost m... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission shifted into neutral(N) unintendedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle after the failu... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
A failure of the ICCU resulted in a maximum speed of about 25 mph and eventually a total loss of power.
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
A failing alternator caused me to take my kia into a mechanic for OEM replacement. The mechanic informed me that the engine rattles. I got to talking with the mechanic and told him that my car has been experiencing high oil consumption with no 'low oil' warning light on the dash and ive checked my oil periodically between changes and have found the dip stick bone dry multiple times. A year later, ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted several times and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer w... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2026
Unknown it doesn't start and all lights flash on dash
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
My vehicle is covered under Safety Recall 023G involving an ECU update, inspection for DTC P0088, and high-pressure fuel pump replacement if inspection criteria are met. The recall is listed as completed, however the high-pressure fuel pump was not replaced, and the dealer has refused replacement. Only an ECU update was performed. I continue to experience fuel pressure–related symptoms consist... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
Got word from the mechanic at the dealership that the cam shaft is leaking oil as well as the fuel injectors retainers are out and need to be sealed as they are also leaking. the engine went into safe mode to prevent any engine fires.
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
I was driving across a major intersection when the car slammed on the brakes for no reason. There were no shadows. I was not under a bridge. It is an overcast day. No direct sun. My safety was at risk because I could have been hit by oncoming traffic when I was trying to go forward.
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
2016 Kia Sorrento Ex paint is coming off in panels and different areas of car. I called KIa and they cant do anything about it
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
While driving in traffic, my 2024 Kia Seltos suddenly shut down without warning again. I lost propulsion while the vehicle was in motion with passengers inside, creating an immediate safety hazard. The issue appears electrical or powertrain-related. This occurred during normal operation and could result in a serious crash. My vehicle shutting down in active traffic with passengers is unaccepta... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
My Honda CMBS system has false warnings from cars coming from the other lane and road markers setting off the system. I had numerous incidents where the steering wheel shakes and a brake warning illuminates with no possibility of an accident. After this warning the car would automatically brake to stop you. I have taken this vehicle to the dealer twice they said it is perfect. Honda knows this sys... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
My wife was slowly pulling into a parking spot at kohls and the car lunged like the gas pedal was pressed all the way down and hit parking pole in spot . I googled to see if this was an issue reports and found information on this not actual recall but reports on this issue . Kia has done nothing with this case
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
My wife was slowly pulling into a parking spot at kohls and the car lunged like the gas pedal was pressed all the way down and hit parking pole in spot . I googled to see if this was an issue reports and found information on this not actual recall but reports on this issue . Kia has done nothing with this case
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 12, 2026
I have a 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe that was caught on fire at 2am 2/10/26 when parked in my garage. Jeep issed 68C recall for its defective EV battery, and I had finished the recall on 1/20/26 in Fremont CDJR in CA, but it was still caught on fire. I have every thing saved, Ring footage and invoices from the dealer about recall. Just want to report that the remedy from Jeep does not help at... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
After no previous issues, car stalled out multiple times on short drive to work. No warning lights and no subsequent diagnostic codes were reported. Upon final restart, engine started knocking severely. Upon investigation, the oil stick showed no oil in the pan. Vehicle was towed to trusted, licensed mechanic for evaluation where we were informed about the potential of a failure due to rapid oil ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that during freezing weather, the button was depressed to open the driver's side rear sliding door, and the door automatically opened; however, the motor reached a point of resistance and attempted to close the sliding door. Due to the failure of the cable in the door snapped behind the glass window. The contact manually opened the sliding d... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Dart. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while turning off the vehicle, the key was difficult to remove from the ignition. The gear shifter was in park(P); however, the ignition switch remained stuck in the ACC position. Several attempts were required before the key could be released. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the lights on the instrument panel were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed junction box. The contact was informed that water and mold had gotten into the junction box and caused the damage. In addition, the contact was informed that the water and mol... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The rearview camera intermittently failed to function properly, and the screen was blank. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contact... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
Car has been broken down since May 2025. My car started jerking forcefully with my child in the car. Brought it in to be assessed. They could not figure it out. After two more times bringing it back in due to the jerking worsening, the car completely broke down in the middle of the road. Apparently recall has been active since January 2025. I was never notified that there even was a safety recall ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
The infotainment system resets itself multiple times within a 5-10 minute drive. This also causes the back up to not work when in reverse, which is a safety concern. The clock does not stay on the correct time no matter how many times I change it. This issue is very frustrating and my dealership didn't take me seriously when I first tried to get this looked at.
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
Vehicle looses power steering sometimes, the last time I was in traffic on a bend and went up onto the sidewalk. It's almost impossible to steer when it happens.
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
I’m writing to report an ongoing issue with my vehicle’s windshield washer system. The washer fluid is not dispensing properly, and as a result, the windshield is not being cleared effectively while driving. This creates a safety concern, especially in poor weather conditions or when road debris accumulates on the windshield. The reduced visibility makes it difficult to drive safely and confi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound while idling. Additionally, while driving at 45 MPH, the message "Reduced Power" was displayed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the brakes became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the local dealer for Service Campaign SC334 - Brake Line Corrosion. The vehicle was repaired after 35 days, but the failure recurred. While driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the brakes became inope... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
My abs, traction control, trailer brake lights are on. Error code C2200-49. What is worse; there are no parts! As I tow a camper it is a serious issue! I cannot understand why this issue is common with this vehicle but ram doesn’t have remedy. (Rebuild option or shock- have someone make spare parts for it) I will be forced to fix it myself with junk yard parts. Why is it so hard to get competen... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly shifted into gear. The contact stated that the transmission shifted into a lower gear. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road and turned off. The contact stated that while attempting to start the veh... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2026
The power steering on my 2018 Honda CRV XE is sticky or sticks when I when I try to keep my CRV is the middle of the lane and/or change lanes a majority of the time on the freeway/highway. At times, the CRV will slides/drifts from one side to the other. The CRV is going in this week for an inspection / evaluation at a Honda dealership. There were no signs or warnings when I purchased the CRV from ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2026
I completed recall in March of 2025 for the ICCU, it failed driving down a busy road in January 2026. Kia did complete the repairs, but only warranties for 12k miles. It seems from forums I am in that this is a common problem. It also caused me to be without transportation for several weeks
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2025) — STEERING
Feb 11, 2026
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Harley-Davidson RH1250-S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V590000 (STEERING); 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. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.