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: Apr 23, 2026
My full complaint of the 2020 trax after buying brand new and only I as the owner and driver. Nov 2023- seat belts would not stay latched. We found out slamming on the breaks for a tractor trailer that flipped in front of us on 495. February 2024 - dash screen out, on and off as it wanted. February 2024- Heat and AC control not turning like they were super glued March 2024- dash screen out again c... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2026
I recently paid $6,825.69 for a transmission repair, and immediately after that, the turbocharger failed.” “My mechanic has advised that driving the vehicle could result in engine damage or sudden loss of power.” “Because of this safety risk, I have stopped driving the vehicle.
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
First occurrence was 02/27/2026 - onstar detecated a critical issue, the check esc, check tsc words came on in the center dash, then the orange lights came on and my truck went into limp mode at a stop light. I had to limp mode a mile to the nearest dealer. Where nothing was repaired just reset. Second occurrence - exhaust flap valve failed creating chirping noise resulting in a muffler replacem... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
First occurrence was 02/27/2026 - onstar detecated a critical issue, the check esc, check tsc words came on in the center dash, then the orange lights came on and my truck went into limp mode at a stop light. I had to limp mode a mile to the nearest dealer. Where nothing was repaired just reset. Second occurrence - exhaust flap valve failed creating chirping noise resulting in a muffler replacem... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
As i was driving down the road at approximately 40-45mph the sunroof spontaneously exploded. Sounded like a shotgun going off. Fortunately i had the sun shade shut but still tiny glass shards came in and fell on my child and the entire interior in the mid section of vehicle. There was no vehicle in front of me, it was night time with temps in mid 70’s no reason it should've exploded outward as i... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
My 2014 Ford Escape was part of a recall in 2023 concerning the transmission shifter cable bushing. I took the car to [XXX] Ford in [XXX] . According to [XXX] Ford, the part was fixed. However, just last week, the bushing failed as I was backing out of my driveway. I had the vehicle towed to [XXX] Ford in [XXX] . The repair for the bushing is going to costs me over $458, for a repair that was ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2026
tHE VEHICLE IS ACTIVATING EMERGENCY BRAKE ASSIST WITH NO OBJECT IN FRONT OF IT CAUSING THE BRAKES TO SLAM ON WHILE DRIVING. LANE DEPARTURE WARNING IS TRYING TO CORRECT/MOVE VEHICLE INTO A DIFFERENT LANE
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
I was driving on the highway and my car started making a lot of noise. I got a notice “The Engine system has detected a fault.” Then another notification saying 4 wheel drive was disabled and then my car stopped running, leaving me stranded in the middle of the highway. My car would start, but it would not go into any gear. When I tried putting it in gear, I got a notification that said “Pow... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
On Friday May 1, 2026 while parked at my home, the rear glass lift gate burst into multiple shards. I have taken a few photos of the outside as I found it. In my surprise, I failed to photograph the glass in the interior of the vehicle. I have owned this car since new, since near the end of July of 2025. I had unloaded some groceries from the back area, raising and lowering the large metal li... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
3 times my car have braked while im driving causing my whole car to jerk 2 of the time i hit my head and my knuckle and finger got hurt and was bleeding I have pictures but they are not allowing me
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
"Mi Outlander 2024 tiene falla de frenos desde 8/1/26. Está en [XXX] Mitsubishi Thornton. El dealer negó garantía. Hoy 8/4/26 llamé a Mitsubishi 3 veces a las 7am, 8am y 8:20am pidiendo español por ser falla de seguridad. Me negaron español y me colgaron 2 veces. La tercera vez me dejaron 15 minutos en espera sin contestar. Pido número de caso, grúa pagada a [XXX] que está más cerca de... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350E. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle began decelerating, losing drive power till the vehicle stalled. The contact turned on their hazards and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The Check Engine, Blind Assist, Exit Warning Inoperative, Towing Not permitted, with several other warning or failure lights illuminated. ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350E. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle began decelerating, losing drive power till the vehicle stalled. The contact turned on their hazards and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The Check Engine, Blind Assist, Exit Warning Inoperative, Towing Not permitted, with several other warning or failure lights illuminated. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
When turning, accelerating and/or decelerating I hear a clicking sound coming from the rear of my car. My initial determination is the infamous cv joint/axle clicking sound. I have a service scheduled with dealer in a couple of days (5/6/26) to review. I did not receive any error or warning messages. The problem started yesterday (5/3/26).
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
On March 14 2026 i was driving from [XXX] . To [XXX] to have my tires checked because i felt a strong vibration on my steering column and truck itself, it was getting worse so i took it to my mechanic who does my regular maintenance on truck. After inspecting tire ( [XXX] 55 R20) was called over and shown that my front passenger side tire had a flat spot, it looked deformed mechanic informed me ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
This vehicle has theta 2 engine.. which is part of class lawsuit kia settled. My vehicle had high oil consumption and the defect was due to rod bearing would cause engine to fail and cause hi oil consumption. The dealer diagnosed it with burned valve and denied warranty even though my warranty was extended due to this engine being a defect. The reason they stated is that the rod bearing... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
This vehicle has theta 2 engine.. which is part of class lawsuit kia settled. My vehicle had high oil consumption and the defect was due to rod bearing would cause engine to fail and cause hi oil consumption. The dealer diagnosed it with burned valve and denied warranty even though my warranty was extended due to this engine being a defect. The reason they stated is that the rod bearing... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
While driving car gas tank blew a hole and started on fire. Car then lost power while on fire while I was in traffic, luckily I was able to cut into a parking lot and people that were in traffic with me call 911. Fire department confirmed there was a hole in gas tank which sits right underneath driver side. Fire was only contained to where the gas tank and lines are. I have pictures.
Fire
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my vehicle following service performed at a Kia dealership. My vehicle was returned to me on April 25, 2026, after being at the dealership for approximately one week. When it was returned, it had missing bolts/screws that were not missing prior to the service visit and were not related to the reason I originally brought the vehicle in. The missing compone... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
I am filing a complaint regarding repeated failures of the LED tail light assemblies on my 2016 Kia Rio. This vehicle uses combination tail lights that include both standard bulbs and integrated LED brake lights. The LED portion has failed multiple times over the life of the vehicle. I am now experiencing failure again, requiring replacement of multiple tail light assemblies. Each assembly costs... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
Rear passenger taillight assembly, specifically the turn signal light failed. Currently unable to utilize the right signal light when turning causing a safety issue for others. This taillight assembly is a sealed unit with LED lights that cannot be replaced. To fix you must purchase a new taillight assembly. These are very costly $790 from the dealer. This is an exorbitant expense for most peop... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
I was just driving down the block and stop at the stop light when I went to pull off and make a left turn the car completely shut off with no warning or anything. Just stopped completely went off in the middle of the road and all of the dash lights came on. It started right back up thankfully but it stopped and locked up
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
Engine failure & excessive oil consumption causing the vehicle to overheat. Coolant low, suspect coolant loss internally in engine. P0524 Engine pressure too low. Potential causes: low oil pressure, low oil level, wrong oil viscosity, contaminated oil, faulty oil pressure sensor, signal shorted to ground in electrical circuit of sensor, worn internal engine components. Per testing- coolant low, su... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with an EMS warning message displayed. The vehicle was able to restart after multiple attempts. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approxima... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with an EMS warning message displayed. The vehicle was able to restart after multiple attempts. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approxima... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
I purchased this vehicle from McGrath Kia in [XXX] . The fuel line recall kept me from picking up the car the day of purchase as was indented and stated. This was deception because they knew about the recall even know they waited for me to sign the contract before telling me. This was verified by another sales person at Kia. The current problem is electrical with the 12 volt battery discharging to... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
I purchased this vehicle from McGrath Kia in [XXX] . The fuel line recall kept me from picking up the car the day of purchase as was indented and stated. This was deception because they knew about the recall even know they waited for me to sign the contract before telling me. This was verified by another sales person at Kia. The current problem is electrical with the 12 volt battery discharging to... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
I purchased this vehicle from McGrath Kia in [XXX] . The fuel line recall kept me from picking up the car the day of purchase as was indented and stated. This was deception because they knew about the recall even know they waited for me to sign the contract before telling me. This was verified by another sales person at Kia. The current problem is electrical with the 12 volt battery discharging to... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2026
Drove roughly an hour from Roseville MI to Temperance MI. Car was fine. No issues on the drive. Gauges were all fine. Got to my friend’s house and took my stuff inside. Came back out immediately and saw dark smoke now coming from the hood. Attempted to open, but couldn't unlatch the hood after it was popped. Saw flames and called 911. Entire car burned down to the back seats. Car seat, Reading g... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 11, 2026
Drove roughly an hour from Roseville MI to Temperance MI. Car was fine. No issues on the drive. Gauges were all fine. Got to my friend’s house and took my stuff inside. Came back out immediately and saw dark smoke now coming from the hood. Attempted to open, but couldn't unlatch the hood after it was popped. Saw flames and called 911. Entire car burned down to the back seats. Car seat, Reading g... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
I am writing to formally report that the manufacturer of my vehicle is refusing to repair a safety issue covered under an active recall. My vehicle is subject to Manufacturer Recall Number SC356. I brought my vehicle to an authorized dealership for inspection and repair as instructed.However, after evaluating the vehicle, the manufacturer/dealer informed me that the issue cannot be repaired. I a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
I am writing to formally report that the manufacturer of my vehicle is refusing to repair a safety issue covered under an active recall. My vehicle is subject to Manufacturer Recall Number SC356. I brought my vehicle to an authorized dealership for inspection and repair as instructed.However, after evaluating the vehicle, the manufacturer/dealer informed me that the issue cannot be repaired. I a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
I am writing to formally report that the manufacturer of my vehicle is refusing to repair a safety issue covered under an active recall. My vehicle is subject to Manufacturer Recall Number SC356. I brought my vehicle to an authorized dealership for inspection and repair as instructed.However, after evaluating the vehicle, the manufacturer/dealer informed me that the issue cannot be repaired. I a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2026
My car stalls in the middle of traffic. I took the vechile for diagnostics with a mechanic and was informed my piston rings were bad. Currently a recall in progress. I take my car in for recall of faulty piston oil rings that can cause engine damage, stalling, or fire. The dealers inspect and stated it was not the right sound. I take it back to mechanic and was informed I should contact you all C... Read more
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2025) - STRUCTURE
May 1, 2026
Incident date: Apr 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that while driving in warm weather, heat from the exhaust pipe could be felt inside the cabin of the vehicle. As a result, the second row floor would become hot and cause discomfort to occupants seated in the second row. Upon investigation, the contact discovered TSB(Technical Service Bulletin) PI2501, which accurately described the failure ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
I have hit right below my right knee on several occasions while getting in the driver's seat to drive the vehicle. The seat is all the way back. I now have 2 knots below my knee with pain.
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the engine was damaged while being repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V101000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while the dealer was replacing the fuel rail as per the recall remedy, pressure built up, causing a valve cover leak, which damaged the oil pressure sensor. The dealer replaced the valve cover gasket and the ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the engine was damaged while being repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V101000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while the dealer was replacing the fuel rail as per the recall remedy, pressure built up, causing a valve cover leak, which damaged the oil pressure sensor. The dealer replaced the valve cover gasket and the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at slower speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The message "Place Vehicle in Park - Press Brake to Restart" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mile... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at slower speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The message "Place Vehicle in Park - Press Brake to Restart" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mile... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
The backup camera on the trunk of the 2023 Kia Sorrento has fallen out. It is attached only by the wires. Apparently, my specific vehicle is not a part of the initial recall; however, the camera has fallen out and is now hanging. I do not feel as though I should be responsible for this repair as it is due to a manufacturing issue.
Incident date: May 1, 2023
Constant Mis-firing, must put oil in car every 3 to 4 weeks. Hesitation when driving and sputtering.
Incident date: May 1, 2023
Constant Mis-firing, must put oil in car every 3 to 4 weeks. Hesitation when driving and sputtering.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
I was driving down the highway no cars were near me in any direction and I was not near an overpass it sounded like a giant explosion. I heard glass moving around and realized something happened to my sunroof.
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2025) - ENGINE
May 1, 2026
Incident date: Apr 29, 2026
Despite being only 18 months old with under 26,000 miles, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic failure with no prior dashboard warnings. While driving at highway speeds, loud cracking noises occurred while the engine was running, though we were able to pull off safely. The incident resulted in a burning smell, fumes, and rapid battery drain; subsequent inspection revealed a sheared tensioner spring... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2026
Incident Details: While traveling on MD-152 (Mountain Road) in Fallston, MD, the vehicle suffered a sudden and complete loss of motive power without any prior warning or dashboard indicators. There were no warning lights, no temperature spikes, and no mechanical noises before the engine seized. This sudden failure occurred in active traffic on a busy road, creating an immediate risk of a rear-end ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
A few weeks ago my sunroof began with out warning began to malfunction. It stopped closing all the way . When finally close I noticed the right rear side of the roof not closing all the way. I've noticed the bracket that holds up the glass roof to the track was broken. I took the car back to my car dealership, Gerald kia of Matteson. They told me that it was my fault because the tracks wasn't g... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
I am submitting a safety complaint regarding the driver monitoring/driver assistance system in the 2025 Kia Carnival. The system repeatedly issues “take a break” or inattentive driver warnings during normal, attentive driving conditions. These alerts are overly sensitive, frequent, and intrusive. Rather than improving safety, the warnings are highly distracting. The visual and audible alerts ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
The harness straps on the seat have begun to loosen while my child is riding in the seat. You do not need to use the harness adjuster button to loosen the straps. This is allowing a secure fit to become dangerously loose while the vehicle is in motion. I removed the car seat from the vehicle and was able to replicate the issue. A slight tug or movement makes the straps become loose and I can pull ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
The contact owned a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle began to make a knocking noise which became progressively louder and backfired. There was white smoke coming from the exhaust as the contact moved to the side of the road and exited the vehicle safely. The vehicle then developed a small fire underneath the hood in the engine compartment, which quickly became e... Read more
Fire