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 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKT. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V951000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V827000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. T... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the contact experienced the death wobble. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2025) — POWER TRAIN
Feb 9, 2026
Incident date: Jul 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 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 local dealer was contacted. 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... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V741000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the message "Electric Mode Temporarily Unavailable - Fuel and Oil Refresh in Progress" wa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
There is a safety recall concerning fire hazard during normal operation. Kia is refusing to buyback the inoperable vehicle
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
There is a safety recall concerning fire hazard during normal operation. Kia is refusing to buyback the inoperable vehicle
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
My dashboard lite up like a Christmas tree. I took my car to Honda dealership. They put it on the diagnostic machine. A blown head gasket, Honda quoted me a repair price of $4400.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac XTS. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear suspension was bouncing, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The message to "Check Leveling System" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact researched and became aware of a recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was taken to the residence and the ve... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2026
NHTSA 25V322 indicates potential issue with reverse lamp assemblies as well as the remedy. Recall Status indicates "remedy not yet available". It has been over 6 months (5/15/25 to 2/9/26) since this safety recall was filed. This has been an unreasonably long time and Toyota should be compelled to initiate the remedy immediately and provide a detailed explanation as to why it is failing to meet it... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
CATASTROPHIC ELECTRICAL FAILURE - SMOKE IN CABIN While driving with passengers, dashboard displayed "ELECTRICAL FAILURE - PULL OVER WHEN SAFE" followed by loud explosive POP and cabin filled with SMOKE. ROOT CAUSE: Prior undisclosed collision damage. Dealer (Morrie's Golden Valley Cadillac) removed front bumper in June 2025 (Repair Order #78683), then sold vehicle as "no accidents" in August 202... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
While operating my 2024 Kia EV6, the vehicle began displaying repeated warnings related to the power system and 12-volt battery. The instrument cluster first showed a “Power limited” message, followed shortly by a “Stop vehicle and check power supply” warning. At the same time, the vehicle indicated that the 12-volt battery was low, despite the high-voltage traction battery being at or nea... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 BMW 740LI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V644000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that after walking outside to the parked vehicle, the passenger’s side rear window was op... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
The transmission on the vehicle has gone bad twice since we purchased it used. The car has 34,400 miles on it. The problem puts the driver in an unsafe situation as the problem causes the car to lose power while at high speeds. The piston rings have also been replaced as part of the recall. Kia just keeps replacing these parts with more defective parts. I have videos if you want them.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
This 2019 Honda Accord was part of the fuel pump recall that occurred in 23/24. The vehicle was taken in and had the fuel pump fixed at the dealership under the recall. From that point we have begun to have issues with the fuel injectors. The vehicle started to run rough, and then all of the dash lights came on. All accessory items, Lane Departure warning, adaptive cruise control, etc, all stay on... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the transmission failed to properly change gears. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated and there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was n... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Leaf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V655000 (Electrical System); however, the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the unrepaired recall was a huge inconvenience because only the slow charge function could be used. The manufacturer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that the remedy was... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Edge. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
I have experienced a ICCU failure at 7200 miles on my 2025 EV6 GT Line. This failure is a safety hazard as it will quickly disable the vehicle and strand the occupants wherever they be at the time of failure. (highway, back roads, day or night). There are warning lights when this occurs, but there is a very limited time to get to safety, depending on the state of charge of the onboard 12v battery... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
I have experienced a ICCU failure at 7200 miles on my 2025 EV6 GT Line. This failure is a safety hazard as it will quickly disable the vehicle and strand the occupants wherever they be at the time of failure. (highway, back roads, day or night). There are warning lights when this occurs, but there is a very limited time to get to safety, depending on the state of charge of the onboard 12v battery... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the rear window glass imploded and shattered. The contact was able to pull into the workplace parking lot. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was later towed to Safelite Auto Glass, where the rear window glass was being replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair was... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
The axles on my vehicle are defective. Every time I make a turn (left, right, or U-turn) the vehicle makes a loud clicking noise. I’ve taken the vehicle in 3 times. Initially, Honda promised to fix the issue, yet each time I’ve gone in they always come up with an excuse (1st time: we ordered the wrong part, 2nd time: sorry we wasted your time today, the part still isn’t in yet, 3rd time: unf... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
No initial incident created this problem. The airbag light randomly comes on for driver left side airbag. It has never been deployed, nor has the vehicle had any impact or damage. The computer shows fault code B0020-13 (AB Side Module Open). Despite resetting it, the light will only stay off for a while. It appears as occasional short in the sensor but I have been told to replace the whole seat. S... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2026
Structural crack in molded in color roof compromising the integrity of vehicle roof.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2025
engine shout off while in travel. heavy traffic ,crazy driver's. no warning . nothing filed ... tow truck returned truck to home. no light's or warning. repair by owner. still incomplete.
Incident date: Jan 22, 2026
The DC to DC converter Failed. It is part of the mild hybrid system. Multiple cars in my state and globally have reported the same failure around the same time. Supposedly these failures are due to the cold weather. At the 1st start up of the day a warning message displayed "Stop safely Electrical fault detected" the it disappeared after 1minute. After the 2nd start up the message reappeared and s... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
Rear view camera intermittently works. Blackout when reversing. Car is in reverse camera starts then stops
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
This recall describes a known safety-related defect which can stall the vehicle while driving, thus increasing the risk of a crash. After 8 months without developing a remedy, that danger remains every time I drive my beloved Mustang. Is Ford waiting for numerous deaths due to this issue before making the cure a reality? What is the explanation for the lack of a cure? Evidently Ford has produc... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2026
There is no manual door release for rear doors in the Tesla model 3 RWD. This can pose a safety issue if the car has no power and passengers need to evacuate the vehicle.
Incident date: Jan 31, 2026
Incident took place 1/31/26. I was pulling into my driveway at approximately 5 mph. Normally, as I approach the wooden driveway gate, sensors would begin to beep and I would be prompted to stop.The car normally would stop itself if a collision was imminent. This did not take place. Instead, the car picked up speed, smashed through the gate proceeded up the driveway, smashed through the garage door... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 31, 2026
Incident took place 1/31/26. I was pulling into my driveway at approximately 5 mph. Normally, as I approach the wooden driveway gate, sensors would begin to beep and I would be prompted to stop.The car normally would stop itself if a collision was imminent. This did not take place. Instead, the car picked up speed, smashed through the gate proceeded up the driveway, smashed through the garage door... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
-I had just exited from the highway and was driving into my town. While doing so, I had both hands on the steering wheel and suddenly the car started beeping and flashing warnings/ alerts indicating that my hands were not on the steering wheel, which they were. Within seconds the car began to deaccelerate and pull me off the road to my right hand side. I initially had no control over the vehicle. ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
I have and am the original owner of a Kia Cadenza 2017 with the 3.3L Lambda engine (same engine as the Sorento lawsuit). The vehicle is currently at the dealership getting repaired due to carbon buildup causing the fuel injectors to malfunction( despite of consistently being on top of maintenance and oil changes).I have read online of lots of users with failed engines due to carbon buildup in thes... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe - Front windshield had spontaneous horizontal crack about 8" on driver side WHILE PARKED WITH NO IMPACT. Car is new with NO ROCK CHIPS. Our winter nights were about 15-25 degrees and the crack would spread WHILE PARKED overnight. Within a week it spread to 24" while trying to get the dealer to agree that this is a warranty issue with no luck. Was told it is NOT a warranty iss... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
Car goes into limp mode or cuts power when trying to accelerate. Refuses to shift or will shift down and revs highers rpms then necessary, especially at any incline. Started around 70k miles and got worse when brought in for other recalls.
Incident date: May 1, 2023
Car goes into limp mode or cuts power when trying to accelerate. Refuses to shift or will shift down and revs highers rpms then necessary, especially at any incline. Started around 70k miles and got worse when brought in for other recalls.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
Car goes into limp mode or cuts power when trying to accelerate. Refuses to shift or will shift down and revs highers rpms then necessary, especially at any incline. Started around 70k miles and got worse when brought in for other recalls.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
I bought my Niro hybrid EX Touring new from the dealership in 2023. The first issue arose when the car shut off completely while driving and was towed to the dealership. Later, I started hearing a squeaking/rubber rubbing sound. The car would make squeaking and creaking noises when turning or going over minor bumps. The "rubber rubbing sound" happened when I was at a full stop, right after removin... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
Frequently, my vehicle would not start. It would crank for a lengthy period of time but the engine would not turn over to start. Internet searches show that this is a widespread, known problem with Chrysler vehicles, yet only a small number of recalls have been issued. Unfortunately, my vehicle does not fall under the recall for unknown reasons. I have been advised that the fuel pump and auxili... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
Despite repeated repair attempts, months-long delays due to unavailable parts, and providing dealership technicians with clear video/audio evidence, authorized Volkswagen dealerships failed to properly diagnose/document defects causing severe safety hazards. My vehicle continues to suffer from persistent braking defects, defective sensors resulting in sensor failures, recurring software safety ma... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
While driving at highway speed, the vehicle suddenly lost the ability to accelerate. Immediately prior to this, the vehicle was making an abnormal engine noise, which continued until the failure. "Drive" light turned off and the "Neutral" turned on its own. I tried to get it to shift back to "Drive" and it wouldn't. I pulled off to the side of the highway. The engine stalled and the vehicle would ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
The car his a module called the iccu that regulates the high voltage battery, battery range goes down, the iccu has been replaced with the vehicle only having 8k miles on the odometer
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
The car his a module called the iccu that regulates the high voltage battery, battery range goes down, the iccu has been replaced with the vehicle only having 8k miles on the odometer
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2025) — ENGINE
Feb 6, 2026
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
The car his a module called the iccu that regulates the high voltage battery, battery range goes down, the iccu has been replaced with the vehicle only having 8k miles on the odometer
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
Loud whirring and humming no side coming from the driveshaft when the temperature is below 30°. It goes away when driver for about 3-5 miles and comes back when it cools down next drive
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
My car suddenly caught fire in my driveway tonight 2/6/26 roughly around 9:40 PM. Fire department has been dispatched to come out and investigate if the fire has been properly extinguished and it does warrant any further safety hazards until Kia can be notified and resolve this issue.
Fire
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
Vehicle would get stuck in gear while driving, then randomly downshift harshly. Occurred in Feb 2025 and immediately brought in for service at 98730 miles. Service advancetrack, wrench light, and no hill start assist light illuminated on dash. Truck would go into limp mode. P0715:00-64 and P0717:00-6C codes were pulled at 1st mechanic shop. 1st shop did not work on transmissions and referred me to... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
Driving with my wife and [XXX] child, there was a pop sound from under the car, and the car suddenly showed multiple faults, including "Check electric vehicle system”, which cleared on their own. I parked and turned the car off and on again and the faults reappeared. I started driving home, and during the drive it showed "Stop vehicle and check power supply" and audibly alarmed. As I was only h... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
Driving with my wife and [XXX] child, there was a pop sound from under the car, and the car suddenly showed multiple faults, including "Check electric vehicle system”, which cleared on their own. I parked and turned the car off and on again and the faults reappeared. I started driving home, and during the drive it showed "Stop vehicle and check power supply" and audibly alarmed. As I was only h... Read more