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 27, 2026
I was driving on the highway, and my car started shaking. All of the sudden I couldn't push on the gas anymore, and out of the blue a notification popped up on my screen that said "transmission failure, service immediately" and the car fully stopped working. I was forced to coast to the side of the highway, where I ended up in an incredibly dangerous spot. I had to call the cops, have them come so... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
Have called about this starting 2020. Had 137000. Also previous owner since 99000mi. Drive train & Turbo. Brake assist. Oil leaks, shutting off while driving. Now as of Saturday April 25 2026 Car shut off while driving and has been towed to dealership. Car deemed lemon by GM. In 2020 car to have been replaced I have all service contact numbers as well as my receipts. Car is a death trap. Do better... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
The contact owned a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 80 MPH, the brakes failed to operate properly while the brake pedal was depressed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the brake pump had exploded, causing damage to the camshaft sensors and several other parts inside ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
This hasn't caused an accident or stranded me yet, but Ford won't do anything to help me avoid danger in the faulty vehicle they sold. There have been several recalls on my 2022 Ford Escape PHEV over the past year or so, including safety recalls. The number of recalls, requiring me to take the time to deal with scheduling, drop off/pickup the car, and being unable to use the car when it is in the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2025
Braking while pulling into a parking space. Instead of slowing down the car accelerated and went over the curb. Maintained pressure on the break but it did not slow the car. Instead the car kept accelerating down an embankment, across an empty street and towards a telephone pole. Turning the steering wheel to the left to avoid the telephone pole the car further descended into a ditch. The car had ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
The recall was issued more than 8 months ago but the remedy is still not yet available, which is very concerning as the problem may cause the event of fire even when the vehicle is parked. Issued SEP 23, 2025 Description of Problem It is possible for water to contact and enter the engine starter. This could lead to corrosion which could cause a short circuit. Safety Risk This could increase ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
Headlight DRL Failure - it's safety issue. this is known issue with defenders but when I contacted local dealer in Atlanta area, they refused to replace it without me paying $3200.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
The contact owned a 2022 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, another vehicle, driving approximately 75 MPH, crashed into the rear and front passenger's side of the vehicle. The vehicle was then pushed into another lane, where another vehicle crashed into the front driver's side of the vehicle, from the fender-bender to the driver's side door. The seat belt failed to unbuckl... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
Hello, I would like to report a safety issue related to my motorhome. I have a 2025 Tiffin Phaeton 40IH on a Freightliner Custom Chassis, VIN [XXX] . Freightliner Custom Chassis has a safety system called Roadwatch which is a collision avoidance device that integrates the Adaptive Cruise Control and the Standard Cruise Control. When the vehicle experiences heavy rain a driver information screen di... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
Exhaust manifold studs broke off (as do they all break) and turbos oil lines leak engine oil causing fire. By the time I stopped and got out there was already flames coming out from the hood. It was so fast I didn’t have time to be get my firearms or tools out. I have not notified Ford or and I only had liability insurance on my 2016 f150. 3.5 eco boost.
Fire
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
Exhaust manifold studs broke off (as do they all break) and turbos oil lines leak engine oil causing fire. By the time I stopped and got out there was already flames coming out from the hood. It was so fast I didn’t have time to be get my firearms or tools out. I have not notified Ford or and I only had liability insurance on my 2016 f150. 3.5 eco boost.
Fire
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
Only 41,000 miles and head gasket is leaking
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
Poor quality hydraulic roller lifer arm failure caused a frown rod and a hole in the engine block
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
ICCU failed despite all prior recall updates being performed. Incident began when home circuit breaker tripped; vehicle subsequently refused Level 1 charging with "Check Electrical System" warning. Per dealer suggestion, tested public chargers. Level 3 (DC) worked, but upon connecting to Level 2 (AC/J1772), a loud "pop" occurred, and the public charging station immediately suffered a mechanical fa... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
On 4/14/26 my local Nissan dealership technician discovered that my rear lower control arm is severely corroded, with a hole rusted completely through the structural metal (see attached dealer photo). The technician flagged this as a critical safety risk. While Nissan previously issued a service campaign (P9324) and a 10-year warranty extension for identical failures in Altima and Maxima models in... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
My 2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid's engine has expired and been confirmed by Toyota dealership and Toyota Corporate. They are rebuilding the motor, which is outside of warranty but my specific truck is not on the recall list, therefor I will not get a new motor, but a rebuilt motor. I was put at risk of complete engine failure, leaving me stranded on the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to Re... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, the “Shift-to-Park” warning light illuminated with a continuous audible alert. The vehicle was unable to recognize that the transmission was in park(P). Several attempts were needed to shift to park. The battery was disconnected to turn off the audible alert. The contact stated that the veh... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2017
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, the “Shift-to-Park” warning light illuminated with a continuous audible alert. The vehicle was unable to recognize that the transmission was in park(P). Several attempts were needed to shift to park. The battery was disconnected to turn off the audible alert. The contact stated that the veh... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65-70 MPH, the contact believed that the battery warning light was illuminated before the vehicle shut off. The steering wheel became inoperable. The contact was able to pull over to the median, where an independent mechanic attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. 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 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... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2025
While driving on interstate at highway speeds (70mph), the transmission experienced sudden downshift, which increased the engine RPMs to redline and rapidly decelerated the vehicle. Occupant safety was put at risk while other drivers were forced to quickly avoid collision due to our much slower speed. Transmission would not select proper gear which made it difficult to proceed to a safe pull-off p... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2025
While driving on interstate at highway speeds (70mph), the transmission experienced sudden downshift, which increased the engine RPMs to redline and rapidly decelerated the vehicle. Occupant safety was put at risk while other drivers were forced to quickly avoid collision due to our much slower speed. Transmission would not select proper gear which made it difficult to proceed to a safe pull-off p... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
DRL led strips premature failure. The vehicle is only 5 years old and the DRL on the fog lights and the headlight assembly are failing. Multiple f150s in this year range are experiencing similar issues. This poses a safety risk due to not being able to properly see and be seen due to poor lighting.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
Vehicle has gone through the 68C update and the car sometimes hesitates in stop and go traffic. Also the vehicle hesitates on acceleration almost causing an accidents more times than I can count.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
Vehicle has gone through the 68C update and the car sometimes hesitates in stop and go traffic. Also the vehicle hesitates on acceleration almost causing an accidents more times than I can count.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
On [XXX], my 2022 GMC Yukon Denali XL (VIN [XXX] ) experienced a complete loss of propulsion while I was driving on [XXX] in El Paso, Texas, with my wife and two young children in the vehicle. Mileage was approximately 50,364. While in motion, the vehicle was displaying abnormal behavior, concerned the vehicle would stall on the highway, I exited at the Geronimo exit. As the vehicle slowed, it shu... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
F150 220. ford has been contacted before about the 10 speed transmission down shiften hard, or trying to excel and hitting hard. they said they knew of the problem. but only suggested in reset the computer " basically undue the battery " but the problem is still there. they stated the 10 speed was the worst transmission ford ever put in this vehicle.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2026
I received a notice onscreen (photo attached) that says "Front passenger safety restraint system issue, Service is required." I did some research online and a number of other owners of 2019 Tesla Model 3 vehicles have received this warning, which involves a malfunction that is a combination of the front passenger seat belt, air bag, and seat sensor for the air bag. A number of people with thi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2026
While I was driving my car stopped accelerating on busy [XXX] . It was myself my son his girlfriend who is pregnant and her [XXX] son no indication there was a problem just heard a some kind of noise and it loses speed when try to accelerate it wouldn’t we where able to turn in to a gas station. I then cut the car off and when I tried to restart it the car wouldn’t start a week prior to this ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
I am writing to report a safety concern with my 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The rear bumper has begun to separate from the body of the vehicle and becomes loose during normal use. This issue appears to be related to how the bumper is attached (clips, fasteners, or design), not due to any collision or damage. A loose rear bumper creates a potential safety hazard, as it could detach while driving or po... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
Acceleration Lag/Hesitation, we are in the intersection fully stop yield before we go left. step on the pedal to go the truck go a little bit then suddenly lose power for a seconds and try to accelerate again just go. The car behind us almost hit me.
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
(NHTSA Tracking Number 11726105) I am updating my existing complaint regarding my 2024 Hyundai Tucson (NHTSA Tracking Number 11726105) for an ongoing safety concern involving an intermittent warning chime while driving. This issue began shortly after I purchased the vehicle in Nov 2025 and has been reported to the dealership multiple times over several months. The warning chime occurs randomly wh... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
My vehicle is subject to open safety Recall 67C involving the cooling fan module and related fuse protection in the engine compartment. The recall has been open since October 2025. The manufacturer and dealer have confirmed that the remedy/parts are still not available and that there is no ETA for repair. At this time, I have not experienced an obvious operating failure with the vehicle itself. ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
The vehicle turned off on the freeway and qould lnt start right after it came out from the dealership for a fuel pump cp4 installation recall, they said they misdiagnosed the issue with the truck on 4/23/26 930am from Bruce service advisor and mike the mechanic at rydell with my fuel pump off the truck. They said the gear that turns the fuel pump may have come loose That gear that turns the fuel p... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
I purchased my 2024 Land Rover Discovery new in March of 2024. In October of 2025, I found a large amount of water leaking through my windshield. Land Rover had my vehicle from October 2025 until April 2026. When it was returned to me it had mold in that had to be remidate3d and now my screen is starting to short. I am concerned of the safety of this vehicle and the amount of water that went into ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
2026 Ford E-350 Chassis / Thor Four Winds 25Z motor coach; which only had about 800 miles on it! While driving north on I-81, the low tire pressure warning came on. So, I switched to the tire pressure screen and the outside left tire was dramatically loosing pressure from recommended 65 psi - dropping to around 30 psi within a few mile. We pulled of onto the shoulder, with only 3-4’ clearance of... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
2026 Ford E-350 Chassis / Thor Four Winds 25Z motor coach; which only had about 800 miles on it! While driving north on I-81, the low tire pressure warning came on. So, I switched to the tire pressure screen and the outside left tire was dramatically loosing pressure from recommended 65 psi - dropping to around 30 psi within a few mile. We pulled of onto the shoulder, with only 3-4’ clearance of... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2026
Fuel injector failed the entire engine on my 2022 Santa Fe had to be completely replaced. The dealership put in a new engine. Santa Fe is only four years old. That is highly unusual.
Incident date: Apr 24, 2026
Fuel injector failed the entire engine on my 2022 Santa Fe had to be completely replaced. The dealership put in a new engine. Santa Fe is only four years old. That is highly unusual.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
The moon roof glass seems somehow dangerously tight or prone to exploding. This could endanger passengers and other vehicles. Out of seemingly nowhere the moon roof exploded while driving off the high way. I saw no flying object. We were not behind other vehicles that could have kicked something up. We hadn’t gone under a bridge. Glass began to crack and tinkle and cascade off the vehicle, pos... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
The engine randomly shut off while driving down the interstate and wouldn’t start back up. The car had the recall “remedy” done to it. Inspection and thicker oil. The only warning I got was to restart the engine after it shut off. My safety was compromised by breaking down on a main interstate coming through Memphis with no emergency lane to pull over in.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
I was driving using turn by turn directions and it told me to turn and I turned too soon and hit a telephone pole, front center. The airbags did not deploy and onstar did not recognize crash. I heard nothing from anyone. I called 911 to get the police to come and a wrecker driver. Even though I was wearing my seatbelt, my chest struck the steering wheel and my left hand was badly bruised. This is... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding a persistent and unresolved issue with the left front axle of my 2022 Jeep Cherokee X, which has been present since the day I purchased the vehicle new. Shortly after purchase, I brought the vehicle to the dealership due to a noticeable clicking sound coming from the front end. The dealer retained the vehicle for several days but stated they were unable to... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
Vehicle shut down with minimal warning due to “integrated charging control unit” failure. Vehicle left my wife stranded on rural road. Current mileage is 12k.
Incident date: Apr 24, 2026
After the Engine Check and Drivetrain Malfunction signs pop up, and then the vehicle stopped all of sudden on the highway.
Incident date: Apr 24, 2026
*Driver-side entry failure = primary access point compromised * Could trap occupants if internal handle fails or after an accident * Emergency responders rely on driver-side access first * This is not normal wear and tear—it’s a safety-related failure.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
While driving, my wheel often “sticks” and I have to over correct throughout the entire drive. I’m afraid it is going to get me in an accident. It becomes more noticeable at high speeds. I have to travel often for my job and recently have not felt safe while driving my car on the highway. It seems to be a common issue with the 2016 Civic and I’m not sure why there hasn’t been a recall.... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image failed to function properly, and the rearview camera image was blank. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention) and 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
Fuel and/or combustion problem leading to excessive emissions at unpredictable times. I mean so much smoke suddenly comes out that the driver behind can't see, and it seems the car may be on fire.
Incident date: Apr 24, 2026
The vehicle was sold to me with missing driver seatbelt component.