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 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the rear driver’s side and passenger’s side doors failed to open manually or while using the power door lock button. The contact was concerned because rear-seat occupants could be trapped and injured during a crash or a vehicle fire. The dealer and an independent mechanic were contacted and provided an estimate for the repair. Th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2026
2019 Escalade. During summer temperatures, unable to control pedal position adjustment and vehicle automatically moves the pedals all the way forward. When the pedal position button is pushed, the pedals make clicking noise but do not adjust. No warning lights. Issue is intermittent. It becomes very difficult to drive the vehicle with both the accelerator and brake pedals in the fully forward posi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
The vehicle burns oil faster and the vehicle began to stall at highway speeds. Upon further research, a campaign recall for the same vehicle is open but only for specific VIN. Although this vehicle was not part of the recall campaign 21V301000 the vehicle shows issues aligned with the recall.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started pulling to the right. The steering wheel was forcefully returned to the center. Additionally, on other occasions while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle before the vehicle stalled. T... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
I am reporting a transmission failure in my 2021 Acura TLX with approximately 84,300miles. While driving under normal conditions, after about 30 minutes on the road, I came to a stop at a red light. When I attempted to accelerate again, the vehicle would not shift out of first gear. The engine would rev, but the transmission failed to upshift. I also experienced a hard and abrupt engagement when... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while an occupant was seated in the front passenger’s seat, the supplemental restraint system (SRS) warning light illuminated. The message "Please see Dealer” was displayed. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the emissions syst... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Starter failed to resume engine operation when auto start/stop disengaged motor at a stop light. This resulted in the vehicle being briefly inoperable after the light turned green, requiring other motorists to go around and leaving the vehicle stalled until engine functionality was resumed. Issue was reproduced by dealership, starter motor was deemed defective and was replaced under warranty. Vehi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2025
Engine seized while driving on my local interstate hwy. No warning lights came up. Towed to the dealer and they confirmed the engine was locked up. Engine needed to be replaced.
Incident date: Mar 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Maverick. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel started shaking, prompting the contact to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was pulled over, and a squealing, clicking, and grinding sound started coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on three separate occasions and was diagnosed with a CV s... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
While driving at a low speed (approx. 5–10 mph), the front passenger-side lower ball joint suffered a catastrophic structural shear without warning. This caused the wheel assembly to collapse outward and the CV axle to pull out of the transmission. The failure caused a complete loss of steering control, veering the vehicle into a curb. Physical evidence (outward axle pull and high-side rim scrat... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
The vehicle experienced an overheating condition immediately after being picked up from dealership service on April 11, 2026. Within a short distance of driving, a warning appeared and the vehicle became unsafe to operate, requiring it to be pulled over and towed. The dealership later stated that coolant was low but also reported no leaks. This condition should have been identified and corrected ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
The vehicle experienced an overheating condition immediately after being picked up from dealership service on April 11, 2026. Within a short distance of driving, a warning appeared and the vehicle became unsafe to operate, requiring it to be pulled over and towed. The dealership later stated that coolant was low but also reported no leaks. This condition should have been identified and corrected ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
My cars breaks failed by a vacuum pump failer and I almost died on the a hill going home
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
I purchased a vehicle that was represented as having approximately 92,000 miles. I have since discovered the actual mileage is approximately 260,000 miles, which indicates odometer tampering. This is a violation of both federal and California law. I have documentation supporting this claim.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
Low Beam head lamp assembly is defective and no longer focuses light forward. Delamination of reflector material is a common issue according to internet searches.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
I have an airbag light on as well as the 2nd row inflatable seatbelt has stopped working. I took it into the dealership and they said it was generating codes B141B and B141C. Ford issued a Customer satisfaction program 21B11 specifically to fix this problem in 2022 but it expired less than a year later. Now my air bag and my seatbelt don't work. Ford knows about the safety defect and their dea... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
I have an airbag light on as well as the 2nd row inflatable seatbelt has stopped working. I took it into the dealership and they said it was generating codes B141B and B141C. Ford issued a Customer satisfaction program 21B11 specifically to fix this problem in 2022 but it expired less than a year later. Now my air bag and my seatbelt don't work. Ford knows about the safety defect and their dea... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
8/2025 Car stalled on freeway. Went to dealer. They said nothing wrong. Then on a trip north, car stalled again on freeway. Went to the nearest dealer. They too said nothing wrong. This time same thing. There is a recall for the exact symptoms of the exact car yet they say the repair was done. Why does my vin not qualify for the exact symptoms that generated a recall? This was super dangerous at f... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
8/2025 Car stalled on freeway. Went to dealer. They said nothing wrong. Then on a trip north, car stalled again on freeway. Went to the nearest dealer. They too said nothing wrong. This time same thing. There is a recall for the exact symptoms of the exact car yet they say the repair was done. Why does my vin not qualify for the exact symptoms that generated a recall? This was super dangerous at f... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. The hazard lights, collision, road traction, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cam lobe and cylinder #6 lifter had failed, and the lifter and camshaft needed to be repla... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
The ICCU unit went out rendering the car inoperable
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
My 2024 Hyundai Tucson hybrid has been returned to the dealership on 3/20/26 and 4/10/26 to replace failed rear shocks and are now scheduled for replacement on 4/27/26 under warranty. I was told by Matthews Hyundai dealership that the part may have been defective the first time but after having the shocks fail again it is clearly a defect in design. The bouncing and ride is dangerous. Rear shock f... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
My vehicle is breaking on its own. There are other vehicles riding behind me and it just stops out of nowhere. I think that's dangerous. I can be driving and I'm thinking I'm OK driving in a vehicle. Just just hit on break. I don't know where I just stops and while I'm driving and I think that's very dangerous
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
The windshield cracked from using the defroster to defrost the windshield. On a cold morning.
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V117000 (VISIBILITY); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds in the rain, the windshield wipers intermittently failed to operate as needed. Additionally, the windshield wiper fluid system failed to spray washer f... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
Nothing has happened but remedy has not been available for awhile on cracked injector issue
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding a manufacturing defect, specifically premature paint delamination of the exterior, factory-applied, Pearl White paint. The paint is lifting, bubbling, peeling and flaking exposing primer and metal. This damage did not result from impact, environmental exposure, improper maintenance, or misuse. The vehicle was inspected at a certified autobody repair faci... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V347000 (Structure) and 24V031000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and sent a technician to duct tape the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an unknown recall repair, but the vehicle experienced the failure after the repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was initially dia... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
I just did a software update for my 2025 M3 and all settings were lost. Most of this is a customer inconvenience, but brake auto hold was turned off so imagine my surprise when I took my foot off the brake and my car rolled forward. Thankfully I was paying attention or there could have been an accident. I rely on auto hold to keep my car stopped even when my foot is off the brake.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while her son was driving 55 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to slow down as intended. The driver attempted to use the parking brake to slow the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to slow down. The message “Braking System Failure” was displayed. The driver pulled over to the side of the road, and the passenger... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
Sudden unintended acceleration while braking. Engine revved against brake input. Has happened multiple times. Need to step on the brake hard and wait for it to pass.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
I am experiencing ongoing issues with my 2023 Lexus RX500h related to the powertrain/transmission. The vehicle has exhibited abnormal shifting behavior, including hesitation, jerking, and inconsistent acceleration. At times, the vehicle does not respond smoothly when accelerating, which raises safety concerns, especially when merging into traffic or driving at highway speeds. The issue occurs int... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
Good morning, I am writing to formally escalate a serious and unresolved safety concern involving my vehicle and to follow up on my existing case (Case #XXX). On April 22, 2026, while driving on the highway at approximately 55 mph, my vehicle suddenly performed a hard stop as if it detected an imminent collision. At the time, there were no visible obstructions or vehicles directly in front of me... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
Windshield cracks/chips very easily even when nothing has touched it. I have had 4 cracks in less than 6 months with no reason as to why they are occurring and they are ALL on the driver side, NOTHING on passenger side, which seems very odd. This car was bought brand new in February 2025 and this should not be happening. I believe the windshield is faulty. There is a settlement but my 2024 is n... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
My steering wheel locked while driving on the interstate during heavy traffic and almost causing me and my children to wreck. It has now done this while driving slow causing me to almost lose control of my jeep.
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
On March 31st, 2026, while traveling at approximately 60 mph on a major highway, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic engine failure without prior warning. The "Check Engine" and "Powertrain Malfunction" (Wrench) lights illuminated, and the vehicle experienced an immediate and total loss of motive power. This created a high-risk safety situation for myself (luckily my daughter was not with me at th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
Brakes do not have proper stopping power. The brakes are very slow to react, and the brake pedal has a long travel before the truck starts to slow down. This can be extremely dangerous in city driving. We have four of these F-650s in our fleet, and all four of these trucks exhibit the same poor braking. Trucks are all new with hydraulic brakes.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
Issue: Repeated failure of safety‑critical module Description: The Side Blind Zone Alert system on my 2015 GMC Acadia has failed multiple times over the life of the vehicle. The system becomes inoperative and displays “Side Detection System Unavailable.” A local GMC dealer has diagnosed the issue as a failure of the SBZA module due to loss of communication. This failure has occurred repea... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
As I began a drive cycle, I heard a pop sound and received the “check electric vehicle system” warning associated with ICCU failure. With ICCU failure, if I had continued to drive the 12V battery would have run to zero and the car would have died completely. Vehicle goes to dealer tomorrow for confirmation.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
As I began a drive cycle, I heard a pop sound and received the “check electric vehicle system” warning associated with ICCU failure. With ICCU failure, if I had continued to drive the 12V battery would have run to zero and the car would have died completely. Vehicle goes to dealer tomorrow for confirmation.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
The vehicle intermittently fails to reverse properly, hesitates, jerks, and at times locks despite no obstruction present. This occurs during normal use and creates a serious safety concern, particularly when backing out of parking spaces or into traffic. In addition, the vehicle exhibits ongoing electrical issues, including intermittent warning lights, rearview camera distortion or failure, inco... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
The vehicle intermittently fails to reverse properly, hesitates, jerks, and at times locks despite no obstruction present. This occurs during normal use and creates a serious safety concern, particularly when backing out of parking spaces or into traffic. In addition, the vehicle exhibits ongoing electrical issues, including intermittent warning lights, rearview camera distortion or failure, inco... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
Since the 2019 Honda HR-V vehicle check engine light has come on numerous times, the vehicle is squeaking, the tire lights have come on numerous times, airbags light is on, the fuel cap light has come on Engine temperature light comes on Any more questions can be emailed or called. Thanks kindly.
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
Since the 2019 Honda HR-V vehicle check engine light has come on numerous times, the vehicle is squeaking, the tire lights have come on numerous times, airbags light is on, the fuel cap light has come on Engine temperature light comes on Any more questions can be emailed or called. Thanks kindly.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
Only 4200 miles and receiving TT04 error which appears, from social media, has been ignored by Honda or just no fix and any fix by the dealer would be temporary. Very disappointed, Honda has always been my car of choice. My dealer is not convenient to me, especially if I have to continuously return to them due to same issue, in which Honda has no answer for.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
Third brake light has failed and needs to be replaced.
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
These tires were purchased brand new and installed at Pep Boys on March 24th. By the 15th of this month—less than a month later—one of the tires had developed a bulge on its sidewall.bubbling on the tire sidewall . However, neither the manufacturer (Toyo) nor the retailer (Pep Boys) has been willing to take responsibility for the issue, refusing to process a return, issue a refund, or address ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
These tires were purchased brand new and installed at Pep Boys on March 24th. By the 15th of this month—less than a month later—one of the tires had developed a bulge on its sidewall.bubbling on the tire sidewall . However, neither the manufacturer (Toyo) nor the retailer (Pep Boys) has been willing to take responsibility for the issue, refusing to process a return, issue a refund, or address ... Read more