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 1, 2026
The safety features connected to the camera and vehicle sensors have all stopped working. Every time I start my car, multiple lights come on and dashboard messages that cruise control, lane assist and collision prevention systems are not working. The dealership quoted me $2300 to fix and said new sensors/computer system would need to be put in and calibrated. I tried putting a new battery in, whic... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
The safety features connected to the camera and vehicle sensors have all stopped working. Every time I start my car, multiple lights come on and dashboard messages that cruise control, lane assist and collision prevention systems are not working. The dealership quoted me $2300 to fix and said new sensors/computer system would need to be put in and calibrated. I tried putting a new battery in, whic... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
I was in an accident that envolved a rock wall and not 1 airbag deployed. Damage was severe enough for at least 2 should have deployed.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the warning light for the engine overheating was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
After having the 68C recall completed on December 30, 2025, my 2025 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe has experienced a significant and consistent reduction in power while operating in electric mode. Prior to the recall repair, the vehicle performed as expected. The issues began after the repair was completed. Problems post recall include: -Sluggish and weak acceleration in electric mode -No acceleration... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
I was driving a Tesla Model Y with Full Self-Driving (FSD) engaged in Standard mode on a wet roadway post-rain. Shortly before the incident, my vehicle had completed a lane change on FSD and was traveling with traffic flow. A vehicle ahead braked suddenly after reacting to another vehicle merging unsafely near a lane split. The stopping occurred quickly, reducing available reaction time. The FSD s... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
I own a Hyundai Elantra with approximately 103,000 miles. The vehicle has developed an intermittent issue where the engine will suddenly stall while driving. This most often occurs when I am decelerating and turning, such as when entering or navigating roundabouts. At the time of the stall, multiple warning indicators appear simultaneously, including the check engine light, battery warning light,... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after 20 minutes of consecutive driving, the vehicle drove sluggishly and lost power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the check en... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
The vehicle has two display panels, molded into a single frame. There is an infotainment panel on the right that handles music, maps, and phone interaction. There is an instrument panel on the left. The infotainment panel has not issues. The instrument panel blanks out for 3 - 5 seconds every few minutes, and then reappears. Occasionally the words "No SIgnal" in big red letters will appear. Occ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
car inverter failure, 2013 civic hybrid inverter recall for said year but refuse to include in recall lemon
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
I purchased the car Feb. 2026 from [XXX] in Seagirt. There were no problems with it. In Saturday April 18 , 2026 I was driving on Parkway north. As I paid toll at Tinton Falls toll I proceeded to go and the car made weird noises followed by a loud pop and black smoke and flames appeared under the hood. The car was engulfed in flames. I exited the car right away and starting walking away from it a... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the red "Service Brake Assist Warning" light and ESC (Electronic Stability Control) message were displayed. Additionally, the yellow ABS, Cruise Control, and Traction Control warning lights were illuminated. Due to the failure, the contact returned to the residence and parked the vehicle. The dealer w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
I experienced repeated stalling, loss of drive power while on the highway, limp mode, and all dashboard warning lights over several years. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealership multiple times and specifically asked whether these symptoms were related to the known fuel pump recall. Each time I was told the recall was not the cause. I was also told recall parts were unavailable or ... Read more
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2025) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Apr 22, 2026
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
Mercedes-Benz is taking 6 to 8 months to replace the high-voltage battery due to the recall mentioned below. Even after an 8-month wait, no guaranteed ETA is provided to resolve the issue. Manufacturer Recall Number2026020004 NHTSA Recall Number26V073 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary Mercedes-Benz AG ("MBAG"), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determi... Read more
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Apr 22, 2026
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
Mercedes-Benz is taking 6 to 8 months to replace the high-voltage battery due to the recall mentioned below. Even after an 8-month wait, no guaranteed ETA is provided to resolve the issue. Manufacturer Recall Number2026020004 NHTSA Recall Number26V073 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary Mercedes-Benz AG ("MBAG"), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
A and b trim pillar pieces are loose and I just lost one going down the interstate. It is also causing my car to leak when it rains. Recall was issued over a year ago and still no parts available to fix it.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear. The check engine warning light was occasionally illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign: 26V237000 (Power Train); howe... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 72 MPH and towing a trailer, the vehicle stalled while on the off-ramp. The vehicle failed to restart with an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the RPM was elevated. The contact was unsure if the sound was coming from the vehicle or another vehicle nearby. The message “E... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
GM OWNERS MANUAL NEVER IN VEHICLE WHEN DELIVERED NEW SEPTEMBER 26,2025. DEALER SAID AVAILABLE ONLINE. GM IS RESPONSIBLE BY LAW TO PROVIDE A WRITTEN OWNERS MANUAL WITH ALL NEW CARS, SO BUYER CAN READILY ANSWER OPERATIONS AND SAFETY INFORMATION FOR THE NEW VEHICLE. PLEASE CONTACT GM TO PROVIDE MYSELF WITH A FREE, OWNERS MANUAL FOR MY NEW TRUCK. THANK YOU.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
I am writing regarding the defective condition of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder (approx. 16,431 miles) purchased on Nov 10, 2025. With the onset of spring, the A/C system has failed, blowing only ambient air. This aligns with known manufacturer defects: Jump Tube Defect (PC899/PC939): Faulty seals causing refrigerant leaks. A/C Amplifier (NTB23-033A): Irregular airflow and spontaneous surges. Notably... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
I am writing to follow up on an ongoing issue with the seat belts in my Hyundai Palisade. I have previously reached out through multiple channels and have been in contact with a representative who has made efforts to assist, which I sincerely appreciate. However, the issue remains unresolved, and I am growing increasingly concerned. This vehicle is our primary family car. My wife relies on it dai... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
I am writing to formally report a recurring and serious mechanical issue involving the head gasket in the 2018 Honda Accord equipped with the 1.5L turbocharged engine. This issue appears to be widespread and poses both safety and financial concerns for vehicle owners. In my experience, the vehicle began exhibiting symptoms consistent with head gasket failure at relatively low mileage. These sympt... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
I am reporting a pattern of systemic failures on a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid with approximately 131,000 miles. This is my second NHTSA complaint regarding this vehicle and manufacturer. Primary Safety Concern — Engine Wiring Harness: During a recent engine replacement at an authorized Hyundai dealership, technicians identified damage to the engine wiring harness and documented in writing that t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2026
Transmission upshifts randomly when driving into 1st or 2nd gear. A Wrench icon comes on the dash indicating there is an issue that made it go into " limp mode". When using a diagnostic tool it throws a P0720 code for the output shaft speed sensor. Was checking to see if there has been any recall on these models too for the same issue?
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
Driving down the highway at 70mph the truck dropped from 10 gear to 1st gear while losing speed I tried to accelerate to maintain safe speed but did not have power. The car jerked back to 8th gear then back down to 1st gear. Eventually back up to 10th gear but not full power. I was able to pull to the side of the road and turn the car off. After turning the car back on, the yellow wrench symbol di... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
Vehicle was serviced in 2025 for an electrical issue impacting multiple electrical components of car. Approximately one year later the car is back in the shop for both an electrical issue causing lane departure and now lane keep assist to trigger an error. I was told by the local dealership that it is likely related to an electrical module underneath the bumper of the rear of the car. The dealer i... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
My ABS Lights the triangle with the ! In the middle goes in and off the down hill control light and the sweet control light all go on when the ABS light goes on my oil was completely dry had to add two quarts while the engine was ticking when started and when accelerating it was making a clicking noise I still had 3000 miles before needed an oil change but like I said it was bone dry and then the ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
Throttle response intermittent problem no acceleration since new. No codes available. When entering traffic engine stall factor flat spot. Been to dealer many times (Bud Clary) and just recently (04/26) confirmed the fuel pump is the problem. Unable to confirm because of no "codes". Will not replace or register for recall without proper codes. No check engine lamp. No inspection by police or insur... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
Hi! I brought my car in to the Ford dealership in Lexington, SC to get a recalled A Frame Pillar repaired. They took the part off and didn’t repair it because they didn’t have the parts in. When I called corporate to check on the status of that part, I found out they had marked the recall as “complete” which was not the case. Corporate opened the case again for me, so it should’ve read i... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Oil cooling system has been replaced. Major leak in AC line needs replacement. Purge solenoid stop functioning and was replaced, now there is an additional major coolant leak
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, the transmission seized, and the vehicle was jumping while accelerating and going around a curve. After the failure, the vehicle started operating as intended. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed o... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
Traveling hiway on cruise. My 5.3l down shifted to accelerate to go up an incline. Shortly after that there was low to almost no power. Check engine light then came on. I was able to do 30mph on freeway to get it home. Took it to a local garage since gray Daniels chevy wouldn’t service it since I recently transitioned to MS. The problem was the #4 lifter had collapsed. It costed me just shy of $... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
I am unsure exactly what happened, I was driving and heard a pop look up and rear windshield was shattered, no impact, crash, and/or hit with an object. Once I looked at the window I noticed that it exploded around the window if following the contour of the shape. This was extremely weird, sudden, and dangerous especially considering I was driving on the highway, I tried emailing Nissan, however, ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
The battery has a fire hazard
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle started rolling forward. The contact depressed the brake pedal more forcefully and shifted the gear shifter into park; however, the vehicle continued rolling forward. The contact then activated the parking brake, and the vehicle stopped. No warning lights were ill... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
While stopped at an intersection, the Auto Idle Stop engaged and the engine shut off. The vehicle failed to restart and became unresponsive. I had to shift into Park to restart the vehicle. This created a dangerous situation in traffic.
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was made aware of a misfire coming from the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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 contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. No warning l... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
The glass in the sun roof imploded. It it available for inspection. The glass would have been propelled into the vehicle if the sun roof was open. The problem has been reported to the dealer and acknowledged. There was no warning prior to the implosion.
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
The back up camera cuts out randomly. Sometimes mid back up. It has been recalled for quite sometime and there is still no remedy available
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
The back up camera cuts out randomly. Sometimes mid back up. It has been recalled for quite sometime and there is still no remedy available
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
Have a 2014 Ram 1500 that has a ABS malfunction light showing. Took truck in and dealership service department wanted $1500.00 for a new ABS module that has failed. The part has been on backorder from Mopar/Stellantis for months. I am glad I did not give them $1500.00 (+ future labor costs) to fix for something I have been calling the dealership for months on inventory status. My truck has bee... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
4WD light displayed on dash. Dealer responded this was a known issue with PTU recalls, however, my VIN was not included. Was warned by dealer not to drive due to fire danger. This recall should be expanded to include all vehicles manufactured within this timeframe as a car with 122,000 miles SHOULD NOT HAVE A $4,000 repair. Please help!
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
4/16/2026 at 1:35pm I was traveling north on Hwy 69 traveling +-45mph. Vehicle on my right in his lane and one vehicle in from of me about 50yrds. My vehicle auto applied the brakes and alarm indicating emergency collision to happen. A new minutes later (5 minutes) traveling in same direction same speed but NO cars on either side but one care approximately 100 yds in from and again the emergency ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
Unknown. I was driving and my jeep started making g a very loud rattling sound it kept getting louder. Eventually it made a screeching sound and the dash board lit up and it stopped and the engine began to smoke really bad. The engine light came on but I tried my best to make it home. It was towed to the dealership and they said that the engine needed to be replaced because there was a hole in it.
Incident date: Feb 14, 2026
The contact ownED a 2017 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at 30 MPH, there was an abnormal clicking sound, and the steering wheel locked up, causing her to lose control and crash into an electrical pole. No warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V663000 (Steering). The yearly inspection was complete... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
2024 Tesla model 3 driving on the turnpike heading south of NJ right between exit 5-6 when my vehicle suddenly and spontaneously spun out into the guardrail, while at the same time the automatic emergency brake was disabled. Weather conditions were slightly rainy, there was no signs of traction issues or alerts regarding any concerns. Luckily no other vehicles were hit. The vehicle has not been in... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
Hey, Just wanted to let you know that I took my car in for the recall service on the 6.2L engine issues, They determined my engine was fine and changed the oil to the different one. Within 6 months the engine blow while I was driving, they covered it under the recall however it is clear that the oil change is not an appropriate fix for this issue. thanks
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
"Consider Taking a Break" warning comes on every 3-5 minutes after the car has been driving for an hour or so. Even after stopping, taking a break, and switching drivers, the warning comes on repeatedly. This is not a safety feature - it is a SAFETY HAZARD. It is distracting to the point of being dangerous.
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
bought that as used at low milage with good service history indicated with pcm twice made me believe to trust as reliability and regular check ups. carfax is not really honest, as well as I learned that powertrain itself has nothing to mechanism but actually programing meaning actual PCM itself has troubleshoots and not at its stability. It caused no speed on dash board sometimes even though got s... Read more