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 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds over a bumpy road, the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound. The contact stated that the sound became louder over time. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed. The dealer determined that the front lower control arms and the front suspension sway bar links needed to be replace... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
*Engine failure-needs a new engine *The car turned off while I was driving it on the freeway, I managed to steer the car to the shoulder, almost caused an extremely dangerous accident due to traffic and speed limit. *Took it to a Hyundai dealership in Irving, TX 3x about 3 years about excessive oil consumption, they ignored the requests for a solution. I stopped going to the dealership due to ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
For a second time, the window goes off the runner and will not operate. This happened to the drivers side window and the rear drivers side window. The only option is to return to the dealership and have the part replaced to allow the window to move up and down, This is a safety hazard and fails state inspection if the windows will not move up and down. This is a safety recall.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 GMC Sierra 3500 used for hauling a 2026 Aluminum Trailer equipped with a DeeMaxx: DBI-7K-MAXX-SS-KIT brake kit. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake caliper bracket detached due to insufficient generic quality bolts included in the brake kit. The contact pulled over and had the trailer towed to an RV park. The vehicle was not diagnosed or... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
Incident Date: April 11, 2026 Approximate Time: 6:30 PM Component(s): Unknown (Suspected: Electronic Stability Control, Steering, ADAS) Description of Incident: On April 11, 2026, at approximately 6:30 PM, I was operating my Tesla Model Y on a highway with a self-driving mode engaged. I experienced what appeared to be a sudden, unintended acceleration combined with an erratic "zig-zag" steering p... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the infotainment screen failed to respond to touch commands, preventing the contact from viewing the GPS feature. The contact performed a hard reset on the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failu... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2024
My dashboard VIN plate was destroyed when the windshield was being replaced. I’ve been trying to get Audi to send me a new VIN since October 23, almost 6 months ago. They assigned an executive case manager 2 months ago but that’s accomplished nothing. The vehicle is out of compliance with federal law without a VIN plate and I cannot trade or sale the car. Please help me.
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
In light of the recent fatality involving an automatic folding seat in a Hyundai, we tested the automatic seat function in the Genesis 2nd row to ensure it responds appropriately. First, my daughter (weighing 165 lbs) sat in the seat without a seat belt on and activated the folding mechanism. The seat did stop once it detected her, but only after it had already pushed her into an uncomfortably ben... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V607000 (Seat Belts) and 26V034000 (Air Bags); 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 made aware of the ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V607000 (Seat Belts) and 26V034000 (Air Bags); 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 made aware of the ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
the reverse camera quit working, trailer reverse function inop, service electric throttle light is on. I have had the recall completed. the programing did not completely correct the issue. the vehicle s at the dealership now - has been there for a week now- no word on what the problem is.
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The message, "Turn Off the Vehicle and Stop" was displayed, and the transmission failure warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. Once the vehicle was turned off, the smoke dissipated. The vehicle was towed to t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
Low beam headlights are very dim and nighttime driving visibility is very low. Both headlights appear to have degraded over time and fail to produce adequate light for driving. This vehicle has been brought to the dealer for repair to address this issue, and has had two related repairs that did not solve the problem. The bulbs have been replaced with new low-beam lamps. The headlight lens has ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
Gear shift cluster lights up and flashes dash states service gear shift will not start or go in gear. No codes found. Happened multiple times but never while at dealership. Now the dash cluster keeps randomly going black but never longer than 2 mins so I can't take it to the dealership while it happens. And now the backup camera is randomly flashing blue sometimes instead of showing an image. I h... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
I was driving on the highway on my way to work around 7:45 am. As I was driving my car lost all power and I heard a grinding sound. As the grinding sound was happening, I had no control over my car. I managed to move to the side lane and put my hazards on. I then had to wait for a tow truck. Ultimately, the brakes, the transfer case, and the rear differental needs replaced.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
I purchased a 2026 GM Chevy Silverado. At 500 miles all dash warning lights came on while driving, radio played static. I disconnected battery in order to reset the computer. At 1400 miles in the heat of south Florida the air condition stopped working. after completing my drive 60 miles away with no ac i disconnected the battery to reset the computer. The ac started to work after this reset. I wen... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
My 2019 Honda Civic has experienced repeated air conditioning system failures over multiple years. The failures include confirmed refrigerant leaks, condenser replacement, and evaporator replacement. The system has again failed due to a refrigerant leak traced to the evaporator. This vehicle has a documented history of recurring A/C system issues, including abnormal pressure conditions and repeate... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
I bought this motorcycle new on Apil 4th 2025 and after 200 miles my engine stopped while cruising and couldn’t turn it on. A pickup truck picked it up and brought to the dealer who claimed a software issue. This happened again recently, was driving at 60mph on an interstate and the engine suddenly shut off. I tried to contact the dealer without success and I’ve been reading blog posts about a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving approximately 7 MPH and slowing to park his vehicle, the contact depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle kept moving forward. The contact stated he crashed into the front end of a vehicle parked in front of his vehicle. The contact stated that there was damage to his hood and grill. The contact stated that the polic... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 4, 2023
On April 13, 2026, I experienced two safety-related malfunctions while driving my 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 LTZ on a two-lane highway in light rain. At approximately 6:24:05 PM, the windshield wipers stopped in the upright position for about 2–3 seconds while the vehicle was in motion, causing a temporary loss of forward visibility. At approximately 6:26:56 PM, while traveling around 65 MP... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the caus... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
Passenger side window stopped going up resulting in the window being down at all times. Tried to repair with a master switch replacement was unsuccessful and replaced the window regulator but did not resolve issue. Safety issue for many.
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving approximately 72 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated. The driver discovered that the accelerator pedal adjustment button had been inadvertently depressed by the wallet, causing the pedal position to change and resulting in the unexpected acceleration. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
I purchased the vehicle brand new (VW Taos 2022) and have maintained it properly. At approximately 60,000 miles—just outside the warranty period—the vehicle developed a serious transmission issue. While driving, I received a warning stating “Transmission in emergency mode” followed by a check engine light. The vehicle then entered limp mode, limiting shifting to manual gears (M2–M4) and ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2022
Camera doesn’t work tire sensor randomly works when it wants to also car keeps saying service esc but when I got to the dealer to show these problems they don’t see any they also told me they can’t fix my camera because there is no remedy or fix for it right now so basically I can’t any help and have been going thru these things since I got this car brand new
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
Steering wheel gets "Stuck" when making a sweeping left turn and needs force to return to neutral. Suspension "creaks" and "grinds" when going over bumps or hills.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
There was an unusual amount of oil "slug" created by the engine which caused the engine to be inoperable. Therefore, we had to replace the engine.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
During a cross country trip we exited the highway and noticed a grinding sound from our new 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee. We then limped to a near-by Jeep dealer who diagnosed a bad transmission. We feel very lucky this did not occur on the highway as a crash may have occurred due to the manufacturer defect. The transmission has been replaced after a delay of 35 days. The mileage at the time of the in... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
On April 7, 2026, the vehicle experienced a 'quiet fade out' stall while in motion, resulting in a total loss of motive power. The dealership (DCH Kia of Temecula) confirmed cylinder scoring and referenced Techline Case 26022952. This failure is identical to the conditions described in the NHTSA Campaign 25V-099. The dealership is currently refusing to classify the repair as a Campaign Repair, whi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
This is a 2023 Nissan Rogue with 16,298 miles. It is parked overnight in a garage. This morning when the garage door was opened, the rear window spontaneously exploded, sending shattered glass all over the garage. The car has not been in any accidents or had any damage, and there was no significant difference in temperature between the garage and outdoors (both around 65 degrees).
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
Sunscreen failure on panoramic roof. At approximately 55,000 miles on car the sunscreen stopped going back in correctly, with very little use. Now it falls down into the backseat and blocks the view of the rear window of the car if opened. It’s a huge safety risk and now I can’t even use this feature Of my car due to failure of the clips on the screen which is way too expensive to repair and s... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
I purchased a 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid two years ago. On multiple occasions, I have been traveling at high speeds 70-75 MPH when the orange BRAKE signal appears across the screen, and the car abruptly slams on the brake with no other vehicles around me. It forcefully threw me forward. We have had Honda vehicle in for service many times, the dealership are never able to duplicate the problem becaus... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2024
The rear brakes, especially the one on the passenger side, are worn out. I took it to the dealer and they tell me that it is normal, something that is not true
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering, producing static electric shock, and the battery was overcharging. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V524000 (Electrical System). The local dealer was contacted and was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
I am reporting a safety-related failure involving a 2022 Volkswagen Taos (AWD) with approximately 48,000 miles. While operating the vehicle under normal driving conditions, the vehicle entered “transmission emergency mode” without warning. At that point, the vehicle experienced a significant loss of functionality, downshifting to D1 and including the complete loss of reverse gear. This create... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
I was driving down a major highway (I65, northbound, indiana) and my vehicle suddenly slowed down and wouldn't accelerate in the middle of traffic. The check engine light came on and was flashing, as well as many other lights on the dash. Thankfully I was able to pull over. I had to wait on the interstate for a tow truck with cars and semis flying past me. It was absolutely dangerous and Kia state... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
Fireplace within entertainment center/slide began to work only on low. Cleaned unit, had to pull access panel to access electrical outlet that fireplace was plugged into. Found a browned outlet face. Turned off circuit, pulled outlet and found a charred electrical line and back of outlet. This was probably moments from being a fire. Attempted to contact Forest River - Salem Cruise Lite division bu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
we took it in to be looked at after it had a o2 sensor go bad I changed the sensor and checked fluids I noticed the oil was a touch low and it had metal on the dipstick. I took in to dealership for repair / replacement and Hyundai denied the claim. Even after I have video proof from the dealer technician saying there is metal and bearing material in the oil. I took it to another dealership and the... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
we took it in to be looked at after it had a o2 sensor go bad I changed the sensor and checked fluids I noticed the oil was a touch low and it had metal on the dipstick. I took in to dealership for repair / replacement and Hyundai denied the claim. Even after I have video proof from the dealer technician saying there is metal and bearing material in the oil. I took it to another dealership and the... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
Lumbar support in driver seat noted to be randomly inflating and deflating while driving & over weekend the lumbar support had completely inflated and misshaped with the lumbar rounded out so much that is was extremely uncomfortable to drive, and the seat back noted to be detached from the seat back
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
My KIA Soul 2018 caught on file while driving. The whole engine was in flames. I didn't want to die because my car has a manufacturing issue that KIA was not aware about. The dealership I've purchased the car from denied to give me a copy of the mechanical inspection done at the dealership Stonebriar Chevrolet in Frisco, TX. The flames started under the car and made its way to the engine, smoke wa... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
Failure consistent with known recall defect (NHTSA Recall 17V226) involving premature bearing wear resulting in engine seizure and sudden loss of power while driving.
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
We believe the evaporative emissions control system (EVAP) / fuel vapor management system on our 2024 Mazda CX-90 MHEV (inline-6 mild hybrid) is malfunctioning, releasing strong raw gasoline vapors. The strong odor occurs everywhere around the vehicle while the engine is running and immediately after shutdown and exit. The problem is intermittent. No visible liquid fuel leaks have been observed. T... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
I am reporting unresolved safety recalls and unreasonable delay in repair for my 2023 Ford Bronco (VIN: [XXX] ). This vehicle currently has two open safety recalls issued by Ford Motor Company • NHTSA Recall 25V721 (issued October 2025) – seat frame defect that may increase injury risk in a crash. There is currently no available remedy, and Ford has notified me that a repair is... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
I am reporting unresolved safety recalls and unreasonable delay in repair for my 2023 Ford Bronco (VIN: [XXX] ). This vehicle currently has two open safety recalls issued by Ford Motor Company • NHTSA Recall 25V721 (issued October 2025) – seat frame defect that may increase injury risk in a crash. There is currently no available remedy, and Ford has notified me that a repair is... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
The article below appears online, 4/13/2026. I have the exact same problem with my 2020 GMC Terrain Denali and I would like other GM vehicles added to their Chevy recall. They use the same parts within GM's product lines. As background info, I went to the dealer, Matick Buick GMC, 29300 Telegraph Rd, Southfield, MI 48034 on Jan. 14, 2026 for repair. I was told water infiltrated my backup camer... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
The electric power steering system has now completely failed and the steering is fully locked/stiff at all times. The vehicle cannot be safely driven or operated. The issue began as intermittent loss of power steering assist and progressed to total failure without warning. Steering now requires extreme force and is effectively unusable. This creates a serious safety hazard, especially if it occu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering wheel became stiff, and the vehicle failed to turn as intended. The contact stated that the message "Service Power Steering System" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the residence. An independent mechanic arrived at the residence and diagnosed the vehicle with steering... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
While driving down the road 70 MPH the transmission suddenly downshifting from 6th gear to a much lower gear causing the rear wheels to briefly lock up causing a skid safety issue... at the same time, the speedometer dial swings downward to the left like a sudden deceleration, then seems to catch up and return back to normal driving if you will Here is the Ford case number: [XXX] INFORMATION RE... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
The "Hill Start Assist" function does not behave as-stated in the owner's manual and I believe the way it's implemented is a potential safety issue. The manual states: "To start driving, take your foot off the brake pedal and press the accelerator pedal immediately. The brakes will release gradually as you start driving. The holding function of the Hill Start Assist remains active only for a shor... Read more