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: Mar 13, 2026
Our 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited Hybrid, which was purchased brand new in Massachusetts in 2024 has been rattling at the passenger side B-pillar since [XXX] and has been in the dealership now 5 times for repairs and 16 service days. They have found that the vehicle is missing spot welds from point of assembly. Hyundai, as repair attempt #5, provided the dealership with documented instructions to ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
The 2025 Hyundai Hybrid Santa Fe SEL has experienced two instances (Nov 2025, 11k miles & Apr 2026, 14k miles) where the combustion engine fails to provide power to the vehicle’s wheels. The engine continues to run, but only enough to maintain a charge to the hybrid battery system. When accelerating to speeds above 30 miles per hour or when traveling up inclines, the combustion engine’s rotati... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
The backup camera suddenly stopped working properly The image and colors are distorted.
Incident date: Apr 12, 2026
Head gasket/coolant leak. Dec 2 2025 my car started sputtering so I went into the AutoZone to use an obd2 reader for the check engine light. The code showed cylinders 2 and 3 were misfiring. I took it to the Honda dealership to fully diagnose the issue, they told me I needed new spark plugs but also that my coolant was low (they didn’t bring any concern for this) and just topped it off. They to... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2026
Recall from 2025 every time I call they telling me the part is not available The rear view camera thermal fatigue cracks Increasing the risk of a crash
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
Generator started on its own sometime yesterday evening. The motor home was plugged into 30amp outlet and on shore power. Based on generator hours compared to an inspection I made last week it ran for approximately 15 hours before detection. (we had t-storms all yesterday and I never went outside). I tried to shut off via the touch screen controller inside the motor home and it was frozen and not ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
Plug to electronic power steering rack and pinion corroded causing low voltage and loss of power steering control.
Incident date: Apr 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not formally diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a crack in the engine, causin... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Front Subframe has corroded and broke. There is a recall on the subframe that was repaired by dealership in 2019, but this repair did not fix the issue since it has now rusted through and broke. The repair was faulty.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Good afternoon. I have called and spoken to my local BMW dealership at Grayson BMW service department many times. As of today they report no remedy and have no idea when a resolution will be available. Filing this complaint (second formal written complaint) due to lack of this not being in any sort of "timely manner." This recall is noted as an URGENT FIRE RISK WHEN PARKED for almost seven mon... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that upon parking the vehicle and attempting to turn off the vehicle, the message "Shift to Park" was displayed while the gear shifter was in park(P). The contact parked the vehicle and turned off the vehicle after several attempts. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The dealer and the ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
Manufacturer Recall C4B and NHTSA Recall Number 24V-896 have not been addressed by the manufacturer. Both recall notices were issued Nov. 27, 2024. The following conditions have occurred in the 2018 Ram 2500 I own. "Vehicles may have been built with a brake hydraulic control unit ("HCU") that is susceptible to failure or malfunction which may result in a reduction or change of Anti-Lock Brake Syst... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
Main body panel bubbling paint just under rear doors both side of vehicle.
Incident date: Apr 12, 2026
My car has started using oil. I was driving home and the low engine oil light came on. I pulled over and checked the oil, the dipstick showed low but not out. I drove it home and put 3 quarts in. I made an appointment to get it checked. It should not be low on oil. I was not due for an oil change or any maintenance. They kept my car for 3 days and did an oil change. Said to bring back after 1000 m... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
Vehicle experienced sudden, unexpected downshifting and loss of gear engagement while driving. On multiple occasions the transmission slipped out of gear without warning, including while attempting to pull into traffic, creating an immediate life-threatening safety hazard. Vehicle was unable to maintain gear selection and would unexpectedly lose drive power. These failures match the exact defect d... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
- While driving, everything electrical turned off (engine stayed on) for approximately 3 seconds including headlights, navigation, dashboard containing speed, music, etc. - This occurrence happened during the daytime, so there was no danger; however this has also happened to me at night a year ago, causing me to lose all vision at 40 MPH which was a major safety risk. - This problem has occurred w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
When driving vehicle there is a loud thumping sound coming from the back end of car and when driving through unstable terrain you could actually hear it more.
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
Sudden loss of tire pressure on interstate highway in heavy traffic at 70 miles per hour. This created a safety hazard to control the car and try to move to the shoulder of the road without a collision. The tires are factory 245/35/R20 Continental ProContact with 8/32 tread remaining. Tires have 13,600 miles and the air pressure was at factory specs of 42 pounds cold. There is no visible damage t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
The warning steering assist reduced, drive with caution appears. Shift to park appears. Temperature gauge drops to zero. Fan runs on high. A/C & heater don’t not work when this happens. We certainly do not feel safe driving our Acadia like this. Can’t trust that it won’t start on fire.
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
Idle and warning to not drive, 2025 very subtle cut off now full warning
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
6L80 Automatic RWD Transmission and Torque Converter is dead. No warning lights or any indications that there was an issue. The RPM climbed and could not drive it in gear. Metal shavings found in fluid. 126,524 miles
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
2011 abs system module it’s supposed to go back to default and it didn’t and the brakes completely stop working my car didn’t want to start and there’s no light nor abs light no check engine light no code comes out to warn that the brakes are not working I have 119000 ABS module failure Brakes stopped working
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
Fuel tanks shields have rotted. I have researched this and it appears that the reason this problem occurs is because of a process called galvanic corrosion. The fuel tank shield is bolted onto an aluminum heat shield, and the pairing of these two different metals accelerates the corrosion. Land Rover has acknowledged this problem and it’s given priority due to the fact that this is a safety issu... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
Our mechanic noted that there is rust/rot damage to the metal gas tank shield. It’s unknown how long this has existed.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
Dear Toyota Japan Customer Experience Team, I am the owner of a 2016 Toyota Tacoma currently registered in Guam, U.S.A. I am writing to request your assistance regarding a water leak issue from the rear brake light area, which has caused the carpets and seats to become wet and develop mold. I originally purchased this vehicle in Saipan and recently relocated to Guam. When I visited the Guam Toyo... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
Subject: Vehicle Safety Defect Report – Brake Failure and Collision Mitigation System Malfunction To the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am filing a safety defect complaint regarding a Honda vehicle that experienced sudden brake failure and a suspected Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) malfunction, resulting in a crash on [date]. Incident Summary: • Brakes suddenl... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
Subject: Vehicle Safety Defect Report – Brake Failure and Collision Mitigation System Malfunction To the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am filing a safety defect complaint regarding a Honda vehicle that experienced sudden brake failure and a suspected Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) malfunction, resulting in a crash on [date]. Incident Summary: • Brakes suddenl... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 4, 2019
I bought a CPO lexus 2025 RX 350 in Jan 9, 2026. This car was lightly used in less than 3 months and right now it's around 7685 mileage. However, just with 3 months I purchased this car, the A/C stops cooling and the dealership said this is due to the condenser was damaged by small road stones where the small road stones can easily pass through the grille. - We have noticed that there are multiple... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Jul 12, 2023
When driving the whole car shakes and the engine makes a loud sound. It doesn't matter if I am going 10 mph or 75 mph the same shaking happens. The engine smells like burnt rubber. Driving feels like jerking not a smooth ride. I have already had the engine oil leak repaired. My car has been in the shop 3x in 2 months for this same problem. The dealership did a transmission systems update which did... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-350 SD. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a complete stop, the vehicle lost power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), 25V686000 (Back Over Prevention), 26V104000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting), and 26V... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
Lane assist system acts on it's own and attempts to override my input. It can be very jarring especially at high speeds. I notice the issue mostly when I'm on the highway/freeway and attempting to lane change or take an exit ramp. The system trys to correct my steering and I have to briefly fight against it to maintain control.
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
Starting March 30 2026- My Dodge Ram 1500 with the digital dashboard statred registering the wrong speed- Which was always higher than the speed I was going, by a lot! It is still happening to today, we will see tomorrow.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
I was involved in a serious crash in a 2014 Nissan Juke. The vehicle broke through a fence, traveled downhill, and rolled multiple times before coming to rest upside down. The crash caused severe structural damage: Roof crushed down to seat level Windshield shattered Rear of vehicle pushed into back seat Door panels detached Despite the severity of the rollover and final inverted position, no airb... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
I was involved in a serious crash in a 2014 Nissan Juke. The vehicle broke through a fence, traveled downhill, and rolled multiple times before coming to rest upside down. The crash caused severe structural damage: Roof crushed down to seat level Windshield shattered Rear of vehicle pushed into back seat Door panels detached Despite the severity of the rollover and final inverted position, no airb... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
Multimedia component is not working correctly and it could cause an accident due to trying to change/control the component over and over again. It has a mind of its own. I turn it off and it turns on by itself. It switches radio stations by itself. The screen changes apps all by itself. I can't correctly use any of it anymore. I try using my phone and even though I don't want it sent to audio on t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
I have been working with Subaru of America and Capital Subaru service in San Jose, CA for a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek XV 2.0 CVT automatic engine shortly after we bought it used for multiple faulty known engine problems with this specific make and model. Since we have owned the vehicle, we have not been able to drive it for more than 2 months short distance at a time due to engine, Valve body, major l... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
Brake Caliper because stuck or seized mid driving making braking unsafe or near impossible.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
All warning lights are on the dash. Came on while driving.
KIA
TELLURIDE
(2021) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Apr 9, 2026
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the exhaust system made an abnormally loud sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was determined that the front clamp on the exhaust system was loose. The dealer tightened the clamp; however, the failure persisted. The contact related the failu... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2025
I have a 2018 odyssey EXL I been getting messages from right sliding door problem and during the drive after 12 or 13 miles was getting sign was saying stop the vehicle and door sign is keep flushing saying right sliding door problem
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
Burns Oil so bad I don't need to change oil. I put about a quart of oil in it a week. Car runs rough. Sometimes overheating and sounds loud when low on oil. This occurs on a consistent regular basis since aquiring in October 2024
Incident date: Sep 20, 2025
Since taking delivery of this vehicle in June 2024 from Kenny Ross Mazda, I have experienced a persistent and unresolved error message on the vehicle’s display screen relating to “Multiple ECUs Reprogramming.” This error message first appeared within the first twelve (12) months of ownership and has remained continuously present on the vehicle’s instrument cluster/infotainment screen despi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2025
Since taking delivery of this vehicle in June 2024 from Kenny Ross Mazda, I have experienced a persistent and unresolved error message on the vehicle’s display screen relating to “Multiple ECUs Reprogramming.” This error message first appeared within the first twelve (12) months of ownership and has remained continuously present on the vehicle’s instrument cluster/infotainment screen despi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2025
I was driving yesterday when my car began to shake at low RPMs. The traction control light came on steadily and the check engine light was blinking. I was unable to safely accelerate. I took it to my mechanic who tested spark plugs and coils, which he confirmed aren't the problem. He informed me that this is a common issue with the GM 6.2L engine, but mine isn't part of the recall. After checking ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
The vehicle just downshifted from 6th gear to 1st gear on the freeway nearly causing a accident and it caused a blown transmission.
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had a history of wiring failures and that the air bag wiring harness had been replaced three times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with electrical wiring failure, ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2026 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while checking all the vehicle features, the second-row passenger seat independently started to fold. The contact believed it was operator’s error since the vehicle was recently purchased. The contact received notification of NTHSA Campaign Number: 26V160000 (Seats). The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the re... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
The automatic emergency braking system has literally locked the brakes up 5 times in the last several months since the car was purchased new from the dealer due to this system thinking we were going to hit the car in front that was not braking hard. One time a car had already turned off the roadway and as we started to accelerate on down the road our car locked the brakes up as it has done 4 othe... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the windshield camera sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not ... Read more