Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 60,583 complaints for KIA
Incident date: Aug 19, 2025
I’ve had to get three oil changes in just five months of owning my vehicle. Honda of Brandon sold it to me with a clean Car-Fax report, but I’m now facing a possible manifold and catalytic converter replacement costing $4,200. When the service department called the warranty company, they claimed it was a catalytic converter issue, but it turned out to be an O-2 sensor, which would cost about $... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
Toyota has recalled vehicles (24V-381) with the exact same motor that I have, but my truck has not been recalled simply because it is a hybrid. Their reasoning is that the hybrid motor will allow you to still move if the internal combustion engine does not work. Many hybrid owners have stated when their motor died they could not move. Toyota needs to include ALL the motors in this recall, includin... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
Lane keep assist will activate randomly and try to steer the car and vibrate the steering wheel like lane departure warning going off. Also the Lane keep assist and emergency sos fault lights will randomly come on.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
I received a recall notice for my 2013 Kia Optima, VIN #: [XXX] related to engine issues and an increased risk of fire. After receiving the recall notice, my vehicle began smoking and briefly caught fire while in operation. I immediately shut the vehicle off, and the smoke and fire stopped. For safety reasons, the vehicle was towed by my insurance company to my aunt’s residence, which was the ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
I received a recall notice for my 2013 Kia Optima, VIN #: [XXX] related to engine issues and an increased risk of fire. After receiving the recall notice, my vehicle began smoking and briefly caught fire while in operation. I immediately shut the vehicle off, and the smoke and fire stopped. For safety reasons, the vehicle was towed by my insurance company to my aunt’s residence, which was the ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Supra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The contact disconnected the battery after parking the vehicle outside to prevent the vehicle from catching on fire. Additionally, the contact expressed that he was making monthly ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2026
Had just turned out onto a major road and started to accelerate. At approximately 30 mph forward collision system alerted and applied automatic emergency brakes even though the next car was several car lengths ahead of me and there was absolutely no risk of forward collision. The vehicle immediately behind me had to slam on their brakes to avoid rear ending me. Thankfully, this was coming out of s... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
Harsh shifting including sudden downshifts that result in uncontrolled acceleration. This has occurred typically at slow speeds in parking garages or at stop lights.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V091000 (VISIBILITY) and 25V572000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a black screen image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
On [XXX] driving from Joplin MO to McQueeney Tx on [XXX] at approximately [XXX] voltage dropped to 10.3 in Waco TX. I was to get to safe area. Vehicle lost steering, low braking and dim lights. Purchase a new battery from local Wamart. Vehicle started, working good, upon entering San Marcus, Tx low voltage again 10.0 volts. Had to get off hwy and pulled into gas station. Vehicle completely dead.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
My 2022 Kia Soul experienced a sudden loss of motive power and stalling while driving, creating a high risk for a rear-end collision in traffic. An authorized Kia dealership (Mike Miller Kia) performed a major timing repair in March 2025 [XXX] ) to address these safety issues. However, the exact same failure occurred again in January 2026. The dealership now documents that the engine was 4 quarts... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
My 2022 Kia Soul experienced a sudden loss of motive power and stalling while driving, creating a high risk for a rear-end collision in traffic. An authorized Kia dealership (Mike Miller Kia) performed a major timing repair in March 2025 [XXX] ) to address these safety issues. However, the exact same failure occurred again in January 2026. The dealership now documents that the engine was 4 quarts... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster failed to function as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the turn signal and the speed control failed to function as designed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The failure was troubleshooted; however, the failure was not diagnosed. In additio... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
The sunroof malfunctioned while I was attempting to open it, producing a loud pop and causing the glass to become misaligned while the vehicle was parked. There have been numerous reports of this same issue, including incidents in which the sunroof glass has shattered. This appears to be a known defect; however, Kia has refused to acknowledge responsibility or perform the necessary repairs. Kia ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
Front fuel strap on gas tank pulled out of the frame
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
ICCU failed preventing the vehicle from being charged and killing the 12v battery.
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
ICCU failed preventing the vehicle from being charged and killing the 12v battery.
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger's side B-pillar trim detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a detached front passenger's side B-pillar trim. The contact was advised that the front passenger's side B-pillar trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the transmission shifter failed to shift out of park. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission shifter cable failure. The contact was informed that the transmission shifter cable needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repair... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Titan. The contact stated that while refueling, there was an engine run-on after the vehicle was turned off. The contact determined there was a vapor lock issue and that air was entering the fuel system. The vehicle was difficult to start. There was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. Upon research, the contac... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
I leased this vehicle brand new in 2023 within a month my screen with my speedometer went black and I had called the dealership and they told me to unhook the neutral on my battery to reset the computer, it did work. And then anytime it rained got cold snowed or the roads were wet All my accident on avoided systems would say there's a problem and they would be disabled. I text the sales manager se... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
I leased this vehicle brand new in 2023 within a month my screen with my speedometer went black and I had called the dealership and they told me to unhook the neutral on my battery to reset the computer, it did work. And then anytime it rained got cold snowed or the roads were wet All my accident on avoided systems would say there's a problem and they would be disabled. I text the sales manager se... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
We started having problems with the catalytic converter clogging so we put Heat in it and then only used 100%gas. Then we went to my daughter’s house and when we went to leave the car wouldn’t start. We could smell burning. We had it towed to our mechanic and he replaced the starter but he had a hard time getting it off because it was almost fused because of the heat. Then 3-4 days later a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2026
The vehicle recently showed an error stating "Service 4WD" which appears to be a known issue with this model of vehicle. When checking the VIN number, it appears this particular vehicle is supposedly not one that has this issue. However with that being said, it is giving the code that is specifically has this issue. The cost to fix this totals more than $4,000 and is known to Chrysler. This ve... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The dealer was contacted, but the veh... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was sputtering sound coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was running rough. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a cylinder misfire and bu... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) — SERVICE BRAKES
Jan 20, 2026
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
ABS module needs replacing. Part on Backorder for a year, won't be available till July 2026. RAM is offers no alternative. 3rd party vendors are saying the computer chip controlling the module has been discontinued by its maker, and in reality, there are no more new modules being produced. Car has no ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, STABILITY CONTROL.
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jan 20, 2026
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
While driving, the vehicle repeatedly displays “Check Hybrid System – Stop Safely”, followed by loss of acceleration and shutdown of the 12V system, rendering the vehicle unable to drive. These incidents occurred on both freeways and local roads. To avoid a collision, I was forced to activate hazard lights, pull over, shut the vehicle off, and attempt recovery using the 12V reset procedure o... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jan 20, 2026
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
While driving, the vehicle repeatedly displays “Check Hybrid System – Stop Safely”, followed by loss of acceleration and shutdown of the 12V system, rendering the vehicle unable to drive. These incidents occurred on both freeways and local roads. To avoid a collision, I was forced to activate hazard lights, pull over, shut the vehicle off, and attempt recovery using the 12V reset procedure o... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
While driving, the vehicle repeatedly displays “Check Hybrid System – Stop Safely”, followed by loss of acceleration and shutdown of the 12V system, rendering the vehicle unable to drive. These incidents occurred on both freeways and local roads. To avoid a collision, I was forced to activate hazard lights, pull over, shut the vehicle off, and attempt recovery using the 12V reset procedure o... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
The right side back seat belt became jammed and tighten around child's body. With no release button or no way to untangle the seatbelt, the belt had to be cut to prevent further tightening around child's body and to prevent suffocation.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
On [XXX], I had a scheduled repair appointment for my 2020 Kia Sportage, which is experiencing swaying and instability, and unable to keep the vehicle straight at highway speeds in the front end, and ABS/brake issue on the driver-side front wheel. During the service appointment, my service advisor, informed me that a metal undershield was not secure and recommended its removal due to not being vi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
On [XXX], I had a scheduled repair appointment for my 2020 Kia Sportage, which is experiencing swaying and instability, and unable to keep the vehicle straight at highway speeds in the front end, and ABS/brake issue on the driver-side front wheel. During the service appointment, my service advisor, informed me that a metal undershield was not secure and recommended its removal due to not being vi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
On [XXX], I had a scheduled repair appointment for my 2020 Kia Sportage, which is experiencing swaying and instability, and unable to keep the vehicle straight at highway speeds in the front end, and ABS/brake issue on the driver-side front wheel. During the service appointment, my service advisor, informed me that a metal undershield was not secure and recommended its removal due to not being vi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2020
Component/System: Original equipment tires – Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season, size 255/40 R21, installed on a 2026 Volvo XC60. The affected tire is the front passenger-side tire and is currently available for inspection upon request. Description of Failure and Safety Risk: At approximately 2,500 miles, the front passenger-side tire developed a visible bulge on the sidewall. This bulge indicate... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4XE. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V741000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
Transmission light appeared and a loud knocking noise followed by white smoke bellowing out of the exhaust. I took it to a shop and they said it now needs an engine replacement.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
Transmission light appeared and a loud knocking noise followed by white smoke bellowing out of the exhaust. I took it to a shop and they said it now needs an engine replacement.
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
While my husband was taking our daughter to school on 01/05/2026 around 6:00am, a warning message flashed on the radio screen: "EMISSIONS SYSTEM PROBLEM: The engine is not operating properly. Avoid high speeds and visit your dealer as soon as possible. If the indicator is blinking, stop in a safe place where there are no flammable objects. Turn off the engine for 10 minutes or more to let it cool.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2026
Ford should act quicker than they are doing. The said vehicle could catch on fire anytime and Ford does not see an emergency here to get parts and take care of problem, they will wait until a life has been taken or someone is badly burned. We are talking of a fire risk here, like the Ford Pinto which could catch on fire anytime possible if hit on the back of car. This could be the same problem tha... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2026
Piston oil ring recall update complete in July 20 25. A month later key fob battery dies. Replaced key fob battery every other month since recall. September 20 25 had brakes and rotors changed at dealership since then anti-slip alert has triggered twice on dry roads. Light comes on then immediately goes off. Remote car starter stopped working in December. Dealership had no resolution for key fob i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2026
Piston oil ring recall update complete in July 20 25. A month later key fob battery dies. Replaced key fob battery every other month since recall. September 20 25 had brakes and rotors changed at dealership since then anti-slip alert has triggered twice on dry roads. Light comes on then immediately goes off. Remote car starter stopped working in December. Dealership had no resolution for key fob i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact disabled the stop-to-start feature, and the failure ceased. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. In addition, the contact was informed that the vehicle ne... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
When driving at slow speed and wheels turning right or left you can hear a humming coming from the suspension. Unable to identify the issue. When wheels get straight the humming goes away
Incident date: Mar 29, 2021
The rear window of the vehicle failed and cracked around the edges and then imploded shattered glass into the vehicle with no force or accident, only cold weather. Vehicle was parked and engine not on.
Incident date: Nov 16, 2025
Transaxle assembly, consistent with a possible differential bearing fault no transmission fault I have been quoted of price range $5,000 to $11,000 and have read that for 2018-2019 there have been issues but why is my vehicle not included. I was told by Toyota my vehicle not included in the extended warranty
Incident date: Nov 16, 2025
Car has sensor issues. It ran into pole and median after defective collision assist said sensor was blocked. Has emission leak. Second vehicle i had with that and they wont cover under warranty. Kia refuses to by back a car do not feel safe driving. They refuse to fix things under warranty. The refuse to do anything about sensors, says its the safety features and they cannot remove them. Only offe... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 16, 2025
Car has sensor issues. It ran into pole and median after defective collision assist said sensor was blocked. Has emission leak. Second vehicle i had with that and they wont cover under warranty. Kia refuses to by back a car do not feel safe driving. They refuse to fix things under warranty. The refuse to do anything about sensors, says its the safety features and they cannot remove them. Only offe... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
Oil Consumption... loses 1 QT every 1000 miles driven... Car only has 28,000 miles driven on it...
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
A known LR Defender MHEV system problem. Specifically, a DC-DC converter failure - while driving vehicle on busy highway. Failure systematically shuts down vehicle. Please refer to: Land Rover Charging System Fault: The DC-DC Converter This is a serious safety issue. The Defender becomes completely disabled while driving.