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 7, 2026
Tailgate problem since Purchase. Tailgate won't close. Gets stuck open. Dangerous. Known issue. Fixed 3 times at Toyota dealer. Faulty hinge and other real parts problems. Dealer says there is a class action lawsuit about the problem. 1st occurred only during Winters starting 2022. Gas door broken 2023. Water leaking into passenger front door 2022. Also door actuator . Have had to replace fron... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
The transmission has been having issues for the past couple days. It is the 10 speed model and I have noticed everyday for the last couple days that there is an unusual shifting pattern between 25-60mph. This is sometimes accompanied with a shudder that feels like going over rumble strips without the sound. The feeling is not constant, but I will come to a complete stop and under light acceleratio... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
Original letter to Hyundai below. The car is currently at a dealer again for repair of the same issue. Fuel pump replaced in Nov 2025 but issue has returned in March 2026. Videos of the issue recently occurring are available. Good morning, We had our 2024 Santa Fe Hybrid lose power while merging onto the freeway in November 2025. I was pressing the accelerator and it did not do anything, just k... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
There is a recall for my vehicle with the evaporator core freezing leaking on certain chevy 2017 impala just like mine and my car has the same issue but they only recalled a certain number of vehicles with this problem. Is there anything I can do to resolve this issue.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
Vehicle: 2026 Ram 1500 Limited I am filing a safety complaint regarding a brand new vehicle that experienced a dangerous failure in live traffic and continues to have unresolved issues. The vehicle was purchased on March 31, 2026. On April 3, 2026, just three days after purchase, the truck broke down in active traffic. The situation was serious enough that local police had to respond to direct... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard. The contact heard a popping sound coming from outside the vehicle and discovered that the brake hose had ruptured and was leaking brake fluid, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
Sunroof shattered (exploded) with a boom sound or gunshot when driving on highway.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
I am reporting a safety-related problem involving a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, VIN [XXX] . Dealership records reflect hybrid / charging-related failure, including a documented “service hybrid system message and vehicle will not charge,” repeated recall-related PHEV / high-voltage service, and later jerking during acceleration and deceleration with stored transmission-related fault code P07... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2025
I am reporting a safety-related problem involving a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, VIN [XXX] . Dealership records reflect hybrid / charging-related failure, including a documented “service hybrid system message and vehicle will not charge,” repeated recall-related PHEV / high-voltage service, and later jerking during acceleration and deceleration with stored transmission-related fault code P07... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
1. March 11th: First Incident was when crossing a railroad crossing in [XXX] ~2:00pm the car suddenly braked and seatbelts tightened very strongly and immediately stopped, Automatic braking was engaged. There was a car Behind me and barely was able to brake and avoid rear ending me. We took it to dealer in Fremont (mb of fremont) a service advisor checked the car and drove it for a while (Joe De... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the shift to park warning light was illuminated. In addition, the vehicle failed to turn off as intended, but was eventually able to be turned off. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started; however, the contact had to slam the gear shifter into park. The contact ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2026
To whom it may concern, I am writing to formally express my profound dissatisfaction and escalating concern regarding a persistent mechanical issue with my Honda vehicle, which remains unresolved despite numerous attempts to secure a repair since its purchase in June 2024. Upon acquiring my brand-new vehicle in June 2024, I soon detected a distinctive clicking or thumping sound emanating from t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
While accelerating on an on ramp to an interstate highway, in normal drive mode, at approximately 45 mph, the drive train lost power for 4 to 6 seconds and the car slowed. The power meter dropped from approximately 35% to 15%. I depressed the accelerator pedal further but the car continued to slow. Eventually, the car accelerated normally.
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to immediately start-up after refueling the vehicle. The accelerator pedal needed to be depressed to the floorboard before the vehicle would start-up. Additionally, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate after starting the vehicle. The check engine light illuminated several weeks after the initial failure. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
A deer jumped in front of me and the brakes locked up. The jeep spun 180 degrees before it stopped. Nothing was damaged and I traveled on. About a week later the ABS and traction control lights started blinking. Within a day they were solid and the cruise control stopped also. I researched and found the speed sensor was a common problem. I carried it to a ASE certified mechanic for the sensor to b... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2026
Tailgate not operational as one of the 5 latch assemblies doesn't know if rear doors are open or closed. If truck has a bed cover it would be impossible to get rear doors open as access would be impossible without destroying the bed cover. I've owned a 2021 & 2020 with this problem covering many production years besides mine. Driving down the road the OPEN SWING GATE indicator starts flashing & ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the fa... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2026
Due to a TSB (SIB 65 12 22) wherein the roof antennae leaks water and causes a short in the telemetry module, the car does not have pedestrian warning, navigation or backup camera / cross traffic warning. The car is drivable, but compromised from a safety perspective.
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
Steering exhibits a sticking sensation during gradual turns, "particularly when the steering wheel is positioned near the 11 o'clock or 1 o'clock position." Also Power Steering Service light comes on when car is started but then turns off when car is placed into drive on a semi regular basis, probably about 4 out of every 10 start ups.
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50-55 MPH, the driver's side roof rack exterior trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer would partially cover the cost of the repair. The conta... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Steering would get stuck when turning, then let loose. Fortunately I didn’t lose control. Happens all the time now when driving. Had the car towed to dealer. They diagnosed failed steering shaft. This Bronco has approx 28,000 miles on it. Ford Motor Company refused to help me pay for the approx $1000 repair. Finally, the dealer worked with a contact at Ford for them to cover most of the cost. Fo... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
Instrument cluster has stopped working. Issue has been confirmed with Matt Bowers Hyundai in Gulfport, MS. Similar to the TSB 22-01-058H. Instrument cluster fails to display RPMs, Temperature, Speed, and Fuel level. Auto Bright headlights fail, seatbelt warning lights fail. Cruise control becomes inactive. Also have noticed this to cause parking sensors to become inaccurate.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear of the vehicle unexpectedly jolted, and there was a dragging sound coming from the rear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear axle had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was contacted. The... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
My windshield has a lot of spider and has never been hit with anything. They spread from the bottom up
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
2024 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy. Single loud popping noise from right rear area occurring approximately 10–20 seconds after coming to a complete stop. Noise is consistent and repeatable during normal everyday driving. Suspected cause is brake caliper, rotor thermal expansion, sway bar end link, or rear suspension bushing releasing load after vehicle settles. Dealer appointment scheduled for Ma... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
Engine seized while driving. vehicle was inoperable.
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
1. Driver side seat belt is not retracting as it should. 2. Causing a slower exit when getting out of the vehicle. 3. A compliant has been made to Glassman Southfield MI. Mitsubishi service department not only for the driver side seat belt but the passenger seat belt as well. 4. Just by Glassman Southfield MI. Mitsubishi service department. 5. No
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
We were driving down the interstate at speed and the Engine shut off unexpectedly. The truck flashed a notification on the dash asking to turn it back on. Pressing the on button would not turn the truck on. The tow truck company also couldn't get it to shift into neutral so he had to drag it up the tow truck After getting towed to a dealership they told us they had no one to look at it that day so... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
Vehicle was parked, engine off, and unattended. An internal electrical fire originated in the overhead/sunroof wiring area. Damage includes melted wiring harness near the sunroof, burned center console, and soot throughout the interior. The fire originated in a constant-power electrical circuit and spread downward into the cabin. There were no aftermarket modifications, no external heat sources, a... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 29, 2026
Front passenger side door lock would not lock or unlock with the key fab or door lock button of door panel. Dealership diagnosis problem as a failed actuator. This can result in safety concern if your unable to lock or unlock the door in an emergency, also to note the passenger door does not have an exterior physical key entry making the safety concern even worse. Also, security concerns for thie... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2026
The leather dash has "shrunk" so badly and is so distorted that there is no way the passenger airbag would properly inflate in an accident. Porsche tells me that this defect is "cosmetic" and of no consequence to vehicle safety. I do not agree with this position and feel that Porsche should be liable for this defect.
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
Steering sticks in a spot and requires extra push to make it turn which can cause a jerky motion.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V212000 (Back Over Prevention) through Turo Car Rental Marketplace; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was blank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and dete... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
A complaint is being filed regarding a **2025 Honda Civic** involving failure to diagnose and repair a safety-related suspension defect during the warranty period. While under warranty (~20,000 miles), a **clunking noise from the rear suspension** was repeatedly reported to Tamaroff Honda [XXX] ). Despite multiple service visits and complaints to both the dealership and American Honda (Case #XXX... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
The DCM (Data Communication Module), also referred to as the Starlink telematics module, has failed. This failure is causing a continuous parasitic battery drain, which rapidly depletes the vehicle’s battery even after charging or replacement. The component remains installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. The failure has resulted in repeated battery drain and loss... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH on the highway, the vehicle jolted and shook abnormally. The electrical system warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost partial power. The engine and hybrid warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was coasted off the roadway to a gas station. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
7 incidents of electrical drive problem incidents 1-3car would not start despite full battery Incident 4 same thing and car went to dealer, they said know problem and they would fix it overnight by downloading new software and charge about $400 for new 12V battery Incident 5 While on freeway using cruise control card speed varied wildly I disabled cruise control and with manual throttle same prob... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shuddering, jerking, and hesitating to accelerate as needed. The vehicle then stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinders and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was n... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
In regards to recall 24V031 and 25V347, both of my A Pilars have flown off my car while driving. Luckily no damage was caused but the replacement parts are still not available. The recall is from 2024 and 2025. Does it really take over a year for replacement parts?
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
There was a warning light for the emergency call function unavailable please service immediately.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
Incident Date: 04/05/2026 Vehicle Speed: 65–70 MPH Location: [XXX] Component: Engine / Power Train / Fuel System Summary of Safety Defect: While traveling at highway speeds (65–70 MPH) with four passengers (including two children), the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic engine failure without any prior warning or symptomatic noise. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) began flashing r... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
Brakes failed completely and car rolled down a steep driveway and flipped.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
Within a matter of a few days my car has been stopping by itself. The car was smoking and stopping in the middle of the highway, my dealership is proving me with a new engine but is trying to have me come out of pocket for an fuel injector, please help !
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
Within a matter of a few days my car has been stopping by itself. The car was smoking and stopping in the middle of the highway, my dealership is proving me with a new engine but is trying to have me come out of pocket for an fuel injector, please help !
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
I was gifted my vehicle around October 2024 by my parents. It had less than 70k miles and was in great condition. The rear view camera only works intermittently with no recognizable reason or incident in time. I still look behind me but worry about pedestrians who are not readily visible. I have had no one attempt to diagnose the problem as I generally park away from most others if feesible and li... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
I am a Amazon driver and my dsp makes us drive with very bad safety hazards on the vehicle the step up platform on the vehicle is broken brakes are terrible and the airbag sensors and tire pressure sensors are not working and very bad.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
While pulling up to a curb to park in residential community, my car suddenly accelerated. It came to a stop after 15’ when I hit the brakes. Fortunately nothing or no one was in front of me. No more incidents have occurred. No warning msgs or lights. No other symptoms. Having dealer diagnose this week.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
I am submitting this complaint to report a catastrophic engine failure in my 2019 Honda Pilot Elite that is consistent with the defect described in NHTSA Safety Recall 23V-751, and to request that my vehicle be included in the recall or that the scope of the recall be expanded. My vehicle, manufactured in July 2018, experienced a sudden onset of engine knocking accompanied by a flashing check eng... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
3rd time driving our Volvo on the road and having the automatic emergency brake engage too early or in this instance, with no vehicle in front of us. We have been dealing with issues related to the safety systems and error messages in our Volvo related to “blind spot”, “automatic emergency braking”, and sensor failures or errors since having our vehicle leased since 2023. It has been in... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2026
3rd time driving our Volvo on the road and having the automatic emergency brake engage too early or in this instance, with no vehicle in front of us. We have been dealing with issues related to the safety systems and error messages in our Volvo related to “blind spot”, “automatic emergency braking”, and sensor failures or errors since having our vehicle leased since 2023. It has been in... Read more