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: Sep 4, 2025
Premature failure of right bank of intake camshaft and rocker arms/tappet valves requiring a $2000 repair on a 2020 Jeep Wrangler JLU with 64,596 miles.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The contact became aware of puddles of oil on the driveway while the vehicle was parked. Additionally, the transmission warning light was displayed, and the vehicle hesitated to start while pressing the Push to Start button. The vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
The automatic emergency barking system suddenly applies even when there are no obstructions. Happens regularly. I was almost rear-ended at a stop light by another vehicle because of the sudden application of the emergency braking system, even though there was nothing in front of me. Axel makes a loud cranking sound when making a right or let turn. Battery 'Service vehicle now' warning consistently... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was restarted. The contact also stated that while stopped, the vehicle failed to shift into the proper gear, and the vehicle unexpectedly lunged forward. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numb... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2009 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine, ESC, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. Upon speaking with other independent mechanics, the contact was informed that the failure was likely linked to moisture that might have entered the ABS module. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V088000 (Electrical ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
My 2022 Toyota Highlander experienced transmission-related issues that affected the vehicle’s performance, reliability, and overall value. These problems caused inconvenience, safety concerns, and additional stress, and in some cases required diagnostic visits, repairs, or time without use of the vehicle. As a consumer who purchased the vehicle with the reasonable expectation of dependable opera... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
There are times my vehicle keeps accelerating even though I’m hitting the brakes. Once stopped, it then doesn’t want to accelerate. I’ve reported to the dealership and they try to tell me it’s the type of transmission it has and that it’s normal. Continuing to accelerate while braking is extremely unsafe. My engine is also making a ticking noise that it never used to make. I bought my ca... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
There are times my vehicle keeps accelerating even though I’m hitting the brakes. Once stopped, it then doesn’t want to accelerate. I’ve reported to the dealership and they try to tell me it’s the type of transmission it has and that it’s normal. Continuing to accelerate while braking is extremely unsafe. My engine is also making a ticking noise that it never used to make. I bought my ca... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
On the morning of January 7, 2026, while I was on my way to work, I experienced a dangerous incident involving my vehicle. As I arrived at the first stop on the street, I suddenly heard a loud explosion. Immediately afterward, pieces of glass began falling onto my windshield. I pulled over and exited the vehicle to assess the situation. Upon inspection, I discovered that the sunroof of my car had... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
The contact owned a 2026 Tesla Model Y. While reversing out of a parking spot using the Full Self-Driving feature, the system turned the wheel and maneuvered the vehicle into a pole, striking the left side of the front bumper. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
Both my key fobs do not work even with brand new batteries
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
The contact was a police officer calling on behalf of the owner of a 2025 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while the owner was attempting to park the vehicle in a parking spot, the vehicle began to independently accelerate up a hill. The owner then placed the vehicle into reverse(R) as the vehicle continued to accelerate while in reverse. The contact stated that the owner had their foot fir... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the torque converter had failed. The ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
UNKNOWN I did not get a letter from the manufacturer alerting me to these recalls. I was told by the service center that there is currently no remedy available. I was told there was no restrictions. I then contacted the manufacturer and was told there are no remedies available and no timeline as to when they would be available. The recalls cite possible fire, and stopping while being driven. No ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
On [XXX], at approximately [XXX], in Greenwich CT, while I was very slowly driving into a parking space, the engine suddenly and unexpectedly surged,. The vehicle overcame the brakes and raced forward and collided with a stone wall, about 3 ft away. This was a new (since May 2025) vehicle with only approx 3,500 miles on it. I had not had any previous problems with it and there were no warning li... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
Incident Date: [XXX] Vehicle: 2023 Kia Sportage Component(s): Power Train (Automatic Transmission Shifter), Electrical System (Instrument Cluster/Display), Back Over Prevention (Rearview Camera) Description of Incident: On [XXX], while performing a low-speed maneuver in Pittsburgh, PA, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic Shift-by-Wire (SBW) logic failure resulting in a collision. After shiftin... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 19, 2025
Vehicle brake pedal is not fully depressing to normal state after use. This is causing the break lights to remain on until you pull the pedal itself back to resting state. If you do not do this the cruise control will not work. The ESC error light and Service Trailer Brake System error continue to come on.
Incident date: Nov 19, 2025
I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious fuel system defect involving my 2023 Kia GT-Line. The vehicle was subject to a manufacturer recall due to fuel tank expansion. Kia has acknowledged that the fuel tank expands beyond normal specifications, creating a potential safety hazard. As a result of this defect, Kia of America determined that the vehicle is not repairable and declared it a ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
I am writing to formally report an incident involving the service department at Lakeland Hyundai (1500 W Memorial Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33815). My 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe was brought in on 12/31/25 for an active engine recall involving the Cylinder Head Cover Oil Leak Repair (Recall Code 976 / Campaign 24-01-026H). The vehicle was driven into the dealership in proper working condition. I was later inf... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
Vehicle showed all defect warnings as described in recall #23v652 .To include loss of all hydraulic components. Your reference Claim # [XXX]. I would like to know the status of this claim as the dealer still has my vehicle and now claims needs chassis repair , even though they earlier did an undercoat of vehicle in July per another recall. The dealer now estimates the repairs at over $5800 . Sinc... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
Vehicle showed all defect warnings as described in recall #23v652 .To include loss of all hydraulic components. Your reference Claim # [XXX]. I would like to know the status of this claim as the dealer still has my vehicle and now claims needs chassis repair , even though they earlier did an undercoat of vehicle in July per another recall. The dealer now estimates the repairs at over $5800 . Sinc... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
Twice in two weeks stopped at an intersection vehicle went into sleep mode and when the light turned green, the vehicle restarted but when I stepped on the gas the engine raced but went no where. With traffic behind me I shifted the transmission to neutral. When the tachometer dropped to a normal level I shifted the transmission to drive and off we went. Since then have sent it back to the deal... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
When turning the steering wheel 3/4 turn, a knocking sound is heard until the steering wheel is straightened. Suspecting CV joints.
Incident date: Mar 18, 2018
The contact owns a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized in the middle of the road. The contact stated that there was no power to the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure occurred close to the residence, and there was not a lot of traffic. The driver was able to exit the vehicle and get to a safe area. The contact's brother-... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling at a red traffic light, the temperature gauge went from the normal engine temperature to HOT. The contact turned off the vehicle and allowed the engine to cool down, and the gauge returned to normal. The contact continued to drive. The following morning the contact inspected the vehicle while parked at the re... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
Sudden vibration on the engine while driving. No power upon acceleration. Heavily oil consumption. Had a problem on the seat belt with in couple of year of purchased, however the dealer fixed it for free. Catalytic converter was brooked at 80k milage exactly when the warranty over. It was costly to replace.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
Sudden vibration on the engine while driving. No power upon acceleration. Heavily oil consumption. Had a problem on the seat belt with in couple of year of purchased, however the dealer fixed it for free. Catalytic converter was brooked at 80k milage exactly when the warranty over. It was costly to replace.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
When I try to accelerate some times my truck doesn’t go. It’s like it’s not even in drive. The check engine light is on and the dealership that I bought it from told me just to drive it because they don’t have a loaner vehicle at this time. That it won’t hurt the vehicle to drive but it’s unsafe to drive. I step on the gas and it doesn’t go. I could be hit if I’m trying to move whe... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
Vehicle consistently vibrates at highway speeds, feels like a driveline vibration, wheel, tire or suspension issue. Almost feels like a tire is wobbling.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
Vehicle consistently vibrates at highway speeds, feels like a driveline vibration, wheel, tire or suspension issue. Almost feels like a tire is wobbling.
Incident date: Nov 26, 2025
Vehicle passed initial inspection and had higher viscosity oil installed. After driving for the past six months I noticed a burning oil smell inside the truck. The smell gets intense at times especially during highway driving. The OW-40 viscosity oil is causing high fumes within the cockpit. Please consider checking this issue out during your added investigation into the L-87 engine failure. I sho... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2025
I purchased this 2022 Kia Seltos on [XXX] from Serra Nissan Volkswagen Inc, Birmingham. One week afterwards my vehicle cut off at the light while waiting for light to change....This incident has occurred more than 10 x since then. My vehicle have over a 100,000 miles on it which does not qualify for Kia yo check it out. I will be taking my vehicle to get a service check. INFORMATION REDACTED PURS... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
The vehicle experienced an electrical fault and shortly after receiving the warning on the dash, the vehicle completely lost power in the middle of traffic. The dealership has told me that the hybrid battery and DC converter both need to be replaced, but the DC converter is on indefinite back order. Based on information I’ve learned from others and I’ve heard from the dealership, Land Rover ha... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
I've contacted Hyundai to try and do a recall repair on my Hyundai Elantra GT 2018 both through a local dealership (Planet Hyundai in Golden, CO) and Hyundai corporate. The engine is stalling and knocking very bad to the point where it's no longer drivable. It's burning oil non-stop and I am constantly adding oil to it. I'm getting pushback from Hyundai saying I never fixed the recall when I was a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2025
While merging onto RT684 I went to accelerate and the car was non-responsive to me pushing on the gas. The car continued to not respond to the accellerator and then the "Service 4wD" light came on the dashboard. This was a safety issue because I had no notice that there was an issue until after the issue took place, a car was very close behind me and almost hit me from behind while I had my 2yr ol... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
On January 14, 2026, while starting my 2025 RAM 3500 with approximately 4,000 miles on the vehicle, the digital instrument cluster completely failed to function. After the engine started and the vehicle was running, the dashboard continued to display “Press Brake and Press Button to Start,” as if the vehicle had not started. All gauges and indicators were inoperative, including the speedometer... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sedona. While driving approximately 30 MPH on a main road, the steering wheel started shaking abnormally and became difficult to control. The vehicle was driven to a tire shop and then to an independent mechanic. Additionally, the sliding doors failed to open as needed, the steering wheel occasionally seized, there was tread separation in the tires, and the wheels were ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
My vehicle experienced a brake system failure that rendered it unsafe to drive and required it to be towed to the dealership. I have been informed by the dealer that the issue involves a failure of the left rear brake caliper. The vehicle is currently out of service at the dealership. Because this issue affects the braking system, it is a significant safety concern.
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
Truck began idling very rough. Went straight to the dealership. They shut the truck off and it would not restart. No CEL or messages on the dash. Tear down reveled a failed exhaust valve in cylinder #4. Truck has 10,000 miles. A replacement engine has been ordered under warranty. Luckily, we happened to only be a few miles from a dealership when the failure happened. There was no warning, ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2021 Ford Transit. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 33,000; and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 320,000.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
The car has a burning rubber order when driven intermittently, with smoke coming from the vents. This has been evaluated by Porsche Silver Spring 3 times June, October, November of 2025. June dealer unable to reproduce, October they reproduced it and replaced a heater. The problem has persisted but in November and December they dealer has been unable to reproduce on their test drive.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
I was parked in a spot outside the Service Department of John Kennedy Ford, waiting for my son, who was getting his car serviced. I couldn't see the door of the Service Department, so I decided to move to a position in which I could see my son exit the Department. I put the car into Reverse to exit the spot and it accelerated at an uncontrollable rate of speed backwards, striking two cars parked o... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
I was parked in a spot outside the Service Department of John Kennedy Ford, waiting for my son, who was getting his car serviced. I couldn't see the door of the Service Department, so I decided to move to a position in which I could see my son exit the Department. I put the car into Reverse to exit the spot and it accelerated at an uncontrollable rate of speed backwards, striking two cars parked o... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
While at a four-way intersection, I went to press the throttle, and there was a very significant lag in acceleration, almost causing an accident.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Edge. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact ha... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
My wife must use a cushion or pillow to sit in the passenger seat. This causes the Passenger Occupancy Seat Sensor to fail. The seat does not recognize that she is there. The seat belt alert does not chime and the air bag is turned off. I have called KIA and they have no fix. I have talked to the dealer and they have no fix. I can not override the air bag and turn it on manually. We have tri... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
My wife must use a cushion or pillow to sit in the passenger seat. This causes the Passenger Occupancy Seat Sensor to fail. The seat does not recognize that she is there. The seat belt alert does not chime and the air bag is turned off. I have called KIA and they have no fix. I have talked to the dealer and they have no fix. I can not override the air bag and turn it on manually. We have tri... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
Front subframe crack around lower control arm bushing area. Common problem that’s going to end up killing someone when it completely separates