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 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Safe Haven 12-foot Flatbed Trailer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH and towing the unloaded trailer with a 2024 GMC Sierra 2500, while slowing down to make a right turn, the trailer detached from the tow hitch ball. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the aluminum arms on the hitch adjoined to ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine revved, and while idling, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with bearing damage caused by a defective connecting rod and rod bearings, which caused the engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
The half shaft axel on My Rivian R1T broke in under 6000K miles. Rivian tried hard to deny it, but did finally concede and fix it. But upon return there is still something wrong with the drive train.
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Toyota Sienna Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V668000 (Seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while attempting to adjust the position of the second-row seat forward or backwards, th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
Vehicle suffered acute catastrophic engine failure. No dash lights alerted me. Engine just started rattling and smoking. Dealership it was towed to pulled codes p0302 p0304 p0012 p0014 tried to blame it on us despite known coolant intrusion issue
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
ICCU completely went out. Had to have the ICCU replaced with an upgraded one, fuse replaced and software was updated.
Incident date: Oct 25, 2025
As I was driving,making a right turn and with out warning my steering wheel before excessively hard to control, turn. Because of the sudden wheel tightening as I was making this right turn I almost collided with a vehicle in next lane on highway. My brakes were in good standing but I had to really step down on my brakes to gain control of the steering wheel. I put in the shop and got a multi point... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2025
As I was driving,making a right turn and with out warning my steering wheel before excessively hard to control, turn. Because of the sudden wheel tightening as I was making this right turn I almost collided with a vehicle in next lane on highway. My brakes were in good standing but I had to really step down on my brakes to gain control of the steering wheel. I put in the shop and got a multi point... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
-Vehicle would not start several times, this occurred just after purchasing, then battery was replaced and it occurred again over the course of 8 months. -A few days ago after getting the jeep to start, the RPM would not go >2 and the speed would not increase >20 MPH. This happened on PA220 with speed limit of 40MPH causing a near-wreck when pulling out onto the road and not being able to accelera... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
-Vehicle would not start several times, this occurred just after purchasing, then battery was replaced and it occurred again over the course of 8 months. -A few days ago after getting the jeep to start, the RPM would not go >2 and the speed would not increase >20 MPH. This happened on PA220 with speed limit of 40MPH causing a near-wreck when pulling out onto the road and not being able to accelera... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2019
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, he was involved in a head-on collision with another vehicle. The contact stated the front end of his vehicle impacted the front driver-side wheel of the other vehicle. The contact stated that not a single air bag deployed during the impact, and no brake collision warning was activated. No warning lights illuminate... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 10, 2019
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, he was involved in a head-on collision with another vehicle. The contact stated the front end of his vehicle impacted the front driver-side wheel of the other vehicle. The contact stated that not a single air bag deployed during the impact, and no brake collision warning was activated. No warning lights illuminate... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
NOTE: This is an RV built by Thor Motorhomes on a Ford Transit chassis. I believe the issue is caused by Thor. There is a sticker on the window of the side sliding door that gives instructions for unlocking the door (from the inside) in case of an emergency. The sticker states: "WARNING IN AN EMERGENCY, PULL THE LATCH TWICE TO UNLOCK THE DOOR". The instructions do not work. The sticker should o... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
Foot pedal parking brake stopped holding it's position. Pedal will move up and down, and parking brake light remains illuminated, but the system is not actually holding pressure on the parking brakes. Failure is caused by a small plastic piece that is used against metal components in the parking brake assembly and eventually breaks. This can cause the vehicle to roll unintentionally and increase... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
The SRS spiral cable assembly (clock spring), located directly behind the driver's instrument display in the steering column, is producing an intermittent crackling noise. The component is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: The clock spring is a safety-critical component responsible for airbag deployment, horn operation, and steering wheel controls. A malfunctioning clock spring ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
"The 8-speed Dual Clutch Transmission and engine (Cylinder 4) failed on my 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL Premium AWD with 37,780 miles. Both components are available for inspection upon request. While merging onto the highway in Sport Mode, the vehicle experienced violent shuddering and noise so severe I believed I had multiple flat tires simultaneously — specifically both front and rear passenger... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
Back up camera intermittently fails to operate giving a squiggly picture or a blank black screen. I have seen many articles involving the same issues with Ford Broncos and where recalls have been issued for those vehicles. When will the NTSB be calling for Ford to recall other vehicles models having the same issues?
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
my son is rear facing and puts his arm in the forward facing belt path then can not get his arm back out. he starts screaming and crying and i have to pull the car over to the side of the road to help him get his arm out and even i struggle getting his arm free. no sooner than i start driving again, he puts his arm back through and it’s the same cycle. i have contacted britax and have unfortunat... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
Recall notice was received reporting 3rd row seating unsafe for occupants. There is no remedy at this time and I have 4 children under the age of 8, two of which ride in the 3rd row. Dealership has been reluctant to help with this matter and Hyundai corporate has delayed communication.
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
The rear defroster or related electrical wiring in the rear glass/liftgate area appears to have malfunctioned and shorted, causing a fire while the vehicle was parked, turned off, and unattended. The fire resulted in the rear glass shattering/blowing out. The incident was recorded on a residential security camera. This posed a significant safety risk because the fire started while the vehicle was ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
The rear defroster or related electrical wiring in the rear glass/liftgate area appears to have malfunctioned and shorted, causing a fire while the vehicle was parked, turned off, and unattended. The fire resulted in the rear glass shattering/blowing out. The incident was recorded on a residential security camera. This posed a significant safety risk because the fire started while the vehicle was ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 26, 2024
I am reporting a safety-related electrical failure involving the heated steering wheel system in a 2023 Jeep Wrangler. While driving, the heated steering wheel malfunctioned and produced smoke from the steering wheel area. This created an immediate safety concern due to the presence of smoke and the potential for electrical overheating or fire in a critical driver control component. This was not a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2024
I am reporting a safety-related electrical failure involving the heated steering wheel system in a 2023 Jeep Wrangler. While driving, the heated steering wheel malfunctioned and produced smoke from the steering wheel area. This created an immediate safety concern due to the presence of smoke and the potential for electrical overheating or fire in a critical driver control component. This was not a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2024
We had an oil pump failure that was because the part was plastic, not metal.
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
On January 19, 2026, the vehicle lost power while driving and required a tow to the local dealership. After inspection, the dealership determined that the ICCU was at fault and needed to be replaced. The ICCU part was backordered. The vehicle was inoperable for 6 weeks as we waited for the part to be available and installed.
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle due to a potential fire risk. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention) and 26V011000 (Equipment). An appointment was scheduled with... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle due to a potential fire risk. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention) and 26V011000 (Equipment). An appointment was scheduled with... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle due to a potential fire risk. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention) and 26V011000 (Equipment). An appointment was scheduled with... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Started the car to go to work and the check engine light came on, I stop started flashing and wouldn’t turn off. Message says there is a malfunction with the hybrid system and to visit Mazda dealer. I had to drive it to work, so it drove fine. But the lights never went off.
Incident date: Jan 18, 2026
Truck started making a solid bass thumping as driving then got worser as days went by, then I spent money at 4 places to get opinions but no1 wasn't definitely, so I had the engine opened up and there it was a SPLIT CRANKSHAFT, I knew it was something there bcas I pull oiled and I seen metal themes/ grit in my oil, And there's no recall on my truck, then I did research online and yesss it's alot o... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
The failure involves the engine (powertrain), which was under warranty. The vehicle has experienced four catastrophic engine failures resulting in sudden loss of power, including at highway speeds (65–75 mph). The most recent failure also involved an oil-saturated catalytic converter. These failures occurred between 06/25/2024 and 03/16/2026. During this ~629-day period, the vehicle was only in ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
Harsh shifting especially from 7th to 8th gear. Delayed shifting which causes a problem cause of the truck slowing down while in motion. It puts me at risk of getting hit from behind when it does this. There's also a vibration that happens randomly while driving. It has started jerking forward upon start up
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
Coolant leak and dealership advises that the car will need a engine replacement to fix the problem. The car is constantly running rough and misfiring. Driving this vehicle this way put myself and small children at risk that there could be a potential complete engine failure while driving the vehicle. This problem has been confirmed by the dealership and I was told that Ford Motor Co. is aware o... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH on the highway, there was a high-pitched sound coming from the vehicle, and the contact temporarily lost control of the vehicle. The driver was able to regain control of the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted afterwards, but became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
I have a 2022 Tiguan SEL R-Line with constant beeping of Lane assist not available.The steering wheel was replaced before but now i'm no longer in warranty but the lane assist not available is still happening. there is a NHTSA Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2070207/1 but it only applies for warranty coverage vehicles.
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
I have a 2022 Tiguan SEL R-Line with constant beeping of Lane assist not available.The steering wheel was replaced before but now i'm no longer in warranty but the lane assist not available is still happening. there is a NHTSA Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2070207/1 but it only applies for warranty coverage vehicles.
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
The high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failed internally while I was driving at night, causing the vehicle to suddenly stall and shut off completely while my children were in the vehicle. This resulted in an immediate loss of power and created a dangerous situation in traffic. The failure caused metal debris to spread throughout the entire fuel system, and the dealership confirmed that the system req... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
The back up/rear view camera display a blank or distorted image while in reverse and has reduced and distorted my view of what is behind in not one, but on both my 2015 Fords which have been recalled. I have come close on several occasions to having an accident. I got a letter from Ford confirming both cars are in a recall in October of 2025. We are now 6 months later and the service department ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
The back up/rear view camera display a blank or distorted image while in reverse and has reduced and distorted my view of what is behind in not one, but on both my 2015 Fords which have been recalled. I have come close on several occasions to having an accident. I got a letter from Ford confirming both cars are in a recall in October of 2025. We are now 6 months later and the service department ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim had detached. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirm... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious and ongoing safety issue with my 2017 Honda CR‑V equipped with the 1.5L turbocharged engine. While driving, the vehicle experienced sudden and unexpected power loss, creating a dangerous situation, particularly while in traffic. During this incident, the vehicle also began emitting visible smoke, indicating a serious mechanical or engine-relate... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2026
My 2025 Honda Odyssey has had trouble turning on since it has been about 9 months old. It doesn't always turn on from being off. It doesn't always turn on when the vehicle is already on and the auto-start-stop system turns the engine off. More often than not it struggles to start but eventually does. I took it in for service and the dealership replaced the battery. It continued to not start. T... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
Daytime and night time running lights turn off and on randomly with brights engaging random as well. Turn signals not operating but intermittently and wipers not turning on intermittently. This Started in Nov 2025. First time dealership could get it in was Jan 2026, stated Multifunction switch was bad and covered under warranty, now not covered after getting it in 3.5 months later. Due to the this... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the second-row seat belts failed to latch as intended. The contact's grandson attempted to secure the seat belt, and the seat belt failed to latch securely. The contact assisted with fastening the seat belt. The contact stated that the seat belt was difficult to latch. The vehicle was taken to the deale... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started losing automotive power. The vehicle had stalled several times. The vehicle was able to restart, and the loss of automotive power was intermittent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part was not yet available. T... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the passenger’s side A-pillar trim detached from the front windshield. The contact received several notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted several times in reference to the recall but was informed ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made awar... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle unexpectedly jerked and stalled with the transmission warning light and the malfunction indicator warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the fai... Read more