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: Dec 26, 2025
The drive train car would not go then my accelerator will rev up and down and not go over 10 miles a hour then all these service lights come on and car go in like limp mode and not drive in middle of intersection no one inspected the car i tuned it off and let it sit for 24 hours and started it and it was normally except the acceleration goes up and down when it wants to there were a lot of w... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
Safety Complaint: Engine Stall/Loss of Power at Highway Speeds – 2014 Chevy Equinox Incident Details: • The Failure: While driving, the vehicle suddenly stopped responding to the accelerator. I was forced to navigate through highway traffic to the shoulder with no engine power. Once stopped, the vehicle would not restart. • Warning Signs: Leading up to the event, the Check Engine light and ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
My vehicle was leaking fluid, so I took it in and discovered that my vehicle’s ABS module failed in what was described to me as an “unusual way” at both the initial garage where I took it and, later, to the dealership, which was the only place that could do the actual repair. Some research showed that the failure matched the way this component failed in Kia and Hyundais that were recalled ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
The engine is burning excessive oil. Down 3 quarts over approx. 3,000 miles. Mechanic verified there are no leaks - it is burning the oil.
Incident date: Jan 31, 2023
-Yes it's available to inspect. -Drivers seat heater overheated and caused 2nd degree burns on 10-20% of my body. No warning lights or alerts. - yes it's been reproduced by mechanic. - no it has not been inspected. - no warning lamps. No error codes. No messages. No other warning.
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 31, 2023
Car was affected by emergency theft system locked car down when moving and caused airbags to deploy in which fractured my spine vertebra causing spinal fusion
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
On Nov 7, 2025, I took my 2018 Honda Accord (VIN: [XXX] ) to "Honda of Gainesville" (Dealer #208034). 1. Recall Negligence: The dealership performed unauthorized repairs on the vehicle's fuel system (alleged fuel injector failure). However, while the vehicle was in their service bay for fuel system work, they failed to perform or even disclose active NHTSA Safety Recall 23V-858 (Fuel Pump), which ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
Water intrusion from A/C system Mold growth inside cabin Health effects Vehicle returned unrepaired / unsafe
Incident date: Dec 29, 2025
A couple of weeks ago My Steering wheel locked up and the codes were reset which unlocked the wheel so i was able to turn it. Mechanic said it was moisture getting to the part and then the power steering light came on & it became Hard to turn the steering wheel while driving. There was no indication of a issue before it started.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
Hello Sir/Madam, While driving on Interstate I-75 at approximately 70 mph, the yellow check engine warning light suddenly illuminated. Immediately afterward, the vehicle began to shake violently, lose engine power, and run extremely rough. The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power, and pressing the accelerator pedal did not result in normal response or acceleration. The throttle input was s... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
Paint chipping and peeling in several places
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X6. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with battery failure. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
Was driving on Dallas North Toll way when my vehicle lost acceleration. Had to pull over and engine started smoking and lit a flame under the hood. Car is now at Clay Cooley Kia in Irving, TX. Car has been there for over two weeks and I still have no answers or information regarding the plan to fix it. Major dealership delay and all they keep saying is “Waiting on a Kia Engineer to come out but ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
Was driving on Dallas North Toll way when my vehicle lost acceleration. Had to pull over and engine started smoking and lit a flame under the hood. Car is now at Clay Cooley Kia in Irving, TX. Car has been there for over two weeks and I still have no answers or information regarding the plan to fix it. Major dealership delay and all they keep saying is “Waiting on a Kia Engineer to come out but ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked under a carport in her driveway, she had been warned by neighbors that the rear end of the vehicle was on fire. The contact stated that she saw that flames were issuing from both rear light housings. The contact stated that by the time her husband and a neighbor attempted to extinguish the flames with ga... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
March 2024 just before hitting 100,000 miles I started having oil consumption issues. Current milage is 137,300 About 10,000 miles ago my check engine light came on. I took it to an auto parts store and it was reading bank 1 O2 sensor. I took it for an oil change and never scheduled for the sensor replacement due to life events. I took it in for another service About 5,000 miles ago. At around 2,... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
When my car hit 40000 miles or so, I started getting all sorts of warning lights showing up when I turned my car on. Took my car in to Honda today, and they said upon checking it that the multifunction camera which is located behind the rear view mirror has stopped working. The car has 44,500 miles on it. It has been in no accidents. There seems to be no reason for such a part to just stop working... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2025
The knock sensor recall was done. Currently engine started knocking and became undrivable. This vehicle qualifies for the Hyundai engine replacement recall, but they denied my claim
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
I am writing to formally document Toyota's failure to provide a reasonable and lawful solution following the safety recall and was advised by my attorney that Toyota does not yet have a remedy available. Despite this, Toyota has offered only a $42/day reimbursement for a compact rental vehicle, which is wholly inadequate and functionally useless for my family. Toyota is effectively forcing us to c... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
My Kia EV6’s ICCU failed while I was driving, leading the car to completely lose power while on a busy street.
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
My Kia EV6’s ICCU failed while I was driving, leading the car to completely lose power while on a busy street.
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
Erratic behavior before pulling out of parking lot: STOP vehicle check power, check 12V battery Stop safely engage parking brake. All dash lights started flashing, going black, power couldn’t be maintained, thankfully not on highway yet. Complete car failure, had to have 2025 EV6 jumped 4 times, battery still showed 41% charged, couldn’t keep charge to even get car in neutral for tow or doors ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
Erratic behavior before pulling out of parking lot: STOP vehicle check power, check 12V battery Stop safely engage parking brake. All dash lights started flashing, going black, power couldn’t be maintained, thankfully not on highway yet. Complete car failure, had to have 2025 EV6 jumped 4 times, battery still showed 41% charged, couldn’t keep charge to even get car in neutral for tow or doors ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, unknown warning lights illuminated on several occasions. The failure had occurred while driving and while restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the starter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was m... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V10000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) and 21V331000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the engine and entering the cabin of the vehicle through the A/C vents. The check engine warning light and ABS warning ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2025
I’m submitting a complaint regarding a Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure on my Jeep (VIN: [XXX] ), which affects the drivetrain and vehicle propulsion. On 11/26/2025, my vehicle was evaluated by Ourisman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Bowie after dashboard warnings “Service 4WD” and “Service Shifter” appeared. The dealership diagnosed a PTU failure, provided a $3,835 estimate, and stated the... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2025
Car suddenly slowed from 55 mph to 25 mph because of issues with the 12v battery and the ICCU system. The car is only 1 year old. From looking online, this seems to be a fairly common issue/problem. The dealer is working on it now, but it seems likely that this issue will happen again. If it happens on a freeway, certainly a safety concern.
Incident date: Dec 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed th... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE PHEV
(2024) — STEERING
Jan 2, 2026
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the power steering suddenly failed while attempting to make a right turn, causing the steering wheel to seize. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle and followed the owner's manual instructions on how to reset the power steering; however, all attempts fa... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE PHEV
(2024) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Jan 2, 2026
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
While attempting to park the vehicle in an angled parking spot I was pressing the brake and slowing to a stop. Prior to stopping with my foot still on the brake the engine revved and the vehicle surged forward hitting the car in front of me. The emergency braking did not seem to activate nor di my foot on the brake slow the car. The car has been in the shop at least 4 times totaling nearly 30 days... Read more
Crash
KIA
SPORTAGE PHEV
(2024) — POWER TRAIN
Jan 2, 2026
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
While attempting to park the vehicle in an angled parking spot I was pressing the brake and slowing to a stop. Prior to stopping with my foot still on the brake the engine revved and the vehicle surged forward hitting the car in front of me. The emergency braking did not seem to activate nor di my foot on the brake slow the car. The car has been in the shop at least 4 times totaling nearly 30 days... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
The OnStar vehicle locater, GPS maps, clock (auto update) are not responsive as of the 2nd week of December 2025. My truck cannot be located via OnStar, I cannot use the GPS Maps for directions, and the Clock reads 12 minutes fast when I put it into Auto Update mode. Reported to my GMC dealer (Elizabeth City GMC, Elizabeth City, NC 27909, and had in for service 3 times without correction of the i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
I Purchased my my vehicle from a dealer approximately two and a half months ago. While driving the transmission of the vehicle gave out. The car rpm shot up to seven thousand and only goes 30 mph. My safety was in jeopardy because the vehicle lowed down rapidly and I had to maneuver to the side of the road in order not to be struck from the rear. I had taken it to get inspected by AAMCO and was in... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
. We have owned our 2016 Pilot since 2023. We have never had a problem with it and have had the recommended maintenance performed on schedule. The incident of our engine failing, out of the blue, occurred when my husband drove from MN to Indiana and then he made it back to MN and the engine died literally at the exit to our hometown. Our Honda Pilot ran perfect when my husband drove from MN to IN ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
My 2015 Kia Optima has a failing ABS/HECU module consistent with the Kia ABS fire recall. The brake lights stay on constantly even when the brake pedal switch is unplugged. If I unplug the ABS/HECU module, the brake lights immediately turn off, which confirms the ABS module is back-feeding power into the brake light circuit. I also previously experienced the ABS pump running with the vehicle turn... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
My 2015 Kia Optima has a failing ABS/HECU module consistent with the Kia ABS fire recall. The brake lights stay on constantly even when the brake pedal switch is unplugged. If I unplug the ABS/HECU module, the brake lights immediately turn off, which confirms the ABS module is back-feeding power into the brake light circuit. I also previously experienced the ABS pump running with the vehicle turn... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
Car suddenly needed a jump start and again after a day or two of non-use. On the third day Brakes, ABS and traction control warnings were lighted up and remains. Brakes are mostly ineffective. My own scan returns the code C1252 and C1256 that says brake booster system failing. Took it to the dealer who charged $290 again to scan and came up with failed brake booster and pump assembly. The dealers ... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE PHEV
(2023) — SERVICE BRAKES
Jan 1, 2026
Incident date: Dec 24, 2025
I was driving on a residential street at fairly slow speeds, like 25 mph. There was a stop sign so I engaged the brakes and the car did not smoothly slow down but instead it felt like the back tires locked up and a skid started and I actually went into the intersection before coming to a stop. There was no ice, no sand, just the road surface and the skid in the rear of the vehicle.
KIA
SPORTAGE PHEV
(2023) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jan 1, 2026
Incident date: Dec 24, 2025
1. Hybrid system failure And check engine light on . 2. Car jerk while driving and gone to limp mode and my speed was reduced to 10 mph at traffic putting my self and other in danger . 3. My vehicle is currently at the dealership getting inspected this is the second time my hybrid warning light came on and the first time they told me nothing was wrong with my vehicle. 4. All of these symptoms ha... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE PHEV
(2023) — POWER TRAIN
Jan 1, 2026
Incident date: Dec 24, 2025
1. Hybrid system failure And check engine light on . 2. Car jerk while driving and gone to limp mode and my speed was reduced to 10 mph at traffic putting my self and other in danger . 3. My vehicle is currently at the dealership getting inspected this is the second time my hybrid warning light came on and the first time they told me nothing was wrong with my vehicle. 4. All of these symptoms ha... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
1. Hybrid system failure And check engine light on . 2. Car jerk while driving and gone to limp mode and my speed was reduced to 10 mph at traffic putting my self and other in danger . 3. My vehicle is currently at the dealership getting inspected this is the second time my hybrid warning light came on and the first time they told me nothing was wrong with my vehicle. 4. All of these symptoms ha... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
Heard a pop, followed by power failure and warning lights to stop operating the vehicle. The ICCU unit had blown.
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
Heard a pop, followed by power failure and warning lights to stop operating the vehicle. The ICCU unit had blown.
Incident date: Aug 8, 2025
On Tuesday, [XXX] at approximately [XXX], my 2025 Cadillac Escalade (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced a sudden and complete failure of multiple critical safety and control systems while in motion. My wife was driving downhill toward a stoplight with our two toddlers in the vehicle when the incident occurred. Without warning, all dashboard alerts illuminated simultaneously, including brake, engine, collis... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2025
As per a consumer affairs article, hub assembly and wheel speed sensors should be covered by power train and/or relevant warranty that comes with Kia. In 2021, after an oil change, certain sensors on the dashboard started showing up, and the dealership informed me that the wheel speed sensor and hub assembly needs to be changed. Though the warranty should have automatically covered it, I had to re... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
I was in an accident that resulted in being hit on the passenger side and then colliding with a traffic light pole. My concern is I hit the pole head on and my airbags never deployed
Crash
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
The vehicle is jerky, loss of power, jolts, and very high concern of safety while in use.
Incident date: Dec 27, 2025
Misfire in cylinder 1 causing reduction of power while driving.
Incident date: Dec 21, 2025
Door check and spot welds are broken. The car has less the 20,000 miles on it. I was told by the mechanic that he saw this issue with Ford Escapes, there was a recall on the drive side door for the welds failing.
Incident date: Dec 21, 2025
Head gasket leaking, yes Causes engine to overheat. Radiator looses coolant and backs up into overflow. Makes heat and ac flow coolant fumes into vehicle. No longer clear air. Not yet. Still researching. Independent Mechanics shop. No There was no warning when the vehicle overheated