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 17, 2026
The backup (rear) camera worked intermittently, then did not work at all. Safety was put at risk by a lack of image during the backing event. The vehicle was taken to a local Ram dealer, where they reproduced the issue, diagnosed that the camera had an internal malfunction, and replaced the rear camera. No warning messages were displayed, only a black screen when backing.
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Chevrolet Express. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 93,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 143,000 in 2024.
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
Probably related to vehicle battery recall (that Nissan doesn't have a solution for yet), but when the battery gets beneath 30% it drops suddenly to 0%. I lost propulsion on the highway and it was dangerous. Going at a much lower speed than traffic it was difficult to work my way over to the right emergency lane. Even though my battery had recovered back to 25% after I stopped, the accelerator p... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experience... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal stopped responding while depressed. The contact shifted to neutral(N) and back into drive(D) for the vehicle to return to normal functionality. Additionally, the transmission was not shifting properly. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V76600... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal stopped responding while depressed. The contact shifted to neutral(N) and back into drive(D) for the vehicle to return to normal functionality. Additionally, the transmission was not shifting properly. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V76600... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was started, and the gear shifter was stuck in park(P). Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The co... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse(R), the rear-view camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rear-view camera image functioned properly and worked intermittently at night. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts for th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
Request for Investigation: Volkswagen is intentionally ignoring a widespread GPS/SOS module failure and leaving thousands of battery fire hazards on the road, while its dealers exploit safety service visits to extort customers. I urge the NHTSA to launch a formal investigation into VW’s failure to recall the defective GPS modules and their systemic practice of offering cash settlements to suppre... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
My 2023 GMC Sierra has 60,571 miles for a while now while driving the transmission slips and slams into gears. Recently driving with my kids in the car on highway going 70mph the back brakes locked up multiple times, so scary and dangerous while driving. I now currently have a code P-0747 in the system.
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
The vehicle is experiencing multiple system malfunctions involving engine performance and electrical components. Symptoms include engine trembling at idle, abnormal ticking and hissing noises, and the vehicle pulling while driving. An independent diagnostic scan performed within 24 hours of purchase identified more than twenty fault codes. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2025
Problem # 1- is 3 out of 4 door lock actuators all of a sudden stopped working at the exact same time, except the driver door. This is a huge safety issue and causes the door to remain locked. This causes someone getting locked inside the vehicle or locked outside. (Google) all the review's as this is a common thing people are reporting. Problem #2- My daughter said she almost passed out because... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2025
Problem # 1- is 3 out of 4 door lock actuators all of a sudden stopped working at the exact same time, except the driver door. This is a huge safety issue and causes the door to remain locked. This causes someone getting locked inside the vehicle or locked outside. (Google) all the review's as this is a common thing people are reporting. Problem #2- My daughter said she almost passed out because... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
Subject: Escalation of Unresolved Case – Request for NHTSA Assistance Dear NHTSA, For several months, I have been dealing with an unresolved issue regarding my Hyundai vehicle. On February 18th, I was told the supervisor of my case manager at Hyundai Motor America would contact me within 5 to 10 business days. Today is March 16th, and despite repeated requests, no supervisor has reached out. ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
Office of Defects Investigation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 Subject: Safety Complaint – Premature Engine Failure Risk Due to Excessive Oil Consumption and Confirmed Cylinder Scoring – 2020 Kia Sorento Dear Sir or Madam, I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding a 2020 Kia Sorento that is experiencing severe ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
Vehicle: Ford Fusion 2011 Component: Steering Mileage: 169600 Description: While driving, the steering suddenly became very heavy and difficult to turn. The steering wheel feels stiff, and in some situations the wheels do not respond properly when turning the wheel. The issue appears related to a worn or failing rack and pinion steering system. This creates a dangerous situation where the vehic... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
Fuel system 1. I don't know what failed because the dealership didn't do anything to repair it. It is available for inspection upon request 2. Intensely strong fuel odor at the front of the car, inside and out. Strong exhaust odor at the back of the car. It is not safe to operate a car if it smells like fuel. 3. Dealership had it for 3 weeks and said there is nothing wrong. Now they are ig... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
On 03/13/2026, while driving my 2020 Tesla Model X at approximately 65 mph on a freeway, the front hood (frunk lid) suddenly flew open without warning and slammed into the windshield. The hood rotated upward violently and struck the windshield completely blocking the driver’s forward visibility. This created an immediate safety hazard while traveling at highway speed. Prior to the incident there... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
On 03/13/2026, while driving my 2020 Tesla Model X at approximately 65 mph on a freeway, the front hood (frunk lid) suddenly flew open without warning and slammed into the windshield. The hood rotated upward violently and struck the windshield completely blocking the driver’s forward visibility. This created an immediate safety hazard while traveling at highway speed. Prior to the incident there... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
The problem is with my tailgate. The mazda cx-90 has an automatic trunk open/close function. My wife and I use teh trunk as directed. The other day we go to open the trunk (with the button) and there was a "pop" as if the door was trying to open under force or tension. Ever since then the trunk will not shut properly, if at all. The entire trunk is now misaligned and cannot close properly. There w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2007 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was a gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. The odor was also outside the vehicle. The contact became aware of a fluid leak underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and a fuel leak was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. T... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
There is water coming into the vehicles cab via the rear window and is getting electrical components under the rear window wet. Took vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed. Concluded water coming into cab of vehicle from top of rear glass. Frame of window is likely culprit. General concern 05CHZ-01 THIS IS A VERY KNOWN ISSUE
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
There is water coming into the vehicles cab via the rear window and is getting electrical components under the rear window wet. Took vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed. Concluded water coming into cab of vehicle from top of rear glass. Frame of window is likely culprit. General concern 05CHZ-01 THIS IS A VERY KNOWN ISSUE
Incident date: Jan 31, 2026
I can no longer transport my grandchildren in my car. I do not have another vehicle I can use to drive them in.
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
Rattle in the steering column when turning and over bumps.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
The transmission began making a wheezing sound. The dealership looked at the vehicle and determined it needed a new transmission. This is a known problem. Toyota issued a service bulletin on the issue in February 2021. I purchased the vehicle a few months after that. T-SB-0008-21
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
I purchased a new 2025 Tesla Model 3. During normal driving conditions, the rear bumper detached without any collision or impact. The bumper became loose while the vehicle was moving, creating a potential safety hazard. Tesla Service inspected the vehicle but declined warranty coverage and refused to properly repair the issue. The bumper was only temporarily reattached and remains misaligned. Ad... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2024
On 10/27/25, the thermostat on my wagoneer exploded. It was supposedly repaired on 10/30/25. I read in the wagoneers forum that the thermostat is a common issue, but it could be the result of engine problems. On 2/4/26, I took my vehicle in for a routine oil change. I didn't drive the vehicle for a few days. On 2/7/26, I was driving and received an Error Message stating Max Engine Oil Level Exceed... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
While driving the car is unable to switch gears from D to L gear and has no power to accerlerate up hill.
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving at 80 MPH, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly. The vehicle was jump-started. The battery was replaced. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V435000 (Electrical System) in 200... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving at 80 MPH, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly. The vehicle was jump-started. The battery was replaced. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V435000 (Electrical System) in 200... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
Internal short within headlamp assembly causing the fuse to blow. Unrepairable, requires full replacement of part. Confirmed by MyAutoImports licensed Toyota repair center. Passenger side day running light, headlight, and brights are inoperative. Turn signal and front right indication light are still functioning. No warning prior to, but system warning came up after the short first occurred telli... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
My vehicle is affected ny the ejection mitigation recall. I have small children who sit in my third row of which hyundai corporate advised is not safe. Hyundai has no foreseeable mitigation for this and is leaving me with an unusable third row resulting in a huge issue with transporting my family. I am also pregnant. After 4 weeks of back and forth with hyundai they have refused to buy back my veh... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
Back up camera display went black and issued error. This error is sporadic. please approve replacement.
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
Vehicle went from 70 mph to 1st gear without driver. Pulled over restarted vehicle ran fine. Did it again. I have been told it is the lead frame assem ly and transmission sensor. Ford did not recall my year but dud a customer satisfaction. My vehicle exceeds 10 years. If this had been a recall they would fix it. Very dangerous when this happens.
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 BMW X5. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, for an unknown reason, she lost control of the vehicle and hit a telephone pole, where the vehicle came to a stop. The driver-side and passenger-side air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. A police report was filed. The contact's wife was taken to the hospital by ambula... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2007 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while attempting to sell the vehicle to the dealer, the contact was informed that the Carfax History report indicated a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 113,192, however, the Carfax History Report listed the mileage at 257,710 on October 16, ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
I was stopped in the left hand turn lane, then accelerated to cross 2 lanes of traffic. I then let off the accelerator, and applied the brakes to stop, and the brakes did not function. I then rear ended a vehicle in front of me due to the intermittent loss of brakes. It may have also been the propulsion system kept going. Either way the vehicle maintained the same speed of about 15mph until I c... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
1. The issue involved the engine and emissions system, specifically a cylinder 3 misfire, accompanied by illumination of the check engine light and white smoke emitted from the exhaust. The vehicle was evaluated by an authorized Jeep dealership, which confirmed the cylinder misfire through diagnostic testing. At that time, per the diagnosis, coil 3 and all spark plugs were exchanged. This did not ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Acura TL. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate, and the vehicle lost automotive power and shifted into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and drove as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The message “System too Lean” was displayed on the instrument panel associated with Bank... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Acura TL. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate, and the vehicle lost automotive power and shifted into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and drove as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The message “System too Lean” was displayed on the instrument panel associated with Bank... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the panoramic sunroof glass exploded without impact. The contact pulled over at a pit stop to inspect the vehicle. Despite the failure, the contact resumed normal driving with shards of glass falling from the sunroof. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and agreed to have the vehicle towed to the... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
Description of Defect: My 2020 Kia Telluride experienced catastrophic engine failure and excessive oil consumption, which is a known issue for this model year (to the point that I had to sell it just 1 year after I bought it). The vehicle consumes oil at an alarming rate without any dashboard warning lights, or low oil pressure indicators, leading to sudden loss of engine power and potential stall... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
complete power steering failure upon starting the truck-truck is very difficult to steer warning lamp appeared in dash immediately cruise control doesnt always come on without smacking the backside of button on steering wheel
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
I am filing this complaint regarding the service department at Vaden Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram. My complaint concerns a failure to properly diagnose a mechanical issue with my vehicle, misleading statements about the condition of the vehicle after repairs, and poor communication during the repair process. The vehicle is a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan. Before bringing it to the dealership, the vehicle wa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
While driving at approximately 20mph, the front passenger-side steering knuckle suffered a catastrophic structural failure, snapping completely in two. This resulted in an immediate loss of steering and suspension control. Inspection of the fractured part by a mechanic revealed significant orange oxidation (rust) inside the metal cross-section of the break. This internal corrosion on a 2-year-old ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
While driving at approximately 20mph, the front passenger-side steering knuckle suffered a catastrophic structural failure, snapping completely in two. This resulted in an immediate loss of steering and suspension control. Inspection of the fractured part by a mechanic revealed significant orange oxidation (rust) inside the metal cross-section of the break. This internal corrosion on a 2-year-old ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
New buy today 3/16/2025 from Carvana. Anyhow took vehicle to get a diagnostic and reputable mechanic shop. The auto scanner would continuously stall on the transmission check,would not produce a report nor respond. We did get a good reading for the engine but not once after several attempts would it generate a reading for the transmission. I am concerned as there does appear to be a slight jerk wh... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
On Friday evening, while driving my new Ram 1500 Tungsten on a freeway, the engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle suddenly lost power. I was traveling at highway speed at the time. Almost immediately after the loss of power, gasoline began pooling underneath the truck. Because of the visible fuel leak and strong gasoline odor, my wife and I exited the vehicle and stood well away from i... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
On Friday evening, while driving my new Ram 1500 Tungsten on a freeway, the engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle suddenly lost power. I was traveling at highway speed at the time. Almost immediately after the loss of power, gasoline began pooling underneath the truck. Because of the visible fuel leak and strong gasoline odor, my wife and I exited the vehicle and stood well away from i... Read more