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: Jan 15, 2026
While driving on the interstate at 70mph the vehicle’s fuel injectors failed causing the vehicle to lose power suddenly.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
Message on dashboard that says, "Engine Maintenance Required. Visit Dealer." This message came on at around 31,000 miles and I was told it was three different things all different prices at my dealer. So, I looked into it and found out it was the Coolant Bypass Valve, and asked the dealership about it and they said 700 dollars to replace. I did not want to pay that much especially since I saw onli... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
I leased a 2023 Ioniq 6 electric car on September 2023. Since leasing the vehicle, the vehicle has been towed four times for the same problem, the parking brake malfunctions rendering the vehicle unusable. I have multiple photos and videos documenting this. This has happened either after parking the vehicle and attempting to turn it off, or after turning on the car after being parked. The first t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
Roof rail on passenger side flew off. Clips were broken but some clips still in place. This part is in a recall for other 2016 Explorers but was excluded on models with the chrome roof rail. The rail is the same plastic as the recalled vehicles and should have been included. See Ford 21S22 / 20N11. The chrome is not structural. The drivers side will eventually detach too as it is loose. It... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
The crankshaft sensor has failed.
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
I am reporting a recurring safety issue with the power windows on my 2023 Toyota Tundra. Specifically: 1.The driver-side window and front passenger-side window have stopped moving partway during operation. The window halts halfway, the window becomes stuck and cannot be closed even when attempting to push the window up manually with my hands. 2.The problem has occurred with two separate windows o... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
Component: Power Transfer Unit (PTU) [XXX] , but my VIN is not included. The power transfer unit has failed. This appears to be a manufacturing defect identical to those listed under the recall. I am requesting immediate inclusion and repair under the recall provisions. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
I am reporting a recurring safety and reliability issue with my 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle currently has approximately 63,100 miles. The vehicle repeatedly displays a “Check Electric Vehicle System” warning message. This problem has occurred three separate times. On at least two occasions, the vehicle became undriveable and required towing. The failure appears to affect ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
The dashboard/infotainment screen keeps alerting and going blank. I will be driving and will no longer know how fast I am going, nor if my blinkers work, or have any control of the screen. This will stay like this for seconds to hours. I have taken the vehicle in several times (Invoices from 8/26/26, 9/11/25, 10/21/25) and eventually had the F module replaced. This resulted in the system working f... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
We were at a complete stop, with foot on break when my jeep lunged forward twice , second lunge hit the vehicle in front of me, also that car was at a complete stop. It has lunged 2 other times while at a complete stop .
Crash
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
We were at a complete stop, with foot on break when my jeep lunged forward twice , second lunge hit the vehicle in front of me, also that car was at a complete stop. It has lunged 2 other times while at a complete stop .
Crash
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
The system that is failing are the brakes and the tail lights. They used to be an open recall for the brake pedal stopper pad, however I’m not sure if that part is able to break again because in October I remember hitting the break and something I heard a crack down by the pedal, but I wasn’t able to see if anything had broken. I can’t check after that. I’ve have had continuous issues with... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
The brake warning light remains illuminated on the dashboard even when the parking brake is fully disengaged and while the vehicle is in motion. Same when the car is on or turned off. The brake warning light remain on continuously. Because this warning light is associated with the braking system, it creates uncertainty about whether the braking system and related safety systems are functioning p... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
Backing out of a driveway that had a mud hole. Car got turned and stuck in the mud. We were trying to push it out and then it started smoking under the drivers tires and then we heard a pop. Next thing the undercarriage is on fire and we got away. Withing minutes the whole car was engulfed in flames. UNKNOWN MODERATE ONLY CAUSE WE WERE STUCK AND COULD EXIT THE VEHICLE IN A TIMELY MANNER NO NO
Fire
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
While driving my 2022 tundra my reverse indicator light and back up camera began flashing while approaching an intersection. I stopped at the intersection to wait for the green light for a left turn onto the highway. I shifted into park and then back into drive but reverse indicator and camera kept flashing. After completing my left turn and accelerating to approximately 40 mph I heard a loud bang... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
The infotainment software is bricked. It happened when the battery died after purchasing it. The dealership told me to get a battery should be ok Now the infotainment system doesn't work and lane assist about put me into a guard rail the other day. I have no access to my cars functions and it is crazy scary
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
My 2022 Nissan Rogue experienced sudden engine failure due to coolant loss and a blown head gasket while driving. The engine became inoperable and the dealership denied coverage. This appears to be a premature engine defect and created a safety risk due to sudden loss of power.
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
I received a safety recall notice in September 2025 regarding my vehicle's rear flexible brake hose possibly having a leak. At that time the notice stated parts were not available but the Ford Company was working to provide parts for the repair and would notify me by mail to schedule an appointment to complete the repairs. I have called on several occasions, to several Ford dealerships, since Se... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
There is a safety recall on my 2025 Kia Telluride, I went to the dealership about 3 days ago but the fix is not available. Should I just wait, I heard it can cause death during a crash. Me and my wife have only one car. So I have to keep using it until the fix is available? Thanks.
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
Driving 65mph on [XXX] and all the lights came on flashing and alerting me causing the emergency braking to occur while driving causing me to swerve on the road and lucky I didn’t crash but i had my [XXX] old in the car and it scared the hell out of me, on top of all that my horn gave out and hasn’t worked since that incident and now all the lights are off and I don’t even get the beeping ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2020
Coolant Intrusion caused my engine to be blown.
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
This vehicle experiences multiple recurring safety-critical system failures while driving, creating a dangerous operating condition for both the driver and the public. 1. Dashboard / Instrument Cluster Failure While Driving While the vehicle is in motion, the dashboard display intermittently shuts off completely. When this occurs, I cannot see my speed, warning lights, battery status, or any othe... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
Valve lifter issue. Gm service told me 15000$ engine replace. 1 year no used the vehicle. I buy the vehicle 35000$. no recall or warranty. Have to much people this problem. And a gm just laughing at how the vehicle owners behaved.
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
Check engine light came on with limited acceleration vehicle, then proceeded to overheat several times having to pull over to the side of the road in very dangerous locations vehicle was brought to dealership and it was determined it was a coolant pump. It was replaced under warranty. I want it to be known that there was an issue as others I have heard our ex experiencing the same.
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
Even after recall repairs the vehicle continues to randomly display error messages with vehicle systems while driving. It has been cleared several times and battery changed but continues to return. This model has serious issues with the electrical components.
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
After recent service from local honda dealership vehicle started to drive sluggish. Had all fluids changed and the coolant flushed when serviced at the dealership. The vehicle now displays several different alerts upon start up "Emissions systems failure" Brake system failure" Hill Assist failure" Power Steering failure". Vehicle was returned to dealership and it was determined the head gaskets... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
After recent service from local honda dealership vehicle started to drive sluggish. Had all fluids changed and the coolant flushed when serviced at the dealership. The vehicle now displays several different alerts upon start up "Emissions systems failure" Brake system failure" Hill Assist failure" Power Steering failure". Vehicle was returned to dealership and it was determined the head gaskets... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
The high-voltage battery on my 2022 Nissan Leaf SL+ is subject to Recall NHTSA ID: 25V-655. The recall notice states that the battery cells can develop excessive lithium deposits, which increases electrical resistance and can cause rapid battery heating during Level 3 fast charging. Nissan instructs owners not to use Level 3 charging at all until a “remedy” is available. The issue is that the... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
The high-voltage battery on my 2022 Nissan Leaf SL+ is subject to Recall NHTSA ID: 25V-655. The recall notice states that the battery cells can develop excessive lithium deposits, which increases electrical resistance and can cause rapid battery heating during Level 3 fast charging. Nissan instructs owners not to use Level 3 charging at all until a “remedy” is available. The issue is that the... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
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Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air conditioner failed. The air conditioner continued to turn off and on unexpectedly. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number 22V648000 (Visibility, Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for repair under the origi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
While traveling at highway speeds, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic and sudden loss of motive power. This resulted in a dangerous situation with no immediate ability to maintain speed in traffic. The manufacturer (Hyundai) identified a failure in the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU). Despite a formal 'Notice to Cure,' the manufacturer refused to replace the 12V battery which was stressed... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
While traveling at highway speeds, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic and sudden loss of motive power. This resulted in a dangerous situation with no immediate ability to maintain speed in traffic. The manufacturer (Hyundai) identified a failure in the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU). Despite a formal 'Notice to Cure,' the manufacturer refused to replace the 12V battery which was stressed... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
The contact had performed service on the 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the owner had experienced unintended loss of power steering functionality, making the steering wheel difficult to turn in either direction. The failure was intermittent. During the failure, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, while the vehicle was idling, the steering wheel was turning from rig... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact's son noticed an unusual sound coming from the hood compartment. The contact stated that the sound was as if something was coming through the hood. The contact's son lost control of the vehic... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact's son noticed an unusual sound coming from the hood compartment. The contact stated that the sound was as if something was coming through the hood. The contact's son lost control of the vehic... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the sunroof exploded and shattered without impact. The contact exited the highway, pulled over to the side of the road, and took pictures of the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not informed of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V111000 (Visibility), and 25V741000 (Electrical System); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds with Hybrid Mode activated, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. While attempting to defrost the front windshield, the ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
ABS Module failure. Unable to get replacement. Manufacturer refuses to provide & unable to use used ones due to being programed to Vin#. It has been over 2 years and no resolution in site.
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
While driving I had a sudden loss of power. Contacted dealership and was ask for engine code light. Told them no light had appeared on dashboard. Did note intermittent shift changes while driving after this occurrence. Transmission and or engine feels like it has a studder. Concerning.
Incident date: Mar 8, 2026
While driving I had a sudden loss of power. Contacted dealership and was ask for engine code light. Told them no light had appeared on dashboard. Did note intermittent shift changes while driving after this occurrence. Transmission and or engine feels like it has a studder. Concerning.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
Engine lights on Glass Recalibration failed multiple times. Engine failure when Jeep comes to a complete stop vehicle totally shuts down and needs to be restarted. When manufacture was contacted: not able to sell new engine. Resolution used engine with same issue. No real Resolution.
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
I’m experiencing issues with the Auto Idle Stop system. The engine fails to restart on its own after a complete stop. I get an error message and I have to manually restart. This has happed at stoplights and in the middle of an intersection during heavy traffic which is a big safety issue.
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
The vehicle has been virtually trouble-free for many years. Recently, it began to have some issues. The vehicle is covered under a lifetime warranty from Chrysler and has been serviced by the local Jeep dealer. We brought the vehicle in to service in November, 2025. One of the issues that had just occurred was that the brake warning lights came on. The dealer said they were not able to replace the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
The vehicle is affected by a manufacturer safety recall # 25TB14 related to the engine. A loss of motive power while driving at higher speeds can increase the risk of a crash. Because of this I have stopped driving the vehicle. According to the recall, The manufacturer has stated that the fix will require replacement of the engine assembly, but the remedy is not yet available and no expected reme... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2025
Transmission failed at 94,000 miles Misfire 80,000miles AFM/DOD issues $10,000 in repair bills still not fixed
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Multiple warning lights on including Engine System, CMBS, Electric Parking, Electric Power Steering, RDM and Adaptive Cruise control warnings caused by Fuel System Too Rich. Either Fuel injector not properly installed or issue with fuel pump. As per Service Bulletin 19-032, this is issue with fuel injector but VIN lookup not showing my VIN for recall and warranty repair. please do needful.
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Multiple warning lights on including Engine System, CMBS, Electric Parking, Electric Power Steering, RDM and Adaptive Cruise control warnings caused by Fuel System Too Rich. Either Fuel injector not properly installed or issue with fuel pump. As per Service Bulletin 19-032, this is issue with fuel injector but VIN lookup not showing my VIN for recall and warranty repair. please do needful.
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
While offloading my truck after getting back from vacation and with all the windows rolled down I noticed smoke coming out of the cab of my truck. Not know what it was or why smoke was coning from the inside of my truck I went to investigate and notice the top of the rear seat was melting and smoking. Absolutely no reason why that material should have started to melt and smoke. Outside temperatur... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
Vehicle had "front passenger safety restraint system fault" multiple times intermittently. Serviced by Tesla service center in Dublin, CA who confirmed the problem. Documentation on the invoice stated that there was an open service bulletin related to this issue and was related to "the occupancy sensory in the seat was not functioning as expected." Upon inspection by the technician they found "an ... Read more