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: Apr 1, 2025
Horn stopped working. Airbag indicator will not reset. Took to local dealership but their service department doesn’t seem to find an active recall for this, even though I can see them listed, just not for my particular VIN number
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
Client was severely injured (traumatic brain injury, fractured skull bone and ankle with ongoing cognitve and physical symptoms, probably permanent) as a pedestrian when crossing Rt 28 in Chatham, MA. He was struck by a 2023 Tesla Model Y in reduced roadway visibility conditions due to sun/shade conditions. The auto braking system failed to activate in time to avoid the collision. This appears to... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
While operating my 2023 Nissan Rogue, the panoramic sunroof exploded outward without any external impact. The incident occurred under normal driving conditions with no debris strike, collision, or environmental hazard. The explosion produced a loud sound consistent with owner reports in past Nissan sunroof cases, often described as similar to a "gunshot." The Glass front the sunroof rained down o... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
While driving in traffic the vehicle suddenly began to sputter and lose power with check engine light flashing on the dash board. I was able to pull over and limp the car the one mile to my home on side streets. I parked the vehicle and called for a tow truck to tow the vehicle to my local dealership that I purchased the car from brand new. This is the third time this failure has occurred. The ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2022 Toyota Prius. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 29,909. At the time of the registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 173,000.
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
Glendale Dodge (CA) is actively using Federal Fire Risk Recall 68C to fraudulently conceal a separate, critical High-Voltage hardware failure on my 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe. Upon intake, my vehicle’s internal VIP diagnostic scan showed an active P0E15 code (Electric Coolant Heater Failure). Per Stellantis Technical Service Bulletins, this code indicates a severe failure requiring a physical hardwa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
1. Passenger airbag fails to activate randomly. Passenger airbag light shows "off" with a passenger in the seat. Sometimes it works but often stays off for a whole day. 2. Transmission shifts gears by itself. Drive to neutral, Reverse to park. A software update changed the behavior but did not eliminate the fault. Now goes from Drive to Park. One time the vehicle shut off by itself after shiftin... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
The touchscreen is not reposnive to touch except in one tiny corner. We’re reported this at thw Hyundai dealership at least three times over the years- they said “they can’t see a problem”, which is odd because the screen literally does not respond to touch. When it’s hot, even with the AC on full blast, sometimes we will be driving and the touchscreen starts making beeps and starts goin... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
The touchscreen is not reposnive to touch except in one tiny corner. We’re reported this at thw Hyundai dealership at least three times over the years- they said “they can’t see a problem”, which is odd because the screen literally does not respond to touch. When it’s hot, even with the AC on full blast, sometimes we will be driving and the touchscreen starts making beeps and starts goin... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
Problem: Engine rod knock that could be related to open investigation NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: PE25008 The vehicle is available for inspection. Risks: Engine stall, loss of power, fire, or total engine failure. The rod knock is reproduced every time the engine is started. It has not been confirmed by a dealership or independent service center. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufac... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2025
Hello, I was involved in a accident o March 11 2025 in [XXX] on [XXX] and [XXX] It happened around 2pm cst. There was substantial damage to my vehicle, and my Air Bags did Not Deploy. There are no recalls for this on the vehicle, but Toyota has sent recalls out on other 2022 and 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross's, but not ours. The vehicle was towed by Anderson Towing and Collision. I reported ... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
While driving on the highway at 65 miles per hour, my Atlas shut itself off. I had to put it into park and restart the ignition. It turned on after 2 attempts but just barely. It turned on and gave enough power to move forward very slowly but virtually no propulsion. It turned on briefly, I pressed the gas and then it shut off but had enough to cruise to get to the shoulder across the highway. T... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
See attached document for complaint. Sir: You are aware that this vehicle has two active Recall Notices attached to it; either of which can result in a vehicle fire, sudden loss of power, and loss of life or injury. Which means that I own an expensive vehicle which cannot be safely driven. Nor can it be traded in for another vehicle in its current condition. The manufacturer does not have an avai... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
I was commuting home, about 30 minutes into the drive, all of the dashboard and radio went blank for a few seconds. It came back on and the break light, anit-collision, lane departure, lights were all flashing. It did this 2 more times in the over the next 5 minutes. I was concerned for my safety because I wasn't sure if my breaks and all the other things were working propoerly. I didn't know... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2003 GMC Envoy. The contact stated that while in drive(D), the vehicle shut off and then restarted. The message “Service Engine Soon” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
I am writing to formally document my experience with the service performed at Nissan Heights following a recall repair on my vehicle. My vehicle was brought to Nissan Heights on Monday, March 2, for recall service related to NHTSA Recall #22V-024 (Nissan Recall #R21B9) involving the wiring harness. I dropped off the vehicle early that morning with the expectation that the recall work would be comp... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2026
2026 chevy 1500 high country 6.2L with 6032 miles, engine stalled twice 3/11/2026 in one day, no check engine light no signs of anything catastrophic just simply stalled early morning commuting from work at a street light then later on same day driving with my 3 kids engine knocking/binding noise coming from engine while driving on highway stalled again leaving us stranded with engine blown on a b... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
High pressure fuel injectors went out.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
RE: FORMAL COMPLAINT–RECALL FRAUD & VIN TAMPERING SUBJECT: Falsified Recall N252494000 & 18 U.S.C. § 511 Violations VEHICLE: 2023 Chevy Silverado (VIN: [XXX] ) INCIDENT: March 7, 2026 FROM: [XXX] | [XXX] I am reporting severe Federal Recall Fraud and VIN tampering by Kunes Auto Group (WI). GM records and physical evidence prove Kunes falsified Safety Recall N252494000 (L87 Loss of Propulsion)... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
Battery failure upon diagnostic at dealer per recall 68c. I had no issues with the car prior to bringing it into the dealer for the recall. The car has now been at dealer for over 11weeks. Neither dealership nor Stellantis is providing update on ETA for when battery will be ready and recall addressed.
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F150. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the speedometer went to zero unexpectedly. In addition, the transmission failed to properly shift gears. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, turned off, and minutes later, it was restarted. After the vehicle was restarted, the wrench warning light illuminated. The contact moved the shift lever to r... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F150. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the speedometer went to zero unexpectedly. In addition, the transmission failed to properly shift gears. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, turned off, and minutes later, it was restarted. After the vehicle was restarted, the wrench warning light illuminated. The contact moved the shift lever to r... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
What failed and is it available? The factory-equipped Yokohama Geolandar tires (specifically the X-CV model, 265/55R19) have experienced extreme, premature wear. They are currently on the vehicle but are in a failed state. How was safety put at risk? As of March 11, 2026 (22,567 miles), tread depth has reached 1/32" and 2/32". This renders the vehicle legally unroadworthy in Pennsylvania and crea... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2025
My engine smells like fire and fuel my can will not start or do anything. There was smoke coming out of it. The van has had several issues since buying it. Now it’s completely disabled I heard a popping noise as I was driving and then it died and has not started since.
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
I am reporting a defect involving my **2025 Buick Encore GX AWD manufactured by General Motors. Within two days of purchasing the vehicle, the dashboard displayed the warning message “Service Charging System – Vehicle May Stall.” I contacted the dealership on the third day of ownership and was instructed to bring the vehicle in for service. Since that time the vehicle has required multiple r... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
I am reporting a defect involving my **2025 Buick Encore GX AWD manufactured by General Motors. Within two days of purchasing the vehicle, the dashboard displayed the warning message “Service Charging System – Vehicle May Stall.” I contacted the dealership on the third day of ownership and was instructed to bring the vehicle in for service. Since that time the vehicle has required multiple r... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
I am reporting a suspected odometer fraud involving a vehicle I purchased from a licensed dealership approximately one year ago. At the time of purchase, the vehicle’s odometer displayed about 64,000 miles. The dealership paperwork and sales documents also listed the mileage as approximately 64,000 miles, and I relied on this information when purchasing the vehicle. After the purchase, the veh... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
The charge port latch failed to release the mobile connector (consistent with TSB SB-18-44-002) I had to call Tesla customer service for manual release instructions, which was very difficult to get through to (unclear through the Tesla App) After manual release, the mobile connector was damaged since it got stuck during a rainstorm. Tesla replaced the entire charging port for ~$1,000 without first... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
The ICCU unit failed, making this electric vehicle unchargeable and therefore undriveable. This is the second time this has happened on this vehicle and the wait for the part was 8 plus weeks. This is a nationwide issue.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
See attached document for complaint. I have a low mileage RAM 2500 Tradesman Pickup. Many months have elapsed since the original recall notice and I didn’t drive the truck for a time period. It now seems that the repair is taking an unreasonable amount of time. Your attention to this issue will be appreciated.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. While the contact’s son was driving the vehicle on the highway at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine and the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The gear shifter was shifted into neutral(N) and restarted; however, the engine failed shortly afterwards, and the vehicle was unable to restart. No warning lights were illuminat... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2025
The following warning lights: adaptive cruise control problem, lane keeping assist, collision mitigation system, road departure mitigation problem, auto high beam problem
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
On February 25, 2025, I took my car into Freeman Toyota dealership in Santa Rosa for a recall on the airbags (24TA09 SAFETY (NONCOMPLIANCE) RECALL 24TA09(Remedy Notice) - Certain 2024 Model Year GrandHighlander and Grand Highlander HV - Curtain ShieldAirbags May Not Deploy As Intended). In the labor notes, they claimed to have performed the recall - 1. PERFORMED THE 24TA09 AND REPLACED BOTH LEFT... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 7, 2024
The 10-speed automatic transmission (10R80) in my 2019 Ford F-150 has failed and now requires a full replacement costing. Transmission failure while driving can cause sudden loss of propulsion or power, resulting in a dangerous loss of vehicle control on public roads. This is a known safety defect affecting many 2017–2020 F-150 models.
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4XE. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V710000 (Electrical System) and 25V766000 (Engine); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4XE. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V710000 (Electrical System) and 25V766000 (Engine); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
Vehicle is subject to Recall R24B2 / NHTSA 24V-700 (battery fire risk during Level 3 DC fast-charging). Nissan issued a "do not use" directive for the CHAdeMO fast-charge port in October 2024 with a projected remedy date of November 2024. As of March 2026 — over 16 months later — no remedy has been provided.The affected component is the high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack. The battery is ava... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
A warning came up on the dashboard to “Check electric vehicle system”. 12v battery light also on. Vehicle went into limp mode and drove at 45 mph max for a period of time, then dropped to 27 mph max. Inspections at Ziegler Kia in Holland, MI, found the ICCU was faulty and needs to be replaced. This vehicle has already had the ICCU recall applied, yet ICCU has failed again.
KIA
SORENTO PHEV
(2022) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil, and there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated and failed to accelerate as needed, with blue smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer... Read more
KIA
SORENTO PHEV
(2022) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while attempting to turn off the vehicle, the Auto START/STOP system failed to turn off as intended. The contact stated that the engine was running. The message "STAND/PARK" was displayed on the instrument panel, and the warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed. The contact was unaware... Read more
KIA
SORENTO PHEV
(2022) - POWER TRAIN
Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V512000 (Power Train); 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 dealer was contacted. The dealer stated that parts were on back order and were unavailable. The manufacturer wa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Hello, I recently submitted a safety complaint regarding my 2017 Ford Flex. The complaint number is XXX. I would like to add additional information that I forgot to include in the original report. The vehicle’s power liftgate has intermittently opened on its own while the vehicle was parked. There have been occasions where I came outside and found the liftgate open overnight in my driveway. T... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
I began to brake because there was a parked car at the stop sign i was approaching. My vehicle was not stopping even though the brake pedal was pressed all the way down to the floor. 2025 Ford Expedition crashed into a parked car is a malfunctioning Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module. Crucially, this malfunction can occur while Advanced Driver Assistance Svstems ADAS), such as Automatic Emerg... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
I began to brake because there was a parked car at the stop sign i was approaching. My vehicle was not stopping even though the brake pedal was pressed all the way down to the floor. 2025 Ford Expedition crashed into a parked car is a malfunctioning Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module. Crucially, this malfunction can occur while Advanced Driver Assistance Svstems ADAS), such as Automatic Emerg... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 19, 2026
My car suddenly shook violently while at complete stop at a stop light. Also, the brake feels weird at times when slowing down.
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
I own a 2018 Honda Accord and have been experiencing an ongoing issue where multiple warning lights appear on the dashboard at the same time. The lights include several safety and system warnings, making it look like many different systems in the vehicle are malfunctioning simultaneously. I have taken the vehicle to be serviced and attempted to fix the issues that were identified. However, even a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
My 2018 Honda Civic started more than a year ago having STICKY STEERING. When looking online, it is a known problem with later Honda's, but the dealer will not help on a 2018 model. The issue was felt by the Honda dealer sitting still. Though their head mechanic said they could try an "experimental" gearbox lube for approx. $450. At 50 mph on curves the problem feels downright dangerous. Steering ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2026
Rear power sliding window leak caused by cracked backlite
Incident date: Sep 22, 2025
Engine failure. The engine completely seized up
Incident date: Sep 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds on several occasions, the steering wheel seized. No warning light was illuminated. The brakes locked up, causing a tire blowout. The contact stated that the tie rod was replaced. The contact stated that a neighbor assisted with freeing the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mech... Read more