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 15, 2025
I bought a new 2025 Honda Ridgeline truck from Hendrick Honda, Easley, SC and within the first 24 hours the instrument display showed an “auto idle stop error” and to get service at the dealer. I took it back to the dealer within two days, and they said they ran diagnostics and couldn’t find nothing wrong. The service advisor said “it will probably just go away as you drive it more.” Wel... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2025
Unknown electrical problem. Both headlights will go out simultaneously without warning while driving. Frequent malfunction of running lamps, headlamps, break lamps.
Incident date: Nov 25, 2025
my 2019 Toyota 8 speed transmission jerking in stop and go traffic
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
I purchased my Hyundai Ioniq 5 on [XXX]. Since then, I have experienced repeated and dangerous failures of the air-conditioning system, which Hyundai and the selling dealership have failed to properly diagnose or repair. On [XXX], while driving, I heard a very loud banging noise coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle. Immediately afterward, the air-conditioning system completely shut ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 109,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 276,000. The contact later confirmed the discrepancy with a ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine experienced difficulty cranking. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to properly shift gear. The contact stated that the engine revved up, but the transmission failed to properly shift gear. The Auto START/STOP light was orange.... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
My rear airbag suspension consistently looses air pressure and drops to the lowest setting. The dealer is unable to find a cause of the issue. It is a safety issue because I use the truck to pull a camper and if I loose the rear air suspension while towing, I would loose stability and possible cause an accident. There are no warning lights that there is a problem with anything and the diagnosti... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
Kia has a known ICCU issue with several of their electric vehicles. Mine went out yesterday creating an extremely dangerous situation on the road. After it blew, I lost the ability to accelerate or steer. This was obviously very scary for me and the drivers around me. I feel very lucky to have not been hit by another car. Although Kia is replacing these, this does not guarantee a fix. That is to s... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
Kia has a known ICCU issue with several of their electric vehicles. Mine went out yesterday creating an extremely dangerous situation on the road. After it blew, I lost the ability to accelerate or steer. This was obviously very scary for me and the drivers around me. I feel very lucky to have not been hit by another car. Although Kia is replacing these, this does not guarantee a fix. That is to s... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
Missing frunk emergency release. This compartment is definitely large enough for a child to fit and be trapped in. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 401 mandates an interior release mechanism for enclosed trunks to prevent entrapment.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
I am submitting a safety complaint regarding unexpected and inappropriate automatic braking behavior at low speeds involving the parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, and/or automatic emergency braking system. While performing normal, low-speed maneuvers such as backing out of street parking spaces or parking in tight urban environments, the vehicle abruptly applies the brakes even when no i... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
I am submitting a safety complaint regarding unexpected and inappropriate automatic braking behavior at low speeds involving the parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, and/or automatic emergency braking system. While performing normal, low-speed maneuvers such as backing out of street parking spaces or parking in tight urban environments, the vehicle abruptly applies the brakes even when no i... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
Vehicle experienced uncommanded automatic emergency braking with no warnings or obstacles present. Sudden hard braking caused fear of collision. Children were in vehicle as well as two adults. Vehicle has prior collision repairs. Owner fears highway driving due to risk of recurrence.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2025
My vehicle is subject to Safety Recall 67C for an engine-compartment fire risk involving the cooling fan module and inadequate fuse protection. I contacted an authorized Ram dealership and Stellantis corporate. Both confirmed that the recall is open and that no repair remedy is currently available. Stellantis has confirmed in writing (Case #95056397) that there is no interim safety solution avai... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2025
Electrical control unit car just shuts off in drive completely goes black no matter what within seconds even on freeway going 70 mph car tune off loss of control then starts back up very dangerous
Incident date: Jul 30, 2025
I purchased my 2007 Toyota Camry brand new. Since early ownership, the vehicle has suffered from excessive engine oil consumption. Toyota acknowledged this issue and performed major engine repairs at a Toyota dealership, including replacing pistons and piston rings under their oil consumption program, but the defect continued. The vehicle continues to consume approximately 1.5 quarts of oil every ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2025
To the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am submitting this letter as a **formal safety complaint** regarding repeated transmission failure in my **2019 Chevrolet Traverse**, which poses a potential risk to vehicle safety. In **December 2024**, while the vehicle was still covered under General Motors’ factory powertrain warranty, an authorized GM dealership diagnosed a serious ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2025
ICCU FAILURE. Car would not drive
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
My engine light kept on coming on esc failure I replaced the aux battery then reg battery then alternator went bad then the u connect is not working at all it will not load the maps on the screen it’s doesn’t recognize my phone I bought this jeep brand new
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Vinfast VF8. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the cruise control and steering assist feature did not function as intended. The contact stated that the steering wheel independently steered into an unintended direction. The contact stated that the failure almost caused a crash. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice. In addition, ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
The electrical system failed (dashboard warning light appeared while in park) and then a pop was heard (fuse bursting). Car could not safely drive. Dealer confirmed ICCU failed once checked at dealer. No prior warnings noticed and no issues charging with approved systems leading up to the failure.
Incident date: Nov 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear-view camera system displayed a blank screen. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part for the recall repair was not available. The contact s... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The rear door of my KIA EV6 intermittently fails to open even when the vehicle is unlocked. The issue has been recorded on video and reported to an authorized KIA dealer, but it has not been repaired. A child safety seat is installed in the rear seat, and this defect creates a serious safety risk in an emergency where immediate access to the child is required. The vehicle is unsafe due to this de... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
My ICCU failed while I was driving and I lost power while in a light controlled intersection in Chicago. The screen turned off and I could not see my speedometer or any driving information. I luckily was able to roll to the side of the road and park the car. My car could not change gears, doors would not work, trying to jumpstart the 12V did not work.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
My ICCU failed while I was driving and I lost power while in a light controlled intersection in Chicago. The screen turned off and I could not see my speedometer or any driving information. I luckily was able to roll to the side of the road and park the car. My car could not change gears, doors would not work, trying to jumpstart the 12V did not work.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding NHTSA Recall 25V695 / Ford Recall 25S49 on my 2015 Ford C-MAX (VIN: 1FAD*************). Ford Motor Company’s recall notice dated October 2025 states that the rearview backup camera may display a blank or distorted image, increasing the risk of a crash. Ford further confirms that parts are not available and that there is no estimated timeline for r... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2025
Appears to be related to recall 25V636. Vehicle is 2020 BMW X3 M40i, equipped with same engine as the Supra (B58). Engine would not start with the push of the "start button". Pressing a second time would sometimes start, but as time went on the number of presses required to start took minutes to up to 30 minutes before engine would start. Had starter motor replaced October, 2025 and mechanic o... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera system became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image intermittently appeared blank and occasionally failed to function properly. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, parts to do the recall repair were ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
The contact works as an investigator for the Utah Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division. The contact was investigating a 2014 Kia Optima with a salvaged title and reported that the air bags failed to deploy in a front-end collision. The contact stated that the air bags may have been removed or the air bag sensors were disconnected. The contact stated that while the driver was driving at 30-35 MPH, th... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 21, 2025
Tires are Douglas Touring, and Sceptor. Those options were not available. I bought a set of tires that belongs to two different brands. Three from Douglas/Goodyear tires and one is Sceptor all from Walmart. They are supposed to have 50000 miles and 45000 miles respectively. When I took for car service, two different service mechanics mentioned that two of the tires have already reached 2/32. Origi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 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 while driving 30 MPH, the passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The contact also stated that the driver's side windshield A-pillar trim was l... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
Parking sensor failed when pulling in parking spot and didn’t alert driver of concrete light pole that was approaching vehicle.
Crash
Incident date: Dec 21, 2025
After trying to remove rhe key from ignition, it gets stuck and won't come out unless I turn the car on, shift it into drive, wiggle the steering wheel, and try it again. Sometimes it works. Alot of times it take 5-10 min to get it out.
Incident date: Dec 21, 2025
The vehicle experienced a total power failure resulting in complete inoperability (no start, no unlock, no electrical response). This is the second occurrence within approximately five weeks. The most recent incident occurred after the vehicle was fully charged and driven the day prior. There were no warning lights or messages before the failure. The vehicle was previously inspected by an authoriz... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2025
The vehicle experienced a total power failure resulting in complete inoperability (no start, no unlock, no electrical response). This is the second occurrence within approximately five weeks. The most recent incident occurred after the vehicle was fully charged and driven the day prior. There were no warning lights or messages before the failure. The vehicle was previously inspected by an authoriz... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2025
My mechanic noticed oil leaking near the oil pressure switch during a routine oil change. Told me to take it to dealership since I should still be under warranty. When I took it in, they very quickly were able to access that the oil pressure switch was faulty. Mechanic said it is a known problem. If it is a known issue, why not recall it?!
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
NHTSA Recall Number25V-741 URGENT: FIRE RISK WHEN PARKED An urgent safety recall has been issued for this vehicle and the manufacturer has recommended that you follow their instructions on how and where to park this vehicle. The information I have received from Jeep is that they currently dot have the parts or dont have a solution for this issue and I will be contacted in the future. How is the a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
Headlamps Cooling Fan Motors Mazda CX-5 2022 make loud noise during driving and for few minutes even after the car is turned off. Car is at about 29,000miles. Unfortunately, it's past 3yrs old and hence JimClick Mazda dealer is asking for more than $3000 to replace the lights with motor assembly.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
In 2025 I decided to clean the hybrid battery fan. I removed the side panels and found that the fan to battery duct had never been installed. I am the original owner and no one had ever removed the inside panels or had reason to remove the duct. This has likely resulted in the overheated battery which now needs replacing even though I have only 161,000 miles on this car which I have always mainta... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
The steering wheel locks at 9 and 3 when turning the wheel. It doesn’t spin back like it should when returning straight. Very dangerous!
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
Started car. Heard a pop in the back seat area and then an error message appeared on the dash.
Incident date: Dec 6, 2025
Rear back window shattered without any impact from debris or objects.
Incident date: Dec 6, 2025
I have a Kia Soul 2022 and I have been having a lot of different problems with my vehicle that are a serious safety hazard for my family and myself. I was trying to pass 18 wheeler truck one night and I saw white and black smoke coming out from the back of my Kia Soul. I was trying to pass a 18 wheeler on the Interstate and my car shut its self all the way off. I freaked out and lucky there was n... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2025
I have a Kia Soul 2022 and I have been having a lot of different problems with my vehicle that are a serious safety hazard for my family and myself. I was trying to pass 18 wheeler truck one night and I saw white and black smoke coming out from the back of my Kia Soul. I was trying to pass a 18 wheeler on the Interstate and my car shut its self all the way off. I freaked out and lucky there was n... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
I moved my Genesis GV-70 to my home in Reno, NV. My complaint is in regard to my car becoming very dangerous! I'm giving you my move to Reno because its relevant to this complaint. I didn't need quick acceleration while I was living in Florida. In Reno, I have to merge onto Route 80 everywhere that I go. Acceleration during a merger is extremely important here in Reno. So what I've experienc... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
While traveling at approx 65 mph on a clear, debris-free Alaska highway in -5°F temperatures, the panoramic sunroof of my 2024 Kia Sportage spontaneously shattered with an explosive sound. There were no vehicles in the immediate vicinity (nearest car was maybe 50 to 75 ft away) and no observation of flying debris or falling objects from overpasses. The failure appears to be a spontaneous glass b... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
Driving through a parking lot, less than five miles an hour, and suddenly heard a horrible knocking sound. Stopped and looked under the car. Nothing. Drove it very slowly to mechanic less than a mile away. Front drive shaft had collapsed and fallen down, according to the mechanic.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
Bad transmission shifting at 80k miles. Apearently is a known problems. There has been a few times it shifted so hard that my neck hurts the rest of the day also take a minute to accelerate sometimes leaving in in front of oncoming traffic. No codes or anything, I’ve been told that it’s normal
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Description of the Safety Problem While converting the Doona infant car seat from vehicle mode to stroller mode, the wheel deployment mechanism caused the harness straps to tighten automatically and forcefully around the infant. When the caregiver activated the wheel-deployment handle after removing the seat from the vehicle, the harness tension increased suddenly without any adjustment being ma... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 22, 2023
Tesla self driving detects and sets a speed limit and displays it as a speed limit icon. I used self driving to exit my driveway, which turns onto a dirt road with a speed limit of 15 MPH. Near the bottom of the driveway self driving suddenly reset the speed limit from 10 MPH to 55 MPH. The car then accelerated abruptly shortly before the turn onto the dirt road. There is no mechanism for over... Read more