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 22, 2023
The kia since bought brand new would have alignment issues even after getting alignments every 3-4 months and the dealership claim that they don’t whats causing constant misalignment after seeing theres no signs of external damage. Due to the misalignment it wears down the tires and made one of my tires explode on the road. Also the door seal on the driver side gets a chunk ripped out from just ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while parking, the transmission was shifted into park(P), but the vehicle continue... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was a loud rattling sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle experienced a loss of power and decelerated. The vehicle was driven to a nearby service station. After restarting the vehicle and shifting to drive(D), the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was later towed to the local me... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, his wife heard an abnormal whining sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact pulled over and discovered fluid leaking from the pinion gasket. Upon discovery of the failure, the contact started driving to an independent mechanic; however, the rear wheels locked up. There was no warning light ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ram ProMaster 2500. The contact stated that the same day that the vehicle was purchased, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after shifting to park(P) and the parking brake was engaged, the vehicle rolled backwards. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle with an unknown sensor failure. The sensor and the brakes were re... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V649000 (Electrical System, Visibility); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was called but was unreachable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the is... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2024
I was traveling north on Freeway 57 at approximately 70mph. The dash lit up red with 12v and charging warnings. Power was shut off and car went into Neutral and warned me to pull over. This is an incredibly busy freeway and I was in the far left lane. I barely made it to the shoulder coasting before car started shuttering and jerking and stopped rolling. I could have been killed.
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 BMW 330i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
The backup camera fails to activate, freezes up, or turns off while backing up. The rear window of this vehicle and the height of the trunk block visual sight lines making the camera essential. I am a software engineer, it is clear to me that the combination information screen has an underpowered processor and memory. Polestar have attempted software updates which have been ineffective. Other as... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
This 2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid poses an imminent fire and safety hazard due to catastrophic high-voltage system failures. On December 11, 2025 (Mileage: 54,527), the vehicle displayed a "Check Hybrid System" warning. The dealership diagnosed a swollen 12V battery and, critically, a melted power relay assembly and melted power cable. This indicates extreme thermal overload. The dealer stated they... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
System failure the warning lights on dash went crazy all of them flashing Speedometer wouldn’t work, lights won’t work, camera system won’t work, abs won’t work, tailgate won’t open, side doors won’t open, heat/ac controls stop working , windshield wipers stop working. They had 20 error codes the first time this happened Yes vehicle has been in shop 2 different times This happened ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
System failure the warning lights on dash went crazy all of them flashing Speedometer wouldn’t work, lights won’t work, camera system won’t work, abs won’t work, tailgate won’t open, side doors won’t open, heat/ac controls stop working , windshield wipers stop working. They had 20 error codes the first time this happened Yes vehicle has been in shop 2 different times This happened ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2024
Honda Canada recognized the safety risks from salt damage to the frames and rear suspension of Honda Elements and recalled all years of the Element for warranty repairs, or if the damage was too severe, buy back of the vehicles. Yet they have not in the USA in rust belt states where salt damage is prevalent. As you will note from the attached photos, severe injury or death could occur in a major... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2024
The vehicle began experiencing persistent engine misfires and rough running. Fuel contamination was found in the engine oil, and the spark plugs were fouled with oil and fuel. The catalytic converter has become clogged and failed multiple times due to excess fuel and oil entering the exhaust system. The Kia dealership documented these conditions but refused to perform recall-related engine repair... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2024
Steering wheel gets stuck when turning left on speed 35-50 or over
Incident date: Jul 20, 2024
My vehicle is subject to an unrepaired safety recall involving the fuel system. According to the manufacturer’s recall notice, a damaged check valve may allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing the tank to expand and contact hot exhaust components. This can melt the fuel tank, cause fuel leakage, and increase the risk of a vehicle fire. This vehicle has experienced multiple fuel-system-related ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
I have had my 2025 Santa Fe since May 28, 2025. Shortly after, I was driving to the supermarket and once I found a spot, I put the car into Park. Unfortunately, I did not start recording the episodes and taking pictures until July 29, 2025. I had had my car into Hyundai of 110 two weeks prior. One of the in-take people saw the episode happen once I put the car into P. I asked him if this was norma... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
I turned on my vehicle and began driving in Philadelphia. I noticed the dashboard where the speedometer was supposed to be was dark. The Apple car play on the right side of the dashboard was on but no other components were visible. Such as turning signal, lane keep assist, speedometer, etc. I was on the highway and this was extremely scary. This vehicle has less then 200 miles. I’ve taken it to ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
I turned on my vehicle and began driving in Philadelphia. I noticed the dashboard where the speedometer was supposed to be was dark. The Apple car play on the right side of the dashboard was on but no other components were visible. Such as turning signal, lane keep assist, speedometer, etc. I was on the highway and this was extremely scary. This vehicle has less then 200 miles. I’ve taken it to ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2025
I had no issues despite the recall announcement
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
My car worked to get to an appointment on 22 Nov. It flashed an error 2 minutes into a 20 minute return trip, saying the cars propulsion failure was imminent. Vehicle would not turn back on after the 3 mile drive home. The ICCU failed. If this failed while driving, or while I was in a hot/cold location, my life and those around me would have been at risk. The dealer has been working with Hyundai... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to Costco for a routine tire replacement, the technician informed the contact that the rear axle bolts had fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the rec... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact stated that by viewing the paperwork signed at the dealer, upon receiving the vehicle, a mileage discrepancy was discovered after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 110,000. It was later discovered that the vehicle’s title mileage was 93,083, and based on th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2025
Paint is peeling off my car, This is confirmed by Toyota it was covered by the Consumer Support program which expired in July however the paint did not start peeling off until last week.Toyota said that there wasn't anything they could do. this is clearly a manufacture defect and should be repair by Toyota at no charge to me.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
During highway operation, vehicle transmission makes very loud and angry sound and then loses ability to move , almost caused us to get hit at an intersection. Vehicle often jumps violently when shifting to reverse, and often loses propulsion when going uphill and shifting. No issues have been identified by mechanics but I have found several forums on line with drivers reporting similar occurr... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
Steering rack is starting to creak non stop, it began around 4k miles, the car currently has 5,350 miles. Brought car to Lia Honda, Northampton, Ma. They tightened up all front suspension bolts but this did nothing and told me "drive the car more to see if the noise goes away" However after spending 5 mins researching on the internet I came across a plethora of 11th gen accord owners complaining a... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
Engine started screeching out of nowhere, sounded like something fell through, there was no warning of any kind, car was running seemingly fine prior to this, car was jolting and not going anymore and something also sounded as if it had popped, it started knocking and caught fire and was smoking, breaking down on the side of the road and has been in another state since this occurred just sitting a... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 2, 2025
Vehicle: 2025 Toyota Sienna Issue Type: Safety Recall / Inadequate Manufacturer Remedy Location: California Complaint: Toyota has issued a safety recall for my 2025 Toyota Sienna due to improperly welded second-row seat rails. Toyota and the dealership have instructed us not to use the second-row seats because of potential safety risks in a crash. At this time, Toyota has no remediation or repa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
My vehicle is subject to an active AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. The recall has been open for 112 days. The authorized Land Rover dealer has confirmed that the manufacturer does not have repair parts available and no repair completion date has been provided. Although the vehicle is technically drivable, it is unsafe due to the airbag defect. The airbag system may fail to deploy properly in a crash, incr... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
Wiper control is not fully under human control. At any speed less than very fast, the wipers are on automatic. The automatic will not start unless the car is going over 35 miles an hour, which means that I either need to waste windshield wiper fluid to clear my windshield below that speed or turn the speed up to max to do so. Once the car has gone over that speed, though, the automatic system will... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while idling on several occasions. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact scanned the vehicle with a vehicle scanner, and the DTC: P1C28 was retrieved, which the contact related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V531000 (Power Train); however, the model year was not included in the recall. Th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
The oil filter housing cracked and leaked engine oil at mileage 74992.
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
Contact Information: •Name: [XXX] •Contact: Phone: [XXX] Email: [XXX] •Location: Hawaii Vehicle Information: •Year / Make / Model: 2021 Kia Soul S •VIN: [XXX] •Mileage: 133,000 miles Recall Reference: •Verified NHTSA recall for VIN: [XXX] Kia Consumer Affairs Case Number: XXX ⸻ Complaint Description 1.I received a notification of an NHTSA safety recall for this vehicle.... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
Contact Information: •Name: [XXX] •Contact: Phone: [XXX] Email: [XXX] •Location: Hawaii Vehicle Information: •Year / Make / Model: 2021 Kia Soul S •VIN: [XXX] •Mileage: 133,000 miles Recall Reference: •Verified NHTSA recall for VIN: [XXX] Kia Consumer Affairs Case Number: XXX ⸻ Complaint Description 1.I received a notification of an NHTSA safety recall for this vehicle.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
I started the vehicle to move it to a different place in my driveway and after putting it in reverse, it notified me that the ABS was not working. I could not stop the vehicle without pressing the brakes very hard and even then it was still rolling backward slowly. I quickly put the vehicle in park before the car rolled into my house.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
The Jeep has a drivetrain defect involving the transmission and power transfer unit (PTU) that has existed since purchase and has progressively worsened over the years. From early on, the vehicle intermittently hesitated when accelerating from a complete stop, followed by sudden surging or lunging forward. Symptoms were reported to a Jeep dealership early after purchase while under warranty. Their... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle before the front passenger's side air bag independently deployed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised not t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2025
Several times in the past year the power steering has spontaneously failed requiring significant Force to stabilize the vehicle and creating an obvious Hazard while driving. The forward Collision system indicates there's a fault while this occurs. Sometimes this is cleared by cycling the power on and off. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer who indicated they cannot locate the source of t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
My vehicle is affected by multiple safety recalls related to the high-voltage battery / charging system. The recall instructions include safety restrictions such as not parking near structures/buildings and limiting/avoiding charging (or following specific charging precautions) due to a potential safety hazard (including fire risk). Despite these warnings, there is no available remedy/repair at th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable, and the vehicle unexpectedly drifted to the right. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000 (Steering); however, the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
Hard shifting and occasional uncertainty in gear selected.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
On Monday, Dec 15 at approximately 3:30 pm I was pulling into my parking spot in front of my house. The vehicle suddenly revved loudly and shot forward striking a tree in my front yard. If not for the tree would have ended up in the kitchen. When parking I do not have to apply gas once I enter the lot as I can drift into the spot. I barely have to brake to stop the vehicle. The steering wheel airb... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
On Monday, Dec 15 at approximately 3:30 pm I was pulling into my parking spot in front of my house. The vehicle suddenly revved loudly and shot forward striking a tree in my front yard. If not for the tree would have ended up in the kitchen. When parking I do not have to apply gas once I enter the lot as I can drift into the spot. I barely have to brake to stop the vehicle. The steering wheel airb... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
Car keeps throwing a C1391 Abnormal Leak in Accumulator code. The ABS, traction control, and brake lights are all illuminated. Hissing sound from brake pedal. Spongy feel when braking and incredibly soft braking as well, very hazardous to driving and stopping. This is a known issue with the 2010-2015 Prius, and a quick internet search shows thousands of other Prius owners who also have this issu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2025
Both horns on my 2023 Hyundai Santa FE have failed 3 times. The first set was covered under warranty (3/24), the second set cost $499.64 (3/25). Now both horns are nonfunctional after just being replaced this Spring. After reviewing many complaints on the Hyundai community form, it is very obvious there is a major issue with their horns ( and not just the Santa Fe model). Twice this week I was in... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2025
Component/System Involved: The vehicle experienced a brief electrical failure affecting multiple systems simultaneously: exterior headlights, infotainment system, and dashboard indicators (seatbelt warning). All components recovered automatically within approximately 0.5–1 second. The issue appears electrical in nature (possible power interruption, grounding issue, BCM/TCM-related event). The ve... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2025
Component/System Involved: The vehicle experienced a brief electrical failure affecting multiple systems simultaneously: exterior headlights, infotainment system, and dashboard indicators (seatbelt warning). All components recovered automatically within approximately 0.5–1 second. The issue appears electrical in nature (possible power interruption, grounding issue, BCM/TCM-related event). The ve... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the recall repair parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was cloudy ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
Dash cluster will go blank upon starting. This has happened every few weeks since I bought it in Nov 2019. Reported to local dealership in ealry 2020, but when you turn off Jeep, the next time it restarts, everything looks fine and they could not reproduce the problem at the dealership and had no answers as they had not seen it before, as no codes were being given. I never went back since i was t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that upon starting and driving the vehicle, the 4WD and engine warning lights were illuminated. While driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and shut off. There was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle while turning. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The vehicle was ... Read more