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: Feb 24, 2026
Engine coolant control valve failure. This is a widespread issue on 2020-2022 3.0L Diesel trucks and it hasn’t been addressed by GM, leaving owners to pay out of pocket for a faulty part.
Incident date: Nov 21, 2025
Engine smoke’s every now and then I go through a quart of oil every 600-1000 miles doubt it’s supposed to do that one time I went the full oil change limit I was completely out of oil the car was ticking and all this other stuff scene then I’m topping off my oil every 1000 miles till I need a oil change and it don’t stop ticking now so that’s a defect I don’t know if it’s apart of th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2025
After stopping at a red light truck acted like it was in neutral. I got the orange wrench icon on the dash. I had to pull over and stop and restart. Seems to be a known problem
Incident date: Jan 27, 2026
One night the tailgate latch began clicking, locking and unlocking itself and then not latching closed, causing the inside light to remain on and the tailgate open indicator to display on the display panel. Then it just went dead and would not open at all, even if using the specific tailgate open key on the key fob. Then a few weeks later while driving on an empty street very slowly as I was turni... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2026
When a car is in the process of passing me on the left during a left hand curve on the highway at highway speeds, the rear left radar sensor seems to have set off a forward collision warning. This caused the ioniq5 to do an emergency collision brake. I had to press on the accelerator to cancel the emergency brake while the other car passed me on the left. There were no cars in front of me that wou... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2026
The Catalytic Converter in the Kia. We were driving to Texas to take my kids out for mini vacation and it’s cut off right in the middle of the highway. My car was running just fine everything was fix properly. Can you check in the Catalytic Converter and see if it safely issue.
Incident date: Dec 14, 2025
Other than the Emergency brake system coming on suddenly a couple times (seat belt has hurt me, but not medically documented), there have been no other issues with this car. In the November of 2025, it overheated in gridlock traffic in Boston, MA, which had me freaking out. The engine coolant was low, so I had to find a spot to pull over and let the steam out. I drove it safely home and refilled ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
I was driving on the highway, and there was an abrupt loss of drive and failure of the car. The transmission failed suddenly when I was traveling at highway speed, and there was no prior warning. This nearly caused an accident with the cars behind me, but I managed to get off the road into the shoulder. This is a safety concern, since there were no prior signs at all of this happening. The transmi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
The windshield camera has malfunctioned causing 5 different safety warnings to appear and these functions are unavailable now. It has been evaluated by a dealership and they claim that it has to be replaced at a cost of $2100. This is a pretty widespread issue in these Pilots with varying mileage. I would expect much better from a Honda product.
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
The windshield camera has malfunctioned causing 5 different safety warnings to appear and these functions are unavailable now. It has been evaluated by a dealership and they claim that it has to be replaced at a cost of $2100. This is a pretty widespread issue in these Pilots with varying mileage. I would expect much better from a Honda product.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2026
After taking my Jeep in on January 16th for the 68 C recall I’ve had multiple issues with the jeep hybrid/engine. While driving the Jeep it suddenly becomes unresponsive even when pushing the gas pedal to the floor. After a minute the engine will start up and lurch forward. I’ve almost caused an accident multiple times. This is a huge issue and needs to be addressed. I’ve taken my Jeep back ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
On Sunday, February 22, 2026, I was driving my 2013 Ford Flex with the driver’s seat heater activated. After a period of use, I began to notice an unusual electrical burning smell inside the vehicle. There were no dashboard warning lights or system alerts. I turned the seat heater off immediately once I detected the smell. I did not initially notice an injury at that time. The following day, I ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
Description of the Problem: •Component/system that failed: The engine starter, which is subject to an open recall issued September 23, 2025. The starter was not replaced during a service visit. The vehicle no longer exists due to the fire, but the VIN and service records are available for inspection. •Safety risk: The starter malfunction caused the vehicle to catch fire while parked, creating ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
Description of the Problem: •Component/system that failed: The engine starter, which is subject to an open recall issued September 23, 2025. The starter was not replaced during a service visit. The vehicle no longer exists due to the fire, but the VIN and service records are available for inspection. •Safety risk: The starter malfunction caused the vehicle to catch fire while parked, creating ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while starting and driving the vehicle, the driver became aware that the engine was knocking. The vehicle was driven to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
i was driving and the steering wheel locked, the whole steering column has to be replaced it brought up a code saying torque input sensor i've only put 10,000 miles on this car and have only had it for 11 months
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions, the B-pillar trims detached, causing electrical damage to exposed wiring. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V732000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manuf... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
The engine failed and they lied about the reason of failure. I know this because I've changed the oil myself since 5,000 miles. Every 5k the oil and filter was changed, idled for a few minutes and shut down. Followed by a 10 minute timer and a oil level check. The Jeep was around 24900 miles when I did the oil change for that interval. One week later I took it to Jeep as it had an oil leak from on... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
There have been systemic cylinder misfires (each cylinder), anomalous electrical architecture behavior, and transmission calibration irregularities. The check engine light indicated multiple cylinder misfires, which I understand from the dealer is a common issue with the 2025 model. As the driver, there are a few major issues: Chassis Vibration-pronounced shaking or shuddering transmitted through... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
There have been systemic cylinder misfires (each cylinder), anomalous electrical architecture behavior, and transmission calibration irregularities. The check engine light indicated multiple cylinder misfires, which I understand from the dealer is a common issue with the 2025 model. As the driver, there are a few major issues: Chassis Vibration-pronounced shaking or shuddering transmitted through... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 BMW 540I equipped with a Zenna Tires, Tire Line: Argus/UHP, Tire Size: 275/30/ZR20, DOT Number: 045YNAUY84924. The contact stated the driver's side rear tire was slowly deflating. The vehicle was taken to a Tire Shop, and the technician became aware of bubbles on the tire. The tire was replaced on a Friday, and the following Monday, the new tire indicated that the tire pres... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2026
Every time I start my vehicle I get an advertisement on the media center saying "experience drive connect". I hit the selection on the left to open Android Auto and the display flickers to Android Auto then goes back to the advertisement for drive connect. This happens 2 or 3 times before I can get rid of the advertisement. This is especially bad when I am trying to use maps to find a place, and i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
Panoramic sunroof on 2023 Toyota Tundra spontaneously exploded while driving. The glass exploded upwards shattering glass everywhere onto the sunroof shade cover and into the truck bed. If the shade wasn't closed, the shards of glass would have fallen into the cab into the drivers face while driving. This incident was due to a defect of some sort and NOT cause by any external factors or objects.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
My 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe LS has experienced repeated service issues within the first year of ownership. The vehicle has been in the repair shop five separate times and out of service for approximately five months total. Due to extended repair periods, the mileage remains extremely low. A primary concern involved the steering system. The steering wheel was noticeably off-center while driving straig... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
My 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe LS has experienced repeated service issues within the first year of ownership. The vehicle has been in the repair shop five separate times and out of service for approximately five months total. Due to extended repair periods, the mileage remains extremely low. A primary concern involved the steering system. The steering wheel was noticeably off-center while driving straig... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. There was an oil-burning odor coming from the vehicle. There was a misfire coming from the engine before the vehicle stalled. The Auto START/STOP was activated while driving. The feature was turned off, but quickly reactivated. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. There was an oil-burning odor coming from the vehicle. There was a misfire coming from the engine before the vehicle stalled. The Auto START/STOP was activated while driving. The feature was turned off, but quickly reactivated. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
My Nissan rouge 2025 accelerated on its own when I was parking my vehicle at my pet boarding place . I just missed crashing into the building , could not get the care to stop , kept bumping the brakes eventually it disengaged itself . i am fortunate not to have crashed , taken my life or someone else's life. My car suffered minimal damage by taking out their large mailbox and shrubs. My car ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
My truck down shifted from seventh gear all the way down to first, making rev really high and slow down all the sudden. I was doing 50 mph
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
My truck down shifted from seventh gear all the way down to first, making rev really high and slow down all the sudden. I was doing 50 mph
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
Driving down the road the car shimmed a couple times I parked it turned it off when I went to turn it back on. It wouldn’t turn over when I finally got it to turn on. It wouldn’t go on reverse sometimes it’ll start sometimes it won’t sometimes it’ll go in reverse and sometimes it won’t.
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
Catalytic converter and oil leak which is causing the vehicle to lose power. The catalytic converter was replaced in 2024 and now is bad again in 2025. Oil consumption has been a problem since 2024. Hyuandi is refusing to repair the vehicle. Despite the engine making a knocking noise and the check engine light is flashing the vehicle is still under the 150,000 power train warranty
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
Catalytic converter and oil leak which is causing the vehicle to lose power. The catalytic converter was replaced in 2024 and now is bad again in 2025. Oil consumption has been a problem since 2024. Hyuandi is refusing to repair the vehicle. Despite the engine making a knocking noise and the check engine light is flashing the vehicle is still under the 150,000 power train warranty
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
Catalytic converter and oil leak which is causing the vehicle to lose power. The catalytic converter was replaced in 2024 and now is bad again in 2025. Oil consumption has been a problem since 2024. Hyuandi is refusing to repair the vehicle. Despite the engine making a knocking noise and the check engine light is flashing the vehicle is still under the 150,000 power train warranty
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
While making a left turn at approximately 10 mph in light snow conditions, braking became severely impaired with pedal pressure present but vehicle failing to decelerate, and steering became significantly resistant and insufficient to redirect the vehicle away from the obstacle. Vehicle continued toward a tree despite brake pedal input and steering input away from the tree. Slippery road warning l... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
On 2/17/2026 , while driving to work at 55 mph , the engine quit and dash board said to restart engine. Could not restart engine and had Cadillac Escalade towed to Gerry Lane Cadillac in Baton Rouge, Louisiana . Today 2/24/2026 , we received a call from dealership stating that it needs a new engine. (6.2 liter engine ) It may be a month before we get our Escalade back.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
My car paint is peeling very bad the color is snow white pear the hole car
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was coasted to the shoulder of the road. While attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed crankshaft position sensor. The contact was inf... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2026
My alternator was not working and it was a recall and I paid to fix it and they don’t wanna pay me back. I got a new part from audi and fix it at the shop and they don’t wanna pay anything just called and she said we don’t pay only if he’s done at the dealer. And I don’t believe that! Bc dealer told me they pay if I fix it any where to get done quick bc was out stock
Incident date: Feb 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the windows independently rolled up and down, and the engine seized. While attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the failure had occurred three times within five days. The v... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 73 MPH with two children inside the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle decelerated and failed to respond as needed. The contact was able to move over to the right side of the road, where the vehicle was turned off and restarted, and operated as intende... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the second-row seats were inoperable. The contact also stated that the second-row seat belts failed to function properly, and the seat belt buckles failed to latch securely. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V034000 (Air Bags) and 25V607000 (Seat Belts); however, p... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the second-row seats were inoperable. The contact also stated that the second-row seat belts failed to function properly, and the seat belt buckles failed to latch securely. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V034000 (Air Bags) and 25V607000 (Seat Belts); however, p... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
We scheduled in advance and confirmed recalls to have seatbelts recall serviced. Lost the entire day waiting for the service department to tell me they did not have the parts. The recall was mishandled and communication was kept to a minimum regarding the service noone knew about not having parts until the end of the day, which was 7 hours after our scheduled visit. A full day of work was lost and... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. The contact stated that the mileage on the title was discovered to be 98,000. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 99,000; however, a Carfax Report indicated that the mileage was 237,532.
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
Engine Failed after driving 121 miles on Highway from Austin to Sealy. As I exited the Hwy. The motor quit, and would not start. It was stranded in a turn lane at the exit. Tow truck has to remove car from road and tow to dealership where they diagnosed the engine failure
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
My sunroof shattered. No other vehicles were near me and after hearing a very loud bang, I pulled over to check to see of something hit my car. All looked fine, but I did not look at the top of my car until about a week later due to hearing wind sounds. I then assumed something must have fell out of the sky. Dealership said that they do not fix sunroofs in-house and towed it to a body shop nea... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V586000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). Additionally, the contact was unable to renew the registration due to the open recall. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts for the recall repair were on back order. The ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V586000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). Additionally, the contact was unable to renew the registration due to the open recall. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts for the recall repair were on back order. The ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2026
During normal driving in temperatures below approximately 20–27°F, the vehicle began losing electrical charge as indicated by the malfunction indicator light (MIL) and battery warning message. While my wife was attempting to return home, multiple vehicle systems progressively shut down, including electric power steering, ABS, auto-leveling suspension, and lane departure assistance. As she was ... Read more