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: Dec 26, 2025
The car makes a ticking noise when turning the wheel. It originally only happened when making left turns but recently it has started making the noise when making right turns as well.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
My 2008 Kia Sorento parked inside a garage for 2 days, not running, not idling, without the key in the ignition, all of a sudden cut fire by itself, consuming the entire engine compartment and part of the front seat, and also caused substantial damage to the the garage. Filed a claim with Kia which denied responsibilities. The incident occurred in December 26, 2025, and was waiting for Kia decisio... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
I own a 2016 Lexus GS 350 and noticed in 2018 that the dashboard had a sticky substance not realizing the dashboard of my car was indeed melting! It looks terrible! People get in my car and ask, "What happen to your dashboard?" I live in Houston, Texas where temperatures reach upper 90s even 100s which affects my visibility while driving due to the glare reflected on windshield with melting dashb... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
NHTSA Recall 24V-110 (VW 20UF). The vehicle is in Limp Mode and experiencing low oil pressure symptoms. It is also subject to Recall 24V-110, which identifies a fire risk due to fuel leakage. Despite the safety hazard, the local Volkswagen dealership has refused to perform the recall repair or diagnose the vehicle, stating it is at their 'discretion.' I am reporting a failure by the manufacturer a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
NHTSA Recall 24V-110 (VW 20UF). The vehicle is in Limp Mode and experiencing low oil pressure symptoms. It is also subject to Recall 24V-110, which identifies a fire risk due to fuel leakage. Despite the safety hazard, the local Volkswagen dealership has refused to perform the recall repair or diagnose the vehicle, stating it is at their 'discretion.' I am reporting a failure by the manufacturer a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2026
The vehicle is a rental vehicle. It experienced two incidents of sudden loss of propulsion within the first two days of operation. During both events, the vehicle became completely unresponsive to accelerator pedal input and would not move despite being placed in Drive. I attempted to shift the vehicle into Park and then back into Drive, but propulsion was not restored. No warning lights, malfunc... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
Vehicle Information: 2021 Honda Pilot Elite Component: Forward Collision Avoidance: Camera System Lane Departure: Lane Keeping Assist Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Failure Description: The windshield-mounted forward-facing camera (Lane Keeping Assist System / Honda Sensing camera) failed without warning on my 2021 Honda Pilot Elite. This camera is mounted behind the windshield and c... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2025
The back window blew out
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
Steering wheel panel glued/tampered (Safety Hazard) Motor/Pump assembly broken. Recall couldn't be done due to tampered parts.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2026
Steering wheel panel glued/tampered (Safety Hazard) Motor/Pump assembly broken. Recall couldn't be done due to tampered parts.
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
I was driving vehicle and heard a loud sound like an explosion. I looked up and there was a big hole in my sunroof. The sunroof exploded. Yes you can look at it. It proceeded to crack and glass flew everywhere. Danger was that glass flew everywhere, got in my hair and could have been way worse. It is very dangerous and lucky I didn’t wreck. I have no idea was this is not deemed bad enough for... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Sudden Unintended Acceleration (SUA) I was pulling into a parking spot in a parking structure. I was coasting into the spot and applied the brakes. Upon releasing the break and allowing the car to coast, it unintentionally lurched forward with some acceleration even though I did not press on the gas petal. This results in the car lurching forward and hitting the parking garage wall. A call to t... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
My vehicle has a lack of power it won't change gears move slow hard to go up hills shakes
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
Slow speed brakes shudder or grab way to hard causing vehicle to stop abruptly and clunk.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
The transmission blew in 2023. I purchased the vehicle from Fox Ford (first mistake) and they sent me to the local Nissan dealer to fix it. It was covered under dealer warranty at the time. Fast forward to 1/30/26. My car is fully paid off and I’m driving home from work with my daughter in the backseat and, my worst nightmare occurred; the transmission blew again! The only reason I purchased thi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
While driving the instrument panel started flashing and beeping and the engine shutdown and the instrument panel read to put it in park to restart. This is not the first time this has happened with this vehicle and this last time the dealer is telling me there are no codes and they are unable to replicate the incident. This is extremely dangerous!! At the time of this report it has been at the dea... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
Car suddenly lost control, making zig zag movements, none of the safety sensors were working, car went off road and crashed into freeway side fence. Windows airbags deployed on driver window and passenger window behind driver seat
Crash
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
My 2019 Chevrolet Silverado has experienced repeated engine issues, including a confirmed timing chain failure. The vehicle has been taken in for repairs approximately 6–7 times for the same or related engine problems. Most concerning, the vehicle has stalled while driving, creating a serious safety hazard. Loss of power while in motion puts me and others at risk of an accident. Despite multiple... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
For the past seven months, my vehicle‘s location settings have been off. It has been to the dealership multiple times and is connected to satellite, but is unable to show the proper location for the car. While I am driving, I am often unable to use my cell phones Apple or Google Maps because the phone’s location services are off. As soon as I exit the car, my phone is able to find the correct ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
On 2/19/2026 while driving, my 2020 Hyundai Sonata Limited 1.6T began making several loud explosive / popping sounds. At the same time, the fuel gauge on the display screen appeared to rapidly drop, as if the vehicle was losing gas. Immediately following this, the vehicle began to hesitate and lose power while accelerating. The hesitation felt like the engine was misfiring or struggling to mainta... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
On 2/19/2026 while driving, my 2020 Hyundai Sonata Limited 1.6T began making several loud explosive / popping sounds. At the same time, the fuel gauge on the display screen appeared to rapidly drop, as if the vehicle was losing gas. Immediately following this, the vehicle began to hesitate and lose power while accelerating. The hesitation felt like the engine was misfiring or struggling to mainta... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
The airbag system has a sensor issue and I keep getting warnings from Subaru to get it fixed because it affects the seatbelts. The garage where I take my car says they are unable to get the part needed for the passenger sensor. And, Subaru says they need to replace the whole harness for $6000. Makes me wonder why a safety issue like this one seen in other Subaru’s have been recalled but not my... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2024
While driving at highway speeds, my 2025 Nissan Pathfinder suddenly loses power and enters limp mode with no warning. The dashboard displays: “Engine Malfunction – Power Reduced – Service Now.” When this happens, the vehicle cannot accelerate and struggles to maintain speed, creating a serious safety hazard in traffic. This has occurred multiple times. First time was on January 6th - enter... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2024
While driving at highway speeds, my 2025 Nissan Pathfinder suddenly loses power and enters limp mode with no warning. The dashboard displays: “Engine Malfunction – Power Reduced – Service Now.” When this happens, the vehicle cannot accelerate and struggles to maintain speed, creating a serious safety hazard in traffic. This has occurred multiple times. First time was on January 6th - enter... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
The airbag system defect light went on and stayed on. The diagnosis from an authorized former Suzuki dealer (Lincoln of Wayne, Wayne, New Jersey), charging approximately $270 for the diagnosis, was that the occupant sensing pad including the bottom seat on the passenger side had failed. This particular part had already been replaced under an NHTSA-related safety recall campaign approximately thr... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2024
The seal on the sunroof of the car allows water into the car. My car will be available for inspection upon request. This issue allows water into the car around the b pillar airbag and the side window airbag which can damage the airbag and make it deploy without any accidents or make them not deploy in the case of a accident. BMW has an internal document in which acknowledging the issue with the se... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2024
The seal on the sunroof of the car allows water into the car. My car will be available for inspection upon request. This issue allows water into the car around the b pillar airbag and the side window airbag which can damage the airbag and make it deploy without any accidents or make them not deploy in the case of a accident. BMW has an internal document in which acknowledging the issue with the se... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
Engine went into limp mode with now warning. I recieved a reduced engine power warning and the vehicle lost acceleration on the highway almost leading to an accident. I had the car towed to Coggin GM for diagnostic and was told that my throttle body has to be replaced. I was advised that this is common issue with this engine and notify due to a recall of older equinoxes
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
My car is fine Lyft company has stopped me because I have a recall for you . And I need a document from you that says that I don't need no recall . Plus I just had the inspection this morning. And my car is perfect. Can you please help me with a document to get back to work
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
My 2022 Ioniq5 left me stranded late at night in a freezing rainstorm in March of 2024 when I was 75 miles from home at it failed to charge both D/C fast charging and A/C level 2 charging, despite my trying several different chargers. The car gave me the dreaded "Check E/V System" warning when it failed to charge. It turned out to be the notorious ICCU but also the AC inverter, which had to be r... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
Yesterday, Thursday February 29, 2026, the steering wheel and/or lane assist feature of my 2023 Honda CRV Sport Hybrid seemed to try to force my car over a cliff on a mountain road. I was driving from Crystal Mountain Ski Resort in Washington state returning to my home in Seattle WA when the steering wheel of my Honda seemed to stiffened or lock up at a curve in Crystal Mountain Blvd several mile... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
We purchased a 2025 Toyota Sienna Woodland Edition in July 2025. On October 7, 2025 we were notified that vehicle is subject to a safety recall [NHSTA Recall No. 25V-668, Toyota Recall No. 25TA12 (Interim Notice 25TB12)] due to improperly welded seat rails. The recall states: "The subject vehicles contain second-row seats that are mounted on seat rails that may have been improperly welded. If ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
The front passenger air bag sensor turns off either before we begin driving or while the vehicle is in motion. The manual says that if you have a seat cushion or are not in the position for the sensor to "see" you, it may turn off. I have a bad back, and I need my 2-inch seat cushion for long trips, or I will be in pain. But when I use my seat cushion, the sensor turns the air bag off. So, if I us... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
My vehicle suddenly developed electrical problems and would not start. Before it completely failed, I began seeing warning lights on the dashboard, including a PARK warning and an engine oil light. The vehicle had been operating normally earlier that day, but later became totally unresponsive. The doors would not unlock electronically and the car would not start. This happened after a period of h... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
All of a sudden, my engine started making this ticking noise. I brought it to a mechanic, and he said the noise is coming from inside the engine. He checked for codes and everything, but nothing came up. The only way to look at it is to take the engine apart from what he told me. I started researching for solutions online before doing this and I came across other Mazda CX5 owners complaining of th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2025
I never was contacted by GM that a recall was made for my truck, by email or mail. The last two extended warranty 111k miles or May 7, 2029) repairs made by the dealer, the repair paperwork order states a “ Recall” exists but the dealer elects not to perform the repairs @ 44k miles. Recall: Perform Factory Recall 212349710 ECM Fastners missing or loose. I’ve searched cannot find this recal... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2025
A brand new Santa Fe Hybrid AWD SEL(less than 2500 miles) makes squeaky noises when rotating the steering wheel to the counter clock wise. It is very annoying and frustrating. Due to the noise I can't fully concentrate to driving the car. Brought the vehicle to a local dealer and they would not do anything about it.
Incident date: Mar 29, 2025
The mid-row driver's side seat release cable suddenly permenantly lost all tension, preventing the seat from latching into place both during operation and while stationary, leading to it sliding forwards/backwards with the vehicle in motion. The seat that experienced the failure is at present still avaliable for inspection - and the issue occurs frequently enough that a DIY fix can be found onlin... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 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 unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufac... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while seated in the vehicle, while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormally strong plastic burning odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that a top light was plugged in the trunk, but the light was turned off. After opening the trunk, the contact became aware that the wiring in the trunk had overheated and burned the laundry... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
Noxious emissions fill passenger compartment while at idle, or when using remote start. Cannot drive with windows closed, or with recirculation on. Passengers feel, "sleepy". Bracket holding flex pipe fails at the same point in several different traverse vehicles. The 2018 model we have, is not covered by a recall, even though the 2019 of the same design and fail point, is. N222385510 GM ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
The contact's friend owned a 2019 Mini Clubman. The contact stated that while the driver was driving 25 MPH from a complete stop, another vehicle traveling approximately 30 MPH crashed into the front passenger's side of the vehicle by the fender, in the middle of an intersection. The driver depressed the brake pedal and brought the vehicle to a stop. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact was ... Read more
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
There is a presence of gasoline in the oil which is causing two(2) safety issues. 1. The infiltration of gasoline in the oil can cause the engine to malfunction to the point of seizure which could cause a sudden stop in traffic flow. 2. The noxious gasoline fumes are unbearable in the cabin of the truck causing headaches, nausea, and lightheadedness which could cause an accident while driving a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
There is a presence of gasoline in the oil which is causing two(2) safety issues. 1. The infiltration of gasoline in the oil can cause the engine to malfunction to the point of seizure which could cause a sudden stop in traffic flow. 2. The noxious gasoline fumes are unbearable in the cabin of the truck causing headaches, nausea, and lightheadedness which could cause an accident while driving a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2007 Honda Odyssey. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase of the vehicle. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 147,279. It was later discovered that the mileage was 138,556. However, based on a Carfax report the actual mileage was 176,401.
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Feb 19, 2026
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
Our son hit a guardrail and the airbags didn't deploy. Accident and failure was reported to insurance company
Crash
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - ENGINE
Feb 19, 2026
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
1) My 2023 Nissan Rogue experienced a catastrophic engine failure, and it is available for inspection. 2) The safety of myself and my grandchild was at risk when this happened while I was driving the vehicle. 3) We had the vehicle towed to the Nissan dealership where we purchased the vehicle. Within a very short period of time, we received a call from the dealership stating the head gaskets were b... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - ENGINE
Feb 19, 2026
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
I was driving my car and was at a stop sign and the vehicle started acting odd and it felt like it was lunging me forward. I was concerned that it was going to do it without my control and after that it almost sluggish and stalling until I could get it out of the intersection. Took it to a repair shop and the whole turbo unit needs to be replaced with 38,000 miles on it.
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
While driving down the road all of a sudden vehicle slams then shifts down indicator lights for gear selection starts flashing. It has happened 4 times so far this week February 17, February 19 of 2026.
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
While driving down the road all of a sudden vehicle slams then shifts down indicator lights for gear selection starts flashing. It has happened 4 times so far this week February 17, February 19 of 2026.