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: Nov 19, 2025
My 2022 Kia Telluride is experiencing several serious safety-related defects. The backup camera does not work, the second-row bucket seats fold up on their own while driving, and the electronic parking brake becomes stuck on and will not disengage. The transmission hesitates and shifts harshly, creating a risk during acceleration and lane changes. The engine is consuming oil between changes. The h... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
My 2019 Audi E-tron has experienced two major issues during my ownership. At around 87k miles, I was driving into a parking lot and suddenly a “electrical malfunction” warning light appeared on my dashboard followed my many warning lights including 4wd, brake system, and battery. The vehicle was not moving properly and I had to slowly move it into a parking lot and had it towed to the dealersh... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
When engine is Idling the cabin immediately starts to smell completely like gasoline. This happens whether the A/C system is on or not. It’s so strong sometimes that I have to put my window down to release the fumes.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
Car is unable to be quick, charged due to recall, leaving me, limited on charging my car quickly and driving it efficiently
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
On November 28, 2025 at approximately 2:20am, I was involved in a multi-car pile up crash on Interstate 85 south near Durham NC. At least 5 vehicles were involved and significantly damaged. At least two drivers were taken by ambulance to local hospitals. Fortunately I was not one of them. I was driving in the left lane of the 2 lane southbound interstate. It happened right in front of me and I... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power while driving on the freeway. The check-engine light began flashing, and the car immediately stopped accelerating. I was in the fast lane at freeway speeds when the vehicle lost power, forcing me to activate my hazard lights and merge into the slow lane to avoid being hit by other vehicles. It felt like the engine was about to stall in traffic, creati... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
My vehicle is consuming oil excessively. I have to put a whole quart of oil in my vehicle every 2 weeks. I am adamant about getting regular maintenance oil changes as well. My car had to be towed to a local auto shop due to the engine stalling and accelerator not working. They had to replace all 4 coil packs and 4 spark plugs due to dark, tarry oil covering the parts. The repairman told me my engi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
My vehicle is consuming oil excessively. I have to put a whole quart of oil in my vehicle every 2 weeks. I am adamant about getting regular maintenance oil changes as well. My car had to be towed to a local auto shop due to the engine stalling and accelerator not working. They had to replace all 4 coil packs and 4 spark plugs due to dark, tarry oil covering the parts. The repairman told me my engi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
Trim on the drivers door comes off creating a traffic hazard.
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
Brakes failed my husband (primary driver of the KIA vehicle) came home from work on 8/19/2024. He pulled off at the local mechanic. Brakes were rusty and there was rust in the brake line so we had to replace. Rusty brakeline became a voluntary recall because it was not just our car that had this problem. We have been going back and forth with Kia since June notice (their case #XXX) and they are b... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Lexus ES 350. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The driver was able to drive to the residence. Upon test-driving the vehicle, the contact noticed that the vehicle was hesitating and jerking. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal clicking sound while driving the following day, and the... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2025
As I was driving home on the highway, my car began making a noise I never heard before. I looked out of my rear view and began to see smoke coming from my car. As I was trying to get off the highway, my car began to lose control. I couldn’t get completely off the highway so I pulled into a small corner. I realized my hood was on fire when I stopped. I grabbed my purse and keys and ran down the h... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 29, 2025
As I was driving home on the highway, my car began making a noise I never heard before. I looked out of my rear view and began to see smoke coming from my car. As I was trying to get off the highway, my car began to lose control. I couldn’t get completely off the highway so I pulled into a small corner. I realized my hood was on fire when I stopped. I grabbed my purse and keys and ran down the h... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Oct 17, 2025
Vehicle has approximately 145K miles and regularly maintained at the dealership. With no prior warnings, the low fuel pressure light came on, started jerking, and making noises, and was unable to start. The vehicle was towed to the nearest mechanic where they said the engine has failed. The car was driven up to that point with no warning signs.
Incident date: Sep 2, 2021
At just under 60,000 miles, the check engine light came on with 10 warnings all at once when the car was started. When I took it to Honda they said that 2 of the cylinders are misfiring and the fuel injectors need to be replaced. These are failing far too early on this model of vehicle and it is likely due to the recalled fuel injector that they took years to replace due to inventory. There should... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact became aware that there was oil leaking from the engine near the spark plugs while checking prior to the warning light being illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the head gasket needed ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
I also have noticed the gurgling sound from the passenger's side when raining and/or when I have had my vehicle washed, and as of this morning 12/02/2025, I have a leak inside the cabin of my vehicle from the middle upper console and over the passenger side window. I am taking it to a windshield repair place to be inspected to see if it is an issue with the windshield or the moonroof. I will the... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
12-01-2025 driving to work in the morning approx 7:00A.M. and turned on the heater and had a very strong smell like fuel so immediately turned it off. Cracked my windows to air it out and then was super cold again and had turned on the heater to try again. Immediately had to turn it off and rolled windows down to air it out because the smell was intense and had started to feel nauseas. Later ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
Very limited while driving in the dark cause head lights go off and can’t drive in the rain or snow cause wipers turn off not save for my family and I and other drivers on the road Thai all happen, After the dealer (Lithia Chevrolet of Redding, CA) performed GM recall programming on the Serial Data Gateway Module (SDGM) and related software updates, my truck began having serious electrical failu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2025
My 2021 Kia K5 EX has a severe and unsafe steering problem. The vehicle consistently pulls hard to the right on its own, even on straight roads. If I loosen my grip even slightly, the car immediately veers to the right. The steering wheel does not stay centered, and I have to constantly fight the steering just to keep the car in the lane. This issue has continued despite multiple alignments, tire... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2025
My 2021 Kia K5 EX has a severe and unsafe steering problem. The vehicle consistently pulls hard to the right on its own, even on straight roads. If I loosen my grip even slightly, the car immediately veers to the right. The steering wheel does not stay centered, and I have to constantly fight the steering just to keep the car in the lane. This issue has continued despite multiple alignments, tire... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
Clicking sound coming from front passenger side wheel, while turning wheel left or right, and driving forward and backward.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
When I purchased this car in 2020 it had approximately 30,000 miles on it and the paint was already flaking in one place. The paint is snow white pearl and it is now flaking in several places. I would like to request an investigation into this specific paint and flaking issues.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
On November 30th, 2025 I drove southbound from Milwaukee to Chicago, leaving at approximately 5:30 a.m., on I-41. There was a winter storm warning in effect. Approximately every twenty miles I needed to stop and deice my headlights as light output had diminished to almost zero, resulting in extremely dangerous visibility. I have experienced similar problems in Manitoba and western Minnesota. In ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
Engine failed. Took car to Johnson City Kia dealership as advised by Kia of north America. The dealership said the engine failed due to carbon build up which is a problem with the engines, that it was not covered under warranty. I paid over $6,400 to have the engine replaced. When I was driving the car home the engine light came on and I lost power on the interstate causing me to almost get hit by... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
cam phaser rattle, well known issue in 2017-2020 F-150s. Started around November 8, 2025, at cold start. Maybe 78,000 miles. Spoke to repair shop who id'd the issue and suggested a NHTSA case.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
I am writing regarding my vehicle, a 2021 Kia Seltos LX - VIN Number [XXX] , which is subject to a recall NHTSA #25V099, Manufacturer Recall Number SC336. I was informed of the recall April 2025 and have since experienced engine stalling while driving on the highway with my young children with me, abnormal engine noise, complete oil loss and eventually complete engine failure. Unfortunately, thi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
I am writing regarding my vehicle, a 2021 Kia Seltos LX - VIN Number [XXX] , which is subject to a recall NHTSA #25V099, Manufacturer Recall Number SC336. I was informed of the recall April 2025 and have since experienced engine stalling while driving on the highway with my young children with me, abnormal engine noise, complete oil loss and eventually complete engine failure. Unfortunately, thi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2025
After dealer-performed repair to the ABS braking system, the vehicle was returned with a malfunctioning ABS control module and a loose brake line near the ABS unit. An independent licensed repair facility confirmed that the ABS control module was never programmed with required vehicle configuration data and would not accept programming attempts. The module is internally corrupted and requires repl... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Ticking noise coming from engine slight metallic noise as well. RPMs drop and when they drop, you can feel power loss constant hunting in the RPMs. Also a weird vibration, not all the time in the front end somewhere.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Vehicle: 2025 Kia Sorento (leased) VIN: [XXX] Mileage at failure: 11,345 Incident dates: March 23, April 27, November 28–December 1 Type: Loss of power / electrical failure / safety hazard Complaint Description: I am reporting repeated electrical failures and complete loss of power in my 2025 Kia Sorento that created unsafe situations for myself and my children. The first failure occurred on... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Vehicle: 2025 Kia Sorento (leased) VIN: [XXX] Mileage at failure: 11,345 Incident dates: March 23, April 27, November 28–December 1 Type: Loss of power / electrical failure / safety hazard Complaint Description: I am reporting repeated electrical failures and complete loss of power in my 2025 Kia Sorento that created unsafe situations for myself and my children. The first failure occurred on... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
Vehicle: 2025 Kia Sorento (leased) VIN: [XXX] Mileage at failure: 11,345 Incident dates: March 23, April 27, November 28–December 1 Type: Loss of power / electrical failure / safety hazard Complaint Description: I am reporting repeated electrical failures and complete loss of power in my 2025 Kia Sorento that created unsafe situations for myself and my children. The first failure occurred on... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
I am reporting a safety defect on my 2013 Kia Sorento (VIN: [XXX] ). Before the failure, the vehicle began experiencing sluggish starting, sputtering during acceleration, stalling when stopped at traffic lights or stop signs, a noticeable fuel odor, and eventually a check engine light. These symptoms increased over several days, and once the check engine light illuminated, we had the vehicle towe... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
Hello I own a Hyundai Elantra 2015 SE I am having trunk latch issues the trunk will not open at all I cannot pull seats down without getting into the trunk once something is in there it cannot get out I believe this is a safety hazard I called my dealership to see if there is a recall on this but there is not this is a big issue .
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
While driving my 2017 Ford Escape, which only has 75k miles on it, a red warning light came on indicating an engine problem and to pull over safely. I was at a red light at a busy intersection when this happened. When it turned green I started driving trying to get into a parking lot safely. My car sputtered and stopped. Luckily I was able to get it into the parking lot. It turns out, after ... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2025) — ENGINE
Dec 1, 2025
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
My 2017 Kia Sorento is experiencing significant engine issues, including excessive oil consumption and ongoing oil leaks. The Kia dealership initially told me I qualified for an oil-consumption test that could result in a free engine replacement if the results met the criteria. After inspecting the vehicle, they refused to perform the test because they said it was ‘leaking too much oil,’ charg... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2025) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dec 1, 2025
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
Beginning at approximately 750 miles on a brand-new 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid EX, the vehicle experienced a flashing Check Engine Light accompanied by severe shaking while driving, rough idling, loss of power, and loud engine/exhaust noise. The vehicle became difficult and unsafe to operate due to the vibration and reduced drivability. These symptoms appeared suddenly on November 22, less than three... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2025) — POWER TRAIN
Dec 1, 2025
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
Beginning at approximately 750 miles on a brand-new 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid EX, the vehicle experienced a flashing Check Engine Light accompanied by severe shaking while driving, rough idling, loss of power, and loud engine/exhaust noise. The vehicle became difficult and unsafe to operate due to the vibration and reduced drivability. These symptoms appeared suddenly on November 22, less than three... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2025
While engaging Adaptive Cruise Control on highway speed, all the sudden I lost the sight of the car in front of me on the display, almost causing a collision, I also lost the correct Waze display. After I stopped the car, shut off engine, then restart the car, re-engaging Adaptive Cruise Control, both problems disappeared. This is an intermittent problem, it should be asap investigated then reca... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
I have been leasing this vehicle for approximately 3 years and have experienced constant engine problems; knocking and jolting forward. There have been four safety recalls and I mentioned the engine issues at the dealership. I was told not use the electric engine and keep the car in gas mode. This has not fixed the problem; it jolts forward randomly which is very scary. I only have this one ve... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
The door lock actuators required repair on all my doors for the RAV4 2020. They stopped working after the 3 year warranty was up. This is a safety issue. I had to manually lock and unlock my doors, which left in a dangerous position at night. Over the course of a year all 4 doors needed to have the actuators replaced. This happrened in 2024.
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
My vehicle has been slow to start and I have had all other issues come on on my vehicle as far as lights as far as the forward collision warning light has came on and the check driver attention warning light has come on as well while I’m running my HVAC past the level 2. I have also had my battery tested and that has tested fine. I have had my alternator tested and the first time it came back go... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
My vehicle has been slow to start and I have had all other issues come on on my vehicle as far as lights as far as the forward collision warning light has came on and the check driver attention warning light has come on as well while I’m running my HVAC past the level 2. I have also had my battery tested and that has tested fine. I have had my alternator tested and the first time it came back go... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2025
23 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S AWD (82 kWh LG battery, <25k miles). Vehicle has permanently lost ~25% of usable battery capacity in less than 2 years. At 80% state-of-charge the Guess-O-Meter consistently shows only 200–205 miles (full-range estimate 250–255 miles instead of EPA 275 / real-world 280–300 miles in similar conditions). Multiple dealer-recommended BMS recalibrations (discharge below 1... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2025
I bought the car 2 yrs ago come April and it's had nothing but issues. I've had one recall did which was the knock sensor however now the check engine is on and it's smelling like rubber my brakes are wearing like an eraser and my engine just feels sluggish. The code is p0420 which from what I understand is a catlic converter and I read online there is a recall for that with kia . I've spent a lot... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2025
I bought the car 2 yrs ago come April and it's had nothing but issues. I've had one recall did which was the knock sensor however now the check engine is on and it's smelling like rubber my brakes are wearing like an eraser and my engine just feels sluggish. The code is p0420 which from what I understand is a catlic converter and I read online there is a recall for that with kia . I've spent a lot... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2023
2016 Honda Civic LX. Electronic power steering has sticky feeling when traveling at highway speeds, does not return to center. This leads to a danger situation as car becomes difficult to control when traveling at highway speeds. Honda is away of this issue on newer generation of Honda's. Upon inspection, the mechanism that is having an issue is almost identical in Honda's 10th generation of vehic... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2023
Car oil light doesnt come on , only when almost gone. Car stop and slugish on highways and automatic turns off , this issie since the update