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 7, 2026
Was traveling down the road and my truck randomly downshifted into 1st gear and caused my rear wheels to lock up and i almost went off the road..occasionally 9n way back home gear shift selector was randomly cycling back and forth and truck would seem like was neutral and would suddenly go back into a random gear.
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
ABS system faile, There is no replacement part to correct the fault, and there is no replacement date, code C2200
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The horn stops working which is a safety hazard in case someone is backing into you, etc. This horn has stop working 4 times and had to be replaced.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the clutch pedal traveled to the floorboard and the low oil warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the brakes failed to function properly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed and determined that the slave cylinder had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the engine seized. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle coasted to the side of the road, where the vehicle failed ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2002
The contact owns a 2026 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact called several dealers and was informed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available, and that the manufacturer had placed a pause on the part for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact h... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
Both daytime running lights failed simultaneously. Not covered by warranty and told that they would cost >$5,000 to repair. There have been hundreds of these reported and it should be a recall
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
ABS Failure cause loss of power and ability to accelerate, dealer states part under engineering review for 2 years
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
I have a recall on this vehicle that GMC has failed to provide me parts/repair and this recall will be 3 years old in June. I have emailed the local dealer, the manager of the local dealer, GM corporate, and no one has followed through. The best I came to getting the repair was that Corporate made sure I had an appointment and dealer had my part, I went to that appt at my local dealer in Jan 202... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
The car died without warning on highway. Lost control because of no power. Car was towed. no codes found. Car died again on highway, lost control no power to brakes and steering. Car was hit trying to got off into breakdown lane. High pressure fuel pump no good.
Crash
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal vibration in the steering wheel. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the tires were replaced, and the wheels and bearings were inspected by an independent mechanic, but no failure was found. The independent mechanic related the failure to an undisclose... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
There is a recall out for Ford vehicles for the pillars outside of the windshield, mine flew off the windshield while driving in the interstate. I called ford trying to schedule an appointment because the same thing happened to my boyfriend’s grandma and she told me there was a recall. I was informed that my vin was not apart of the safety recall for whatever reason. The car is available for ins... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2023) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Feb 17, 2026
Incident date: Oct 20, 2025
While driving at speed, I heard a pop noise from the car. A few seconds later, I received notification to check vehicle electric system. The vehicle slowed down despite my increasing throttle input. I was able to limp to a parking lot where it was flat bed towed. This experience matches a previous issue I had when it was diagnosed with an ICCU failure with the same vehicle.
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
I am the owner of a 2025 Nissan Sentra with approximately 3,200 miles. The vehicle was purchased new from an authorized Nissan dealership in Columbia, South Carolina. The vehicle is subject to an open safety recall identified as the Door Striker Campaign. As of January 29th, the vehicle has been removed from commercial rental service due to the open safety recall. Nissan North America has confi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact stated the display screen was blank. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were on back order. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approx... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2026
Bought vehicle new at Millennium Honda, Hempstead New York.Vehicle is not going into reverse when vehicle gets hot. My mileage is 40,512 took it Millennium Honda on October 4, 2025, for diagnostic testing error code P0736 was diagnosed and that my transmission would need’s replacing at a cost of $11,495 for parts and labor, because I was a couple months out of warranty. I have since reached out ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2026
Bought vehicle new at Millennium Honda, Hempstead New York.Vehicle is not going into reverse when vehicle gets hot. My mileage is 40,512 took it Millennium Honda on October 4, 2025, for diagnostic testing error code P0736 was diagnosed and that my transmission would need’s replacing at a cost of $11,495 for parts and labor, because I was a couple months out of warranty. I have since reached out ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
My vehicle is subject to an open safety recall (NHTSA Recall 25V-741) involving high-voltage battery separator damage that may cause a vehicle fire when parked or charging. The recall has been active on this vehicle for over four months. The manufacturer and dealers have confirmed the recall applies but have not provided a remedy timeline or parts availability. The vehicle is considered unsafe to ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
Car started making high pitch noise when moving, it is the CVT transmission failing at 125k miles. Toyota describe the CVT fluid as lifetime and no recommended maintenance required.
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
File against: Ford Motor Company Vehicle: 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E VIN: [XXX] Safety Complaint While driving, the vehicle unexpectedly slowed down, lost power, and became inoperable, creating a serious safety hazard. I was able to pull over safely, but the sudden loss of motive power occurred during active roadway conditions. Dealer diagnosis identified a wiring harness connector failure affec... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
Any time the heated seats and or steering wheel heat are on the lights pulsate inside and outside the vehicle. I have complained to the dealership and Chevy. Neither one has any answers for this. Chevy admitted via email finally that it was an issue but they did not have a fix at this time and the vehicle was safe. I find this to be a safety issue due to the lights pulsating and that apparently it... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
The moment it happened I'm cruising at 75 mph, highway humming under the tires, everything normal. Then—without warning—the engine doesn’t just stumble, it fails. A sudden jolt, a surge of noise that doesn’t belong, the power dropping out like someone pulled the plug on the entire vehicle. In a split second, your brain goes from autopilot to full survival mode. My hands tighten on the ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
The car started misfiring, check engine light came on. Took the car into shop to find out what the problem was. I was told coolant was in the cylinders and the engine was gone.
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
All four tires are wearing unevenly. The outside of the tires are worn down much more than the middle and inside edge of tires. I noticed this six months ago, have called Toyota and brought the truck to the dealership and they stated there is no issue. I had the exact same Make/Model/Trim (3rd Generation Tundra TRD Pro) from 2022, and the tires wore out in the exact same manner. A safety rec... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
All four tires are wearing unevenly. The outside of the tires are worn down much more than the middle and inside edge of tires. I noticed this six months ago, have called Toyota and brought the truck to the dealership and they stated there is no issue. I had the exact same Make/Model/Trim (3rd Generation Tundra TRD Pro) from 2022, and the tires wore out in the exact same manner. A safety rec... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
Re: Formal Complaint – Repeated Engine Failures and Unacceptable Service Delays Vehicle: Kia Sorento 2014 VIN: [XXX] Purchased: Fall of 2021 Current Issue: Vehicle in service at Kia of Lincolnwood since January 9, 2026 Dear Kia Consumer Affairs and Legal Department, I am writing to formally document my severe dissatisfaction with the repeated engine failures in my Kia vehicle and the complete ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
I have had several different warning lights come on. 1. 4WD System Unavailable Service Required 2. 4WD Overheated Temporarily Unavailable 3. Stop/Start Not Ready Engine Temperature Too Low Received several codes showing faulty equipment. C140B-4B Transfer Case Motor Overheating-Drawing Excessive Amperage 11-13 Amps. Rear Differential has faulty pump Excessive end play at L/side axle Jeep will ne... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
I own a 2020 Ford Explorer with approximately 85,776 miles. The vehicle has experienced two separate loss-of-propulsion events in traffic. On both occasions, the vehicle suddenly lost power while driving and stalled in the middle of a busy intersection. There was no prior warning of imminent engine failure. After stalling, the vehicle would crank but would not restart. The vehicle was disabled in... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
I own a 2020 Ford Explorer with approximately 85,776 miles. The vehicle has experienced two separate loss-of-propulsion events in traffic. On both occasions, the vehicle suddenly lost power while driving and stalled in the middle of a busy intersection. There was no prior warning of imminent engine failure. After stalling, the vehicle would crank but would not restart. The vehicle was disabled in... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
Clicking noises when turning. Dealership no longer fixing (fixed passenger side, driver side still unrepaired). Front end collision breaking happening at random, causing unsafe breaking in the middle of the road. Also frequently happening when releasing break at stop light, narrowly avoiding multiple rear end collisions due to breaks being slammed on by vehicle collision system. Now with high volt... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2026
unkown available for inspection cylinder misfiring ,stalling loss of power while driving, jerking during accelerations rough unstable idle intense vehicle vibrations yes took in for service A and D no other lights appeared beside service A and D
Incident date: Feb 15, 2026
The engine began sputtering and then shut off. I had it towed in to a third party mechanic we frequently use, and they confirmed that the engine had seized, and they could not ascertain the cause. It didn't seem to have anything to do with low oil. I wondered if it was an issue with the fuel pumps failing again, because they recently failed and we had to have them replaced. I checked our VIN numbe... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2026
The car showed a message that there is a system error and many warning lights came on, including the check engine light. Most of the warning lights indicated that many of the car's ADAS functions were disabled. The car also switched from AWD to FWD. The error code turned out to be P2C90 which relates to the PCV system. So, the car turned off all the safety features as a result of a minor emi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2025
VEHICLE INFORMATION Vehicle: 2025 Chevrolet Equinox (Gas) Purchase Price: $46,000 In-Service Date: January 28, 2026 Current Mileage: 2,433 miles First Repair Attempt: Approximately 200 miles DEFECT DESCRIPTION (SAFETY-CRITICAL) The vehicle experiences intermittent but recurring safety system failures while driving, including: • Complete instrument cluster blackout (all gauges dark) • All war... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
I am the original owner of a 2016 Dodge Charger SXT AWD (VIN: [XXX] ). On February 3, 2026, while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure. I heard a loud metallic grinding noise from underneath, followed by an immediate loss of power and "Service Transmission" and "SERV AWD" warnings on the dashboard. The vehicle became inoperable, and the engine could not... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
Brakes lock down at approximately 45 miles per hour
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
I am reporting premature clear coat failure on a 2016 Toyota 4Runner in Magnetic Gray Metallic. The vehicle has approximately 120,000 miles and has been properly maintained, including regular washing and professional ceramic coating. The clear coat on the hood and roof (horizontal panels) is severely peeling and delaminating. The protective clear layer has failed, and the base coat is beginning to... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2024
The truck keeps wanting to engage two gears acceleration and deceleration and still is happening i have taken it to the dealership an they can not find a problem took it home an its happening again so now its back at the shop now I'm waiting to hear back from them so this is the second time to the dealership
Incident date: Feb 15, 2026
While stopped our 2019 Kona EV at a traffic light with my foot on the brake, the car spontaneously accelerated and crashed into the car also sitting at the light about eight feet in front of us. If there wasn't a car in front of us, we would have gone through a busy intersection at very high speed. The front end of the car was destroyed and both airbags deployed. The car was towed to a collisio... Read more
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Feb 15, 2026
10r80 transmission slipped between 3rd and 4th gear shift. Truck is available for inspection. The few seconds loss of power is definitely a safety risk. It happened while pulling out onto a highway from a full stop. There are numerous reports of this issue with this transmission. Plan to have transmission inspected by a mechanic ASAP. No warnings of the issue prior to this happening.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2026
The Driver's side daytime running light white LED strip is inoperable. After internet research this complaint is very common and similar to the tail "racetrack" light recall. Because daytime running increases visibility of vehicles on the road, this is safety related. I have since observed several late year model Durangos with this exact fault. Stelantis/Dodge/Chrysler will not warranty the fault ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2026
Gets stuck in 3rd and 5th gears randomly, on the interstate it will get stuck and won’t shift, we believe it is a lead frame issue, in town it won’t down shift out of third, we can turn it off and on and it can jump from first to third gear while not moving, sometimes it runs just fine, it does this at random
Incident date: Feb 14, 2026
Subframe, in the rear, where lateral arms are connected completely rusted off from the rest of the subframe. The control arm has broken off and is now rubbing against fuel tank. Car is unrepairable and undrivable.
Incident date: Feb 14, 2026
The dash displayed multiple warning ICONS and I carried the Jeep to a mechanic. They discovered that the ABS Module, which is the anti braking system, had a fault error and needed to be replaced. After multiple attempts have found out that this particular ABS Module, OEM Part number (68145835AE) is no longer available by Jeep Chrysler and has not been available for the past few years. This means t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2026
The dash displayed multiple warning ICONS and I carried the Jeep to a mechanic. They discovered that the ABS Module, which is the anti braking system, had a fault error and needed to be replaced. After multiple attempts have found out that this particular ABS Module, OEM Part number (68145835AE) is no longer available by Jeep Chrysler and has not been available for the past few years. This means t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
Unknown...the car goes into limp mode suddenly...my battery was boiling an shot liquid out of it, prior to this my other battery leaked an the alternator was bad ....when this happens suddenly you have no steering, an if course the boiling battery may explode....I've had this car checked over several times since begining of January with everything checking out fine but this still happening
Incident date: Feb 14, 2026
No warning lamps or messages. A driver in a pickup truck behind me came up close and signaled me to pull over. He got out of his truck, ran up to my window and yelled to me "get out of your car, it is on fire". I was completely unaware of any problem. I got out and could see fire coming from under the front of the car. We moved away and he called 911.
Fire
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
I own a 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe with approximately 14,000 miles. The vehicle is subject to multiple safety recalls involving fire risk and potential catastrophic failure. Recall 1 involves the high-voltage battery. The manufacturer instructed owners not to charge the vehicle and not to park near structures due to risk of fire. The recall notice states that not charging may lower the risk of fire. ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2026
The vehicle has been in to the dealer multiple times for electrical system failures. The car is not safe to drive and has stalled multiple times while driving. The system has errors that light up stating there is an electrical system failure. The car has stopped driving in the middle of a trip, I have been stuck with my family multiple times while on short trips and long trips. The vehicle has bee... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2026
The vehicle has been in to the dealer multiple times for electrical system failures. The car is not safe to drive and has stalled multiple times while driving. The system has errors that light up stating there is an electrical system failure. The car has stopped driving in the middle of a trip, I have been stuck with my family multiple times while on short trips and long trips. The vehicle has bee... Read more