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: Jan 16, 2026
I was traveling posted speed limit of 65 suddenly the tac was rising and speed was decreasing i stopped on shoulder and the car would not move in drive or reverse then after I stopped the check engine light came on no issues prior to this purchased car 4 days prior to this incident the codes that auto zone pulled were po776 po965 p2813 p0841all related to the cvt transmission which I have now seen... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
The vehicle has consumed the oil and no light came on. I drove and i checked when the running engine start doing a dry noise and loose the power. The stick was completely dry, i filled with 2 litters and now the stick show in the half. My vehicle has 60k miles and tomorrow will check on the servis. It is unacceptable first how the vehicle consumed the oil and the second the system didn't notify r... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2025) - POWER TRAIN
Feb 6, 2026
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
While driving at highway speed, the vehicle suddenly lost the ability to accelerate. Immediately prior to this, the vehicle was making an abnormal engine noise, which continued until the failure. "Drive" light turned off and the "Neutral" turned on its own. I tried to get it to shift back to "Drive" and it wouldn't. I pulled off to the side of the highway. The engine stalled and the vehicle would ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
The car his a module called the iccu that regulates the high voltage battery, battery range goes down, the iccu has been replaced with the vehicle only having 8k miles on the odometer
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
The car his a module called the iccu that regulates the high voltage battery, battery range goes down, the iccu has been replaced with the vehicle only having 8k miles on the odometer
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
I was driving my Pacifica, got the warning light telling me to pull over. The van lost power 3/4 way up a hill blocking traffic and had to get towed to the dealer, where it now awaiting a transmission rebuild. This is the 4th time this same van has died like this, including twice on the highway. Previous times when I brought to the dealer, they only updated software or told me there was nothing th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
Our 2025 Volvo EX90 was delivered with the seat track covers missing for the second row captain's chairs. It took a few weeks for the dealer to order them and install them. Looking at other active listings it appears most of the 6-seat Volvo EX90s being offered for sale is missing the seat track covers. I believe this is a saftey issue as without the cover the seat tracks and wiring is exposed and... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
While driving vehicle between approximately 30-50mph and making a slight turn left or right and lane changes, vehicle steering would stick. Power steering would get stuck and driver would have to manually correct the steering wheel in the opposite direction after lane changes or slight turn to prevent further veering off of the vehicle. Only occurs when vehicle speed is approximately 30-50mph.
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2024) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 6, 2026
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
Driving with my wife and [XXX] child, there was a pop sound from under the car, and the car suddenly showed multiple faults, including "Check electric vehicle system”, which cleared on their own. I parked and turned the car off and on again and the faults reappeared. I started driving home, and during the drive it showed "Stop vehicle and check power supply" and audibly alarmed. As I was only h... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2024) - STEERING
Feb 6, 2026
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
Approximately 4 months after purchasing our 2024 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy we started experiencing a serious steering issue. When driving slow while making turns, either right or left whether going forward or reverse the steering wheel intermittently abruptly stops mid turn and locks with a big bang. It forces me to apply the breaks because I cannot complete the turn. After about 10-15 secs the... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
CV joints left and right make very loud clicking noise, the service department at the dealer ordered the parts in December of 2025, i have been at the dealer twice and today February 6, they told me that the parts are not expected until the end of March, I do not feel safe driving the car. Also the auto emergency brake does not work properly when backing up, false positive hard brakes happen all ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the engine made an abnormally rough sound, the transmission failed to shift as intended, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact exited the highway and continued to drive ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2025
The car is burning a quart of oil a week.
Incident date: Dec 21, 2025
The failure occurred in the rear sliding window defroster electrical system, specifically at the left-side electrical connection of the power sliding rear window. The component overheated and ignited, causing fire damage and shattering of the rear left portion of the window. The vehicle and damaged components are currently available for inspection upon request. The defect resulted in an active ele... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 6, 2017
- the iccu failed and was towed to the dealership and inspected by the service team. - the car needed to be pulled over to safety because of the failure, i had my daughter with me. - yes, the problem has been confirmed by a hyundai technician. - yes, a hyundai technician - i had 2 prior brief errors show on the dashboard that disappeared too quickly to read, not sure if they were related. about a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
Transmission downshifts from 6 to 5 and locks up. I have taken to dealership many times still not correcting the problem. They have replaced celluloid ,spark plugs as well as coils. Although better it is dangerous to rapidly accelerate especially when changing lanes or pulling onto a highway because it loses power.
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
Engine was running at the mechanic shop after getting serviced for spark plugs ,wires, new radiator was installed,and transmission service. The engine was running on the lift for the mechanic to top off transmission fluid. The engine stop by itself. Went to restart the engine no start just extending cranking. The mechanic shop has the truck trying find the issue why did engine stop while running.
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
This vehicle is on its 3rd set of injectors within a year. It is a known problem that Honda knows they keep replacing them but they keep going out causing a misfire
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
In my Honda 2020 Pilot, the driver's side headrest in the 3rd row will no longer stay upright. It simply stays flat and will not lock into place. As the headrest will not stay upright, the seat is unusable. If someone used that seat or if the headrest would fail while a person is sitting in that seat, it would cause an injury risk. It looks like their is evidence that Technical Information and... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
While attempting a left-hand turn, the steering wheel suddenly became stiff and unresponsive, as if the mechanical gear had bound. This sudden resistance made it impossible to complete the turn, causing the vehicle to strike a curb at low speed. A post-accident inspection at Lee Johnson Mazda (RO# 649854) confirmed extensive damage, including a bent inner tie rod, a damaged front wheel bearing/hub... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 24, 2025
The front facing camera has stopped working. Anytime we turn the vehicle on we get multiple warning lights (lane assist, cruise control, bright lights, braking, etc) aren't working.
Incident date: Oct 24, 2025
The front facing camera has stopped working. Anytime we turn the vehicle on we get multiple warning lights (lane assist, cruise control, bright lights, braking, etc) aren't working.
Incident date: Oct 24, 2025
When turning right or left during 90-degree turns or U-turns, a loud clicking noise is heard. Already had the front axle replaced during first maintenance and the problem came back within 2 months of normal driving.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
The truck has a mild hybird 48 volt system that will cause the engine to stall in traffic.
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
Issue I’m having with my 2015 Ford expedition Limited, is on multiple occasions when I’m at highway speeds my vehicle downshifts and decelerates. While im driving through the city streets, my vehicle downshifts randomly and does not upshift. On these occasions I’ve had to safely pull over and turn my vehicle off and on. Doing so resolves the problem for about 10 miles, and then back to the s... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
My 2019 Honda Odyssey had an emissions code come up with OBD II sensor code of P219A which led to research revealing that the code was a result of fuel injector failure. I took my van to the dealer who revealed that based on my VIN, I am not eligible for the extended warranty issued by Honda in 2021. This has resulted in a $1900.00 repair bill that should be covered based on history and problems. ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
Car engine seized and lost ALL power going 60mph down the highway at night with my child in the back seat. I have poured quarts and quarts of oil in this vehicle because it burns oil at an alarming rate until it eventually runs dry and the engine seizes. This is extremely dangerous and luckily my child and I were able to drift to the side of the road without harm and injury. Very discouraging tha... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
Complete transmission replacement for failure. Toyota said it is an unknown issue but has not issued a recall for 2020/2021 models. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL. Toyota should be responsible, especially because they will not cover it if you go over your manufacturer warranty of 60k. I purchased this car last week, and had to get a full new transmission the following week because they did not disclos... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2026
Turbocharger failed. This new car was one week old and had approximately one hundred miles on it. There are numerous reports of this condition online. The car can no longer be driven and the part is on national backorder.
Incident date: Jan 19, 2026
While using Ford Blue Cruise, the Blue Cruise system failed to maintain lane control and fought the driver's steering wheel input, resulting in the vehicle colliding with a traffic cone. I have had 3 other instances where Blue Cruise has randomly jerked me toward the shoulder or an exit ramp, this is the first time colliding with anything. Only damage to the vehicle from this incident is a ripped ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 19, 2026
While using Ford Blue Cruise, the Blue Cruise system failed to maintain lane control and fought the driver's steering wheel input, resulting in the vehicle colliding with a traffic cone. I have had 3 other instances where Blue Cruise has randomly jerked me toward the shoulder or an exit ramp, this is the first time colliding with anything. Only damage to the vehicle from this incident is a ripped ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Feb 2026 My airbag light came on few days ago, now my horn doesn't work, and the functions on the steering wheel don't work, like being able to reset tire pressure and check functions for the car, the phone, the radio/cd information. Jan 2025 My seat belt (driver ) lock is broken ,to attach the seat belt in place..I have to just keep it clicked in, and put it over my shoulder (over a yr now) A... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Feb 2026 My airbag light came on few days ago, now my horn doesn't work, and the functions on the steering wheel don't work, like being able to reset tire pressure and check functions for the car, the phone, the radio/cd information. Jan 2025 My seat belt (driver ) lock is broken ,to attach the seat belt in place..I have to just keep it clicked in, and put it over my shoulder (over a yr now) A... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2025
I was in a accident where I was going a okay speed in traffic where suddenly the car in front of me brakes and my emergency brakes did not activate so I had to slam on mines to avoid impact but the car behind me hit me causing me to impact the car in front and with no airbag deployment from impact in back and front. Causing me later with neck and head pain.
Crash
Incident date: Aug 27, 2025
I was in a accident where I was going a okay speed in traffic where suddenly the car in front of me brakes and my emergency brakes did not activate so I had to slam on mines to avoid impact but the car behind me hit me causing me to impact the car in front and with no airbag deployment from impact in back and front. Causing me later with neck and head pain.
Crash
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
Backup camera unavailable: this happened often. Put the car in reverse and the screen goes black with error saying the camera is unavailable.
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
The ICCU failed, leaving me stranded 4.5 hours from home. Luckily I was able to tow the car to the nearest dealership and they gave me a loaner. It has been 6 weeks and no update yet.
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
Vehicle makes a loud noise when under 65mph. Car shakes when breaking. Transmission needs to be replaced.
Incident date: Jan 27, 2026
My transmission has begun to shift extremely rough the vehicle now loses power with no notice OR it excellerates up to almost 4000rpm. So much that I have to break and try to pull over immediately. Without any notice the vehicle no shifts rough from 3-4 skips 6 completely and whines out in 8th gear.
Incident date: Jan 27, 2026
During the last two years with my 2017 Ford F150 XLT 4X4 5.4L, I've replaced the brake pads 8 times. I've also replaced the rotors on all 4 wheels. Each time, with less than 30,000 miles between needing to replace the pads, the front pads have worn down the entire pad at an unreasonable rate. I do not brake hard, and I drive mostly on highways without much traffic, so having to replace the pads ev... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
On multiple occasions when turning left the emergency breaking system stops and stalls out the car.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
I am reporting a safety issue involving a Cybex Eternis S child car seat. The seat was manufactured on 02/28/2020 and has a printed expiration date of 02/25/2030, indicating a 10 year usable life. At approximately five years of use, the head impact foam failed and is broken into two separate pieces. The foam pieces are detached. This foam is a required safety component. Cybex customer service co... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
I am reporting a safety issue involving a Cybex Eternis S child car seat. The seat was manufactured on 02/28/2020 and has a printed expiration date of 02/25/2030, indicating a 10 year usable life. At approximately five years of use, the head impact foam failed and is broken into two separate pieces. The foam pieces are detached. This foam is a required safety component. Cybex customer service co... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
Every time I put the breaks on or go over any kind of speed bump, it bounces and sounds like warn out bed springs. Out of nowhere The volume on my radio will turn up extremely loud. Its happened more than a handful of times while driving and it scared me to the point of having to pull over to gather myself. Some days it doesn’t work at all. The past 3 months, My front passenger window gets stuck... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2026
New Jeep, 1500 miles on it. While driving, it did an automatic update in the computer system. Following the update, the screen kept jumping information all over, constantly moving. I called jeep and they said bring it in same day. Following two shutdowns, the screen appeared normal. On 3 consecutive days it had automatic braking issues. 3 driving incidents occurred in which the automatic colli... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
Transmission will downshift and bang very hard. Took to dealer approximate 3 times and was told they couldn't replicate the issue. Warranty expired so I didn't have it rechecked. They did do a computer reset on the transmission.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
clicking noises from front of engine area/tire area whenever steeing wheel turned left or right turned out to be cv axels and replaced feb 2. 2026 -so far will monitor for recurrence - grand highlander forum with numerous such complaints
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
My wife drives this vehicle daily with our 3 children all of sudden these warning lights come up: Trailer stability assist problem Road departure mitigation system problem Power steering system problem Emission system problem Vehicle stability assist problem Hill start assist problem The last time this happen was 1/28/2026 Took it to the dealer 1/31/2026 showed the association the video... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
I was on my way to work on 2/4/2026 and all of a sudden the RPMs went up really high and wouldn’t accelerate and then down shifted really hard so I pulled over. It then showed on the dash “System Fault: Transmission Fault Service Now” I ended up needing a tow truck. This is NOT ok! It’s also apparently a common occurrence which means it should be recalled and fixed!