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.

2,245,377 Total Complaints
140,173 Reported Crashes
56,794 Reported Fires
8,580 Reported 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

How to Read NHTSA Consumer Complaints › How NHTSA Investigations Work › Used Car: 7 Recall Checks to Run First › The Takata Airbag Recall: Full Story › OBD-II Codes Explained › All Articles ›
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Showing 62,191 complaints for KIA

KIA OPTIMA (2020) - POWER TRAIN Feb 5, 2026
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving between with the RPM between 2,000 and 2,500, the vehicle bucked. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a transmission triple flush was performed; however, the failure recurred within 1-2 months. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the transmission was service... Read more
KIA SORENTO (2025) - AIR BAGS Feb 5, 2026
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
Stable track control failed to work, the driver seatbelt did not tighten & stayed loose, & air bags did not deploy upon hitting the ditch & small trees resulting after hitting ice/water upon coming to a stop sign at a “T” cross road.
Crash 2 injured
KIA CARNIVAL (2023) - BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING Feb 5, 2026
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
I was driving and all of a sudden out of the blue the gas pedal accelerated and I hit a curb doing damage to the tire and fender. the tire was pushed back. i asked the car dealer who i took it to check it out. they won't check it out till the car is repaired. It's at a body collision now.
KIA SELTOS (2021) - STEERING Feb 5, 2026
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
The PS warning light has been coming on intermittently. The power steering goes out and the vehicle is hard to steer. My safety and others are put at risk if I lose power steering. We have done research online and plan to take it to a dealership to confirm the exact issue. The PS warning light has come on a few times over the last several months and the power steering comes and goes.
KIA FORTE (2019) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER Feb 5, 2026
Incident date: Jan 29, 2026
OnStar/Telematics Module cuts out, rending GPS and OnStar functions useless
KIA OPTIMA (2017) - POWER TRAIN Feb 5, 2026
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
Car has had 2 separate, distinct failures of the DC/DC converter which result in electrical faults rendering all systems unusable (gearbox, steering, etc.) and making the care immobile. I have had it replaced once in September 2025 following a failure, and then the replacement failed in January 2026. This is incredibly dangerous while driving. Dealer and Land Rover are aware of widespread failure... Read more
KIA OPTIMA (2017) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Feb 5, 2026
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
Car has had 2 separate, distinct failures of the DC/DC converter which result in electrical faults rendering all systems unusable (gearbox, steering, etc.) and making the care immobile. I have had it replaced once in September 2025 following a failure, and then the replacement failed in January 2026. This is incredibly dangerous while driving. Dealer and Land Rover are aware of widespread failure... Read more
KIA OPTIMA (2017) - SEAT BELTS Feb 5, 2026
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V093000 (Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienc... Read more
KIA SOUL (2017) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Feb 5, 2026
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
Not sure if this is your typical safety issue. Voice activation button @ RH side of steering wheel failed approx. one month after vehicle purchase. This button allows one to call out, use GPS, vehicle functions, radio, etc "handsfree". Message @ infotainment screen stated "click here to purchase subscription" which I was not made aware of by anyone involved w/ sale. Cell phone will link up w/ veh... Read more
KIA SOUL (2017) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER Feb 5, 2026
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
Not sure if this is your typical safety issue. Voice activation button @ RH side of steering wheel failed approx. one month after vehicle purchase. This button allows one to call out, use GPS, vehicle functions, radio, etc "handsfree". Message @ infotainment screen stated "click here to purchase subscription" which I was not made aware of by anyone involved w/ sale. Cell phone will link up w/ veh... Read more
KIA SOUL (2017) - VISIBILITY/WIPER Feb 5, 2026
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
While using the rear defrost my daughter smelled burning. Moments after the smell the rear window exploded. This is a sliding three part window and it shattered on the passenger side. My daughter was hit by the exploding glass.
1 injured
KIA TELLURIDE (2021) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER Feb 5, 2026
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
The center console screen has a default screen that in part includes interior fan speed temperature. To adjust the fan speed and other A/C settings, the driver has to click press a small button at the bottom of the screen to open a new window. This is very dangerous because it requires the driver to take their eyes off the road. The car should have physical buttons for the fan speed. Since it does... Read more
KIA SPORTAGE (2023) - POWER TRAIN Feb 5, 2026
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
At around 68K miles, we started experiencing rough shifting and aggressive clunking into gear while driving. On getting the transmission checked, we were told we would require a new transmission in the near future. At this time, however, no codes came up on the reader, and no warning lights were on. Dark fluid and metal shavings were found by the transmission professional's inspection at both a Fo... Read more
KIA SORENTO (2016) - SUSPENSION Feb 5, 2026
Incident date: Nov 5, 2024
What component or system failed? The Steering and Suspension system failed. Specifically, the front axle hubs, track bar, and U-joints failed, causing a violent loss of steering control known as "Death Wobble." These components are currently available for inspection; however, they were diagnosed as "FAILED" and requiring immediate replacement to make the vehicle safe to drive. How was safety put ... Read more
KIA SORENTO (2019) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING Feb 5, 2026
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
While changing lanes to an off-ramp the Collision Mitigation Braking system suddenly activated along with a collision warning beep even though there were no automobiles nearby to trigger the warning. No cars in front of me and no cars to the right of me in the exit lane. My car immediately braked and tried to steer back into the main roadway, away from the exit lane. The lane departure light did... Read more
KIA OPTIMA (2017) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Feb 5, 2026
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
The ICCU system's fuse failed.The car is currently with the dealership for repairs and could be available for inspection there if needed. The car was rendered inoperable and shut down while operating the vehicle. The abrupt breakdown could have been a hazard to the driver, passengers of the vehicle, and other drivers on the road. The issue was confirmed by the dealership's service technician. The ... Read more
KIA OPTIMA (2017) - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Feb 5, 2026
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available.
KIA OPTIMA (2017) - STRUCTURE:BODY Feb 5, 2026
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
I received TWO safety recalls that my dealer has never fixed. One for the ABS System R61/NHTSA 15V-675 and one for the beauty cover R32/NHTSA 15V-431. I was supposed to be contacted when the parts were available and never was. My beauty cover has come off and my ABS system randomly turns off. I am not sure who reported that these repairs for the recalls were completed but they were not. I woul... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2020) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Feb 5, 2026
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
Torque converter needs replacement cost $4,000. 81000 miles on vehicle.
KIA TELLURIDE (2025) - POWER TRAIN Feb 5, 2026
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
Engine had complete loss of power and loud knocking noise.
KIA SPORTAGE (2020) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Feb 5, 2026
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
It stalls to turn on even when I changed everything from, fuel pump, fuel pump relay, heater pumps, alternator, new battery. And it still won’t turn on it’s been happening for 4 months now. And I changed things that were recommended. I do my oil change every time I need as well.
KIA SORENTO HYBRID (2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
Car became unresponsive leaving me stranded with an electrical system error warning which the dealership has confirmed to be the ICCU issue that has been affecting many cars since 2022
KIA SORENTO HYBRID (2025) - LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
Every time that I get into my Jeep there's an issue with the ADAS. Almost immediately once I pull onto the highway 3 warnings will appear on the dashboard display the first is: Blind Spot Temporarily Unavailable, then two orange triangles appear on my mirrors and will not go away. It also happens every time that I make a turn in my car. The next warning that appears is my Automatic Break System is... Read more
KIA SORENTO HYBRID (2025) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
Every time that I get into my Jeep there's an issue with the ADAS. Almost immediately once I pull onto the highway 3 warnings will appear on the dashboard display the first is: Blind Spot Temporarily Unavailable, then two orange triangles appear on my mirrors and will not go away. It also happens every time that I make a turn in my car. The next warning that appears is my Automatic Break System is... Read more
KIA FORTE (2019) - STEERING Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
apparently, there was a recall on these cars for the power steering suddenly shutting off. Apparently it’s also electric so there’s nothing you can do at home to remedy it. It is incredibly dangerous to drive. I just bought my car it has under 100,000 miles on it, but I guess they have also 10 year age policy that they won’t service the recall. This was a brand new car for me and it is very... Read more
KIA FORTE (2019) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
AC blowing hot air at 67k miles?? Heard there was a recall on this.
KIA SORENTO (2016) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
Had ICCU replaced twice last year, then today my electrical system shut off and warning lights came on that I can’t go over 10mph then after that the car shut off completely.
KIA SORENTO (2016) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
While Level 2 charging at home from a NEMA 14-50 receptacle using the Volvo-supplied cable/adapter, charging stopped unexpectedly accompanied by a loud thunk. The central computer restarted and presented a profile setup routine as if the car was new. Stored settings were not retained. Repeated attempts to re-initiate charging resulted in ‘Charging fault’ notifications on the instrument panel a... Read more
KIA SORENTO (2012) - AIR BAGS Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
Subject: Vehicle Safety Complaint – Recall 23TA15 | VIN [XXX] Hello, I am submitting a formal vehicle safety complaint regarding Safety Recall 23TA15 for my 2021 Toyota Sienna (VIN [XXX] ). Please find my detailed complaint and supporting documentation attached. This matter involves lack of disclosure and/or delayed notification of a safety recall, resulting in family safety exposure and loss ... Read more
KIA SORENTO (2018) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: May 28, 2025
Klamath Falls Dodge Dealership and Stellantis have failed to repair the defects cited in the A7C, 68C and 78C. My vehicle is subject to sudden stops and sudden fires. The vehicle has been at the dealership since 12/28/2025. I filed a claim online and with certified mail with Stellantis. No action has been taken to correct the defects and the vehicle can't be driven in a safe manner.
KIA SORENTO (2018) - ENGINE Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: May 28, 2025
Klamath Falls Dodge Dealership and Stellantis have failed to repair the defects cited in the A7C, 68C and 78C. My vehicle is subject to sudden stops and sudden fires. The vehicle has been at the dealership since 12/28/2025. I filed a claim online and with certified mail with Stellantis. No action has been taken to correct the defects and the vehicle can't be driven in a safe manner.
KIA SORENTO (2018) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: May 28, 2025
Klamath Falls Dodge Dealership and Stellantis have failed to repair the defects cited in the A7C, 68C and 78C. My vehicle is subject to sudden stops and sudden fires. The vehicle has been at the dealership since 12/28/2025. I filed a claim online and with certified mail with Stellantis. No action has been taken to correct the defects and the vehicle can't be driven in a safe manner.
KIA SORENTO (2015) - ENGINE Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
2018 Kia Sorento 2.4 GDI. In late 2024 a Kia dealer performed an oil-consumption test and confirmed the engine was burning excessive oil. In Feb 2025 the engine long block was replaced. Within about 4,000 miles the vehicle began setting P1326 warnings, misfiring, losing power, and struggling to climb hills. On a highway trip from South Carolina back to Indiana, the vehicle could barely maintain 3... Read more
KIA SELTOS (2021) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
AC charging failed.
KIA OPTIMA (2016) - BACK OVER PREVENTION Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blank screen. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front camera activated; however, there was no image displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, and the contact was informed that the camera system had been reprogrammed.... Read more
KIA SOUL (2017) - POWER TRAIN Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving in 1st gear, the transmission violently upshifted into 3rd gear while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving in the 3rd gear, the vehicle briefly hesitated while upshifting before suddenly accelerating with the accelerator pedal depressed. The vehicle was ... Read more
KIA SORENTO (2021) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Infiniti QX50. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The local dealer was contacted to schedule an appointment, and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was called, but the call was disconnected. The contact had not experienced a failure.
KIA SORENTO (2012) - SERVICE BRAKES Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
ABS module failed and showed the warning lights. It happened ? years ago and I took it to dealership but still can not get the part to have repaired. This has affected the anti lock brakes, traction control and disables the cruise control. I have lost control coming to a stop light during a rain but luckily didn't hit anything during the slide. Hard to believe that they don't have a fix for this y... Read more
KIA SORENTO (2012) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
The fuel tank shields are disintegrating due to rust buildup because of poor quality materials. this is a very concerning issue since on these Range Rovers the fuel tank shields actually support the fuel tank. my biggest concern would be for the fuel tank to eject itself and cause a major incident. Range Rover is aware of this situation as it is happening on a lot of these models.
KIA EV6 (2023) - STRUCTURE:BODY Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
Since March of 2024, this vehicle has been waiting on parts to correct Ford recall 24S02. The dealerships are even frustrated with dealing with customers. They started telling us there is nothing they can do and send us on our way only saying our name is on a list. In the summer of 2024, the A pillar trim dislodged and nearly hit another car at highway speed but luckily did not cause an accident. ... Read more
KIA SELTOS (2021) - SEAT BELTS Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Dec 14, 2025
All seatbelts in vehicle sticks and/or catches have to use seriously more pressure on release button,or seatbelt/latch it’s self or both. My wife and children have had me have to come get it because it wouldn’t release. Engine motor mount bolt had to be replaced, I noticed when alternator went out, vehicle wouldn’t respond from throttle acted like it was missing then threw dash lights then n... Read more
KIA SELTOS (2021) - ENGINE Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Dec 14, 2025
All seatbelts in vehicle sticks and/or catches have to use seriously more pressure on release button,or seatbelt/latch it’s self or both. My wife and children have had me have to come get it because it wouldn’t release. Engine motor mount bolt had to be replaced, I noticed when alternator went out, vehicle wouldn’t respond from throttle acted like it was missing then threw dash lights then n... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2021) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
The high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) in the vehicle’s diesel fuel system failed. This component is subject to NHTSA Safety Recall 22V-767 (FCA Recall Z96). The HPFP has failed more than once, including after recall replacement, and the vehicle is currently in dealer custody, making the component available for inspection upon request. The HPFP failure caused the vehicle to stall and become inopera... Read more
KIA TELLURIDE (2021) - STEERING Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
Power steering went out when i try to turn on car I get a red steering wheel with “!” Signal next to it and I am unable to use steering wheel
KIA EV6 (2022) - ENGINE Feb 3, 2026
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
2.0L EcoBoost engine and coolant intrusion. Coolant leaked into two of the cylinder heads, resulting in engine failure and the need for a full engine replacement.Initially, the vehicle would not start. A tow company technician was able to get the vehicle started, after which I was advised to drive directly to my mechanic. I was informed that the exhaust smelled like diesel fuel and that if the eng... Read more
KIA NIRO (2019) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Feb 3, 2026
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Car beeped and displayed warning stating that Ignition will turn off and Check Starter System on four separate occasions, resulting in loss of all electrical power including but not limited to headlights, brake lights, console display, speedometer, dashboard lights, turn signals, hazard lights a/c, etc. The center console felt very warm. The car needed to be pulled over and ignition turned off for... Read more
KIA EV6 (2022) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS Feb 3, 2026
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
Collision warning randomly activates when driving while no vehicles or objects are around. This has been ongoing, but this last time emergency braking activated extremely hard and would had caused a collision if there was a vehicle following as vehicle almost came to a complete stop on a 75 mph highway.
KIA EV6 (2022) - SERVICE BRAKES Feb 3, 2026
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
Collision warning randomly activates when driving while no vehicles or objects are around. This has been ongoing, but this last time emergency braking activated extremely hard and would had caused a collision if there was a vehicle following as vehicle almost came to a complete stop on a 75 mph highway.
KIA SORENTO (2018) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING Feb 3, 2026
Incident date: Apr 1, 2021
Collision warning randomly activates when driving while no vehicles or objects are around. This has been ongoing, but this last time emergency braking activated extremely hard and would had caused a collision if there was a vehicle following as vehicle almost came to a complete stop on a 75 mph highway.
KIA SPORTAGE (2016) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Feb 3, 2026
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up as needed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 2,600.
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