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 20, 2026
UNKNOWN.
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
The vehicle engine shuts off out of nowhere, unable to change/switch between gears for 2-3 minutes after stopping at a red light, stop sign, or during heavy traffic, with no activation of the Idle-stop-system before the incident. During the incident, the vehicle's steering was not able to turn. I have to keep my foot on the brake pedal for a while. After the second incident, I managed to drive th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
Transmission is slipping. Check engine light is on. Code P07A5 (3/3) Permanent Transmission Friction Element B Stuck on.
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
Horns stopped working entirely. Car was crossing into my lane and I attempted to honk horn and no sound. No warning lights or messages on dash. Is available for inspection. No inspections conducted currently.
Incident date: Jan 24, 2026
It's a noise coming from the front of both tires; it's a very, very unpleasant noise that's a little frightening because it's in the suspension area of the tires, and it sounds like something could break. The noise is also very loud and quite annoying. It's uncomfortable to drive with that noise all the time; it's constant when turning left or right. I'm trying to figure out if it's a manuf... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2026
After having the 68C recall software update completed on my Jeep at an authorized dealership, I now experience sluggish and decreased acceleration (even deceleration) upon pressing the accelerator more than half way (approximately). This happened twice on hills in which I needed to increase power while in Electric mode. What happened was the jeep seemed to lose power and decrease in speed while ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
On 10/03/2021 I was driving on the road and they car started acting up and the lights on the dashboard all start light up, so I drove to the dealer did a diagnosis on the car came out To be misfire and piston ring 4 fault. So I did the repair that are required for me to operate my vehicle safely. So four years later Honda did the recall. I submitted my documentation and repair receipt. Honda at f... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
I had heard a thumping noise in the front end when I would turn the vehicle. On the date of crash, there was a very loud pop noise, then loss of brakes and impact. Air bags deployed due to impact. Total loss.
Crash
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
I had heard a thumping noise in the front end when I would turn the vehicle. On the date of crash, there was a very loud pop noise, then loss of brakes and impact. Air bags deployed due to impact. Total loss.
Crash
Incident date: Dec 24, 2025
I put up a rubber stop to test the emergency stop feature the car is equipped with. With car moving either forward in drive or backwards in reverse the car would not automatically stop before hitting this two foot high aid. A warning vibration is felt just before the car struck the device but the way I understand it in the owners manual the car should come to a complete emergency stop. This could... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
I put up a rubber stop to test the emergency stop feature the car is equipped with. With car moving either forward in drive or backwards in reverse the car would not automatically stop before hitting this two foot high aid. A warning vibration is felt just before the car struck the device but the way I understand it in the owners manual the car should come to a complete emergency stop. This could... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2026
The fuel pump for the engine is known for failing due to ethanol in the fuel reacting with the bare aluminum. Harley Davidson has recognized this issue with the newer model but has not recalled any of its previous models. This could cause a serious safety risk for the rider or other pedestrians on the roadway as this could cause the bike to suddenly lose all power causing an accident. Many people ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2026
The fuel pump for the engine is known for failing due to ethanol in the fuel reacting with the bare aluminum. Harley Davidson has recognized this issue with the newer model but has not recalled any of its previous models. This could cause a serious safety risk for the rider or other pedestrians on the roadway as this could cause the bike to suddenly lose all power causing an accident. Many people ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2026
Sunroof imploded while we were driving on I-10. It sounded like a loud gunshot. The panel of the sunroof that elevates shattered.
Incident date: Jan 24, 2026
No dummy lights show. Drivers low beam wiring connector melts and burns out headlight bulb. I have had it replaced by Ford dealer RT 2, Dixon Il on 12/20/24 but again the same thing occurred again 01/03/26. I believe bad wiring or module. When asked dealer what caused the melting was told "We fixed it, it's good now". The bulb burnt out while driving on a rain dark night. My visibility was extreme... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
I had the vehicle updated to version 2.3.3 by a technician because my car would not update OTA. I thought this update would resolve the ADAS problems as well as the breaking problems. However, on three separate occasions my vehicle has come to an abrupt stop with automatic breaking when approaching a redlight / intersection with no other vehicles in front of me. This occurred while manually ap... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
I had the vehicle updated to version 2.3.3 by a technician because my car would not update OTA. I thought this update would resolve the ADAS problems as well as the breaking problems. However, on three separate occasions my vehicle has come to an abrupt stop with automatic breaking when approaching a redlight / intersection with no other vehicles in front of me. This occurred while manually ap... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
The driver’s side belt makes a “click” sound when latch is inserted into the locking component but at times does NOT remain lock and the belt is released shortly after. The issue is sporadic. The belt is released with a low amount of force i.e. adjusting the body in the seat or twisting body to look over the shoulder
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
Vehicle is experiencing sticky steering. Same as discovered in recall report 24V-744. A ton of 10th generation owners are experiencing the same exact problems. You have over 1,200 reports on record for the 10th generation years. Please do something about this, it would be easy to add additional years into the report and get Honda to fix these cars before more people get hurt.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
While flat towing in Neutral Tow Mode yesterday, [XXX] (appx. [XXX]), we were headed west on [XXX] traveling at 55-mph in the #2 lane when the Maverick abruptly started screeching the tires and dragging behind our motorhome. I was able to safely get to the right shoulder within about 100-yards. We were 18-miles into the 104-mile journey to our home from the RV park in San Dimas. (Level ground.) I ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
While flat towing in Neutral Tow Mode yesterday, [XXX] (appx. [XXX]), we were headed west on [XXX] traveling at 55-mph in the #2 lane when the Maverick abruptly started screeching the tires and dragging behind our motorhome. I was able to safely get to the right shoulder within about 100-yards. We were 18-miles into the 104-mile journey to our home from the RV park in San Dimas. (Level ground.) I ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2024
Open recall with no anticipated date of being fixed. The second row seats are unsafe for passengers which makes the vehicle unusable for a family.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
The DC/DC converter failed causing the generator not to charge. This caused the car to lose all power whilst I was driving the vehicle and come to a complete stop on an active road.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
While driving "check electrical system" warning appeared and vehicle went to limp mode limited to 20mph while on a 40mph roadway. Drove an additional few miles to try and reach home and vehicles completely died, no power. Towed to dealer. DTC P1A9096 indicates ICCU failure
Incident date: Jan 19, 2026
On January 15, 2026, at approximately 7:51 a.m., my son was involved in a motor vehicle collision that disabled three vehicles. His vehicle sustained significant damage and was declared a total loss. During the collision, the driver-side airbag did not deploy, and the seat belt failed to engage. As a result of the restraint system failures, my son sustained head trauma and required medical evaluat... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 23, 2024
My son was driving my car to work and this is his account of the incident On 1/17/2026 on I95 n, the steering wheel abruptly stopped controlling the wheels. It was as if it completely disconnected and he lost control and crashed into the median. It was a terrifying incident for my son. No other cars were involved. This accident has been reported to my insurance company. This car has been a smoot... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 23, 2024
My son was driving my car to work and this is his account of the incident On 1/17/2026 on I95 n, the steering wheel abruptly stopped controlling the wheels. It was as if it completely disconnected and he lost control and crashed into the median. It was a terrifying incident for my son. No other cars were involved. This accident has been reported to my insurance company. This car has been a smoot... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Niro. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The failure obstructed the driver's visibility, preventing the driver from safely operating the vehicle. Additionally, there was a delay with the image appearing on the screen when the vehicle was in reverse(R). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but it w... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Niro. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The failure obstructed the driver's visibility, preventing the driver from safely operating the vehicle. Additionally, there was a delay with the image appearing on the screen when the vehicle was in reverse(R). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but it w... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
Recall 25TB08 is affecting the vehicle. Driver display is dead, will not display. No speedometer, no fuel quantity, no battery level, no tire pressure or engine check lights, etc. Toyota does not have a fix and dealer I purchased the vehicle from will not repair/replace defective components.
Incident date: May 1, 2019
My truck is affected by GM’s engine block‑heater safety recall (NHTSA 21V‑496 / GM N212329840) addressing a risk of short circuit and potential engine‑compartment fire at the heater cord/terminal connection. GM’s interim action has been to remove/disable the block‑heater cord, which my dealer did, and then marked the recall “completed.” As a result, the NHTSA VIN tool shows 0 unrep... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2019
My truck is affected by GM’s engine block‑heater safety recall (NHTSA 21V‑496 / GM N212329840) addressing a risk of short circuit and potential engine‑compartment fire at the heater cord/terminal connection. GM’s interim action has been to remove/disable the block‑heater cord, which my dealer did, and then marked the recall “completed.” As a result, the NHTSA VIN tool shows 0 unrep... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2019
This seat is part of Recall Campaign 24C-002 (Unintended Harness Release). I performed the manufacturer's approved remedy (installation of the fabric debris shield/cover) a few months ago. THE REMEDY HAS FAILED. despite the installation of the shield and ensuring the mechanism is clean, the harness retractor still slips without the button being pressed. The manufacturer's mitigation kit does not ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2025
Even when new, the truck would abruptly down shift from 2nd to 1st, every now and then. Then with about 3000 miles on the truck its started doing every time, once the transmission is warmed up. It seemed to get better and then started again with about 4000 miles and kept getting worse. It got so bad that the truck would shudder and it almost felt like I was getting rear ended and you could hear... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2026
When the vehicle was shifted from park to drive, the vehicle went neutral and began to roll back. Immediately there was a transmission error and warning light illumination. The vehicle was put in park and a shift to drive was attempted again. The car again rolled backwards. The vehicle was turned off and after 30 seconds restarted with warning lights still on the vehicle was shifted to drive,... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with instrument cluster failure. The contact was informed that the front camera was inoperable. The contact was informed that the front camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The ... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2025) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jan 22, 2026
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
On 14th, 2026, while traveling at approximately 60 mph on the northbound 55 Freeway near the Katella exit, my vehicle suddenly began to shake violently without any prior warning. In response, I attempted to slow down by applying the brakes; however, the speedometer rapidly increased even as I maintained firm pressure on the brake pedal. Immediately afterward, the vehicle pulled sharply to the left... Read more
Crash
1 injured
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2025) - STEERING
Jan 22, 2026
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
On 14th, 2026, while traveling at approximately 60 mph on the northbound 55 Freeway near the Katella exit, my vehicle suddenly began to shake violently without any prior warning. In response, I attempted to slow down by applying the brakes; however, the speedometer rapidly increased even as I maintained firm pressure on the brake pedal. Immediately afterward, the vehicle pulled sharply to the left... Read more
Crash
1 injured
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 22, 2026
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
On 14th, 2026, while traveling at approximately 60 mph on the northbound 55 Freeway near the Katella exit, my vehicle suddenly began to shake violently without any prior warning. In response, I attempted to slow down by applying the brakes; however, the speedometer rapidly increased even as I maintained firm pressure on the brake pedal. Immediately afterward, the vehicle pulled sharply to the left... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 8, 2023
Took my Nissan Rogue in for simple oil change, and was told I need NEW tires after 18,000 miles
Incident date: May 8, 2023
Premature oil pump failure on a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 with 71,000 miles. The check engine light illuminated on December 29th, 2025 and with no other warning symptoms. The vehicle has been maintained properly, including regular visits to Mercedes-Benz dealerships. The oil pump is a critical engine component that should not fail at this mileage. It has been recommended to not drive the vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2023
While driving, the vehicle experienced an unintended side airbag deployment without any collision or impact. At the same time, the seatbelt locked, the vehicle came to a sudden stop, and a hybrid system malfunction warning appeared. The vehicle immediately became undrivable and was towed. The vehicle remains available for inspection and is currently under the manufacturer’s control. This sudde... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
Dear Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, I am submitting this letter in support of a Texas Lemon Law complaint regarding my vehicle, which has experienced repeated mechanical failures that substantially impair its use, value, and safety. The vehicle has been subject to multiple manufacturer recalls and remains in the repair shop at this time. It is available for inspection upon request. The vehi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
As the owner of a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe, I am currently experiencing persistent issues with the instrument cluster going dark and a severely malfunctioning GM 6.2L L87 engine. In November of the previous year, I encountered a sudden and alarming loss of engine power while traveling on a multilane highway at a speed of 70 mph. I successfully maneuvered the vehicle to a narrow shoulder, where I rema... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
The contact owned a 2022 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while the contact’s daughter was driving at approximately 70 MPH under significant rainy weather conditions, with autopilot mode engaged, the auto pilot became inoperable. The contact stated that the driver attempted to steer the steering wheel; however, the steering could not be steered, causing the driver to lose control of the ve... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
Parking break fault warning light service now light comes on intermittently when the parking break was set. The ford dealer I bought the truck from found a leaking rear left break line and replaced the left rear parking break motor assembly. The Warning light kept coming on intermittently when setting the parking break after this repair. I took it to my local ford dealer who said nothing was wro... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2026
The contact's mother owns a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start. Additionally, the transmission had failed to shift to drive, and the vehicle failed to turn off as needed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to Lowe's and purchased and personally replace... Read more
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2026) - ENGINE
Jan 22, 2026
Incident date: Jan 22, 2026
The contact's mother owns a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start. Additionally, the transmission had failed to shift to drive, and the vehicle failed to turn off as needed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to Lowe's and purchased and personally replace... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2026
Went to pull into parking lot, ADAS system starting going crazy. Throws transmission malfunction error. Headlights won’t work - they turn on and off or go extremely dim. Van keeps jerking and losing power. Code reader showed U3000-49 electronic failure. Van drove normal, no issues until this code popped up. Issue started 01/08/2026.
Incident date: Jan 21, 2026
Persistent Engine Failure and Safety Hazards – 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV 97000 miles The vehicle suffered a major engine failure while traveling at highway speeds. The incident began with a loud mechanical knocking from the engine, followed by a sudden loss of propulsion and the vehicle entering "limp mode." Both the Check Engine Light (flashing/solid) and multiple safety system warnings illum... Read more