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: Oct 18, 2025
In February 2025 a dash light came on when the vehicle was studdering at 20-40 mph. Firestone said the code was a PRV, so they replaced it (approx $450), had 80k miles. Six months later it's doing the same thing and firestone said it has no codes and it could be alot of things but suspects maybe fuel pump or torque converter as they have seen it alot on the 2020 edge. A week later, I took to ano... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
The van have issues with a head gasket, Chrysler is aware yet the dealers keep selling the van with this known problems, I reached out to Chrysler and they said they cannot help. I had the van less than a year and I had the van serviced multiple times. Im attaching this link to show you guys that there ia a lot of people having the same problem, everything starts with the smell of the coolant then... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
My Kia Sportage was stolen, however a couple of years ago I had the Kia Anti Theft Logic software updated on the car. I’ve been told that although it does not prevent anyone from breaking in, they should not have been able to move the car. Prior to this, the engine is running on 3 cylinders instead of 4 which has caused major issues with the car burning oil rapidly.
Incident date: Oct 19, 2025
Rcall SC176 I have tried multiple times to schedule the required recall repair for my Kia, but my local dealer has not responded to phone calls or emails. I cannot travel to another state to complete this recall. Kia has not provided a reasonable option to complete the safety repair. I am requesting assistance to get this recall completed safely and locally, and at no cost.
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
I have a 2018 Honda accord 1.5t I have always done oil changes and maintenance accordingly. My car went into limp mode over the summer. I brought it to my dealership who said the head gasket was bad and it was going to cost over 5,000$ to fix. This is a known problem on these cars as I have gathered information all over the internet. Honda refuses to do the right thing and have a recall. I do not ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2025
This was the first time I had ever experienced the rear differential locking up at highway speeds in my truck. It was probably the day after I bought the truck. I was going down route one southbound going probably around 60 miles an hour and the wheels locked up and the vehicle felt like it was gonna come to a screeching hole. It felt like I hit something And then the wheels unlocked and it allowe... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2025
One night I started my car and my screen on my Kia seltos had a bunch of gibberish on the screen and then I went to power off the radio and tried to power back on and screen wouldn’t turn on and one usb won’t work. Tried to hard reset and check fuses and still no luck. I keep reading a bunch of people saying how they had same issues as I did on my radio . My friend is sales guy at car deal... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
I just took my 2021 GMC Sierra 1503.0 Duramax diesel into Faulkner Nissan, today 10/18/2025 m, to have that recall fixed. I picked it up from the dealership and drove about 10 miles before it went into limp mode and reduced power mode while I was driving and started to shift very roughly and I’ve never had any issue like this before they supposedly fix this recall, I think the software patch mad... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
While driving the vehicle and applying the brakes the vehicle shifted to one side of the road. There was an accident 03/2024 after having the brake control arm serviced. The braking system failed. There was a recall on the front control arm 2016. The vehicle was totaled and was salvaged due to damages to the vehicle. The brake inspection failed. Today the braking system has has no control even af... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
While driving the vehicle and applying the brakes the vehicle shifted to one side of the road. There was an accident 03/2024 after having the brake control arm serviced. The braking system failed. There was a recall on the front control arm 2016. The vehicle was totaled and was salvaged due to damages to the vehicle. The brake inspection failed. Today the braking system has has no control even af... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
The car breaks itself so abruptly when there is no real danger. This has almost caused for me to be rear ended on multiple occasions. Especially scary on the freeway. The forward collision warning is set to "late," and it still causes a huge jolt.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2025
Sunroof shade came off track and began drooping, obscuring view out of rearview mirror. Total lack of visibility out of the rear window (whether turning my head or using the rearview mirror) presented a significant safety hazard. Dealer confirmed problem and quoted over $2500 for repair. Prior to issue, a persistent rattling noise had been coming from the vehicle’s ceiling (at speed) for at leas... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2025
Incident occur on 25 August, 2025: While driving I experienced a violent jerk and sudden loss of power. The vehicle continued to drive with attenuated power, jerking motion during gear shifts, and loud clucking sounds coming from powertrain. There were no injuries or accidents as result of malfunction. The vehicle was later taken to dealership for diagnosis. The dealership determined root cause a... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
Yes the wind assist in my opinion is more dangerous than dealing with the wind itself. No safe!
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
A rear seatbelt indicator in the dashboard is broken, and it persistently indicates that (a) a passenger is in a rear seat; and (b) the passenger's seatbelt is fastened. This occurs even if a passenger is not in the seat and the passenger's seatbelt is not fastened. It is unclear whether this is strictly an electronic error in the dashboard, or if the seatbelt itself does not function appropriatel... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2025
I have a 2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum. For some unknown reason, the dashboard suddenly stopped working. Because the dashboard is not working, I have no information on things like when the gas will run out, what speed I’m driving, or if any parts are malfunctioning. This creates a dangerous situation for me. So, I went directly to Toyota and had the car inspected. They confirmed that the dashb... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2025
The engine is leaking coolant into cylinder 2. Ford dealership on October 1, 2025, confirmed this and has recommended a long block engine replacement due to warping of internal engine parts. No overheating of engine as of yet. Engine warning lamp did illuminated once indicating an engine misfire per code reader. Warning lamp was a few months before dealership diagnosed the problem as a bad eng... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
Inside driver side door latch a silver lamination which has delaminated and formed a sharp edge that has cut my finger twice. The second cut was rather deep.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2025
The failed component is a lifter/camshaft. Luckily I was attentive to my vehicle and noticed a ticking noise within the engine and took it to a dealer for diagnosis. An engine failure while traveling at highway speeds could be a disastrous to occupants and others around them. This appears to be a common problem with the 7.3l engine. The check engine light illuminated after i noticed the ticking n... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2025
I noticed my car jerking from a stopped position a few months back it wasn’t consistent but it happened I figured it was just a powerful motor however last on October 7th I was driving down the street to go to the dealership and my car lost power I had to pull over my son was panicking he’s just little and I sat there and luckily it started after a few minutes and I went to the dealership and ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2025
I noticed my car jerking from a stopped position a few months back it wasn’t consistent but it happened I figured it was just a powerful motor however last on October 7th I was driving down the street to go to the dealership and my car lost power I had to pull over my son was panicking he’s just little and I sat there and luckily it started after a few minutes and I went to the dealership and ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
Component/System Involved: The electric power steering system in my 2020 Chevy Blazer is malfunctioning. A warning appears on the dashboard: “Steering Assist is Reduced – Drive with Care.” When this happens, steering becomes very stiff and difficult. The issue is ongoing, and the component is available for inspection if requested. Safety Risk: This creates a serious safety hazard. The sudde... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
Rear view mirror camera system. The camera continuously will turn on then go to a blue screen while in reverse. It may show the rear of the truck at times but again turns back to a blue screen while reversing. It is a safety concern while reversing the vehicle.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
The fuel pump My car stopped on the highway [XXX] on [XXX] with my children in the car with no warning at all. I was so lucky nobody hit us and it took 20 minutes of trying to start it to get off of the highway to a gas station where it cut off again The dealer said it is a known problem however my vin number was included despite the fact that they know that the 2020 mercedes benz s450 has an iss... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
My headlights went out completely and without warning on a dark highway. No brights or even the orange running lights. Not even the front hazard lights would go on. There was no warning until after they went out. I pulled over as best I could but there was very little shoulder and semi trucks speeding past me at 70 mph about a foot away from my car. There was a ditch about a foot to the right. I s... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2025
My vehicle makes a rattle noise in the front brake area. I took the car to the dealer for warranty twice to have it checked, and they told me that some parts in the brake pad area are vibrating, causing the noise. They solved it by applying grease where the part is installed, but the sound returns after a short time. This is a problem for me because a new car isn't supposed to make that type of no... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
The driver side front sidewall developed a shake then a crack appeared in the sidewall about 4 inches long. The other tires show signs of dry rott. They have worn away to nothing in 21k miles less than a year. Can provide mechanic reports of the validity of my car's parts cause ive had a horrible vibration and sound. Turns out the tires are coming apart. And they are refusing to fix it. Said too m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
Dash is saying rearview camera is unavailable please contact the dealership
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled over and parked and allowed the vehicle to cool down before driving back to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2025
eTorque MGU hybrid motor going out with unexpected loss of power and stopping. Upon failure vehicle lost power and became inoperable. Both independent service center and dealer service center confirmed the eTorque MGU hybrid motor is failing. Upon further research thousands of these MGU hybrid motors are failing unexpectedly. No remedy in sight and manufacturer indicates no eta on availability... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2025
The car only has 54700 I am orginal owner. Drivers seat does not work, Catalytic converter, GM Service Bulletin #43210. Ask if your VIN is affected or if they’ve seen similar failures in 2014 models. This car is a lemon.
Incident date: Jun 6, 2018
Motor started ticking....then just stopped running...motor blew up..checked the oil and it had metal flaking in it..
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
My 2013 Hyundai Accent with 130K miles is experiencing excessive oil consumption. I'm replacing 1.5+ quarts per month to keep it at the full mark on the dipstick. After some research, it appears that lawsuits and Technical Service Bulletins have been issued to address the concerns, but the dealer says my vehicle does not qualify for these warranty/goodwill repairs. TSB 23-EM-008H, as an example... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2025
Car shutters and makes a lot of noise in low gears and speed. Car still has issues after repairs. Local shop unable to make final repairs due to tools needed... Ford dealer will not cover due to mileage even with TSB- 25-2351
Incident date: Oct 11, 2025
While driving the vehicle, the air horns detached and fell onto the roadway and became inoperable. The air horn trumpets are metal and weigh a pound or so each. This has happened 3 times and I have had the air horns break again. The last time one trumpet became lodged on the front sway bar and dangled beneath the vehicle. It almost hit the drive belts on the engine.
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
On October 04/2025 The vehicle was parked and stationary when it suddenly accelerated forward on its own. The brakes were completely unresponsive. I had a passenger in the front seat, and both she and I are certain that I was pressing the brake, but the car did not slow down at all. Within a few seconds, the vehicle gained speed, and I lost control. There was no space to maneuver, and I could do ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
This vehicle has a safety issue with the headlights. Basically, the low beams for both, driver and passenger sides are not functioning at all. Several diagnostic have been done to repair the existing issue such as replacing new light bulbs, new OEM turn signal switch, replacing whole new headlight assembly for both driver/ passenger sides, checking the relay, replacing new fuses, though, the issue... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2022
ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, BRAKE LIGHTS & BEEPING SOUND ALL ON. BRAKE PEDAL IS HARD. PEDESTRIANS, OTHER DRIVERS & FAMILY ARE AT RISK DUE TO SAFETY RISK. DIAGNOSIS CODES C1253 - C1256 DURING TEST INDICATES ABS PUMP ASSEMBLY ISSUES. THIS PROBLEM WAS NOTICED BY ME IN LATE AUGUST 2025.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
Driving through residential area and noticed loud noise from under hood. Went to pull out onto state highway and wasn’t able to get up to speed almost causing an accident because I could not accelerate. Had to maintain speed at or below 40mph. Brought vehicle to dealership and they confirmed that the transmission was shot. Also went to a local transmission repair shop and he stated that he sees ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
Every two months I have to change the bulb for the break lights. It burns out fast. Not only is it burning out fast but its melting and takes several days for pry the melted material out. Also smells like something is going to catch fire with this. This started over a year ago but I didnt know i can report it to be investigated as a recall.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
my Door Lock Actuator has failed on my passenger side front seat door. This poses a safety risk potentially trapping my family inside or allowing doors to swing open while driving. I could also think I locked my doors, however it did not lock and can lead to theft. In 2010, a different car I had was stolen and I still have anxiety about this, so this added level of potential theft has increased my... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
The vehicle is shifting weird out of first, knocking sound. A code of p1326 skds is showing on diagnostic. This was supposedly repaired by kia a few months ago from a recall. I am questioning if they corrected and inspected the recall appropriately, due to this being the issue. The car is now unable to be driven because I do not want to do more damage.
Incident date: Oct 14, 2025
I was driving on the street when suddenly the truck stopped completely by itself without me pressing the brake, I put it in neutral and put it back in forward, it went about 30 feet and stopped by itself suddenly again and the dashboard panel did not have any warning signs that indicated that something was wrong. I took it to the dealer and they told me that since it did not have any warning light... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, there was smoke coming from the front driver’s side headlamp, prompting the contact to have her son disconnect the headlamp wiring harness. After a visual inspection, the contact observed that the wiring harness showed signs of burn damage. The headlamp warning light was illuminated. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
While driving the cars speedometer and all gages will stop working, or they will constantly move up and down on their own, it will also not accelerate to speed limit in a timely manner.. when stopping the car it will brake extremely hard on its own and throw me forward it will also give a warning message on the dash that the power steering isn’t working and to drive with caution. When parking th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
Summary: Emergency collision warning system activated unexpectedly at highway speed, causing sudden braking and loss of vehicle control. Details: While traveling approximately 65 mph on [XXX] , the emergency collision warning system in my Kia activated suddenly and without cause. There were no vehicles in front, beside, or near me at the time. The system automatically engaged the brakes, causing ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
Summary: Emergency collision warning system activated unexpectedly at highway speed, causing sudden braking and loss of vehicle control. Details: While traveling approximately 65 mph on [XXX] , the emergency collision warning system in my Kia activated suddenly and without cause. There were no vehicles in front, beside, or near me at the time. The system automatically engaged the brakes, causing ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
The issue involves the auto start/stop system on my 2025 Honda Odyssey Touring. When the feature is turned on, the vehicle intermittently fails to restart after coming to a complete stop. The problem does not occur when the start/stop system is disabled. During normal driving, the engine shuts off as expected at a stoplight, but when I release the brake, the vehicle hesitates or fails to crank, le... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
Tire size is a P275 / 70 / R18 On 10/11/2025 I experienced a belt separation on my driver side rear tire which resulted in a noticeable bulge in the tread area. I had similar issues with two other matching tires in this set and one of them blew out leading to a rapid loss of air. I am sure if I wouldn't have been hyper-aware of early tell tale signs of this potential issue from the previous inci... Read more