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 13, 2026
I purchased my 2019 dodge journey in 2022 and about two months maybe after purchasing it, my backup camera went out. At first, it came in and out- only working occasionally. But then it completely stopped and hasn’t worked since. There’s a line through the image where the camera use to show up in the mirror. I understand some 2019 dodge journeys has recalls for this, but not my VIN. So I wante... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
The Multipurpose Camera Unit has failed resulting in loss of Adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, Automatic braking and other features related to the MCU. There are approximately 6 warnings when starting the car of features not working, and 3 lights that remain lit on the dash including "Brake System". This is the second time this issue has arise. The first time was replaced by the dealer ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
The Multipurpose Camera Unit has failed resulting in loss of Adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, Automatic braking and other features related to the MCU. There are approximately 6 warnings when starting the car of features not working, and 3 lights that remain lit on the dash including "Brake System". This is the second time this issue has arise. The first time was replaced by the dealer ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
The Multipurpose Camera Unit has failed resulting in loss of Adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, Automatic braking and other features related to the MCU. There are approximately 6 warnings when starting the car of features not working, and 3 lights that remain lit on the dash including "Brake System". This is the second time this issue has arise. The first time was replaced by the dealer ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
While driving at normal speed, my Kia EV6 experienced a sudden and complete failure of the ICCU system with zero warning. The vehicle instantly lost all propulsion power and all 12V electrical power, rendering the car uncontrollable and unsafe. I was unable to accelerate, unable to place the vehicle in gear, and unable to activate hazard lights. This occurred despite the vehicle being at approxima... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Lexus ES 300H. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The service ABS, Brakes, and hazard warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed; however, no cause for the failure was determined. An appointment with the dealer was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a loud explosion coming from the rear of the vehicle, and there was a dragging sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear seat raised up into the air with children seated in the seat. The contact became aware of fuel leaking and that the fuel tank was hanging down. The vehicle was towed to... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
I have 2017 Ford Focus that is experiencing transmission issues related to the DPS6 Powershift transmission and TCM recall but my VIN number is [XXX] was not included. I am experiencing issues with the car shifting into 1st and 2nd gears, it will revv up at a stop but not accelerate immediately. I have been to a mechanic multiple times and had the lower actuator replaced, new radiator fan install... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was distorted while in reverse(R). The vehicle was taken to Exotic Sound & Tint Inc., where the rearview camera was replaced; however, the failure persi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. While the contact's granddaughter was attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that a special device was previously installed in the vehicle because of a legal matter. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who installed the device, and the vehicle was inspected. The contact was informed that the device did not ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
Advanced driving system - Truck with leave a lane unprovoked and will fight you to recover manually. I have another Toyota with the same system (2024 Grand Highlander) and it works perfect. Not confirmed by dealer yet. It will be next week. Not inspected yet. Automatic lane centering just stops working, display changes to "not tracking'. Blue lines disappear on display. Truck has done this ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
My wife was driving the vehicle and the dash lit up like a Christmas tree. Every fault and every light came on including the steering tightened up like there was no power steering. Dealership has had the vehicle for almost a week and haven't heard anything. This is a brand new vehicle. Never have bought a hyundai before, very disappointed!
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Buick Envista. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the contact felt a hard kick when the vehicle accelerated. The instrument cluster was blank. No warning lights were illuminated. Recently, while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an in... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
They stated the second row is not safe in a high speed collision because they could eject. I’ve been using a rental for 3 months with no end insight. They stated they would have a timeline by 12/6 but that has yet to happen. My car is sitting at the dealership out in the elements for the unforeseeable future.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
My vehicle has experienced repeated and unresolved software/firmware failures that cause loss of essential vehicle functionality and repeated vehicle immobilization. Since purchase, the vehicle has been taken out of service multiple times for software-related repairs, including firmware updates and system resets, yet the problems persist and the vehicle cannot be relied upon to operate normally. ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
My vehicle has experienced repeated and unresolved software/firmware failures that cause loss of essential vehicle functionality and repeated vehicle immobilization. Since purchase, the vehicle has been taken out of service multiple times for software-related repairs, including firmware updates and system resets, yet the problems persist and the vehicle cannot be relied upon to operate normally. ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
While driving with my family on a busy freeway at approximately 70 mph, our vehicle suddenly displayed a loud, urgent warning: “Hybrid System Warning – Safely Stop and Do Not Drive!” At the same moment, the car lost the ability to accelerate without any prior signs of trouble. We were extremely fortunate to have enough momentum to coast to the shoulder and shut the vehicle off, unsure of how... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
I’ve heard all the horror stories about faulty electrical issues. I’m chasing an issue now on my 2018 with ONLY 87,000 miles after spending a bunch of money on batteries hub assemblies random control modules to try to fix an issue of stabilitrak, traction control, abs, trailer brakes, power steering etc all going off every 3 seconds. Grounds have all been re done to bare metal nothing is fixin... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
I am reporting a safety concern related to Safety Recall 20UF on my 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE and the handling of this recall by an authorized Volkswagen dealership (Pohanka Volkswagen, Capitol Heights, MD). Prior to the recall service, the vehicle exhibited loss of power, intermittent shuddering, and severe difficulty refueling (fuel pump nozzle repeatedly shut off even with a low fuel level).... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that when the vehicle was taken to a dealer for routine maintenance, the dealer informed the contact that the rear main seal was leaking and needed to be resealed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,402.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
Oil is getting past the piston oil rings, causing oil to get into spark plugs/coil area of engine. Mechanic printed recall paperwork for this exact issue, but no recall found for my VIN. According to recall, this is a very dangerous issue that can stall car at any time or may be more likely to cause fires. I need this to be addressed in my car, please. Especially since it's a known issue.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Snow White Pearl paint is peeling like a banana. Contacted Kia and are aware of the problem but offered nothing.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
When using the headlights there is a shadow across the top half of our windshield. The dealership was not able to fix, they acknowledged they could see what we are referring to. They are going to file a report with BMW. I do not know what to do in the meantime. This is our main transportation. This definitely needs a safety recall.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
My 2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid XSE (VIN 4T1DAACKXTU213841) purchased on September 26/2025 is subject to Safety Recall 25TA15 / NHTSA ID 25V869 for a loose inverter bolt that can cause loss of motive power or fire. Toyota says no remedy is available until at least Q1 2026. I transport my minor child in this vehicle and do not feel safe operating it with a known and unresolved fire/crash risk. I am rep... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2025
Vehicle brake pedal is not fully depressing to normal state after use. This is causing the break lights to remain on until you pull the pedal itself back to resting state. If you do not do this the cruise control will not work. The ESC error light and Service Trailer Brake System error continue to come on.
Incident date: Nov 19, 2025
Vehicle brake pedal is not fully depressing to normal state after use. This is causing the break lights to remain on until you pull the pedal itself back to resting state. If you do not do this the cruise control will not work. The ESC error light and Service Trailer Brake System error continue to come on.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
Tacoma Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram at address: 4101 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma WA 98409 The service provider (Andrew) has said his boss is telling him to have the vehicle moved and putting the responsibility on us at our own expense. We opened a case US Customer Care recall department case #[XXX] is pressuring us to move our 2017 Jeep at our own expense. It is inoperable and will not drive due to a safe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
Tacoma Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram at address: 4101 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma WA 98409 The service provider (Andrew) has said his boss is telling him to have the vehicle moved and putting the responsibility on us at our own expense. We opened a case US Customer Care recall department case #[XXX] is pressuring us to move our 2017 Jeep at our own expense. It is inoperable and will not drive due to a safe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
I am writing to formally report an incident involving the service department at Lakeland Hyundai (1500 W Memorial Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33815). My 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe was brought in on 12/31/25 for an active engine recall involving the Cylinder Head Cover Oil Leak Repair (Recall Code 976 / Campaign 24-01-026H). The vehicle was driven into the dealership in proper working condition. I was later inf... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
the trunk door stopped working due to a leak from the rear left window seal causing the computer to become waterlogged the mechanic that fixed it said its a common issue with the Honda odyssey and should be recalled by Honda, I am therefore requesting the nhtsa to investigate this matter further so Honda should reimburse for the cost of the repair this issue can be a safety hazard in the event of ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
I have a 2023 GMC Sierra HD3500 6.6 Duramax. February of 2025 the valve body failed after 23,000 miles. The failure happened when the transmission had an extremely hard shift at 55 mph and then went into 5 gear limp mode. Computer through code P0700 and P0747. The P0747 is the code that tells you the valve body failed. When I took the truck to the dealer, they would not let me take the truck home... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
My Multi-Purpose Camera System has gone bad after only 5 years. Collision mitigation, cruise control, brake system, lane keep assist, among other safety features are failing because of this.
KIA
FORTE
(2014) - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
Jan 15, 2026
Incident date: Mar 18, 2018
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact located the recall for NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service brakes, Hydraulic). While driving at 55 MPH, another vehicle passed him on double yellow lines, and the anti-lock brakes locked up, and the vehicle slid and crashed into a 2008 Chevrolet. There were no reported injuries, fire, or airbag deployment. A police report was filed. The ABS lig... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
My car started having issues with the hybrid system, with fault alerts related to the drive motor control module, hybrid powertrain control module, and battery energy control module in the transmission, and the vehicle is available for inspection if needed. The engine light had been on for about a week, and I was waiting for availability at work to take it to a mechanic. While driving around 70 mp... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
“Collision mitigation system problem see dealer” warning! Once at unknown mileage around 6,000 and once at around 10,000 miles. Random vehicle braking around 6-8 times in 12,000 miles with no reason. Braking happens while in cruise control. Both times that the warning messages appeared it was along with warnings for adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, lane departure, lane keep assisti... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
“Collision mitigation system problem see dealer” warning! Once at unknown mileage around 6,000 and once at around 10,000 miles. Random vehicle braking around 6-8 times in 12,000 miles with no reason. Braking happens while in cruise control. Both times that the warning messages appeared it was along with warnings for adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, lane departure, lane keep assisti... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
“Collision mitigation system problem see dealer” warning! Once at unknown mileage around 6,000 and once at around 10,000 miles. Random vehicle braking around 6-8 times in 12,000 miles with no reason. Braking happens while in cruise control. Both times that the warning messages appeared it was along with warnings for adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, lane departure, lane keep assisti... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
Instrument cluster/panel went blank; unable to tell speed, temperature control, fuel, tire pressure, blinkers, lights. unable to see controls or displays. unable to see warning lights.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
I was driving my car at over 70 mph on a highway, no check engine, no issues, just had oil changed when check hybrid system alert came on with check engine light. I started to change lanes to get to shoulder when my car just died, completely. It died in the middle of the highway merging with another major road, so I was stuck between 2 lanes of 70mph traffic on either side. The time to react to t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
I was driving my car at over 70 mph on a highway, no check engine, no issues, just had oil changed when check hybrid system alert came on with check engine light. I started to change lanes to get to shoulder when my car just died, completely. It died in the middle of the highway merging with another major road, so I was stuck between 2 lanes of 70mph traffic on either side. The time to react to t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2025
My vehicles rear locker went out on me while driving on the road and completely destroyed itself. I have video evidence on how that looks at the shop where it cost me over 3k to get a new one because I could t drive it or I had to get a whole new rear differential. My steering is already been going loose at 70k miless
Incident date: Nov 26, 2025
My vehicles rear locker went out on me while driving on the road and completely destroyed itself. I have video evidence on how that looks at the shop where it cost me over 3k to get a new one because I could t drive it or I had to get a whole new rear differential. My steering is already been going loose at 70k miless
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
The transmission made a loud noise, resulting in a sudden decrease in speed while driving in traffic. Felt similar to being rear ended in a collision. The lights came on in my dashboard including the check engine light. Tried driving the vehicle and it would shift erraticaly rendering un-driveable. Had to be towed to my GMC dealership for service. The initial diagnosis is an issue with the "valve ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
EVAP CONTROL SYSTEM FAULT UNABLE TO BLEED UP FUEL TANK VACUUM. POOR QUALITY PAINT AND INTERIOR.
Incident date: Aug 29, 2025
Sensor issue that is causing safety concerns with cruise control, lane keep assistance. Forward collision issue, etc.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Leaf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V655000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
Car shuts down and does not restart. Also goes to neutral and does not allow car to be steered. Also seems to be related to auto restart.
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
Automatic emergency braking system phantom braking; Several different times now, on the road; at low speed causing sudden stopping in traffic; after pulling over the emergency stopping system turned off but the transmission locked up in one gear; drive on in a fixed gear and after several miles transmission unlocked and vehicle returned to normal; Have not gone to dealer No compone... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
The vehicle is extremely slow to accelerate at low speeds under 20mph. There have been several near accidents due to the lack of acceleration. The recall for the fuel injector was addressed and ECM per manufacture but hasn’t solved the problem. This is dangerous for any acceleration that can cause you to get hit.
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
Car parked for 6 days while on vacation. Came back it started fine but 30 mins into travel, I lost power steering while on the highway next to a tractor trailer and the warning lights were shifting through a cycle of warnings of things not working. It told me to go to the dealership which I brought on my way home. They looked and said it was because i didn't drive it. The car is 1 year old and t... Read more