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 8, 2025
Right at 100k miles both our engine began burning oil at an extremely high rate with no clear resolution for the issue. We are adding 1-2 quarts ever week. Simultaneously, we received transmission solenoid codes from a check engine light. The sealed factory transmission had burn looking transmission fluid and after replacement the light continue to show and now the transmission is slipping and ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The back rear seat WINDOW on the left-hand side spontaneously exploded while driving around 60 mph on the highway on the morning (10:30 AM ET) of October 7, 2025. All of the pieces blew into the car. There was a loud boom when the window imploded. Had this happened on the driver's window, I would have wrecked. As loud as the window explosion was, I felt as though my ear drums busted. I had to... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Front lights gets foggy when it gets hand wash, contacted the dealership and they are willing to replace the “Gasket” because the headlights must have “ventilation”. While driving with nobody in front the collision warning went off non stop, the road was completely clear.
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving or while the vehicle was parked and occupied, there was an abnormal smoke odor coming from the engine of the vehicle. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
My 2018 Kia Sportage (VIN [XXX] ) experienced complete engine failure due to low compression/internal combustion chamber failure. The vehicle lost power while driving on Sept 30, 2025, and had to be towed to [XXX] Kia in Dayton, OH. This same dealership previously performed an oil retention test in Aug 2024 which failed, identifying a defective engine. Kia was aware of the issue but declined to ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
My 2018 Kia Sportage (VIN [XXX] ) experienced complete engine failure due to low compression/internal combustion chamber failure. The vehicle lost power while driving on Sept 30, 2025, and had to be towed to [XXX] Kia in Dayton, OH. This same dealership previously performed an oil retention test in Aug 2024 which failed, identifying a defective engine. Kia was aware of the issue but declined to ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). However, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 experienced a failure.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2025
Ford BlueCruise cut-in non-response Incident date/time: September 29, 2025, ~6:15 PM Location: US-290 East, near Waller, Texas Vehicle: 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning System: Ford BlueCruise (hands-free driver assistance) While traveling eastbound on US-290 with BlueCruise engaged (hands-free with lane centering and adaptive cruise), an 18-wheeler flatbed changed into my lane directly ahead. The syst... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the message "Engine Management System Failure" was displayed on the instrument panel. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal, with an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2025
Having issues with the ac condenser drain hose. And Transmission shuddering during acceleration.
Incident date: Jul 9, 2021
Exact problem was recalled for same year for 143,000 vehicles but my VIN was not in the recall. I was diving and vehicle made a loud noise and all the sudden stopped accelerating. It was like my car was in neutral. Put my car in park when I stopped and car started rolling backwards like it wasn’t in park. It finally went into park and I shut car off and restarted tried putting in drive again. ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
Unshielded rear-center generator exhaust pipe positioned with approx 12 in clearance above the ground, ignited the exterior of vehicle when generator operated, causing total loss. My safety as well as my pets was put at great risk due to this design and lack of shielding. The problem has not been reproduced of confirmed by dealer or independent service center, however the fact of such pipe gett... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Oct 6, 2025
Something is wrong with the camera and causing all warnings to go off.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Blue Bird Conventional Bus. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the instrument panel unexpectedly rebooted. The contact also stated that while attempting to make a turn, the bus experienced a reduction in power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
Level 2 Charger for my vehicle. Purchased a Juicebox 32 Enel X Way and the company decided to cease operation in North America. Now I have equipment I paid $579 for that is inoperable and still under the supposed warranty. I have been referred to Voltie Group by Enel X Way which informed me they took over customer assistance but they have not returned any email or voicemail messages. After doing s... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
Truck shuts off randomly. I think it related to ECU relay that was a recall. Campaign number. Pc068
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the rear passenger side seat belt and driver's side rear seat belt failed to fully extend smoothly while passengers were attempting to buckle the seat belt, or while attempting to secure a car seat inside the vehicle. The contact stated that while pulling the seat belt from the retracted position, the seat belt locked up. The contact had ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V440000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available, and the recall was put on hold. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exc... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2024
Rear sliding glass window track falling down. It happened approximately 2 months after I bought the truck. I believe it is just designed badly for a sliding window track.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2024
For starters, my lights go out every six months on queue. Cannot find a reason why. My car sputters or shutters when accelerating. I heard other Kia models have recalls due to the same thing. I have had my car in the shop multiple times and no one can figure out why it is doing it. It feels like the belts are slipping or the transmission is slipping or something, but no one can find a legit reason... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2025
I bought the car before less than 3 months the car was good but before 10 days when I was driving it on highway , suddenly the car stopped without any light warnings I was In dangerous situations hard to got the car to right side way exit 19 A express highway when I opened the hood was smoking from engine and smile like plastic fire I brought the mechanic said starter I bought starter I replaced i... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2025
BUSHING FOR SHIFTER BUSTED, PERVIOUS RECALLS ON 2013-2016 MODELS, NUMEROUS REPORTS KNOWN FOR THIS HAPPENING ON 2017-2019 MODELS AS WELL. CURRENTLY HAVING VEHICLE BUSHING REPAIR AFTER CAR BEING IN THE SHOP FOR OVER A WEEK AFTER HAVING FRONT LINE BRAKE HOSES REPLACED AS WELL.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
All lights have popped up on dash. Stayed on for 2 days back in july and then went off. Came back on 2 days ago (oct 5th) and have not went off yet. LKA, cruise control, parking brake light, TPMS, traction control, and engine light.
Incident date: Sep 27, 2025
All lights have popped up on dash. Stayed on for 2 days back in july and then went off. Came back on 2 days ago (oct 5th) and have not went off yet. LKA, cruise control, parking brake light, TPMS, traction control, and engine light.
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The air bag located in the seat failed to activate as designed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the passenger’s side seat sensor was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that upon shifting to park(P) and attempting to turn off the vehicle, the message "Shift to Park" was displayed and an alarm sounded loudly. The contact stated that upon turning off and restarting the vehicle and shifting in and out of park(P) several times, the vehicle responded as intended. The contact stated that the failure had becom... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
I’ve visited both Ourisman Ford of Manassas, VA and Ted Britt Ford of Chantilly, VA regarding this issue and asked when a fix is expected. At both dealerships, I was informed that this is not classified as a recall but rather part of Ford’s Customer Satisfaction Program. However, when I provided the service representative with the official letter from Ford, they were unable to locate either th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
Rear view camera was distorted and didn’t show a vehicle behind me when I backed out of parking spot and made contact with another vehicle.
Crash
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 6, 2025
Incident date: Oct 6, 2025
1- ABS/Braking Issue The ABS system appears to be malfunctioning. On multiple occasions, typically once or twice a week, when I apply the brakes, the tires lock up and cause the vehicle to skid. This happens most often when descending hills or backing up on a sloped driveway. The wheels lock and slide until I release the brake pedal, posing a serious safety concern. 2- Severe Water Leak Interior... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2025
My rear window suddenly shattered while I was driving. My safety was put at risk as it sounded like someone shot into my back window. The vehicle was inspected by state police.
Incident date: Oct 6, 2025
Water leak front windshield passenger side. There has been a windscreen issue for the 2018 discovery faulty install. 2017 is the same vehicle and is having the same issue. This water can leak down into the dash a create electrical issues.
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
Brakes- when reversing the brakes make loud grinding / squealing noise. I'm worried at times it will give out by not braking. Electrical- my display panel with the reverse camera turns off which at times can cause an accident.
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
Brakes- when reversing the brakes make loud grinding / squealing noise. I'm worried at times it will give out by not braking. Electrical- my display panel with the reverse camera turns off which at times can cause an accident.
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
As I am driving, does not matter speed or weather, the instrument cluster screen will do a "System Check" as if the vehicle is being started. The screen will go blank for about 5 seconds and then will reappear. If the vehicle is in cruise control, that will disengage and the vehicle will slow down and I have to catch it and keep speed up. This does not happen every day and has happened at differen... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2025
i am unable to remove the key from the ignition. i have to start the vehicle numerous times all while shifting the gear shifter back and forth between drive and park. after several attempts the key will finally release.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the windshield washer fluid activated unintendedly and sprayed over the front windshield, causing a visibility hazard for the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who repaired a loosened electrical wire, and the vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the radio cluster unintendedly deactivated, a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
The passenger-side front bumper and fender liner detached during a 15 mph swerve to avoid a traffic cone on day 3 of ownership. There was a light graze with no significant impact, but approximately 2 miles later, a noise prompted a safe pull-over. The component (bumper assembly and liner clips) failed completely, with clean detachment and a missing OEM clip. The vehicle and component are available... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2025
This type of steering wheel cover on the steering wheel will wear out by 50,000 miles poor engineered
Incident date: Oct 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the exterior of the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, and upon inspection, the contact became aware that the keypad had detached from the door and was hanging down. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an indep... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2025
The screen on the dash has quit working and the backup camera does not work this started when we got snow, thought once weather warmed up things it would work tried the reset button to no avail. Hesitated about buying another jeep now I wish I hadn’t nothing but trouble
Incident date: Oct 6, 2025
Over 3 years ago I went in for a normal oil change at Brookshire Hyindai Dealership where I was told my engine was consuming an alarming amount of oil. In order for Hyundai to do anything I was told o need to complete an engine oil consumption test which requires me to go back to the dealership every 1000 miles for 3k miles for them to check the oil. After completing this it was proven that there ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2025
[XXX] , [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Email: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Date: October 5, 2025 Kia America, Inc. Consumer Affairs Department [XXX] Subject: Request for Goodwill Repair – Defective Paint on 2014 Kia Optima LX Dear Kia Consumer Affairs Team, I am writing to formally request assistance regarding the defective paint on my 2012 Kia Optima LX. The paint has begun to peel and flake on several ar... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
Car stopped abruptly in backed-up traffic on I-84 when there was no danger of hitting the vehicle ahead. It created a danger of being struck by the vehicle behind.
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
Hyundai Santa Cruz with transmission problems. 5 attempts to repair and manufacture failed to. Last time, vehicle had a sudden transmission failure while driving. Car stop responding to acceleration and transmission was not switching gears, that could had cause loss of control, especially in high-speed or high-traffic situations. Luckily it was very early in the morning, not much traffic and befor... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 80 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost power, the engine began knocking, and the vehicle began to decelerate quickly until there was complete engine failure. The contact was able to coast to the emergency lane on the side of the highway. After the failure, several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instr... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, shook and vibrated, and then stalled. During the failure, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the oil pressure message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the engine had failed due to a faulty oil pump drive belt tens... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2025
Electrical issues since 44K miles I’m at 50 K miles. I’ve complained multiple times and they kept saying electrician wasn’t available. Then they lie about it being a waitlist for a loaner car. All the lights on the dashboard goes on and all the dealership couldn’t diagnose the problem. The second time the check engine lights went out the back up camera. They said it was the back up camera ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
In March 2025 I experience shaking while driving every time I stopped. Took to Dearlership and Power Transfer Unit was replaced. Now September 2025, I experience shaking while accelerating. No clear answer on what is causing this.
Incident date: Oct 5, 2025
This Jeep does not get the fuel milage it is suppose too (19 city and 26 hwy). It has a rough idle and almost dies when air condition is on at a stop sign or red light. The valves chatter no matter what octane of gasoline you use.
Incident date: Oct 5, 2025
This Jeep does not get the fuel milage it is suppose too (19 city and 26 hwy). It has a rough idle and almost dies when air condition is on at a stop sign or red light. The valves chatter no matter what octane of gasoline you use.