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: Dec 24, 2025
Vehicle was driving normally down the highway then proceeded to shutdown without warning. Suddenly all of the trouble Lights appeared indicatinging engine, transmission, hill assist etc cut on without warning. The van would not drive above 55 mph when turned back on.
Incident date: Dec 24, 2025
Vehicle was driving normally down the highway then proceeded to shutdown without warning. Suddenly all of the trouble Lights appeared indicatinging engine, transmission, hill assist etc cut on without warning. The van would not drive above 55 mph when turned back on.
Incident date: Dec 24, 2025
Vehicle was driving normally down the highway then proceeded to shutdown without warning. Suddenly all of the trouble Lights appeared indicatinging engine, transmission, hill assist etc cut on without warning. The van would not drive above 55 mph when turned back on.
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
On December 1, 2025, the 2025 Honda Prologue was pulling into a parking spot between two parked vehicles at low speed. While in forward gear, the Prologue experienced an unexpected acceleration event and collided with three parked vehicles, two of whom were hit with sufficient force to impact adjacent parked vehicles. The driver is unaware of having pressed down on the accelerator and is additiona... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 27, 2025
I am forced to drive a vehicle through the winter with a known safety defect - an ABS system that does not work properly. I was told by Ram corporate they were trying to source parts - it has been several months and still no resolution. I was told I could rent a car at my expense to drive in the winter, or try and find the parts to repair and do it at my cost. They are obviously trying to avoid... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2025
The displayed view by the back up camera flickers, or shows a blue screen when the car is placed in reverse. This places the safety of pedestrians at risk of being hit by the vehicle when backing up. This places the safety of other drivers and myself at risk of collision when backing up. The component (back up camera) was inspected by a Ford dealer (Sunrise Ford in Fort Pierce Fl.). I was cha... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
The entire instrument cluster failed on my 2020 Jeep Wrangler and had to be completely replaced at the dealer. One day, when starting the vehicle, the entire cluster was off with no advanced warnings, no speedometer, no fuel gauge, no warning lights, no odometer, and no information display of any kind. The vehicle would still operate, but all gauges and dashboard functions were non-functional. To... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2025
The vehicle 'turned off' while in motion at around 35-40 mph on a busy 5-lane major arterial road in the city on 12/21/2025 at around 0630-0700 hours. Driver (author of this report) was able to turn into a side road and stop. Message "Press start button" displayed on dash panel. Complying with this action led to a coughing start but vehicle could not be put into drive mode because a second message... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2025
Upon starting the vehicle, the gauge cluster screen was and remained completely blank. No indication as to an error, no visual indicator was available as to my speed or the vehicle's status, and no problem lights were visible. The vehicle appeared otherwise operable, and the media control screen was fully functional
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
Vehicle: 2012 Ford F-150 Incident Description: While driving straight under normal conditions, the “Service Power Steering Service Now” warning message suddenly appeared on the dashboard, accompanied by an audible warning alarm. Immediately after this warning, the steering wheel became extremely stiff and difficult to turn, with a sudden loss of power steering assistance. This failure occurred... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2025
My headlights high beams stopped working .I found a recall called a dealer said it was out of warranty . how do you differentiate a car built when there was a problem with high beams going out .The replacement would cost over one thousand dollars I already have to use a club because immobilizer installed in car I hade the update. But both of there are safety issues.
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
The car will have all lights on dashboard showing, car has been taken multiple times to dealership and nothing seems to be wrong but this cause all safety features to malfunction. I have talked with other Honda owners, on forums and acquaintances and they have similar issues.
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
The truck has 61000 miles on it I got it in August there is engine knock which sounds like a bearing might’ve went and now the rod is loose in there. There is a large recall already regarding the same make and model of my truck for this exact issue.
Incident date: Aug 25, 2023
The engine light came on and cam shaft caused the rod bearing to fail. I see there is a recall 23v751. But my vehicle vin. Is not on it 2019 honda ridgeline
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
I own a 2025 GMC Sierra 1500. The rearview camera is inoperable at night (image is too dark). Brought vehicle into to purchasing dealer with complaint. After service, I was told that there was nothing they could do to correct the issue. I then contacted GMC customer service. They advised to bring the vehicle to a different dealer and upon completion to contact customer service again. I did as advi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
On at least 7 occasions the driver was TRAPPED inside the vehicle. The car failed to start and the doors and windows locked. If the driver had not had a cell phone to make an emergency call he would have been locked inside until someone discovered the problem. Had this happened in Phoenix, AZ in the summer, there is a very good chance the driver would have been dead before he was rescued. The ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2025
Jeep shakes violently when going above 50 mph
Incident date: Dec 25, 2025
The engine recall was warrenteed up to 80,000 miles. l bought the vehicle with 75,000 miles. Sure enough l had the defective engine and it blew out at 113,000 miles. l ended up getting a personal loan as the engine was $10,000. I'm upset because Ford can set what ever mileage they want to establish a warranty expiration period. Hope you can help
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
The ABS warning light, Traction Control warning light, and Emergency Brake light are all lite up on the dashboard of my 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport. ABS is not working on my Jeep. Mechanic shop checked for codes and said the ABS control module is bad and needs to be replaced. The shop qouted me $1,500.00 for parts and labor and that was if they could find a new ABS control module somewhe... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2025
January 2022. The car was brought to dealership because the transmission was slipping in 3rd gear. Service light was on. On my way the problem fixed itself. I explained that it happened only in the extreme cold here in michigan. They documented for warranty. Said it may be due to clutch overheating on slippery roads. IT WAS NOT. The cars was not used for 2 winters as we were in Florida. D... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2025
While braking and attempting a left turn at an intersection, my vehicle completely shut down with no braking or steering control. Fortunately there were no damages and the vehicle started up again and I was able to clear the intersection. I took the vehicle to an authorized dealer for repair. They indicated that this was a known issue and they were familiar with it. They installed a battery sensor... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 29, 2025
While braking and attempting a left turn at an intersection, my vehicle completely shut down with no braking or steering control. Fortunately there were no damages and the vehicle started up again and I was able to clear the intersection. I took the vehicle to an authorized dealer for repair. They indicated that this was a known issue and they were familiar with it. They installed a battery sensor... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 29, 2025
On December 24, 2025 at around 2:00 pm While driving my 2018 Ford F-150 from Hidalgo, Texas to Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico, a distance of approximately 220 miles, my vehicle experienced a sudden and dangerous transmission failure that placed myself, my family, and other motorists at significant risk. For the first approximately 130 miles, the vehicle operated normally with no warning sign... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2025
My Tesla was unable to access Supercharging due to a payment system error, even though I had just made a payment. The battery level was critically low, and a severe storm warning was active. Supercharging access was blocked, and I could not reach Tesla customer support by phone. This created a potentially dangerous situation and represents a safety risk.
Incident date: Oct 6, 2025
Vehicle was driving normally when the engine failed and lost power. The vehicle following nearly rear ended ours. Pulled the car over into a side street and tried to restart with no success. Emission control problem warning displayed. Called road side assistance and had the vehicle towed to the dealer from where it was purchased. Dealer contacted us an told us that the engine had seized an wo... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
My Jeep says it’s going to shutdown to pull over somewhere and cut off car. If we pull over in time, restarting car has solved problem until next time it decides to occur. Multiple times the car has shut off with me driving down road and I have no control over the vehicle. Plugged up at O’Rileys and AutoZone. Diagnostic referred to voltage surge with battery and the ABS. I took it to a local ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Driving on freeway,two pieces of paint, flaking flew onto my windshield obstructing my view. Pulled over to see what happened and it was paint on my hood was flaking off. The paint was stuck to my windshield. My safety was definitely at risk as paint blocked my view.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Front CV axles began failing at around 20,000 miles. The truck shakes when accelerating at all speeds but especially at 40-50mph or under load.
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
The CTV transmission failed with a check engine light and multiple error codes including front end collision warning failure and Electronic brakes failure. The car had supposedly passed a 125 pt inspection less than 5000 miles before this. In addition, the fluid had been replaced as recommended at about 60,000 miles.
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
On December 1, 2025 at around 5pm CST, my 2021 GMC Yukon XL started making a squeeling noise then stopped while driving down the road. It left me stranded in the middle of the road. A P0016 CODE was produced and the engine light came on. I had the vehicle towed the next day to Stew Hanses GMC in Clive, Iowa. The engine was torn down for inspection and was told the rod bearing went bad and it had l... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
Front Passenger Daytime Running Light Chip Failure Range Rover Velar Forums have THOUSANDS of this exact issue. Land Rover has ceased all communications with me regarding this issue, including the executive office.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2025
The vehicle went into shift to park and will not turn off. This is a known problem with ALL GM vehicles that hasn’t been fixed or offered a warranty for. It’s dangerous and causes the car not to move shut off in traffic and drains the battery. My car currently isn’t working due to this issue and the repair to fix is too much with no assistance from GM for a known defect. My car was almost hi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2025
Vehicle randomly locks up while going down the highway as if I’ve hit something or the emergency parked has turned on. No codes present and when taken to the dealer they are not able to replicate the issue. This vehicle has only 41,000 miles! After searching forums and groups on social media, I have found MANY people experiencing the same issue. This vehicle needs to be recalled for safety conce... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2025
Sticky steering wheel at highway speed 70mph and when you put enough force to make it turn it jerks and you have to over correct it and go the other way to maintain in the middle lane on the highway. Takes about 10-15miles to start doing it but does not go away at all once it starts. Happens everytime on the highway
Incident date: Nov 27, 2025
The drivers side sliding door when on the power on, it will either not catch when opening or not shut when you are trying to shut it. You can be in the door way and it will shut on you by itself. You have to physically stop it or pull it shut. I have taken it in the past to the local Toyota dealership, when it was under warranty, multiple times. They don't see anything wrong, or cannot explain it... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
ECM Engine Control Module TCM Transmission Range Sensor TCM Transmission Control Module While driving in a 45 MPH speed zone in heavy traffic, the vehicle suddenly lost power and abruptly slowed down causing a number of other vehicles to have to break and swerve . Problem confirmed through ONSTAR Diagnosis As of this date, the GM dealer has not confirmed the problem. No other inspections have ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
The backup camera and 360 view stopped working, and the reverse break assist is not available when placing the vehicle in reverse. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Jan 12, 2025
July 2025 RO (mileage ~5,500): Propulsion reduced power; AC loss/no cooling; charging failure; loose weather stripping; shark fin antenna loose; brake pedal clicking on stops; OnStar connectivity loss. July 13-22 2025 (mileage ~6,000): Electrical impairments; reduced acceleration/speed; vehicle not charging; weather stripping missing/loose; shark fin coming loose; brake clicking during stopping; ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2025
July 2025 RO (mileage ~5,500): Propulsion reduced power; AC loss/no cooling; charging failure; loose weather stripping; shark fin antenna loose; brake pedal clicking on stops; OnStar connectivity loss. July 13-22 2025 (mileage ~6,000): Electrical impairments; reduced acceleration/speed; vehicle not charging; weather stripping missing/loose; shark fin coming loose; brake clicking during stopping; ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2025
Catalytic converter keeps giving me check engine
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
While driving at highway speed approximately 70 mph), the vehicle suddenly veered into an adjacent lane without any steering input and began swerving back and forth uncontrollably. I did not make any steering corrections that caused this behavior. After approximately 10 seconds of back-and-forth swerving, the vehicle straightened out on its own. No collision occurred, but the incident felt life-th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
While driving at highway speed approximately 70 mph), the vehicle suddenly veered into an adjacent lane without any steering input and began swerving back and forth uncontrollably. I did not make any steering corrections that caused this behavior. After approximately 10 seconds of back-and-forth swerving, the vehicle straightened out on its own. No collision occurred, but the incident felt life-th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
The steering has become jerky despite a previous recall that was supposed to fix the issue. When driving at speed, changing lanes become dangerous because of the sudden jerky slip of the steering wheel as if it takes more effort to turn the wheel and suddenly jerks to the left or right.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the gear shifter had been stuck on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the fuses were replaced on several occasions; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rearview mirror wiring had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The cont... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2025
2020 Hyundai SantaFe Limited AWD ... burning excessive oil. This only was noticed because the low oil light intermittently started coming on, and has only started happening in the last few months. low oil indicator flashing - 4QT low, went for an immediate oil change 78788 miles - oil changed 80252 miles - low oil - added 1QT 80628 miles - low oil - added 1QT 81376 miles - oil changed 81999 mil... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and blinked intermittently. The contact stopped at a gas station. The contact filled up the fuel tank and checked the coolant reservoir. When the contact restarted the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle faile... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2025
At speeds 35+ MPH the steering has a “sticky” “notch” feeling making steering at high speed very difficult to do smoothly, especially when cornering. This has led to close-calls nearly resulting in accidents, but fortunately being avoided. I suspect it has to do with the steering rack issue that is a common complaint with this MY.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
I was just stopped at a red light and took foot off pedal and the vehicle didn't restart. The instrument cluster showed a warning saying "Auto StartStop Shift to P then Restart". This has happened 4-5 times in the past month.
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Honda Accord. The contact’s son stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and failed to exceed 50 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was a misfire in cylinder #2, causing engin... Read more