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 1, 2025
My 2025 Honda Odyssey has been completely shutting off after the stop-start shuts the engine off. When the car actually “stalls” is when I let off the brake and it’s time to start going. Then I hear a ding, the dash lights come on, and I have to frantically hit the ignition button. This is happening at stop lights where there is the risk for other cars to safely go when the light turns green... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
For a few weeks prior to 12-21-2025, I've experienced minor Jeep "death wobble" (suspension issue) at highway speeds when encountering an irregularity (bump) in the road surface. On 12-21-2025, I experienced moderate Jeep "death wobble" at around 60 mph (several times). On a desert 2 lane highway, I was seriously in danger of running off the road to the right (crashing into rock faces bigger tha... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
While driving, the vehicle’s infotainment system suddenly froze and then rebooted on its own. During the reboot, the display was unavailable for several minutes, causing loss of access to navigation, vehicle status information, and warning messages while the vehicle was in motion. This occurred without warning and distracted the driver while driving, creating a potential safety risk.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
Was charging the car at home in my garage when the charging session stopped. Opened the door and smelled electrical burning. Was able to put the car in neutral and push it out onto my driveway, fearing that an electrical fire could be disastrous. Called Hyundai roadside assistance and they had it towed to the closest dealership that can work on EV's (35 miles away). No report yet, but I'm pret... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
The contact's friend owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the vehicle failed the Emissions test in Georgia. The contact stated while driving approximately 35-70 MPH, the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle was shaking and jerking abnormally. The vehicle was difficult to drive. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard, but the vehicle failed to respon... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
The contact's friend owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the vehicle failed the Emissions test in Georgia. The contact stated while driving approximately 35-70 MPH, the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle was shaking and jerking abnormally. The vehicle was difficult to drive. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard, but the vehicle failed to respon... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
I was driving this vehicle (2020 Honda CRV hybrid touring) and the brakes became very hard to stop. It was like standard braking without power assist and required great effort to stop the vehicle. Many warnings appeared on the dash including: 1. Brake system problem 2. Electric parking brake problem 3. Brake hold system problem 4. Hill start assist problem 5. Collision mitigation system problem 6.... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2025
The contact's father owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while the owner was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine made a tapping sound, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was unsure whether a warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the lifters and the camshaft had failed. The cost... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
275 55r20 Sidewalls are separating like dryrotted. Bad and severe problems and have been reported to Bridgestone warranty and recall department with no actio taken at this time.
Incident date: Nov 25, 2025
My 2019 Hyundai Tucson previously required an engine replacement due to a known defect. After the engine replacement, the check engine light remained on. Recently, the check engine light began flashing, and the vehicle was towed to the dealership. I was informed the vehicle has a radiator/cooling system failure. Given the history of engine defects and warning lights, I am concerned about vehicle s... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2025
As I was traveling from Houma, La on a major highway to an out of state meeting. I started to hear a slight tapping sound and pulled over to inspect the sound. Upon inspection it seemed as though it was coming from the lower engine, or exhaust near the engine area. I located the nearest Honda dealership which was Community Honda of Lafayette with intentions of dealership inspection. It was approxi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
This is the third time my vehicle has been recalled for battery issues. Twice it has been noted that I should not drive, charge, park my vehicle in my garage, or park it near any building or person because of vehicle fire risk. In both 2023 and 2024 they performed a software update and yet this issue still persist. In 2024, since they didn't have a fix for the problem they said we should not drive... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
The Front Passenger Seat Occupancy Sensor Mat (CIS) in my 2018 BMW X3 failed at 56,000 miles. This failure is confirmed by the specific BMW fault code 930A1C (Seat Occupancy Detector Malfunction) stored in the Advanced Crash Safety Module (ACSM). The component is currently installed in the vehicle and available for inspection. This defect poses a severe safety risk: the system fails to consistentl... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
Multi-Purpose camera has failed according to Honda dealership. No safety features work in the car. You pay for the car to have these features and then they fail after only 3 years? Have been dealing with this issue for almost 2 years now. Honda wants $1,800 for the new camera. This is a safety issue that Honda should be responsible for fixing. No adaptive cruise control, no lane keeping assist, no... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
I have had this issue for over 2 years now and the recall is almost a year old. I went to the RAM dealership in Elizabeth City, NC and they have told me that they would get back to me for over two years. I call MOPAR and they still have no fix for the issue nor do they have a timeframe of when to expect. When asked, if they are going to cover the cost of the accident that occurs when the brakes ac... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 41,000. It was later discovered upon diagnosis that the mileage was 95,000.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
The vehicle's emergency communication system (SOS button) and CarNet connectivity completely failed, disabling critical safety features. Repair History: First Attempt: The vehicle was at the authorized dealer (Volkswagen of Union, NJ) for 2 days. They replaced a communication module but released the vehicle to me with the SOS system still non-functional and without verifying the repair. C... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
Steering wheel covering delaminates and peels during normal use, creating loss of grip and distraction while driving.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
The driver's side windshield wiper is not working because the wiper arm attachment (at the spindle) is stripped. The motor spindle rotates but the wiper does not wipe the windshield. Visibility during rain, snow or other dirt or mud being splattered on windshield during driving. No dealer interaction yet, just noticed today while out driving. No inspection by 3rd party. No warning indicators, lam... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
I purchased this vehicle from Ford about 2 months ago and brought it in for service over 4 weeks ago. The service department inspected the hub bolts and declared the vehicle unsafe to drive until the recall is completed due to sheered bolts. Although the recall says the parts are available, that is apparently not accurate. This is a huge safety issue and Ford put my family at risk when they decide... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),I am submitting this report to express a serious safety concern with my 2015 Buick Verano, which I believe is unsafe for shorter drivers due to poor visibility and design limitations.I received this car as a gift from my father, but the moment I drove it off the lot, I realized I could not safely operate it. I am 4 feet 11 inches tall, an... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2025
The charging system light came on. My wife went to charge at public charging station due to being close to one. After plugging in the van, it said charging failed. She unplugged the charged went to back up and the van died. Had to have it towed to dealer. Dealer states even though the van is in the warranty period, the IDCM which is up under the van is scuffed and therefore isn’t warrantied. The... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2025
The charging system light came on. My wife went to charge at public charging station due to being close to one. After plugging in the van, it said charging failed. She unplugged the charged went to back up and the van died. Had to have it towed to dealer. Dealer states even though the van is in the warranty period, the IDCM which is up under the van is scuffed and therefore isn’t warrantied. The... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2025
I was driving and all of a sudden I lost acceleration in the middle of an intersection. My truck had no gears and gave me zero indication there was an issue. I then was told Ford has a newly designed part that fixes the issue and I would have to pay $7500. How does a manufacturer knowingly sell such a dangerous product, and not have a recall for that product after updating a faulty design?
Incident date: Jun 24, 2025
I am reporting a concern regarding the driver’s seat design in my Toyota RAV4. While driving this vehicle, I experience consistent back pain that can begin within approximately 15 minutes of driving and often persists for about two hours after driving has ended. The pain includes sharp discomfort in my mid-to-upper back and occurs despite adjusting the seat position and using aftermarket lumbar... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2025
I lease a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe that has developed serious and unresolved safety issues. While driving at highway speeds, typically between 70 and 75 mph, the vehicle has repeatedly lost power and begun to decelerate on its own without driver input. When this occurs, I am unable to maintain speed with traffic, creating a dangerous condition and placing myself, my passengers, and other motor... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a serious safety issue involving my Hyundai Palisade related to brake failure. While driving my Hyundai Palisade, I experienced a situation where pressing the brake pedal resulted in little to no braking response. The vehicle did not slow or stop as expected, creating an extremely dangerous situation and a significant risk of collision. Thi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
am writing to formally report multiple serious issues with my 2019 Jeep Renegade (VIN: [XXX] ). I take good care of my vehicle, but it has been experiencing rough shifts, lurching and jerking during acceleration, loud noises from the engine or transmission, hesitation, unexpected power loss, and it frequently displays a warning that the license plate light is off. Recently, the car overheated and ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
am writing to formally report multiple serious issues with my 2019 Jeep Renegade (VIN: [XXX] ). I take good care of my vehicle, but it has been experiencing rough shifts, lurching and jerking during acceleration, loud noises from the engine or transmission, hesitation, unexpected power loss, and it frequently displays a warning that the license plate light is off. Recently, the car overheated and ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4XE. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V766000 (Engine); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was 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 experienc... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
There has been a recall on my vehicle since October 7, 2025. Toyota has just sent me notification via mail the week of December 20, 2025. I drive 4 children and two of them are in the middle row (which is what the recall is about) in car seats. I have called the dealership many times and they are not doing anything to assist me. According to the recall, it states to not sit or use a child restrain... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
This vehicle can not be driven on straight roads of freeways without the "take over steering warning" engaging. This is problematic, this morning on icy roads driving on straight roads the warning engaged, braked and cut power and put the vehicle into a slid on icy roads. This warning also happen frequently on freeway driving, suddenly braking and almost causing drivers behind the vehicle to rea... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
This vehicle can not be driven on straight roads of freeways without the "take over steering warning" engaging. This is problematic, this morning on icy roads driving on straight roads the warning engaged, braked and cut power and put the vehicle into a slid on icy roads. This warning also happen frequently on freeway driving, suddenly braking and almost causing drivers behind the vehicle to rea... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
While traveling back from out of state, the fuel sensor and fuel gauge failed causing me to run out of gas when the fuel gauge stated I had just a tick under a 1/4 tank of gas left and the app read 35 miles left. While driving on freeway at freeway speed, the car sputtered, bogged down and then stalled, placing me in a very dangerous situation broken down on the shoulder of the freeway in the des... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2025
Problems started showing on car a week ago. Tested battery and it was not holding a charge. Replaced battery and problem still persisted. Car is now at dealership and they are quoting close to $2000 due to failure for internal windshield camera. Car has right over 78k miles. This is a safety issue.
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
I'm Experiencing a KNOWN Jeep issue called the "DEATH WOBBLE". I only have 17800 miles on the vehicle and I'm 6 months out of warranty. when this vehicle gets into the death wobble mood it becomes totally uncontrollable and extremely unsafe to drive. the driver needs to slow down to under 40MPH or to a complete stop for it to stop. You can be driving at 65 MPH and the vehicle will go into convulsi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
The rear electronic child safety lock on my 2019 Audi A6 does not function as intended. When activated, the lock does not reliably engage or disengage, allowing the rear door to be opened from the inside when it should be locked. We only began using the child safety lock after having a baby, at which time the malfunction was discovered. This creates a potential child safety risk, as the rear door... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that on several occasions while in reverse (R), the rear-view camera screen displayed a cloudy image. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a re... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
While entering the vehicle in the parking lock, I closed the driver door and the rear view mirror shattered completely on it own.
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
Had to stop urgently, and my truck shut off. I had to shift it into park to get it started again. Was in the middle of a 4 lane section of route one traveling with traffic at the time. I was a sitting duck until I could figure out what happened. (I’m a mechanic, if the average person was dealing with this I don’t know if they would have been able to get moving as quickly.) It acted like the to... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? 12V battery How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Vehicle unable to start. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? In... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2025
At 125,000 miles it has been discovered that my CVT transmission is failing due to a transmission bearing issue. Quoted repair cost for $14,000 despite CVT transmission failure is common on my model. Toyota has only offered extended warranties to Canadian residence $14,000 is something I don’t have and face repossession for the failed transmission.
Incident date: Dec 21, 2025
A Terrifying Ordeal and a Broken Promise: M.A’s Story A Known Danger Ignored In August 2025, M.A, a [XXX] woman living with Multiple Sclerosis, received a letter from Ford Motor Company. It was a recall notice for her 2022 Ford Escape, warning that a defect in the turbo system could cause engine fires. Despite this known danger, the letter contained a chilling instruction: there was "no recom... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 13, 2025
I was driving north on I64, and a car in front of me suddenly stopped. Cruise control was on, but when i applied the brake, my car did not stopped, and cruise control speed up, before decreasing speed. Instead of turning off, and allowing the car to slow down. I had to swerve, causing to go off on the side of the highway, and held my foot on the brake for almost a mile, along the side of the highw... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
I hit a deer on CA 395 north, my braking system worked and my air bags deployed, and then my engine immediately caught fire. I’m lucky i was able to get out of the car through a back door. Every police and fire who responded said they have never seen a car catch fire after hitting a deer and i should report a vehicle malfunction
Crash
Fire
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
NHTSA Recall Number25V-741 URGENT: FIRE RISK WHEN PARKED An urgent safety recall has been issued for this vehicle and the manufacturer has recommended that you follow their instructions on how and where to park this vehicle. The information I have received from Jeep is that they currently dot have the parts or dont have a solution for this issue and I will be contacted in the future. How is the a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
The failure involves the Electric Brake Booster (EBB) / brake control system on my 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid. The malfunction affected brake assist, ABS, Vehicle Stability Assist System Problem, Brake Hold System Problem, Brake System Problem,Electric Parking Brake Problem, Road Departure Mitigation System problem,Collision Mitigation System Problem, Adaptive Cruise Control Problem, Hill Start Assist... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
Engine turns off unexpectedly when driving. all power steering and brakes stop working when engine itself off. entire engine, drive train, and vehicle shakes while driving. Transmission is a replacement as first one failed after 90 days of purchase. paid labor for replacement and waited over 6 weeks without a vehicle. Now replaced oem transmission slips out of gear. making vehicle difficult to dri... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
Engine turns off unexpectedly when driving. all power steering and brakes stop working when engine itself off. entire engine, drive train, and vehicle shakes while driving. Transmission is a replacement as first one failed after 90 days of purchase. paid labor for replacement and waited over 6 weeks without a vehicle. Now replaced oem transmission slips out of gear. making vehicle difficult to dri... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2025
The brakes stop functioning at slow speeds such as parking and backing , this has been an ongoing issue for many years, mostly once in a while, but lately almost every single time I drive it , I believe it’s an ECBM Issue