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Latest vehicle complaints

3,679 complaints filed by owners in the last 30 days. Newest first, as NHTSA publishes them.

2012 Kia SoulSteering

I own a 2012 Kia Soul with approximately 99,000 miles. The vehicle has never been involved in an accident. During a recent inspection at an authorized Kia dealership, the technician discovered that the welds securing the steering-column mounting support to the cross-car structural support appear to have failed. The technician confirmed that the steering-column mounting bolts were properly tightened, yet the assembly exhibited significant movement. The dealership considers this a safety concern and recommends...

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replacement of the entire structural support assembly at an estimated cost of $3,374.54. I am concerned that a structural component supporting the steering column has apparently failed in a vehicle with no collision history.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11774242
2021 Nissan AltimaElectrical systemEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the rear seat belt failed to latch securely. The instrument panel illuminated, and the seat belt warning light remained displayed with a beeping sound during and after the failure. The battery was replaced twice within one year, and the vehicle needed to be jumpstarted by AAA due to an issue associated with a sensor. The contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the RPC became extremely elevated. The contact stated that the vehicle...

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occasionally stalled and shut off unexpectedly. There was an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle which was associated with the radiator. Additionally, Bluetooth calls were dropped, a key fob failed to be recognized by the vehicle, and the TPMS readings were incorrect. The contact also stated that the windshield wiper malfunctioned, and that the remote control needed a battery replacement at the time of purchase, and that the vehicle was pulling to one side whenever the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer associated the failure with a sensor caused by the rain. The corporate office was contacted by phone about a buyback. The approximate failure mileage was 44,011.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11774240
2018 Mazda CX-5Engine & cooling

My 2018 Mazda CX-5 Touring (2.5L non-turbo engine with cylinder deactivation) developed a burning oil smell that steadily worsened over several days. On [redacted], at about 61,300 miles, I saw smoke coming from the engine compartment after driving. The engine had not overheated, and the car was regularly maintained. On [redacted], an independent repair shop (A&M Auto Repair, [[redacted]] a large active oil leak. After steam cleaning the engine and removing the exhaust manifold, they found engine oil leaking from...

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a hairline crack in the cylinder head, directly onto the hot exhaust manifold. The engine was also about one quart low on oil. The shop recommended replacing the cylinder head assembly, at a cost of about $5,700 before tax. Oil leaking onto the exhaust manifold is a fire hazard, and the smoke could reduce visibility for other drivers. Many other owners of 2018-2020 CX-5s with this engine have reported the same cracked cylinder head failure. I contacted Mazda Customer Experience (case number [redacted]) to request assistance. Mazda declined because the repair was diagnosed and performed by an independent shop rather than a Mazda dealer. I'm submitting this complaint so NHTSA can evaluate whether this cylinder head failure is a safety defect that warrants a recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11774239
2024 Mazda CX-5Wheels & tires

The rear wheel well liner and mud guard on my Mazda CX-5 were becoming detached because the retaining clips have not stayed secured. During normal driving, the liner and the mud guard were separate from its mounting points and were hanged down near the tire. This creates a potential safety hazard because the loose liner and the mud guard may contact the tire while the vehicle is moving, which could damage the liner, affect vehicle handling, or create road debris. In addition, if the liner, the mud guard, or any...

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portion of it becomes fully detached while driving, it could be projected into traffic and strike a following vehicle. This presents a risk of property damage, driver distraction, loss of vehicle control, or a secondary collision involving other motorists. The vehicle has not been involved in a collision, and the condition appears to be related to the design or durability of the retaining clips and attachment points rather than accidental damage. I believe this issue may affect other vehicles of the same model and should be investigated for its potential safety implications.

Filed Incident WheelsNHTSA 11774238
2021 Honda Civic Hatch Type-REngine & cooling

I recently discovered that coolant has been leaking into two of my cylinders, causing an overheating issue. The Honda dealership tells me this is a known issue for their engines for that year range, so much so that an extended warranty has been added to all other engines but there is a carve out for the Type-R. The same damage is occurring and they know about it but they are failing to address it. I am a lawyer and I will also be working on putting together other owners to certify a class if this route is not...

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successful. I first became aware of it based on a rev match error and an emissions system error being thrown at the same time, and then the engine started to overheat when it was started from cold. I could get the engine temperature to come down by manually engaging the air conditioning. This was some type of cooling system error as well, but I didn't see that on the checklist above. The dealership has confirmed the error and reproduced it. It is currently still at the dealer and is available for inspection.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11774237
2016 Ford EscapeDriver assistance

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. 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. While reversing, there was a delay in the back over prevention camera displaying an image, almost causing the contact to reverse into a pole. The failure mileage was 119,000.

Filed Incident Back over preventionNHTSA 11774236
2015 Chevrolet ColoradoSteering

Vehicle experienced sudden loss of electronic power steering assist due to an integrated EPS module failure. This matches the exact failure criteria of GM Recall N202325410, but my VIN was excluded due to manufacturing date limits.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11774234
2021 Volkswagen PassatElectrical systemEngine & cooling

Since purchase in [redacted], the vehicle has intermittently illuminated the EPC warning light at startup, at which point the engine will not accelerate (reduced power/limp mode). Cycling the ignition usually clears it. Beginning in [redacted], a second symptom appeared: while stopped at idle (traffic lights, stop signs), the battery warning light illuminates and the engine stalls, requiring a restart in traffic. This has occurred approximately 8 times in [redacted], most recently on Saturday, [redacted] when it...

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happened twice. Wet or rainy conditions appear to make it worse. Stalling in traffic results in loss of power steering and brake assist and is a safety hazard. The vehicle has been to Volkswagen dealers six times for this complaint with no lasting repair: a wiring harness repair at Freehold VW ([redacted]); a boost pressure sensor diagnosis ([redacted]); an overlay harness, ECM-related repairs, and ECM software update under emissions recall 23EO ([redacted]); boost pressure sensor replacement ([redacted]); airflow meter replacement and harness repair ([redacted]); and re-pinning of loose connections at the ECM connector for the G31 boost pressure sensor ([redacted]), all at World VW in [[redacted]]. Fault code P0236 (turbocharger boost sensor circuit) has been recorded on every visit; P2261 was also recorded. The check engine light, EPC light, and stalling have all returned since the [redacted] repair. Current mileage is approximately 27,800. Repair orders are available on request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11774233
2019 Toyota HighlanderTransmission & drivetrain

The component that failed was the transmission. My safety was at risk because I was going uphill and the engine surged then the transmission seized, almost causing a rear-end incident with my family in the car. The dealer confirmed that the transmission has failed. No incident happened so only the dealer needs to be involved at this time. There were no warning lamps indicating to me that the transmission failed. Upon discovering that the transmission was not downshifting (based on the engine not downshifting...

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uphill), I put the car into manual mode to determine if I could manually shift down or not, it would not downshift. Attempting to downshift to gears 4, 3, 2, or 1 was not possible, the lowest gear was gear 5 and the engine had no torque to get up the hill that it was seized on. The 2019 Toyota Highlander was serviced for the automatic transmission fluid at 100K miles and failed at about 120,450 miles.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11774232
2018 Volkswagen AtlasSteering

Months ago I heard a knocking noise under my steering wheel/near the driver's side wheel. I took the car in and reported what I was hearing. I had services completed but it didn't stop the noise. The noise was inconsistent and hard to duplicate for the dealership on test drives. It was most pronounced when going over speed bumps or turning the wheel when parking. The dealership did all they could do and provided great services replacing/fixing anything that could cause the issue to no avail. They assured me the...

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vehicle was safe to drive even though the noise remained so I drove it. About a week ago, I had an error light come on and the car started to shut off without warning. The error said auto shut/off was disabled due to an engine issue - but no check engine light. I was almost rear ended twice when slowing the car down at a red light due to the car shutting off without warning when driving under 5-10mph or parking. I scheduled an appointment to take the car back in to address the error. Before the appointment, the car registered a check engine light. I called back and the dealership allowed me to bring the car in right away. The diagnosis stated I needed a few things, but specifically a new steering rack. They said there was "wear" on the rack but didn't provide any additional details (car has 121k miles). I called VW to inquire on potential recalls and learned about the steering rack mount/assembly (i forget exact terminology) recall but was informed the actual steering rack was not in the recall. I recited the symptoms I was reporting to the dealership months ago to the rep (case 07823488 and 07825005) and confirmed those are the symptoms listed in the recall but only for the mount. VW should have the entire steering rack and assembly covered in a recall because damage/wear to an assembly can put stress on the full rack causing a safety issue. Thank goodness my kids and I were not rear-ended by the auto shutoff but it could have been worse.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11774231
2021 Jeep CherokeeTransmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle lost electrical power. The message "Service 4WD" was displayed after the failure. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, and the failure was associated with the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11774229
2017 GMC AcadiaOther & unknownCrash5 injuries

The car seat hasn't failed but it was involved in an accident caused by a driver rear ending me. The seat is unusable and the insurance company is refusing to cover the cost of a replacement. They have told me to purchase a used one . The seat I have is 1 year old and has an expiration date of November 15, 2034. They claim car seats depreciate.

Filed Incident Other / i am not sureNHTSA 11774228
2021 GMC Sierra 1500Other & unknown

2021 GMC 3.0 Diesel have coolant control valve issues. GM has a special coverage for them under Special Coverage N252508341. That coverage covers my year make and model. I have an open case with GM under GMC Customer Assistance opened case 116070735. GM is refusing to cover it due to this cited email. "After reviewing the vehicle information, we determined that Special Coverage N252508341 does not apply because it is not associated with the vehicle identification number (VIN) on your vehicle." I had the dealership...

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and GMC customer service confirm this. GMC told me to request goodwill assistance at the dealership which the service provider had never heard of before. I can provide all documentation needed. I had recurring P1098, followed by a reduced engine power warning and unusually loud radiator fans. I figured it may be the coolant control valve and found Special Coverage N252508341. I created an open case with GM and took it to the dealership. The dealership was ambiguous about the issue and quoted me over 2,000 dollars just for further diagnostics citing "Coolant" and "Valve" in the documentation. They also said once they find the issue it would be "more." I took it to a 3rd party mechanic for an actual understanding of the issue. The mechanic found that the issue was the coolant control valve, which I have in documentation, and recommend a clear understanding of the repair and quote for the repair.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11774225
2021 Subaru ForesterTransmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving and accelerating from a stop, the vehicle started bucking and hesitating. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission control valve body was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The transmission control valve body was replaced and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair was not covered under an extended warranty associated with the failure. The failure mileage was 66,902.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11774223
2024 Honda Civic HatchbackSteering

The contact owns a 2024 Honda Civic. The contact stated that after the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering); the steering wheel continued making a clunking sound while turning to the right or the left. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a diagnostic test was needed. During an oil change appointment, the dealer confirmed the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was filed, and the contact was advised to pay for the diagnostic test or contact another dealer for assistance.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11774222
2021 Cynergy Cargo Van TrailerSuspensionBody, doors & structure

On October 28, 2026, I discovered a serious structural failure involving my Cynergy Cargo enclosed tandem-axle trailer, purchased new in July 2020. The steel chassis frame has been torn - literally torn - at the rear leaf-spring suspension mounting locations on BOTH sides of the trailer. The failures occurred at corresponding locations on opposite sides of the frame. The suspension shackles themselves remain intact. It is the structural frame steel at the mounting points that has failed, allowing suspension...

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components to move out of their proper positions. On one side, a displaced shackle has rubbed against and worn into the frame, indicating that this contact occurred before I discovered the damage. I purchased this trailer new. It has never been overloaded or abused, and is in good condition. I am particularly concerned that the frame steel appears considerably thinner than the suspension mounting hardware attached to it. The fact that the frame failed at nearly identical locations on both sides raises serious questions about the strength and reinforcement of these critical suspension attachment points. A failure of this nature while traveling at highway speeds could allow an axle to shift, causing trailer instability, swerving, or loss of control, potentially endangering other motorists. I contacted Cynergy Cargo on October 28, 2026, provided photographs, and requested an explanation. The company acknowledged my concerns and referred the matter to its owner for review. I have been advised not to tow the trailer until it has been professionally inspected and determined safe. I request that NHTSA investigate whether this represents a potential structural safety defect that could affect other Cynergy Cargo trailers.

Filed Incident Suspension · StructureNHTSA 11774219
2025 Genesis GV80Visibility & wipers

COMPONENT & VEHICLE STATUS: 2025 Genesis GV80 (under 20,000 miles). The panoramic moonroof glass suffered a hairline crack originating at the perimeter frame gasket, with a minute ~1 mm mark present along the line. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized dealer, Genesis Corporate was notified of regulatory defect reporting, and the car remains available for NHTSA inspection. INCIDENT DISCOVERY & SYMPTOMS: On [redacted], the crack was discovered while stationary, manifesting without dynamic collision or impact....

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Zero warning lamps or prior symptoms occurred. DEALER & MANUFACTURER ACTION: Genesis Service Center in [[redacted]] inspected the car on [redacted] and quoted ~$3,000 out-of-pocket. Pre-drop-off photos confirm the crack originates at the rubber seal. Genesis Corporate Consumer Affairs (Case # [redacted], Specialist [[redacted]]) issued an official written refusal of factory warranty coverage on [redacted], citing "outside influence." POOR GLASS ENGINEERING & CABIN SAFETY RISK: Genesis's refusal to provide warranty coverage on the basis that a microscopic ~1 mm surface mark caused total structural glass failure is a direct admission of inadequate glass quality and severe design vulnerability. It acknowledges that the panoramic roof panel lacks basic structural tolerance for routine daily driving. Compounding this primary engineering defect, there is ZERO secondary structural protection: the interior retractable fabric sunshade is non-structural, non-airtight, and incapable of stopping falling glass shards. Catastrophic failure of a fragile roof panel directly exposes cabin occupants to falling debris at highway speeds, creating severe driver distraction, injury risks, potential loss of control, and hazards to trailing traffic. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11774218
2026 Acura IntegraSteering

The steering on this 2026 Acura Integra at 5000 miles has progressively become sticky and stuck while driving. Although the 2026 model is not in the prior recall, (it should be added to include 2026 model) the same defect has occurred in this new model. The dealer is aware and is replacing the Steering Wheel Assembly on my car.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11774216
2018 Genesis G80Electrical systemEngine & coolingFire

This complaint is filed regarding an under-hood thermal fire incident and unauthorized modification involving a federally mandated safety recall for a 2018 Genesis G80 (VIN: [[redacted]]). To resolve a starting issue, technicians at Van Hyundai in [[redacted]], bypassed the standard ignition circuit and installed an un-fused manual starter bypass switch kit. This bypass directly conflicted with active NHTSA Safety Recall Campaign 24V107000, which requires a specific fused relay kit (Part 91950-DH15KQQH) to...

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prevent engine fires. This unauthorized, un-fused modification caused a severe electrical short and a subsequent thermal fire incident under the hood. The fire physically melted and destroyed the recall component and adjacent wiring infrastructure. The dealership and corporate office are now refusing to fix the fire damage they caused unless I pay out of pocket. I request an immediate federal investigation into this hazardous repair practice that completely compromised a critical safety recall remedy. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11774214
2026 Jeep Grand CherokeeElectrical system

The contact owns a 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was jumpstarted and taken to the dealer, where the battery for the Auto START/STOP system was replaced; however, the failure recurred several days later. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, where a reconfiguration was completed as per the manufacturer's instructions. The contact stated that both batteries were charged and tested, and the contact was informed that the batteries had passed the test;...

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however, the voltage went from 12.5 volts to 11.7 volts in three days. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the messages "Battery Needs Charging" and "Battery Low" were displayed. The vehicle was returned to the dealer a third time and remained for additional diagnostic tests. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by the dealer. The failure mileage was 791.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11774209

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