Component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER
77 NHTSA complaints about electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:immobilizer/proximity:key/sender issues across 16 makes and 38 models.
The electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:immobilizer/proximity:key/sender is one of the standardized component categories NHTSA uses to classify consumer safety complaints. Across the public complaint database, it accounts for 77 filings from 16 manufacturers and 38 distinct vehicle models, a footprint large enough that defect engineers can isolate part-family patterns across different platforms that share the same supplier or the same federal motor vehicle safety standard.
Among filings citing this component, owners have reported 8 crashes, 1 fire, 1 injury, and 8 fatalities. The most complained-about vehicle in this category is the KIA OPTIMA with 8 filings, followed by KIA FORTE and HYUNDAI ELANTRA. These severity counters are what separates a nuisance complaint trend from a pattern NHTSA is likely to escalate into a Preliminary Evaluation.
Component-level analysis is how the Office of Defects Investigation spots cross-manufacturer supplier issues — the same airbag inflator, the same takata-style ignition switch, the same brake hose material — before they become industry-wide recalls. When you see a single component accumulating large complaint volume across several unrelated nameplates, that is usually a signature of a shared supplier or a shared federal standard being stressed by real-world conditions. Use the affected-vehicles table below to see whether the pattern is concentrated on a handful of models or distributed evenly, and cross-reference each model's full recall and investigation history before drawing conclusions about any one nameplate.
Most Affected Vehicles
| # | Vehicle | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | KIA OPTIMA | 8 |
| 2 | KIA FORTE | 7 |
| 3 | HYUNDAI ELANTRA | 7 |
| 4 | HYUNDAI SONATA | 6 |
| 5 | KIA SOUL | 4 |
| 6 | HYUNDAI TUCSON | 4 |
| 7 | NISSAN ROGUE | 2 |
| 8 | NISSAN ALTIMA | 2 |
| 9 | KIA SPORTAGE | 2 |
| 10 | KIA SORENTO | 2 |
| 11 | KIA RIO | 2 |
| 12 | HYUNDAI SANTA FE | 2 |
| 13 | FORD EDGE | 2 |
| 14 | DODGE GRAND CARAVAN | 2 |
| 15 | CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 | 2 |
| 16 | TOYOTA SIENNA HYBRID | 1 |
| 17 | TOYOTA RAV4 | 1 |
| 18 | TOYOTA HIGHLANDER | 1 |
| 19 | NISSAN SENTRA | 1 |
| 20 | NISSAN ROGUE SPORT | 1 |
| 21 | NISSAN MAXIMA | 1 |
| 22 | MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS | 1 |
| 23 | MERCEDES-BENZ GLC 300 | 1 |
| 24 | MERCEDES-BENZ AMG SL55 | 1 |
| 25 | MAZDA CX-3 | 1 |
| 26 | KIA SEDONA | 1 |
| 27 | HYUNDAI ACCENT | 1 |
| 28 | HONDA RIDGELINE | 1 |
| 29 | HONDA ODYSSEY | 1 |
| 30 | FISKER OCEAN | 1 |
Recent Complaints
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact was unable to remove the key from the ignition. The contact stated that several atte
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the key fob's low battery warning light illuminated. The contact stated that because of the failure, t
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle with the key fob, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the failure was a pers
The contact owns a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the key fob became inoperable. The contact was not able to start the vehicle with the security warn
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while using the key fob to unlock the doors, the rear driverâs and rear passengerâs side doors failed to unlock as needed. The contact als
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the garage, the key fob was accidentally depressed twice. There were no warning light lights illumi
The contact owns a 2014 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact stopped at a traffic light, the light turned green, and several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehi
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle failed to operate as designed. The trunk light illuminated, and the message to âKeep Eyes on the Roadâ
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact received notification of an undisclosed recall. The contact stated that while the vehicle was off, the push-to-start button was depressed; however, t
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact was unable to remove the key fob from the ignition. The contact manually moved the clutch to be able to remove the key fob. The contact stated tha
The contact owns a 2013 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the display screen failed to respond. No warning light was illuminated. The following day the contact adjusted the mirr
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH around a curve, the steering wheel locked up. The vehicle shut off and turned back on. There were no warning ligh
Toyota gave me one FOB Key when I purchased the vehicle. I should be receiving 2 FOB keys. The dealer told me TOYOTA will send me a letter when the second key will be available. I called the TOYOTA
See attached document for complaint.
See attached document for complaint.
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL55. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, the vehicle failed to detect the presence of the key, after which the vehicle failed to start. No war
See attached document for complaint
Related Vehicle Components
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Related Safety Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints involve electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:immobilizer/proximity:key/sender issues? ▼
How dangerous are electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:immobilizer/proximity:key/sender defects? ▼
Which vehicles have the most electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:immobilizer/proximity:key/sender problems? ▼
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Data Sources
Vehicle complaint data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints database. Includes consumer-reported safety issues filed with NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Severity counts cross-reference NHTSA FARS (Fatality Analysis Reporting System) for fatal incidents where a corresponding FARS record exists.
Component categories are standardized by NHTSA. Crash-test ratings where shown are drawn from the NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Complaint counts, crash reports, fire reports, and fatality data reflect consumer-submitted reports and may not represent all incidents.
Disclaimer: This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for vehicle purchase decisions. NHTSA complaint data is self-reported by consumers and has not been verified or investigated. A high complaint count does not necessarily indicate a defect. Always consult a qualified mechanic and check official NHTSA recall notices before making safety-related decisions.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.