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 169,480 complaints - component: ENGINE
Incident date: Jun 3, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Engine Control Module (ECM) is malfunctioning, triggering persistent P0101 codes related to the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. This specific issue is addressed in Nissan Technical Service Bulletin DE97AA, which recommends an ECM reprogramming. The component is still installed in the vehicle and is a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
While slowing to a near-complete stop and preparing to shift into Park at a low-speed private property location, the vehicle suddenly and violently accelerated without any driver input. The operator, a [XXX] experienced driver, had no time to react. The vehicle travelled approximately 200-300 meters uncontrolled, narrowly missed a grounds keeper operating a tractor on the paved road, left the pav... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 15, 2018
I own a 2022 Nissan Rogue with approx 71,139 miles on. While driving on the freeway at 65mph, the vehicle suddenly lost power and became disabled. Prior to the failure, the vehicle did not dispaly an overheating warning, coolant warning, or other indication the engine was overheating or experiencing coolant loss. The vehicle was being driven normally and was on the way to routine maintenance and f... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
The contact owned a 2016 KIA OPTIMA. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH occupied with her husband the contact heard a noise coming from the rear of the vehicle and smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle as you looked in the drive side rear view mirror and while depressing the brake pedal attempting to come to a complete at the traffic light, the brakes failed to work a intended. N... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the check engine and cruise control fault warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle did not accelerate about 53 MPH. In addition, the contact stated that the failure... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2026
Both my control arms are loose and wheel baring is bad, plus a cracked catalytic converter. All of these are causing my car to be loud and burning smell, causing unsafe driving conditions for me and my children. Online states that the control arms are an issue with this vehicle make and model and have been recalled, however my VIN has not been recalled and I want to report this. improperly welded ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The contact owned a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the contact noticed smoking coming from the under the front vehicle. The contact mention he pulled over the right side of the road, turned the vehicle off and then exited the vehicle and opened the hood of the vehicle and noticed flames coming from the back of the engine. No injuries were sustained. No ... Read more
Fire
DODGE
CHALLENGER
(2022) - ENGINE
Jun 3, 2026
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
I am submitting this complaint regarding an apparent head gasket failure involving my 2022 Honda Accord Sport 1.5T equipped with Honda's 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. At approximately 143,000 miles, I began experiencing coolant loss without any visible external leak. I also noticed rough operation and shaking during startup. Concerned about the symptoms, I consulted a Honda specialist who advised... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Scion XB. The contact stated while her daughter was driving or idling, the driver noticed an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was parked at the residen... Read more
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2023) - ENGINE
Jun 3, 2026
Incident date: May 28, 2026
I was travelling on the highway at approximately 72 miles an hour in the left lane trying to pass a vehicle in the right lane. while accelerating my truck was like the brakes were slammed on and all kinds of lights starting flashing. This included the check engine light, low oil pressure light and lane assist lights. The truck shifted into Neutral and I could not place back into drive. I swerv... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2023) - ENGINE
Jun 3, 2026
Incident date: May 29, 2026
Engine started running extremely rough shaking vehicle. Various warning lights lit up. Took vehicle to dealer and was told that I need a new duramax engine because the cylinders are scored. Vehicle has about 58k miles It has been at the dealer for 3 weeks and they say they have no idea when they can get it fixed. It is my only work vehicle and now I have to rent another vehicle to keep working.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 3500
(2023) - ENGINE
Jun 3, 2026
Incident date: May 19, 2026
This vehicle (VIN: [XXX] ) has suffered repeated catastrophic engine shutdowns and complete loss of propulsion power while in motion. The dashboard displayed "Engine off! Shift to P or N, then start engine." This has occurred so many times the owner lost count, requiring multiple tows to Kia of Beavercreek. Following one incident, Service Manager Brad personally assured the owner's wife, looking h... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road, where the contact restarted the vehicle. The contact drove to his workplace and parted the vehicle. However, the vehicle later failed to start. The vehicle was to... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2026
Loosing oil putting oil in every 3 to 4 days no leaks on ground or oil pan or drain plug.oil don't smell or looks burnt happened around did 2 oil changes in a week still the same. Car will sputer hesitation on acceleration every so often
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
The car engine stopped on the highway while driving. Wouldn’t turn back on all of my four children were on the car.
Incident date: May 22, 2026
1.5 L eco boost engine FORD- COOLANT INTRUSION, cylinder 3 misfire, check engine light at 59,800 miles - known defect by Ford- needs new engine. Some models recalled but not this one (?? Why??). Cannot safely drive this vehicle. Problem diagnosed by dealer[ as well as by independent garage] and dealer acknowledged a recall should be done but they cannot help except to replace the engine at my e... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
2017 Ford Escape with 2.0 liter turbocharged engine. At 66,000 miles, car hesitated when moving from stop position. Dealer stated it needed a turbocharger replacement. $3,000 to replace with car just 6,000 miles over warranty. Notified Ford about this problem, not a word back. At 91,000 miles, check engine light came on. Ford dealer diagnosed and stated coolant entering into cylinder #2. Dealer st... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
31 May 2026 (AM) Operating vehicle north on MD Rte 147 traveling appr. 45 MPH when vehicle started experiencing uncontrolled electrical activation of features e.g., heat, air, radio, main display. This proceed a shuddering in the drive train like one would experience with a transmission issue. Then, without warning, while at full speed, there was a complete loss of engine power i.e., it turned off... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
My engine failed as I was driving down the highway at high speed. I was thankfully able to move over lanes and park safely on side of the rode before it came to a complete stop. It never turned back on. Lexus had to send a tow truck to pick it up and has been @ Dealership in Lubbock tx since 3/9/26
Incident date: May 1, 2026
My 2018 Malibu is stalling, it is covered under Recall N192221960, and the dealer is refusing to properly scan or fix the issue. They did the recall and the car is still doing the same thing but worse.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2026
While driving the vehicle the engine started running rough, check engine light illuminated and it would not accelerate above 40 mph. There are 29,100 miles on the vehicle, it's been serviced on schedule by Mercedes and is owned by me since new. It is especially concerning due to the acceleration topic which could have been catastrophic if I were trying to merge into traffic. Dealer service say... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
Engine fails it violenty thumps and studders and drops from highway speed with no warning. This is a mfg. defect and also an EXTREME SAFETY CONCERN. The engine studders and thumps and we were almost rear ended by a truck when our truck could not go into gear properly. It is very scary! Dealership confirmed that they have many vehicles with same issue and recommended a Super Flush of transmiss... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
On [XXX], my 2018 Kia Soul (VIN [XXX] ) displayed DTC P1326 with a blinking check engine light and went into limp mode. Ray’s Automotive documented P1326 in writing, added oil, and cleared the light only to allow safe transport. At Greenway Kia (Avenues), they charged $199 and refused to create a Vehicle Diagnosis Number (VDN) or perform the Bearing Clearance Test (BCT) unless they could reprodu... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2026
I was driving down the road and came to a stop at a stop light. After accelerating again my car lost the ability to increase speed above 20 miles/hour and would not shift gears. I was heading to the turn lane to get on the interstate and quickly had to change lanes to find an area to pull over as I could not reach highway speeds. I turned the car off. I turned the car back on and the problem resol... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
Explosion, fires while the vehicle was off and parked
Fire
FORD
F-150 LIGHTNING BEV
(2023) - ENGINE
Jun 3, 2026
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
Vehicle entered limp mode at highway speed (approximately 70 mph) on [XXX] freeway in Washington State, it felt like I had rear ended a vehicle it shut down so hard. This was due to mis diagnosed inspection and service repair from a local Subaru Dealer. Vehicle lost power rapidly, creating a dangerous safety situation. Root cause traced to TCV/PCV system defects previously documented by authoriz... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLS 450
(2020) - ENGINE
Jun 3, 2026
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
I have owned a handful of Honda's and never had an issue with them. I own a 2018 Honda Accord Sport and when driving it all the lights on the dashboard lit up. The car left like it was stalling and wouldnt go past 2nd gear. I was almost rear ended by a car and had my 2 granddaughters ages [XXX] and [XXX] in the back seat. I took it to Honda dealership and they said the turbocharger needed replac... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
Our 2015 Kia Sedona VIN [XXX] developed CAN Bus fault codes U0001 U0100 U0101 rendering it completely undrivable following an incomplete warranty extension repair under WTY019 by Kia of Des Moines on [XXX] RO# [XXX]. The power sliding doors have been a persistent safety concern. The incomplete warranty extension repair left the sliding door not closing properly creating a safety hazard. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2026
I am filing this complaint regarding Honda's reimbursement program associated with the piston ring warranty extension related to engine misfire issues on certain vehicles. Prior to Honda issuing the warranty extension, I paid out of pocket to have the repair completed at an authorized Honda dealership. After Honda announced the warranty extension and reimbursement program, I submitted a reimburse... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2018
purchased a 2014 Chevy Equinox from Direct Auto Sales on 03/07/26, and I am currently experiencing serious issues with the vehicle after only 2 months of purchase I noticed the vehicle is making a clicking and grinding sound the vehicle powers down when driving. The problem still exists even after multiple oil changes.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The 2.0L EcoBoost engine in my 2018 Ford Edge Titanium experienced head gasket failure due to Ford’s known cylinder channel design defect present in 2015–2019 EcoBoost 2.0 engines. Ford scored channels between cylinders in an attempt to improve cooling, which allows coolant to degrade the head gasket and mix with engine oil. Symptoms included white smoke from the exhaust, coolant loss, rough i... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2022) - ENGINE
Jun 2, 2026
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
Deconosco por que fue este en el sistema
Incident date: May 21, 2026
The car cut off on the street with no warning. Once I crank the car back up and pulled over, it was leaking fuel and coolant with no warning lights on the dash boatd
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
The first time I heard the engine noise was on [XXX]. I brought the vehicle to the Schaumburg Muller Acura dealership and dropped it off on May 20. On May 21, the dealership performed an initial inspection and informed me that they needed authorization to further disassemble the engine in order to determine the cause of the problem. I provided that authorization, and by May 22 the engine had been ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
Our truck was smoking from the exhaust and we took it to the local Ford service department. They determined the oil pan is leaking, there is a coolant leak from the engine, requiring a new engine, and also the need for turbos. These are the EXACT issues that are included in this service bulletin making dealerships aware. If this is such a widespread problem with these trucks, why is there not a re... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2026
The vehicle suffered a sudden, severe engine malfunction/misfire while in operation, presenting a serious safety hazard on the road. Following the incident, the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership service center (Repair Order #XXX), where technicians verbally confirmed that the engine requires a complete replacement due to internal mechanical failure. The catastrophic mechanical failure... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2026
Auto Idle Stop (AIS) system fail to restart: The engine fails to restart on its own after a complete stop at a traffic light or intersection with the Auto Start/Stop function engaged, putting the driver in dangerous and panic situation.
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2022) - ENGINE
Jun 2, 2026
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
Post-Recall Low Oil Warning + Performance Issues on 2021 GMC Yukon Denali – Campaign 25V274000 Vehicle: 2021 GMC Yukon Denali, 6.2L V8 Recall: 25V274000 Owner: One owner since new (purchased 2021) I had recall campaign 25V274000 performed on my vehicle. This was the first low oil warning I have ever received since purchasing the SUV new in 2021. I have always followed the vehicle’s oil life mo... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
The connecting rod is failing. Loud knocking is happening just as outlined in the recall on other 2016 Pilots. Poses a great safety risk as failure will result in total engine destruction.
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
The vehicle has an unresolved electrical/propulsion failure involving sudden shutdowns while driving and CAN C bus/lost-communication faults. Since the high-voltage battery was replaced through a recall-related repair, the vehicle has had repeated shutdown/loss-of-communication events, occurring dozens of times. In the most serious incidents, while driving at speed, the dash flickered, windshield... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2026
My 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan (VIN: [XXX] ) is experiencing excessive engine oil consumption. The vehicle requires oil replenishment every less than 1,000 miles, which is far beyond what any reasonable consumer would expect from a properly functioning engine. I reported this issue to the Volkswagen dealership while the vehicle was still under the manufacturer’s warranty. The dealership stated that t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
I purchased this vehicle used in 2024, and since I bought it have had a variety of issues. I have already invested over 5k in repairs. I have replaced the head gasket and now the water pump twice. This vehicle will not stop overheating. Ford has a known issue with these engines and should correct these issues. They are making working families go broke and we still owed 8k on the car loan.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
The contact stated that while driving in the rain, when passing another vehicle, the vehicle began shuddering and experienced a loss of power. The check engine light illuminated and multiple other warning indicators. The vehicle pulled over to the vehicle was stopped and eventually restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer were it was diagnosed with an air intake failure. Shortly after, the ... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2026
Was issued a recall from kia for an oil piston ring that wasn't heat treated properly, kia told me the problem was fixed and the recall shouldn't affect me, my car was in an out of the shop for months after that, they replaced my timing belt and transmission under warranty, said i sould be fine between oil changes my car started knocking, i checked the oil and it was completely dry, no warning li... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
I had my engine replaced in Nov 2024 due to excessive oil consumption. I was required to do an emissions update due to a recall on my car. Once the dealer did the update, it caused my check engine light to come on and now I need a new catalytic converter, which was all due to the excessive oil consumption. Hyundai dealer knows this but they are telling me I’m responsible for replacing it. It sho... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2018) - ENGINE
Jun 2, 2026
Incident date: May 8, 2026
2017 Pacifica, 58,000 miles. Engine light comes on, error code is "00305 Engine misfire on cylinder 5". Replaced sensor and ignition coil and spark plugs, but error keeps coming back. The mechanic found that the head gasket is leaking anti-freeze into the cylinder. Looking online this is a common problem with Pacifica 3.6L engines, many people have had the same problem, there is a defect with the ... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2026
The vehicle's original engine suffered severe oil consumption and a blown head gasket, which contaminated the exhaust system. The Kia dealership replaced the engine under warranty but refused to replace the damaged catalytic converter claiming it wasn’t a part of the warranty even though it was consequently damaged. The dealership explicitly stated the vehicle should not be started or driven due... Read more
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER
(2015) - ENGINE
Jun 2, 2026
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
In November 2019 I bought a used 2017 Ford Escape Titanium 1.5L Eco boost with 11k miles. On May 1,2026 my check engine light came on and the car started missing. Took it to my mechanic and he said I needed a coil pack. Put that on and no change. Tried to put new spark plugs in and 1 plug will not come out. I was told my car has a coolant intrusion. Ford has a recall for this motor but coincidenta... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2025
2019 Flex , Odometer reading 58,190. Coolant seen on lower part of engine along with low coolant level. Took to dealership who confirmed the water pump failed and was leaking. We were lucky it was caught early before coolant leaked into the engine, causing the engine to stop while driving and permanently damage engine. There are no warnings for this when it happens (coolant leaking into engine),we... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2026
Coolant intrusion in the engine which needs replacement. Car was misfiring and white smoke coming out took the auto shop for service. Its about $9400 to fix the car which is now more than the car is worth. Dealership never warned me that this was a potential issue.