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.

2,245,377 Total Complaints

140,173 Reported Crashes

56,794 Reported Fires

8,580 Reported 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

How to Read NHTSA Consumer Complaints › How NHTSA Investigations Work › Used Car: 7 Recall Checks to Run First › The Takata Airbag Recall: Full Story › OBD-II Codes Explained › All Articles ›

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Showing 169,480 complaints - component: ENGINE

Incident date: May 30, 2026

Coolant leaked into the engine block. I know this is part of a recall but my car is not listed on the recall for the exact same engine and year. And I know there are several class actions for this.

Incident date: Dec 29, 2025

Engine block is cracked, misfire in cylinder 2 and 3

Incident date: Dec 29, 2025

The Auto Idle Stop has failed to restart the car when stopped at a traffic light. This has happened twice now, and has caused me to become a road hazard as I am not able to get the car turned back on before the light turns green. This has happened twice in the past month (May 7 2026 and June 1 2026). Have not yet taken the car back to the dealer. No warning lights or anything came on prior to the ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 2, 2024

Between XXX, a 2024 Chevrolet Equinox RS experienced repeated sudden loss of engine power, throttle control, and steering control at highway speeds. Fuel management system, turbocharger, and catalytic converter failed repeatedly. GM-authorized dealer confirmed defects on multiple warranty repair orders. Breakdown 1: Nov 2024, interstate, rain, nighttime. Vehicle lost power and steering surrounded... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

My vehicle is currently subject to an open Ford transmission safety recall for which no repair remedy is available at this time. The vehicle is experiencing a recurring and dangerous failure while driving. Approximately twice per day, during my normal commute, all vehicle electronics suddenly shut off while the vehicle is in motion. At the same time, the wheels appear to lock up, causing a sudden... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

2021 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with coolant intrusion caused by a blown head gasket on cylinder #6. Vehicle would not accelerate properly and lurch forward when the gas pedal was pressed over 25%. The issue was taken to the shop and not found. The issue progressed and was taken to the shop a second time. The issue was found from a misfire code on cylinder #6. Vehicle ... Read more

Incident date: May 14, 2026

While driving on the freeway at approx 65mph, the car suddenly starting de-celerating and forced me to pull over to emergency shoulder/lane and try to determine the cause. The car is a "Hybrid" and the dashboard stated to put car in Park and Idle the Engine over 2000rpm to charge up the Battery. ( i still don't know which Battery they were speaking of...Engine Battery or Hybrid Battery) I sat ther... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

The vehicle was noticeably chugging when going uphill. After awhile, some warning messages appeared on dashboard— several different messages. The vehicle finally had a complete loss of power as wife and I were returning from a road trip several miles away from home. We took it to a garage where we were at the time and was able to get home. We took it to a nearby mechanic for a diagnostic. W... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

Year/Make/Model: 2018 Kia Niro Hybrid Mileage at time of incident: approximately 69,000 Component: Hybrid Propulsion System / Powertrain My 2018 Kia Niro Hybrid has experienced five recurring "Hybrid System Failure — Turn Off Engine" errors occurring without warning while the vehicle was being operated. Each occurrence rendered the gas engine ineffective in moving the vehicle, creating an imme... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

I was driving my car would not accelerate on the highway and it almost caused me to get into an accident with my niece in the car. When I took the car to Audi this is what I was told my the service adviser. “Good afternoon. The technician has been looking into the vehicle and has found the cause of the issue. He has found the coolant water pump has failed internally causing coolant to leak inter... Read more

Incident date: May 25, 2026

I have a 2018 Ford Edge supposedly bought "brand new" was advertised "brand new" but later find out it wasn't because dealership had titled it to themselves as a loaner. A few weeks ago my check engine light came on and my husband had it checked and was a cylinder 2 fault code. He took it to our local mechanic and he said he looked with scope and saw coolant in the cylinder. My car now sits at th... Read more

Incident date: May 5, 2026

While driving the motorcycle at random times the engine stops running and looses power. The motorcycle has been looked at by a dealer multiple times and found no issues. The motorcycle screen goes blank and reboots. That is when it looses power. The screen when it reboots flashes a red bar at bottom of screen that first says TC failure, then changes to ECU failure. The Engine warning light is... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2023

I am formally reporting a catastrophic engine failure involving the 1.5L turbocharged engine in the current-generation Honda Accord. As a professional high-mileage driver, I am exposing a severe design defect that poses immediate safety risks. While driving on the highway, the vehicle suddenly exhibited severe engine shuddering, a sudden loss of acceleration, and a dashboard overheating warning. ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

I am filing this complaint to report a recurring, life-threatening safety defect in my 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid involving the battery and hybrid propulsion system. This defect has occurred twice, and despite dealer repair attempts, it has not been resolved. On both occasions, while the vehicle was in operation, the hybrid system failed without warning. The vehicle displayed a hybrid system failure... Read more

Incident date: May 30, 2026

Had my car in at a Volkswagen dealership for its routine maintenance they called me back, letting me know that I had the head gasket leak and that coolant was leaking.

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

My 2012 Range Rover HSE Sport, after repeated calls and asking to speak to the appropriate parties about my car, finally got a call and said that the the safety recall was completed to [XXX] and I could pick up my car. He/She said that I would need an engine and I just needed to come in a pick up the keys and car.car was driveable. After the members refused for 30 days not to repair the saf... Read more

Incident date: Feb 17, 2026

2019 Silverado experienced sudden engine failure while driving, creating a safety hazard. Had taken vehicle to Serpentine in Tallmadge Ohio for brake repair as well as a ticking sound a couple of times within the past 2 years. Each time the complaint regarding the noise it made was not addressed or documented as they said it was the brakes. While driving the truck, it started clanking and banging,... Read more

Incident date: Apr 19, 2026

My 2020 Chevy TrailBoss 6.2L V8 L87, same engine that has been recalled for 2021-2024 literally went dead in the middle of rush hour traffic. The engine has been deemed dead due to the exact current recall reasons. Seeing that was traffic was flowing at 45mph that was not a good scene as the vehicle " locked" itself into park originally so I was stuck in the middle of traffic. The vehicle has been... Read more

Incident date: May 31, 2026

Turbo Charger is failing. Dealer ran the codes and confirmed. All warning lights are cycling through.

Incident date: Sep 15, 2025

Transmission wouldnt shift. Sensor in car is causing issue, code is N 202321840

Incident date: May 23, 2026

My car currently has 66300 miles. And already requiring engine block repair that costs almost $8800 by Ford Tasca. July last year, Tasca Ford repaired spark plug issues and it didn’t even last a year. For that mileage, a car should not need dealing with an engine issue like this. There’s obviously a problem with the car to begin with. Its causing strain in my life financially and in general, k... Read more

Incident date: May 24, 2026

Vehicle has a recurring P0018 fault code (Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 2 Sensor A). Dealer diagnosed loose cam pins on Bank 2 requiring major engine repair. This fault creates a safety risk as improper camshaft timing can cause unexpected engine stalling while driving, resulting in sudden loss of power, power steering, and brake assist. The manufacturer has denied warra... Read more

Incident date: May 31, 2026

I own a 2018 Honda Odyssey 3.5L V6 and while my wife and 9 year old daughter were driving down the highway at 70mph that car decided to throw a rod throw the bottom of the motor leaving my family stranded on the roadside with no motor oil left in the car. This is a known issue for the 2018 Honda Odyssey but only for certain VIN numbers. I think it's pretty clear from all of the online complaints f... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

My car broke down on 04/05/2026 on the highway at a light with on coming traffic.I took it to express oil change 04/06/2026 they told me my car need a crankshaft so I proceeded to get more information and come to find out it was a recall on the crankshafts on my car. This is the second recall I have had done to my car the first recall was for the motor. This second one is for the crankshaft recall... Read more

Incident date: May 28, 2026

Eninge started knocking, flashed warnings to pull over immediately. I did and had the vehicle towed to Westway Ford in Irving. Their investigation showed the engine needs a full rebuild and they are claiming it is not covered under warranty. They shared pictures & a written repair estimate. Doing an analysis of the pictures they took and their description of what happened, combined with what I exp... Read more

Incident date: May 15, 2026

1.XXX XX— GM Recall Notification (Recall No. N252494000) I received official notification from General Motors of Recall N252494000 affecting my vehicle. I brought the vehicle to [XXX] as directed to have the recall remedy performed. 2. XXX — First Report of Engine Propulsion Issues I reported engine propulsion concerns to Jim Ellis. This was my first formal complaint regarding the performanc... Read more

Incident date: May 25, 2026

The vehicle received the official N252494001 recall oil remedy on 06/27/2025 at 15,438 miles (but suffered catastrophic engine failure and loss of propulsion at 33,661 miles on 05/30/2026).

Incident date: May 30, 2026

2023 Lincoln Aviator was accelerating out of Toll booth to 70mph. Upon acceleration the engine hiccupped but continued to operate. Approximately 2 miles later the low oil pressure indicator and low battery indicator popped up, no prior indications existed. Vehicle stalled within 0.5 miles as I was assessing what to do and to pull off to a safe place. I had the vehicle towed to the dealer at re... Read more

Incident date: May 30, 2026

Catastrophic engine failure the connecting rod went through the block. It is my understanding that Defective Components: Manufacturing defects in the connecting rods and crankshafts can reduce oil film strength, leading to severe wear, metal debris, and catastrophic engine could be the proiblem

Incident date: May 27, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine sputtered and the check engine warnig light illuminated. The vehic ewas taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed turbo charger. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed turbo charger. The contact ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 29, 2024

NHTSA VEHICLE SAFETY COMPLAINT SUPPORTING STATEMENT Vehicle: 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350 I am submitting this complaint regarding a continuing safety concern involving water intrusion and electronic system damage in my 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350. My vehicle was subject to a Mercedes-Benz recall involving water intrusion and related components. Despite recall-related repairs being performed, moisture... Read more

Incident date: May 16, 2026

- sudden rod‑bearing failure - no warning - safety risk - matches recall 23V‑751

Incident date: May 23, 2026

There was a previous recall for camera system that was fixed using a OTA over the air update per JEEP. This update introduced new problems It disabled the forward collision detection and disabled paddle shifting and other safety features which should also be issued as a RECALL because the dealer is not reputable to this on their own. The fix that they did requires customer to come in and have mor... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2025

Vehicle Information: 2024 Toyota Tundra 4x4, VIN: [XXX] livery: [XXX] Current Mileage: 24,147 Complaint Synopsis: My 2024 Toyota Tundra is subject to two active open safety recalls with no remedy available ("NO FIX YET" status per Toyota owner portal). 1. What component(s) or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Primary: Engine assembly (Recall 25TB14 /... Read more

Incident date: May 22, 2026

Heard clanging noise under hood as I was driving and truck just stopped. Tried to restart and nothing! Towed to dealership where they found the engine has to be replaced.

Incident date: Dec 1, 2024

My 2022 Hyundai Palisade recently blew the engine due to very little oil (6 quarts). My wife stated that she was driving when it started to act weird. Very shortly after that she heard the vehicle making a loud knocking / banging sound. She stopped the vehicle and turned it off in the nearest parking lot. We had the vehicle towed to our certified mechanic to have it looked at. 6 quarts of oil was... Read more

Incident date: Dec 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving, the contact accelerated to merge on to the highway and the vehicle would not accelerate past 55 to 60 mph. The contact exited the highway and the vehicle began to shaking, vibration and stalled. The vehicle was able to restart and was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure associated with NHTSA C... Read more

Incident date: Sep 27, 2025

Engine seized at 23,291 miles, approximately 3,661 miles after GM's authorized dealer performed a PicoScope inspection under Recall N252494000 and certified the engine as passing. July 2025 recall attempt was documented as incomplete with no remedy available. November 2025 inspection passed the engine. Engine seized March 2026. New engine installed under Special Coverage N252494003. New drivabilit... Read more

Incident date: Sep 27, 2025

23 Tiguan..been having to top off oil every couple thousand miles sometimes up to a quart and they tell me it's within "tolerance" to lose oil. Bad pcv caused leak at timing seal and oil pan, oil everywhere needs extensive cleanup. This consumption has happened consistently since buying the vehicle and am being told with the new pcv installed we have to wait to see if the oil problem continues bef... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

The engine in my truck failed while driving down the interstate highway (I-10) on May 28, 2026. At the time of failure, a loud popping noise emitted from the engine. Power and speed were reduced as the result of the failure. The Check Engine Light and Service Engine lights illuminated as quickly as the failure occurred. As many vehicles were simultaneously traveling along the highway at speed, ... Read more

Incident date: May 30, 2026

Why is KIA still legally allowed to sell defective, death traps? Why is it ok for the service department and KIA themselves to tell me….its ok to drive unless the engine light is blinking, smoking in a car know to catch fire…..ok? Why is it ok to let them continue to sell cars under active engine fire campaigns, only to “replace it with the same junk engine” an ok remedy. Quit letting thes... Read more

Incident date: Mar 3, 2026

While driving approximately 45 MPH, I slowed to make a right turn into a parking lot. The engine suddenly stalled and lost all propulsion. The vehicle retained electrical power but automatically shifted into NEUTRAL, and would not shift back into DRIVE. I braked to a stop, temporarily stranding the vehicle and blocking traffic in the parking area. Attempting to turn the vehicle off via the START/S... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle and turning the engine off, approximately 10 minutes later a burning rubber odor was present inside the cablin of the vehicle and smoke was present coming from under the hood. The contact opened the hood discovered flames coming from the engine. The fire and police departments were called to the scene and the fire wa... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

When coming to a rolling or quick stop and then attempting to maneuver across traffic, my truck hesitates for about a full second before accelerating. This delay can create a dangerous situation for myself, other drivers, and pedestrians. I believe this is a safety issue that Toyota needs to address promptly.

Incident date: May 25, 2026

Flex pipe for exhaust is broken at 61000 miles rattles and makes noise upon start up and acceleration.doesnt make sense repairs for model years before and after 2020 are being repaired for free

Incident date: May 25, 2026

The car will idle high around 1200 rpms. The car will most of the times fix the issue when you turn the car off and back on but it will start again after driving. This is a known issue with the car. I have had the egr valve replaced since it will pop up the codes P240F and P049 for egr slow response and control position exceeded learning limit but the problem came back within two days. I did find ... Read more

Incident date: May 25, 2026

Experienced countless "high coolant temp" followed by power loss and engine shutoff, yes—while driving—like everyone else. NHTSA CAMPAIGN: PE22013 Search it and read. They investigated it already & ruled it not dangerous enough. It took me spending so much money trying different fixes, then countless hours searching for a solution to finally realize that full investigation case was tucked aw... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2025

The car shut off and I can’t get it back on it does not jump I tried replacing the alternator but that’s not it

Incident date: Mar 29, 2026

On [XXX], I was going to Atlanta, the truck started hesitating harshly while I was passing another driver on a two lane road. The truck wouldn’t accelerate and the paddle seemed to be stuck, I had to pull off the road to avoid a head on collision. On the 30th of May, I took the truck to Allen Turner in Pensacola, Florida where I purchased it and reported the issue, the service department was clo... Read more

Incident date: Mar 29, 2026

Early this year I traveled to Mobile AL. While I was driving my car made this sound and it lost acceleration but no warning light appeared on my dashboard. My car eventually lost power and I had to get a tow. I went to a repair shop and they explained to me that it was the turbo that’s why I lost acceleration they said a lot of equinox with turbos are having this problem but it only goes out ar... Read more

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Consumer Safety Complaints

What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?

How to interpret what you read

If you've experienced a defect

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