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: May 19, 2026
My engine with less than 5,000 miles died (engine was blown). While driving on highway engine died and wheels locked and almost caused a major accident. I had to get a tow and bill cost me 700.00. GMC is giving me the run around. Dealer stated that engine will need to be replaced. GMC is doing nothing to assist me, I have a car note with no truck GMC is the biggest scam.
Incident date: May 16, 2026
My Hyundai Palisade was bought brand new in 2020. It currently has 131,500 miles on it. I noticed at around 110,000 miles that my oil was getting low before each oil change. I check my oil frequently. No oil leaks can be found. So the engine is burning oil somehow. My mechanic says Hyundai says its acceptable for it to burn oil after 100,000 miles but 2 quarts between oil changes seems excessive. ... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2026
While pulling up to a drive thru window the vehicle shuddered and the engine shut off. I lost all power steering and had to come to a stop, shift into park, then restart the engine. No check engine lights or warnings illuminated. There were no status messages to indicate what caused it to shut off. Also the driver side mirror shakes a lot, just like all the other reports say.
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
While traveling at highway speeds on [XXX] with three passengers, the vehicle suddenly suffered a catastrophic internal engine failure (severe rod knock), forcing an emergency deceleration in active traffic that put all occupants at risk of a rear-end collision. The sudden breakdown was immediately preceded by a flashing Check Engine Light and violent metallic knocking, despite the vehicle being ... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2026
Saturday may 23 at night my car started showing a message that states “Braking Power Low Stop in a Safe Place See Owner's Manual” I took it to Toyota on Tuesday may 2026 they said it was fine and nothing was wrong even after I said that message kept appearing at least five times each time I was driving the vehicle since Saturday. After they checked it the problem got worse and now it appears 9... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
The engine in my 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 experienced catastrophic internal failure while driving. No warning lights or check engine indicators came on. Prior to failure, the vehicle began making a loud metallic knocking/rattling sound during acceleration, similar to “rocks shaking in a box.” Shortly afterward, the engine suddenly stalled while driving and would no longer run. The vehicle st... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
Engine randomly shuts off when driving. The issues started 1 week after purchasing the vehicle. First occurrence happened when we were stopped. We pressed the gas pedal and the dash turned red, beeping, with the engine light, oil light, and battery light illuminated with a message reading “ENGINE OFF. Shift to P or N then start engine”. This happened multiple times after. The dealership had ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2026) - ENGINE
May 28, 2026
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The vehicle has developed a persistent and progressively worsening rattling noise from the engine during cold starts, along with intermittent rough operation. The symptoms are consistent with a malfunction or defect in the engine timing chain system, including possible timing chain stretch, timing chain tensioner failure, or related internal engine components. This condition presents a serious saf... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2023
Component/System: The fire department determined the cause of the fire to be accidental due to an electrical malfunction within the vehicle. The most extensive damage was located in the engine compartment, though damage spread to the passenger compartment as well. The vehicle is available on request. The vehicle caught fire while parked on a street. No injuries or displacements occured. However, ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 28, 2026
I noticed a Check Engine Light flashing on my dashboard while driving on May 27, 2026. The vehicle suddenly losing power is extremely unsafe for me and my family, and also others on the road. This is a repeated P1326 code which happened before in 2021 and 2024. Based on the receipts I have from the previous inspections from the dealer, the Bearing Clearance Test (BCT) was not done in 2024, but w... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2013) - ENGINE
May 28, 2026
Incident date: May 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Hyunndai Kona. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's fiance, who is an independent mechanic attached the portable diagnostic tester to the vehicle, and the failure code was P1327. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair was not ... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2026
Cylinder Misfires OBD-II code P0303 Engine Overheats after changed thermometer Fuel in the coolant system Coolant leaking from exhaust
Incident date: May 28, 2026
I am reporting a safety concern involving BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine, commonly found in model years 2019–2021. These vehicles utilize a variable-displacement engine oil pump containing an internal thermoplastic adjusting component responsible for regulating oil pressure. Field failures are increasingly being reported in which this internal component fractu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2019
I would like to document it took 7 trips to set the monitors after a failed smog check. That is 21 time going from 55 miles a hour to coasting to 20 miles a hour. on a freeway. Three times per trip at 2:00 - 3:00 in the morning. Also my Catalytic Converter went out at 26,000 miles. It should last 70,000 - 100,000 miles or 10 years. Catalytic Convertor was replaced by dealer. Will i have to replace... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2026
Engine is misfiring. Took it into local mechanic who mentioned he has seen many similar issues and knew there was a recall for similar 2021 Yukon engine issues but for some reason this model was not included. He encouraged me to trade in the vehicle because most likely the engine would need to be replaced (or a $10,000 repair) and it was not save to continue to drive in this condition. I call G... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
Engine began running rough and warning lights came on the dash indicating multiple issues and the engine light. Brought it to Honda and the tech diagnosed a head gasket failure. Honda recommended a head gasket repair. Car only has 137,000 miles on it.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2016) - ENGINE
May 28, 2026
Incident date: May 1, 2026
While driving, the vehicle suddenly displayed “Service ESC” and “Service Traction Control” warnings. Shortly after, the engine stalled and the vehicle became difficult to restart. Vehicle experienced rough running/misfires and loss of power. Diagnostic trouble codes retrieved included P0300, P0106, P3498, P00FF, and U1962. The issue appears intermittent but creates a serious safety concern... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2023) - ENGINE
May 28, 2026
Incident date: May 27, 2026
All brake systems warning lamps illuminated while driving on the highway, the vehicle was pulled off the road and shut off, brakes were visually inspected and all fluid levels were examined and everything was intact. Vehicle was driven again after a breif time and everything was fine. A few weeks later all warning lamps were displayed, the vehicle was brought to a Honda dealership the following mo... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that a few days later, the contact noticed white smoke coming from the exhaust. The check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with deta... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2026
Engine has coolant leaking into the third cylinder. This explains why my vehichle runs rough, coolant level drops with no sign of leaks underneath the vehicle and white exhaust smoke. Apparently its a known issue with the 2.0 L Ecoboost engines and is addressed in a technical service bulletin (TSB). To correct coolant intrusion into the cylinders you have to replace the long block engine assembly... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2026
Engine Idle at Stop light or Start & Stop at Traffic Stop Light doesn't work. It does stop completely; however, it didn't start after releasing the brake. You have to put the vehicle back in the parking gear, put the brake to restart the engine. This has happened three times in the last week.
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
L87 6.2L engine failed. Loud knocking, no oil pressure, engine stalled and would not restart. This happened despite GM's recall where they changed to 0W40 oil.
Incident date: May 28, 2026
I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding my 2018 Honda Accord [VIN# [XXX] ] concerning what I believe to be a defective cylinder head or head gasket — an issue I have since learned is widely reported within the Honda owner community and is currently the subject of active class action litigation. Beginning at approximately 89,000 miles, my vehicle began experiencing episodes of engine ... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2026
Check engine light came on. Next day had a diagnostic run on it and found the coolant intrusion into cylinder 2. A new TSB 19-2208 was recommended. Talked with dealership and they advised to contact Ford Customer Care, who had Roadside Assistance come and pick up the 2018 Lincoln MKC and take to dealership. Dealership called to advise that the cost to me would be $9400!!!. Called Ford Cus... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2026
2021 Kia Soul | VIN: [XXX] | Recall SC336 (NHTSA 25V099) | Kia America Case No. XXX DEALER: Team Kia of El Cajon, 541 N. Johnson Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020 SYMPTOMS: Rapid oil consumption, abnormal engine noise, overheating, vehicle stalling at complete stops, difficulty restarting. All symptoms are explicitly documented in SC336 TSB (Rev 6, 10/21/2025) as consequences of defective piston oil rings.... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
My truck has completely shut down/ loss power on several occasions. Happened when I was l slowing down or completely stopped. Everything goes dark. Had to wait several minutes before truck would start.
Incident date: May 16, 2026
I always turn off the engine auto stop while driving and am sure this feature was turned off at the time of the incident. I was stopped at a drive thru idling in drive when my RPM sounded like it lowered and the the vehicle started shaking. Since it sounded like it was going to stall, I instinctively put the vehicle in park and that naturally bumped up the RPM avoiding a stall. I tried to rep... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2015) - ENGINE
May 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
This vehicle is eligible for Theta II class action settlement, and I cannot seem to get the Kia dealerships, or the Kia Corporate to honor the engine failure issue that I was told by the AAA mechanic should have been replaced. I have also been told by others, including another mechanic at a nationally recognized mechanic that it needs to be taken care of, and that they had the same vehicle and had... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The starter on a new 2026 Chevrolet Equinox RS failed at approximately 6,500 miles. While the vehicle was being driven home during evening rush hour, it shut off at a red light and would not restart. The vehicle was stranded in the left lane of a four-lane highway. It could not be moved because the engine would not start, and the vehicle would not even roll in neutral, as the wheels were locked an... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while the contact's father was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's father noticed an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with failed rod bearings and a failed engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replac... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
Driving down the road with no previous issues and the dashboard flashed a ton of warning lights. Then the engine started knocking. Towed it to Vern Eide Honda and Arrowhead Automotive to be told by both that the rod bearing caused the engine issue and needed to be replaced.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
Component Affected: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Description of the Defect & Incident: My 2024 Nissan Rogue equipped with the 1.5L VC-Turbo engine is exhibiting severe progressive mechanical failure, matching the symptoms described in NHTSA Campaign Numbers 26V080000 (Engine Bearing Seizure) and 26V081000 (Throttle Body Gear Failure). The vehicle is currently experiencing excessive engine shaking, a... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2019) - ENGINE
May 28, 2026
Incident date: May 26, 2026
COMPONENT FAILURE: The engine, power train, and speed control systems failed due to the known Nu 2.0L GDI connecting rod bearing defect. SAFETY RISK: My [XXX] daughter was driving in heavy rush-hour traffic when the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and entered a 20 MPH "limp mode." This sudden deceleration created an immediate and severe risk of a rear-end collision, endangering my daughter a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
The issue that I am having is very serious if I forget to hit the off button which disables the energy saving my car will shut off. This happens if I am at a stop sign or stop light. I literally have to restart my car all over again. Cars behind me have almost hit me. At first I thought this is a new vehicle it is normal for this happen but quickly rode cards similar to my vehicle features and t... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2026
The issue that I am having is very serious if I forget to hit the off button which disables the energy saving my car will shut off. This happens if I am at a stop sign or stop light. I literally have to restart my car all over again. Cars behind me have almost hit me. At first I thought this is a new vehicle it is normal for this happen but quickly rode cards similar to my vehicle features and t... Read more
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2014) - ENGINE
May 28, 2026
Incident date: May 22, 2026
Multiple attempts to have car repaired for a year and a half with no resolution. See attached docs. Included is a letter to Hyundai, timeline of subsequent events, warranty info. Invoices were too large to upload, there are 7 of them.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2023
High voltage battery pack, Power Inverter Module (PIM), and HV charging system. PIM replaced twice (p/n 68381781AD, 8/4/25 and 8/18/25) after being found melted with arcing damage at HV connections. Battery pack has active BPCM fault codes and a recorded cell voltage excursion. Vehicle available for inspection. Vehicle lost all motive power without warning at highway speed on multiple occasions,... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
I am writing to report a serious, premature failure of a primary emissions and safety-related component (the catalytic converter) that has occurred as a direct consequence of a known, unaddressed manufacturing defect in Hyundai's Theta II engine. My vehicle has a documented history of excessive engine oil consumption. This inherent manufacturing flaw causes the engine to burn motor oil at an extre... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
JEEP
WRANGLER 4XE
(2024) - ENGINE
May 28, 2026
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
We have been having persistent safety issues with this vehicle. The issues have ranged from unsecured gas cap to loss of power. We’ve also had severe transmission issues where the car will not shift out of first gear. This happened on the Garden State Parkway and nearly caused an accident as the car wasn’t able to go above 27 mph safely.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2026
In normal operation on Tuesday May 26,2026, the engine experienced catastrophic failure. The engine is the GM L87 6.2 Liter. This was on a highway in the country and I was able to maneuver the truck off the road before an accident occurred. It did leave me stranded and I was required to get it towed on a roll off (It was not drivable) to the dealer where I purchased it. The dealer [XXX] ) inspe... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that the engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic diagnosed with a sensor failure and needing to replace a catalytic converter. The oxygen sensors were repalced.r was replaced by an independent mechanic. The vehicle stalled while reversing. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that after starting and exiting the vehicle to allow it to warm up, the contact later noticed that the vehicle had turned off. The vehicle was towed to a first mechanic, who was unable to restart the vehicle or determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was towed to a second mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine h... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
It is a common issue on the Honda Civic Type R from 2017 to 2021 in which water will leak through the hood scoop causing water to drip onto cylinder 4 causing a misfire. Misfire No. 4 Cylinder (DTC P0304). There is a TSB for it under 25-062 for this same issue. Water could enter the hood scoop and accumulate down inside the no. 4 spark plug hole. This can corrode the ignition coil, plug tube, and ... Read more
HONDA
CIVIC TYPE R
(2018) - ENGINE
May 28, 2026
Incident date: May 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Ridgeline. The contact The contact stated he experienced knocking in the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an air compressor failure; however, the issue persisted. The contact also stated another issue is the rearview camera displayed a distorted image. The contact also experienced loss of steering control with the vehicle pu... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2026
When driving, the car would go into limp mode and wouldn’t get out of 2nd gear. it was super jerky as well. when taken to a mechanic, it was diagnosed with malfunctioning transmission among some other things such as brakes and tires. we take fairly great care of our vehicles and get them seen for regular maintenance. once the car started acting up, the check engine light came on. it is now unsaf... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2026
SHIFT SYS FAULT SERVICE REQUIRED
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
Hello, I was driving home from work with my six-month old in the car and the engine stalled while on the Belleville Turnpike. It seized and I was almost rear-ended by a tractor trailer hauling lumber to the lumber yard just a few streets away. I couldn't move the car and was afraid of how to even attempt to secure my car as my daughter was strapped in her car seat. An extremely nice man pulled ov... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
I have a 2021 Silverado LT trailboss. Catastrophic engine failure. Camshaft bearing and lifter failure. First lifter replacement @ 16,000 miles. Second at 104,000 miles. Was told by GM the 6.2L L87 I have is not affected due to a Canadian VIN. The sticker on the truck says Assembled in Kentucky. Gm charged $18,000 for a refurbished motor. The “new” motor had lifter failure at 12,000 miles. Ca... Read more