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
Upon starting engine while parked the engine vibrated roughly then stopped. Engine light and coolant light illuminated but shut off. Vehicle proceeded as normal, however, as I proceeded for the highway about 1 - 1/2 blocks and approximately 1,200 feet before approaching highway the vehicle 1200 abruptly lost acceleration; engine light and coolant light illuminated again, then engine abruptly shut ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2015) - ENGINE
May 19, 2026
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
Engine code p1326. The engine went into limp mode it was only able to drive about 15 miles then check engine light came popped on and the vehicle stopped and I had the get the vehicle towed. Yes Route 60 of Hyundai in Vero Beach was aware of the issue and also I took the vehicle to Hyundai in Fort pierce where they also was well aware of the engine issue. When I received a recall letter in the mai... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2026
I am submitting a complaint regarding a turbocharger failure on my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe VIN [XXX] . The vehicle experienced turbocharger-related failure symptoms including loss of power and drivability concerns. This created a potentially dangerous situation because the vehicle was unable to accelerate normally and could have caused difficulty merging into traffic or maintaining safe roadway spe... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2026
Exhaust "Nut" mysteriously went missing, causing noises, and Subaru technician stated to replace exhaust if issues persist. Vehicle was under warranty, only been serviced by certified Subaru technicians, and multi-point inspections were allegedly performed during every service, however, the exhaust "nut" were somehow still went missing.
CHEVROLET
TRAILBLAZER
(2022) - ENGINE
May 19, 2026
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
vehicle had a strong odor of gasoline then started spuddering and then caught fire while driving.
Fire
Incident date: May 18, 2026
The vehicle experienced engine failure due to coolant intrusion into the cylinders on a 1.5L EcoBoost engine. Symptoms included coolant loss, engine misfires, rough running, check engine light, and eventual engine failure requiring engine replacement. The problem has been confirmed by Ford and is consistent with the known coolant intrusion defect affecting many Ford 1.5L EcoBoost engines. Ford is... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2022) - ENGINE
May 19, 2026
Incident date: Jul 14, 2024
Engine failure, list of power in the number 3 lane roll across traffic pattern to side of road avoiding a rear end collision, yes on second engine 6.2 yes engine has been inspected and replaced no warning with both times of engine failure
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2024) - ENGINE
May 19, 2026
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
The car stopped at a light on a busy street in [XXX] (in the middle lane), then the engine stopped, and my wife could not restart it. I went as fast as possible and met her. I was eventually able to get it started. This is the third time we have had problems like this. I did the same thing for me and another time for my wife. I believe it is the stop-start capability, but I can't say for sure. We... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2024) - ENGINE
May 19, 2026
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
Engine failure at 12,000 miles
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2024) - ENGINE
May 19, 2026
Incident date: May 18, 2026
Engine is burning oil at a significant rate, when I get my oil changed at the dealers recommendation it is extremely low. I have to replace the oil regularly between oil changes, and there is an exhaust smell. Also lagging when I hit the gas.
Incident date: May 7, 2026
I have a Hyundai Sonata 2017 one year after I bought the car I started having acceleration problems. I have had the throttle changed and the valve gasket cover repaired. On April 15, 2026 the check engine light came on. On April 29th I got theta 2 emissions update installed at Hyundai Auburn, Al. I took it too auto zone the same day the code P1326 was showing up and P0014. On May 5th my car enter... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2026
Engine seized up while driving 60 mph on a known GM recall, after passing recall pico test
Incident date: May 5, 2026
In the second year of ownership I noticed that occasionally I would get no throttle response from the gas pedal when trying to accelerate. After several occurrences I began to pay close attention as to when this was occurring. I found that this occurs mostly, not exclusively, when I am slowing the vehicle to a near stop, not a full stop and then accelerating to continue, like slowing to round a ... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine shuddered and the engine stalled. In addition, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was seized in the middle of the road. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started. The failure reoccurred. The veh... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) - ENGINE
May 19, 2026
Incident date: May 19, 2026
Multiple times now my vehicle has had its engine locked up while driving at highway and regular uphill driving. Along with towing aswell. I have had it repaired multiple times and last time dealer wouldn’t tell me what happened because GM wouldn’t let them figure out what happened. Along with multiple attempts at fixing the transmission and brakes that are still on going issue. Same with the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2019
Camshaft and lifters and push rods
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
The contact owned a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 65 mph and slowing down to enter a parking garage, she observed black smoke emanating from under the hood, and the vehicle stalled. The contact then observed flames near the windshield wipers coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and called 911. She observed flames coming from under th... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
Engine failed- threw a rod Available for inspection Engine failed in the middle of a 6 lane interstate with 70mph speed limit. Locked up. Loss of power. No warning. Engine replacement needed- confirmed by dealer. This is the second engine replacement in less than 2 years Vehicle purchased in June 2024 Engine replaced June 2025 Vehicle taken to Glockner of Ironton Ohio in Aug 2025, Jan 2026, F... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
As a loyal GM customer who has purchased three Cadillac Escalades and had them exclusively serviced at Cadillac dealerships, , I am writing regarding my 2023 Escalade, equipped with the 6.2L V8 (L87) engine, affected by the recall (N252494000) impacting approximately 597,630 vehicles . I recently took my vehicle to a Cadillac dealership for the recall inspection, where it passed, received a switc... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
The vehicle's electronic variable valve timing actuator (E-CVVT motor) failed, triggering a severe "Limp Home" engine mode. This defect causes dangerous vehicle surging/jumping during acceleration, limits engine output to 1500 RPM while idling, generates abnormal engine noise, and prevents the vehicle from exceeding 60 mph. This makes merging onto fast-moving highways or maintaining the flow of tr... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
In August 2025, my car went into "limp mode" (go no faster than 40 MPH and it was lurching and speed dropping) on the freeway, which was scary and dangerous. Once home, I called a certified mechanic. When this mechanic tried to start the car, it made a terrible clacking noise. He told me it sounded like the main bearings were going out. He discovered that there was a recall on this particular ... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2026
There was a recall on my PVC part in my 2023 atlas. An effect of a clogged pvc is an oil leak. The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system relieves built-up pressure inside your engine. When it fails or clogs, this pressure traps air inside the crankcase. The excess pressure often forces oil out through the weakest points, which can mimic a bad seal or gasket. I took my car to the dealership ... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2026
For the past several years, this vehicle has experienced a recurring and unresolved engine malfunction that creates a safety hazard. The problem manifests as follows: Symptoms when check engine light illuminates: • Idle RPM elevation to approximately 1500 RPM (normal idle: 800 RPM) • Sudden unintended forward acceleration when foot is removed from brake pedal • Significantly reduced accelera... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
Rear main seal has blown three times since I purchased my vehicle from Carvana. I’ve pulled the engine out myself as I cannot afford another $3,500 at the shop. I’m a single income household that makes too much for financial assistance. The Chevy Equinox was the only vehicle in our price range. That was prior to the seal blowing, again.
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
Bought in Dec 2022, in February engine seized due to oil pressure issues, was told it needed a new engine. In communications with Ford, they were aware of issue, but it was not a recall issue at that time. I believe that if this issue occurred before recall, that they were replacing these parts with ones known to be faulty. Approximately, 60,000 miles later, I am dealing with the same issue that I... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2026
The engine will shut off completely while traveling a a normal rate of speed. The temperature gauge will malfunction and report high temperature (when there is none) and the engine will shut off. It cannot be restarted without putting the car in park and pressing the brake while in the midst of moving traffic. This has happened to me multiple times. At first, turning off the auto stop/start fe... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle would lose automotive power and the steering wheel became difficult to veer in either the left or right direction. No warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the VIN not being included in any recalls. U... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
I purchased my 2022 Hyundai Kona on August 28, 2024, and I am the first registered owner. Only 48 days after purchase, the vehicle suddenly broke down without warning while stopped at a red light in [XXX] after traveling from [XXX] . The vehicle had to be towed. Since then, the vehicle has repeatedly experienced dangerous engine and timing-related issues despite major repairs, including an engine... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
My 2013 Hyundai Sonata suffered engine failure consistent with Hyundai Theta II engine defects. The vehicle became inoperable/unsafe. Hyundai denied warranty coverage despite my maintenance records and documentation.
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
After the installation of the Service Campaign 9C2 engine update, the car now seems to surge or rev up briefly at lower speeds like it can't find the right gear or is trying to briefly accelerate. It doesn't seem to be as noticeable at highway speeds, but in residential or low speeds, it's very noticeable and a little unsettling as the car feels like it wants to briefly lunge forward. No lights ... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
Air bag system i bought the vehicle like that fuel pump and gas tank safety is ben loose brake s car stops driving brake locks
Incident date: May 4, 2026
The following mandatory software update was performed on my vehicle: ECU SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR THETA II EMISSIONS IMPROVEMENT (SERVICE CAMPAIGN 9C2). After this update my vehicle drivetrain is quite erratic. In particular when the engine is cold it appears to jerk even when in Parking gear position. When cold the drivetrain experiences erratic gear shifts. This provides little confidence when drivin... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 2500
(2022) - ENGINE
May 19, 2026
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
Prior to August 2024, this vehicle operated with zero check engine lights or drivetrain faults. In August 2024, BMW of Pittsburgh executed federally mandated Safety Recall 23V-707, which required opening the cylinder head. Immediately following this service, the Check Engine Light began illuminating persistently.On or about October 3, 2024, an independent diagnostic scan at Bobby Rahal BMW pulled ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
While driving the vehicle on a public roadway at approximately 70mph, the vehicle suffered a sudden and catastrophic powertrain failure without timely warning. The check engine light illuminated, the physical engine oil pressure gauge dropped to absolute zero, and the dashboard immediately flashed a critical "Hybrid System Malfunction" warning. > This mechanical and electrical failure triggered an... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
After the car was.parked in sun for aome time during shopping at Costco, it did not start. We had to use remote starter which worked. However, upon doing some research I found that overheated starter is a known and recalled problem with 2021 X5 and remote start could have caused fire. Dealership also confirmed it to be the smae pronlem , but BMW has not listed this vin as recalled. I contacted... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) - ENGINE
May 19, 2026
Incident date: May 18, 2026
The vehicle was driving down the highway at highway speed when it began to shut down. This put myself & other drivers at serious risk as I had to navigate several lanes of traffic with a dead vehicle. When I took it to the dealer, the dealer stated that the vehicle crankshaft position magnetic tone sensor had broken off and was no longer sending the tones to the crank shaft position sensor. T... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
2017 Kia Soul, 1.6L Gamma GDI engine, ~82,000 miles. Vehicle exhibits excessive oil consumption consistent with the known piston ring defect addressed in Kia TSB ENG222 (covering 2012–2019 Souls with Gamma/Nu engines) and consistent with the E2 Class Action Settlement that covered the same engine in 2012–2016 model years. The oil consumption has destroyed the catalytic converter, causing the e... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2026
My 2022 GMC Yukon XL with the 6.2L L87 engine was previously subject to NHTSA Recall 25V-274 / GM Recall N252494000 for L87 engine loss of propulsion. The recall was closed by the dealer as “PicoScope Inspection — Engine Passed / Update Engine Oil Type,” with the oil/cap/filter remedy. The vehicle was later brought back to the dealer for engine noise/knocking, check-engine light, and engine... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
I took my car to the dealership because it was leaking oil and coolant. Upon verification, I was informed that my vehicle had a cracked cylinder head. They told me that the repaired will cost me $5500. Unfortunately this is an amount that I do not have. So I reached out to the Mazda Corporate and they told me that there is no repair assistance can be provided and that I should reach out to Mazda D... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
This engine uses a metal timing chain inside the engine. Infinit chose to use plastic guides and tensors to keep the chain in place and not wear stretch. This choice of PLASTIC results in the eventual failure of the components that are needed to keep the chain in place. First signs of impending failure is a rattle inside the engine. Eventual the chain will break loose and destroy the engine. ... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2026
The catalytic converter heat exchanger failed internally, causing coolant to leak into the exhaust system. Symptoms included white smoke from exhaust and coolant loss with no visible ground leak. This is a documented factory defect per Toyota Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0135-19 affecting 2016-2019 Prius models. Toyota has denied warranty coverage despite the vehicle was originally bought & spe... Read more
LAND ROVER
DISCOVERY
(2026) - ENGINE
May 19, 2026
Incident date: May 6, 2026
MY FORD EDGE STARTED RUNNING ROUGH, THE TEMPERATURE WAS INCONSISTENT, AND IT WAS HAVING ISSUES STARTING. THE FINAL STRAW WAS THE HEAT STOPPED WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER. WE NOTICED THAT THE COOLANT WAS CONSISTENTLY LOW BUT THAT WAS AN ONGOING ISSUE. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE FORD DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC AND THEY CONFIRMED IT WAS A COOLANT LEAK INTO THE ENGINE AND IT NEEDED AN ENGINE REPLACEME... Read more
MAGIC TILT
BOAT TRAILER
(2025) - ENGINE
May 19, 2026
Incident date: May 15, 2026
On January [Insert Date], 2026, my 2024 Ford Escape suffered a sudden turbocharger failure that saturated the vehicle’s internal HVAC system with toxic ethylene glycol coolant. The vehicle’s ventilation system subsequently pumped these toxic chemical vapors directly into the enclosed passenger cabin. The inhalation of these toxic chemical vapors posed an immediate, life-threatening risk to my... Read more
JAYCO FIFTH WHEEL
SEISMIC
(2025) - ENGINE
May 19, 2026
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
On multiple occasions (four) my 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max has failed to accelerate when I push the gas pedal. Once in traffic, which was extremely scary and a huge hazard. I have contacted the dealership about this issue and have not heard back from them. It has been almost 2 weeks. No warming lamps turned on and this issue lasted about 15 seconds each time. I press the gas, the ca... Read more
JEEP
GRAND WAGONEER
(2023) - ENGINE
May 19, 2026
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
On going issue with many 3.5 EcoBoost engines having numerous oil leaks due to plastic manifold, valve covers, and oil pan. They heat up and crack over time causing oil leaks on both the top side and bottom of the engine. Being a serious fire hazard with a costly repair that is common in these F150 trucks. 03
Incident date: May 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The RPM's increased. In addition, the vehicle hesitated and jerked. o warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aw... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
Had to replace entire engine for same reason other GM engines are recalled for, the lifters and shifting cylinders. This should also be covered under a recall! It left me and my kids stranded.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
Phantom radio, screen changes and saves pre-programmed stations by itself and doesn't response to toch or buttons. When turning vehicle off start buttons stays lit for a long period of time and prevents you from locking the doors and causes the horn to beep twice if you exit thee vehicle prior to igniting start light going off. Also headlights will stay on also until start button light turns off... Read more