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: Jul 15, 2022

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the vehicle was denied repairs due to lack of engine oil maintance records. The contact stated that after the vehicle was powered on with the ignition key, an abnormal fuel odor would leak into the interior cabin and the engine would shudder. No warning l... Read more

Incident date: May 11, 2026

UNKNOWN -A catalytic converter clogged after being installed - only 14 months following installation, causing rough and unsafe acceleration, inability to shift gears properly, and need to drive with hazards on. It is clear that there is an issue with the engine/exhaust and system in this vehicle. Additionally, the car needs oil added regularly and seems to be burning it, as indicated by low level... Read more

Incident date: May 19, 2026

- the car's automated systems randomly applies severe breaking at improper times - the cars head gasket has blown and in turn has blown the radiator and thermostat

Incident date: May 16, 2026

The engine failed. The car stopped completely with no warning. The same issue that other models are being recalled for turned out to be the problem with this engine. We had to have the engine replaced

Incident date: May 15, 2026

While driving highway speeds. The vehicle lost power. A warning light came on saying no power to the vehicle. The sudden lost of power to vehicle locked my power steering. Vehicle would not drive. When attempted to restart vehicle. The vehicle would not turn over and burning smell came from vehicle. Toyota stated it was the engine that failed due to recall 25TB14. It’s now 05/19/2026 and no r... Read more

Incident date: Apr 2, 2026

2021 GMC Sierra AT4, VIN [XXX] , NHTSA Campaign 25V-274, GM Case XXX. Brake pad monitor failed at 128,923 miles -- 24 miles after leaving Penske Chevrolet (released at 128,899, RO XXX, 04/17/2026). Brakes became spongy immediately following service. Monitor disabled entirely to stop recurring red Service System alert. Root cause is a burnt fuse block ground fault confirmed in writing by two GM-aut... Read more

Incident date: Feb 27, 2026

As my car was driving my vehicle encountered sudden changes and my engine light went on. As the vehicle stopped driving on its own there was smoke coming from the hood and a fire stared shortly after underneath the car.

Fire

Incident date: May 13, 2026

While driving my 2013 Chevrolet Malibu (2.5L), I experienced a sudden and severe failure of the braking system. [Insert exactly what happened here—for example: 'The brake pedal suddenly went completely to the floor,' 'The brakes unexpectedly locked up,' 'The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of braking power,' or 'The brake warning lights illuminated right as the brakes failed']. This occurred w... Read more

Incident date: May 18, 2026

The engine shut off as I was leaving a stop sign and stopped working as I was driving the vehicle.The car shut off and I had a very limited amount of time to pull off to the side which I was halfway able to do and was halfway on one lane and halfway on the shoulder. During this time the car had switched to neutral but since the problem had not occurred before and there was no engine lights on, I t... Read more

Incident date: Aug 30, 2024

On 5/14/26 around 8:00am, I just dropped the kids off to school and entered onto the 5 lane freeway, 290, driving into work. Driving 70 miles an hour, the steering light and a warning light came on and then other lights started flashing. The engine shut off, and the steering wheel felt like it locked-up. I managed to exit off the freeway and the car came to a stop. The car would not restart. A tow... Read more

Incident date: May 10, 2026

After performing all preventative, regular, and even proactive maintenance, the vehicle started shaking and shutting down with 2 miles. We are now being told (by 3 separate mechanics) that it needs an entirely new engine.

Incident date: Oct 1, 2025

own a 2019 Infiniti Q50 3.0t Sport with approximately 80,000 miles. The vehicle began experiencing engine knocking/ticking noises, rough idle, hesitation under acceleration, shaking, and intermittent misfire symptoms. The issue continued even after replacing spark plugs and ignition components. The dealership/mechanic reported possible internal engine damage and metal shavings in the oil, indicat... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2025

This has happened multiple times. When driving the engine shuts off and an error message appears to shift into neutral or park and restart the engine. Brought the car to liberty Kia in Ramsey NJ and they said found no errors in the computer and test drove and could not recreate. My odometer did not change from drop off to pick up so I can tell it was not test driven.

Incident date: Oct 1, 2025

The vehicle's head gasket failed prematurely, resulting in coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders and combustion chamber. This caused the engine to unexpectedly overheat while driving at highway speeds, creating a severe safety hazard and loss of acceleration in active traffic. Additionally, it had a very rough idle when starting.

Incident date: May 11, 2026

3.0 Duramax engine failure at 5900 miles. Apparently is from the known thrust bearing issue. MIL, CEL, TCM illuminated. Failure occurred at 60 mph during rush hour traffic. Engine is being replaced under warranty. GM should issue recall for the affected lot of this engine.

Incident date: Mar 15, 2026

The defective manufacturer lifters on my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 went on my truck damaging the lifters, camshaft, oil pump and I'm sure more than that. I know it's an ongoing investigation/lawsuit with General Motors, but they need to held accountable and should fix this issue free of charge. Not everyone has $5k-$10k+ to repair their engine due to their negligence. Thank you

Incident date: May 13, 2026

I was leaving my neighborhood on Saturday night 5/16 around 5:30 and on the way out all of a sudden the dashboard started lighting up and the speed was dropping despite me being on the gas. The screens kept flashing then the car stopped and went into park and I could not get it out of park. I was at the front of my nieghborhood entrance and it made it hard for others to come in and out. I tried... Read more

Incident date: May 13, 2026

I purchased a 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid 2023 on December 15, 2023, and since early ownership I have experienced persistent jerking/clunking while slowing to a stop, harsh downshifts, hesitation during braking, and rough transitions between electric and engine power. The issue was first documented around 5,744 miles and continued through approximately six to eight repair/work orders, where dealer... Read more

Incident date: Dec 30, 2024

Engine light came on. Fan ran high. Had it towed to the dealership. Has 39,000 miles on it. Needs a new upper radiator hose due to a defective hose. Apparently, after reading online, GM is aware of this issue. Now we have to pay the diagnostic fee and $850 for a new hose and a flush, as well as the tow bill! Now can’t get the part for a week or 8 days and then have to wait on the repair. This is... Read more

Incident date: Nov 27, 2024

Engine failure. Car quit while driving down main highway. Taken to garage and they reported that many of the same engine for Hyundai have been recalled. When investigating, my car did the exact same thing being reported, but is not included in the recall. I have maintenance records for all oil changes as required as well. No lights came on to indicate failure.

Incident date: May 17, 2026

I experienced engine failure and the dealership, corporation and warranty are refusing to replace the engine. My engine falls under an engine settlement. The denial states the corporation will not approve because i do not have a system update. The system update was issued while in the dealer’s inventory, part of the Certified Pre Owned inspection, it is required that the dealer updates all recal... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2025

I bought this vehicle used in 2022 from CarMax. According to Jeep (Stellantis) Co. multiple recalls were fixed by the previous owner, but the patch available for 2018 Jeep Wranglers was not done. In 2024 my iphone and Mac laptop were hacked and shortly after I began having problems with my 2018 Jeep Wrangler. My alarm system started going off while I was in my home without touching or being near t... Read more

Incident date: May 13, 2026

the car has two issues. brake issue (gas pedal is soft and sinks) and engine power ( gas pedal is soft and not responsive) Brakes are soft and spongy some times and sometimes hard. even you push the brake pedal twice or three time it takes long distance to stop. some times the brake looks good but for short period of time. the brakes inconsistent. I took to the dealer where I bought it hey refuse ... Read more

Incident date: May 18, 2026

Transmission making noise and getting worse. Can’t get repaired or replaced for at least six months. Engine warning light is now on. Recently told this is a known issue with several class action suits being filed.

Incident date: Mar 31, 2026

I am filing a safety complaint regarding a 2015 Kia Sorento equipped with the 2.4L Theta II engine. The vehicle developed progressive engine knock, reduced power, and check engine warnings while driving. Diagnostic trouble codes include P0017, P0014, and P0340 relating to crankshaft/camshaft timing correlation and camshaft position faults. A Kia dealership performed diagnostic testing using Kia ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 18, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the reduced power mode message was displayed. The contact linked the failure to TSB 22-NA-224. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed there was no coverage. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

Incident date: May 17, 2026

While operating my Kia vehicle, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of braking capability and loss of acceleration/power while traveling downhill. Multiple warning lights reportedly illuminated during the event, including the battery light, oil light, and check engine light. The incident created a serious safety concern due to inability to properly control vehicle speed and operation. The vehic... Read more

Incident date: May 11, 2026

P0128 code produced when scanned. Cooling fans on high. No ac. Steering Assist Warning. Had to replace the thermostat. ECM also replaced and caused the tire pressure sensors to fail and had to replace the tire sensors. There is a recall on models 2021 to 2025 but none on the 2020 for the thermostat. I have paid $3500.00 to have my vehicle fixed.

Incident date: May 17, 2026

Blown head gasket after multiple spark plug replacements for misfires.

Incident date: May 17, 2026

Purchased truck in May of 2026 from Chevy dealer. Truck had around 1500 miles on it. Within 1 week the truck was shifting, very roughly, for no apparent reason making it lurch. I brought it to a local Chevy dealer, who ran it, showing a fault. I got the truck back from the dealer, who said tech had looked at it, and cleared the "fault" that was showing up. less than 1 week after that, the truck st... Read more

Incident date: Apr 20, 2026

The Coolant Bypass Valve on my vehicle failed, leading to a risk of sudden engine overheating and potential coolant leaks into the electrical harness. This is a documented defect (CSP 23TE03) that Toyota has failed to address for vehicles over 100,000 miles, creating a safety hazard for high-mileage owners. This is a major concern on a known issue and those that don't have funds to pay for this kn... Read more

Incident date: Jan 16, 2026

COMPONENT FAILED: Left transmission mount bracket and its fasteners on a 2017 RAM ProMaster with 3.6L V6 Pentastar (sales code ERB) and 62TE 6-speed automatic (sales code DG2). At least one bracket-to-transaxle bolt sheared. The bracket separated from the transmission, the powertrain dropped on the driver side, the left front CV axle pulled out of the transaxle, and transmission fluid loss occurre... Read more

Incident date: May 18, 2026

Knocking in engine led to a replacement of the engine by dealer

Incident date: May 18, 2026

Complete engine failure in my 2017 Ford Escape 1.5L caused by coolant intrusion. I only have 67,000.

Incident date: May 18, 2026

Sitting at a red light and when the light turned green, the engine made a noise and lost power while trying to cross the intersection. The check engine light came on along with some other lights. It was then towed to a mechanic and the engine had to be replaced due to failure of the lifters. The mechanic said it is a common issue with the GM 5.3 engine but unfortunately their has not been a re... Read more

Incident date: May 13, 2026

I was slowing down coming to a stop in a left turn lane. I went to give the car gas to make the turn and for 4 seconds I had no power. My car was stuck in The middle of the intersection. When the vehicle regained power it slammed forward really hard.

Incident date: May 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was shaking. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was later taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a lifter and a failed cylinder 6. The contact was informed t... Read more

Incident date: Apr 19, 2026

I own a 2018 Honda Accord equipped with the 1.5L turbo engine. The vehicle is experiencing a head gasket failure consistent with numerous complaints reported by other Honda owners online and through NHTSA. My vehicle began showing symptoms including rough cold starts, engine misfires, loss of coolant without visible leaks, and reduced engine performance. Diagnostic testing indicated head gasket f... Read more

Incident date: May 9, 2026

I was driving vehicle on interstate when sudden loss of power took place. I immediately pulled off the road and we smelled smoke. Fire was coming out of engine compartment near passenger wheel. We immediately exited the vehicle and assisted our young children out of the back seat. Within seconds the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames. If we were not able to immediately pull off the road and assi... Read more

Incident date: May 8, 2026

This vehicle was sold to me by Front Royal Ford on August 16, 2025 with an UNDISCLOSED active safety recall. This vehicle recall still shows as active and the car remains in an "unsold" status within the Ford system, since they legally were not permitted to sell me the vehicle. I only discovered this after the car's engine light went off in September 2025, and a dealership in Indiana refused to ... Read more

Incident date: May 8, 2026

I was driving on I-35 in Norman, Oklahoma, shortly after 7 am, when my 2020 Chevy Trail Boss with the 6.2 engine stopped running. I was in moderate traffic and shifted the gear shifter to neutral, and the motor would not restart, leaving me in traffic. I was able to slowly get on teh shoulder to avoid a collision, and the engine would not restart. I had teh vehicle towed to Ammco in Norman, Oklaho... Read more

Incident date: May 18, 2026

Vehicle has an issue with the transmission control, it will not reliably shift into the appropriate gears as it gains speed, often slipping & shuddering, sometimes even slamming into a higher gear. A few times it has stayed in first or second gear as I was pulling onto a busy street into oncoming traffic, I was unable to gain speed without taking my foot off the gas entirely and trying again. Th... Read more

Incident date: May 18, 2026

Car had recall and new engine was put in April 2024. I’ve had the new engine for 25 months. It started doing the exact same thing as before when engine went out. No power, limp mode, engine violently shaking, rods knocking. Engine light came on. I parked it immediately and called dealership. They said it’s a refurbished engine not new so it does not have the full warranty. This new engine wasn... Read more

Incident date: May 12, 2026

Transmission and fuel injector malfunction: Vehicle shutters upon acceleration. Particularly noticeable driving up hill or when maintaining speeds. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Jeep acknowledges the issue, noted a malfunction with PICO data and a fuel injector repair was done under warranty. Stellantis deems the shuttering "acceptable." Safety is at risk as there is a hesitati... Read more

Incident date: May 18, 2026

[XXX] Fire occurred while driving [XXX] my Ram 2021 and it was like a mini blast with a lot of sparks as I saw in a rear-view mirror. Everything went out on the dashboard and the car stopped at the Top of Wolf Creek Pass [XXX] . I got out of the car and saw a small fire burning under the car. The fire under the car went out on its own. The very shape of the hole (perfectly round) in my muffler ... Read more

Fire

Incident date: May 18, 2025

I was driving down the interstate when all of a sudden, I hear a bang, and my power went crazy, couldn't push the gas at all, my car was suddenly shut off. We coasted to the side of the interstate and got out to see a pile of oil underneath my car. Called a tow truck to help us and he found a massive hole in the engine block / oil pan - catastrophic engine failure. I have 117k miles on my car BUT ... Read more

Incident date: May 17, 2026

Description of Incident: While stopped at a red light at a busy intersection near a shopping district, the vehicle's Auto Idle Stop (AIS) system engaged and shut off the engine. When I attempted to restart by pressing the brake pedal — as instructed — the vehicle failed to restart. The dashboard displayed an error message reading "Idle Stop Function: Press Brake to Restart." My foot was on th... Read more

Incident date: May 18, 2026

Coolentnos leaking into plug cylinder 2, not getting into oil yet, but burning white sweet smelling smoke mostly at start-up. Had lead mechanic at Valenti SAAB Volvo, check things out, head gasket seems fine, told me that this particular engine was know for a class action suit for engine coolent Intrusion. Said to file with you immediately

Incident date: Jun 8, 2024

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 1, 2025

While stopped at a red light at a busy intersection near an airport, the vehicle's Auto Idle Stop (AIS) system engaged and shut off the engine. When I attempted to restart by pressing the brake pedal — as instructed — the vehicle failed to restart. The dashboard displayed an error message reading "Idle Stop Function: Press Brake to Restart." My foot was on the brake pedal at the time; pressing... 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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