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: Aug 21, 2026

While driving a 2023 MINI Countryman on two separate occasions, the vehicle suddenly lost the ability to accelerate. Pressing the accelerator did not produce the expected power/response, creating a hazardous loss-of-propulsion condition in traffic; the car rolled to a stop each time. I was able to get the vehicle to a safe location, but the incidents could have resulted in a collision. There were... Read more

Incident date: Jul 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power and coasted to a stop along the curb, stalled, and the transmission independently shifted to park(P). The vehicle failed to restart, and the Police arrived on the scene to assist with traffic control. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who replaced the high-pressure fuel pum... Read more

Incident date: Sep 16, 2025

The contact owned a 2025 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud bang, and the vehicle lost automotive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the road, and the vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The engine was replaced under warranty. The failure mileage was a... Read more

Incident date: Jul 9, 2026

While driving, my 2023 GMC Sierra with the L87 6.2L engine experienced a sudden, complete, catastrophic loss of engine power. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the failure. This was a one-time event, but it left the truck inoperable and I have been without the vehicle since it happened. The vehicle had recently passed applicable recall checks and had a routine oil change performed,... Read more

Incident date: May 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact received an unknown recall. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer, and while parked at the dealer, it was determined that there were metal shavings in the oil and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but a failure occurred 4,000 miles, two months later. The contact stated that while driving 55... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2025

My engine has failed twice. I am now on my third engine. The vehicle stalled while driving on a highway, was in the shop for nearly 3 months and was "fixed" with same 6.2 engine. Eight months later it stalled again was in the shop for 2 months with a new engine. I was informed that they still don't know the issue and they just put the same type of engine. A bandaid was placed in my vehicle and I'... Read more

Incident date: Jun 29, 2026

I am reporting a potential safety defect involving my 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy AWD. The vehicle has experienced repeated engine and drivability problems and multiple breakdowns following replacement of the engine by Hyundai. The original engine developed excessive oil consumption and was ultimately replaced by Hyundai with a new engine. Following the engine replacement, the vehicle expe... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2026

My vehicle stalls and completely stops at red lights, stop signs, and low speeds. Currently my vehicle is stalling and stopping at accelerated speeds at 20 mph.

Incident date: Aug 23, 2026

The 2.0l Ecoboost engine is indicating an error code of P0302 after an engine service light. This code is for a Cylinder 2 misfire. The vehicle reserve coolant tank is showing low and in need of coolant after a recent oil/fluid service. This likely is the beginning of the known issue of coolant intrusion into this 2017 2.0L Ecoboost engine. This results in the need to replace the longblock of this... Read more

Incident date: Apr 30, 2026

Vehicle is equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine. Prior to receiving the dealer service for Recall 25V-274, the vehicle experienced a distinct highway vibration, powertrain shudder, and fluctuating/jumping RPMs on the highway. The dealer subsequently performed the recall remedy by updating the vehicle to the thicker 0W-40 oil specification. However, the underlying transmission torque converter had ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 19, 2026

Car has stalled out on road multiple times. In shop one day for software update. In shop two days for fuel pump replacement. Has been in shop 13 days and counting with no diagnoses currently. First stall out occurred at 55 mph.

Incident date: Aug 27, 2026

My 2021 GMC Yukon Denali with approximately 88,000 miles developed a significant engine knocking noise and was towed to a GMC dealership for diagnosis. The dealership confirmed diagnostic trouble code P0301 (engine misfire) and documented a “knocking noise in lower end at piston rod crankshaft area.” The dealership advised that my vehicle is not currently included in the existing GM recall for... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was inspected several times; however, no oil leaks were found. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle shuddered, and the check engine warning light illuminated and flashed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it w... Read more

Incident date: May 15, 2024

Transmission stopped at 29,000 miles, engine died and was replaced at 32,000 miles

Incident date: Aug 25, 2026

My 2021 Kia Seltos 2.0L is experiencing excessive engine oil consumption between regularly scheduled oil changes. There is no visible external oil leak or oil accumulating underneath the vehicle, but the oil level becomes extremely low before the next scheduled oil change, requiring me to add oil myself. I am concerned that continued excessive oil consumption could result in inadequate engine lub... Read more

Incident date: May 23, 2026

My truck is a 2019 6.2 motor GMC it fell outside of the motor recall. On May 23, 2026, I had a catastrophic engine failure. GM would not cover any costs associated with the engine replacement. I have a photo of the failed lifter. This issue is a problem with GM and its active fuel management system. GM knew about the issue and put the engine into service.

Incident date: Aug 17, 2026

I am filing this complaint regarding Nissan's handling of an open safety recall involving my vehicle and the subsequent engine failure. Nissan issued Recall 26V080 concerning an engine-related defect that can cause engine oil breakdown, bearing damage/seizure, engine damage, and loss of motive power. My vehicle developed the red oil warning light, check-engine light, and reduced engine power befo... Read more

Incident date: Aug 28, 2026

Car sudden stopped then would not turn on Currently being looked at but for suspected timing chain, VVT, and related parts Others have reported these same issues and other model with same engines have been recalled

Incident date: Aug 14, 2026

AT 45,261 MILES, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE WOULD BARELY START AND RUN. IT WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND WAS AGAIN DIAGNOSED WITH CARBON BUILD-UP ON THE INTAKE VALVES. THIS IS THE SECOND OCCURRENCE IN JUST OVER A YEAR. IT WAS REPAIRED, AND AGAIN, OTHER THAN THE REPAIR, NOTHING WAS DONE TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING A THIRD TIME!

Incident date: Jun 26, 2026

On 06/26/26, I was driving my 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 with 6.2 engine (Aug. 2024 engine build date) with 27,614 miles down the highway at 60-65mph and my RPMs started jumping and I lost engine power and received this P0016 error message. I was able to coast off the highway at the next exit but this put me and my family at risk. Once I was able to coast into a parking lot, my truck wouldn't start ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 27, 2025

AT 26,453 MILES, THE CHECK ENGINS LIGHTS ALL CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T RUN. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE INTAKE VALVES HAD EXCESSIVE CARBON BUILD-UP ON THEM. THE ISSUE WAS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. I CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA TO ADVISE THEM OF THIS SITUATION, STATING THAT THE ISSUE WILL HAPPEN AGAIN BECAUSE NOTHING WAS DONE TO PREVENT THIS FROM RECURRING. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHILE MY WIFE W... Read more

Incident date: Aug 26, 2026

Oil pressure sesnsor warning. The dealership is saying I need a new motor.

Incident date: Dec 22, 2025

In Late December 2025, with only 764 miles on my 2026 Chev truck, we were driving south on [XXX] down the interstate in Utah. The engine lost power, service enging light soon came on, and the truck came to a stop in about a mile. There were 5 of us in the truck. Late night, in a strange town. We had to take a UBER to the motel. The truck was towed to Murdock Chevrolet in Woods Cross, Ut. They gav... Read more

Incident date: Aug 26, 2026

The vehicle experiences a dangerous 2-3 second 'dead pedal' delay during acceleration on hot restarts. When flooring the pedal to the floorboards, the vehicle fails to respond; it moves slowly. This was reported to Denville NJ Dealership on 8/27/26: dealer stated they test drove it could not replicate, and there were no stored codes. This was reported to Denville NJ Dealership and 4/2/26 and deal... Read more

Incident date: Aug 31, 2026

At 5:16 pm, CST. I was stopped at a stop sign headed west on a 25 mph road crossing a 30 mph road (that does not have a stop sign) in Illinois. After waiting for a an appropriate gap in traffic, I attempted to accelerate though the interesting. I released the brake pedal and attempted to accelerate. The vehicle barely accelerated. The engine seemed to minimally climb in RPM and only accelerated mi... Read more

Incident date: Aug 8, 2026

1.0L EcoBoost suffered a repeat failure following Recall 23S64, Metro Ford of OKC confirmed in writing that prior dealer workmanship caused the failure, and Ford Corporate (Case # CXH-08846832) is completely unresponsive, leaving the vehicle inoperable and unsafe.

Incident date: Jul 25, 2026

Brought my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport into the dealer on July 25, 2026 for the ECU and Theta II software update (Hyundai Service Campaign 9C2). Before the recall service my car drove perfectly with no issues. After the recall service my car is extremely jerky when shifting at low speeds and has long delays when trying to accelerate. This problem is particularly apparent on cold start, and less so... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

I was driving down a main road going 40-45 mph. I made a left turn into a retail shopping center, went straight for about 100 feet and turned right into the main shopping center street and the truck immediately just shut off. I don’t remember seeing the car go into park, but I do remember it going into more of a neutral state with the engine completely off and the brakes were not locked since th... Read more

Incident date: Aug 25, 2026

While driving, the vehicle developed uneven acceleration and an audible metallic rattling/buzzing sound. Shortly after, the engine locked up, stalled, and jerked the car to a stop while in traffic. A Volkswagen dealership has confirmed the engine failed and locked up, at 26,127 miles, but could not yet identify the specific internal components which failed. They indicated the engine cannot be turn... Read more

Incident date: Aug 22, 2026

This vehicle has been towed approximately 7 times in the last year. For all instances in [XXX] in 2025, the dealership told us there were no issues. The completed the recall on the L87 and it 'passed'. The dealership then updated the oil to 40W and sent us on our way. We continued to have issues, but it was deemed to be the transmission. We had that relaced earlier this year. On XXX the car shut o... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

Vehicle went into reduced power mode and was taken to the dealership. They had to tear down the motor to diagnose the problem and determined it was the crankshaft and the motor needed to be replaced. It was out of factory warranty however it has an extended warranty and the warranty covered 80% of the repair. We still had to pay over $3k out of pocket. Vehicle is now making engine noises again and... Read more

Incident date: May 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the short block engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact researched and became aware of an unk... Read more

Incident date: Jul 6, 2026

I understand that the vehicle is outside of its original warranty period. However, I do not believe that the expiration of the warranty should automatically make me responsible for a component failure that occurred at only approximately 39,000 miles. The PCV valve and orifice are not routine maintenance items that I would reasonably expect to require replacement at such low mileage. Unlike tires, ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 2, 2025

Engine failure Transmission failure

Incident date: Apr 27, 2026

The engine failed due to the known recall defect, dealer confirmed loss of compression in cylinders 2 & 4. I am a federal employee stationed overseas on official duty orders, and Hyundai Motor America is delaying safety recall remedies and buyback negotiations since June 9th.

Incident date: Mar 13, 2026

When at a red light the engine cuts off and does not restart when foot comes off the brake. Sometimes it takes several minutes to start. We were stuck in an intersection and almost were rear ended. Took it ti the dealership. had a new battery up in. By the time we got home, it did it again. Took it back to the dealership, they replaced the started. No problems for 4 months. Now it is doing the sa... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2026

2025 Kawasaki Z H2 / ZR1000SNF VIN: [XXX] This motorcycle has experienced multiple serious mechanical failures at extremely low mileage, and I am concerned that it presents an ongoing safety risk. At approximately 2,259 miles, the transmission suffered a major failure requiring warranty repair. Following that repair, the motorcycle exhibited abnormal transmission behavior, including unexpectedly... Read more

Incident date: Aug 31, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the message "Service ESC" was displayed, and the check engine, traction control, and Forward Collision Avoidance warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle started shaking and then lost power. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, parked, and then turned off. The vehicle was not di... Read more

Incident date: Aug 17, 2026

The vehicle experienced a severe engine failure caused by coolant intrusion into cylinder #3, which requires a complete engine short block replacement. The vehicle became entirely unsafe to drive, presenting a sudden mechanical failure that put the safety of the occupants and other drivers at risk on the road. Prior to this catastrophic failure, the timing belt and water pump were replaced. The fa... Read more

Incident date: Jul 25, 2026

Engine failure

Incident date: Aug 16, 2026

Our 2021 YukonXL started running rough and the check engine light came on. We took it to the shop the next day and was told there was complete lifter failure and that we need a new engine.

Incident date: Apr 16, 2026

Car went into limp mode and was struggling to accelerate, went and got it diagnosed and was notified that my spark plugs needed to be replaced. Car began running fine but a few months went by and the issue came back. I was told I needed my spark plugs changed again. After the third time, I went and had my car diagnosed again and was told I needed a battery for the car because it was drained. Then ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 24, 2026

While driving 8/24/2026 on interstate engine light started flashing then staues on and car decelerated and knocking noise.Got to closest parking lot. Car would no longer move and turned it off. Contacted a tow. Tow driver verified battery good, oil good and started car, the motor shook uncontrollably then it was turned off and towed to dealership. Full service oil change was done 8/23/2026 at deal... Read more

Incident date: Jul 23, 2026

My vehicle is currently sitting at a Honda dealership with a broken crankshaft counterweight and seized bearing. The engine needs to be replaced but Honda has refused to conduct the dealership warranty and blame shift it to a cracked oil pan that had happened in November of last year that was quickly addressed. Since then I have gone to [XXX] and back to [XXX] showing the vehicle was fine and oper... Read more

Incident date: Aug 26, 2026

But it started by my car constantly burning all like a crazy amount and then I sort of having problems with like the air conditioner, not blowing cool because if I would circulate it in the car, it would not be cool and then I started having Coach go off code for my fuel sensor code for my CO2 sensor code for all different sensors every time I take it they would be trying to give me a change senso... Read more

Incident date: Aug 12, 2026

ALL THE SAFETY DASHBOARD LIGHTS ARE ON, WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? I NEED THIS SITUATION TO BE FIXED ASAP, IT DOESNT EVEN LET ME DRIVE, IT LOSES POWER AND THE BATTERY IS BRAND NEW.

Incident date: Jun 11, 2025

Oil pump for the 2020 model is made with plastic internals. The passage that controls the flow of oil into your engine is made of plastic. The car didn’t even have 40,000 miles and the plastic broke causing the passage to be in a very close to shut position not allowing enough oil to enter the engine in higher rpm. The mechanic told me this is the biggest thing he is starting to see and he works... Read more

Incident date: Apr 5, 2026

Engine light and cylinder four misfire code happened on Easter Sunday 4/5/26 while warming up in the driveway shuddered and stalled. I did not drive had vehicle towed to my mechanic the following day. Had vehicle towed 8/27 to the dealership where it was purchased (brand new 4/5/2019) at the recommendation of our mechanic due to the coolant intrusion and known defect. Was informed by the dealer to... Read more

Incident date: Jul 13, 2026

The vehicle was delivered to the dealer on July 13, 2026 at 33,360 miles with an illuminated check engine light. The dealer diagnosed intake camshaft timing faults and found pieces of the central valve screen in the engine oil filter. The camshaft bearing housing was replaced and the repair declared complete on July 15, but the check engine light returned the next day. On August 19 the dealer rem... Read more

Incident date: Jul 13, 2026

The vehicle was delivered to the dealer on XXX at 33,360 miles with an illuminated check engine light. The dealer diagnosed intake camshaft timing faults and found pieces of the central valve screen in the engine oil filter. The camshaft bearing housing was replaced and the repair was declared complete on XXX but the check engine light returned the next day. After extended diagnosis involving Mer... 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

Read more from our blog