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: Apr 4, 2026
Evap purge valve stuck open, coolant pooling in spark plugs, and oil combusting rapidly causing fire and explosion fears. Heavy smell of gasoline to where i didn't feel safe to start or drive
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2023) - ENGINE
May 12, 2026
Incident date: May 11, 2026
My 2018 Ford Edge (VIN: [XXX] ), equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine, suffered a catastrophic engine failure due to internal coolant intrusion into the cylinders — a known defect covered under Ford Technical Service Bulletin TSB 22-2229. Approximately four months before the failure, I brought the vehicle to Red McCombs Ford in San Antonio after the check engine light illuminated. Despite this w... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2025
My 2024 Mazda CX-90 MHEV has experienced multiple life-threatening sudden engine stalls and a complete loss of motive power while driving in active traffic lanes. The first incident occurred on December 31, 2024, when the vehicle abruptly shut down with an "Engine Malfunction" dashboard alert. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Mazda dealership (Palatine, IL), where it was held for a week, bu... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
Dash said look for safe place to pull over. When turned engine off, it would not start again. Had to wait hours to get it towed to dealership. Been there over 5 weeks and they still don't know what's wrong but suspect hybrid battery problem. Only about 21k miles and 18 mo old. No loaner provided.
Incident date: May 12, 2026
The Long block of the engine, which has seemingly been a known issue, is causing damage to the engine and spark plugs. It is. This could leave me stranded or cause an accident with how violent it makes the car misfire, and sometimes it's hard to accelerate. This is an issue that Ford has acknowledged as well as the Ford dealership. It has undergone a diagnostic run at the Ford dealership. The... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) - ENGINE
May 12, 2026
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
Traveling Northbound in the left lane on [XXX] approximately 1 mile prior to the [XXX] exit. I increased my speed to move to the right lane and exit. After moving the the right lane and signaling to exit the highway a notification appeared on the gauge cluster stating to shift to neutral and restart the engine. After coming to a complete stop at the stop light I attempted to restart and nothing ... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Niro. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle intermittently entered limp mode and loss automotive power while the vehicle was still at full battery. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to get a diagnosis however, the dealer stated that the failure was no... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2022
The check engine light and the battery warning lights came on. Took it to the dealership and they diagnosed the problem to be the MOTOR GENERATING UNIT (MGU). This is a known problem with the ram truck. The parts to fix it are on back order at a minimum of 45 days.
Incident date: May 20, 2022
* This complaint concerns a catastrophic failure of the transmission in my vehicle. This defect was first reported to a Ford dealer while still within the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty (Jan 3, 2023, at 58,679 miles; Invoice #XXX). * The condition worsened. Between July 2024 - Jan. 2026, I received 7 digital "Service Engine Soon" warnings via the Ford App. My dealer advised that the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
On or about 12/14/25 at approximately 2,000 miles my engine began smoking to the point that it was pushing in to the interior of the cabin and created a cloud like atmosphere that smelled of burning oil. There were no warning messages in the vehicle or in the mobile diagnostic application associated with the vehicle. Once parked, I popped the engine and observed visible smoke from the engine and a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding serious engine issues I have experienced with my Alfa Romeo vehicle. The ongoing mechanical problems have created significant inconvenience, financial hardship, and concerns regarding the safety and reliability of the vehicle. Since owning the vehicle, I have experienced persistent engine-related problems including [loss of power/engine stalling... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
1) The cylinder head gasket was “blown” and leaking coolant into cylinder 2. 2) As I was merging into traffic, my vehicle suddenly lost power and entered limp mode and the check engine light began flashing. 3) Yes, serviced at the dealer and confirmed 4) Inspected by dealer 5) No
Incident date: May 12, 2026
My 2016 Hyundai Sonata is experiencing severe oil consumption due to a known Hyundai engine defect. The engine burns oil rapidly and loses more than a quart between oil changes. This creates a safety hazard because the engine can stall, seize, or fail while driving. The Hyundai dealership did NOT perform the official Hyundai oil-consumption test. They only checked the dipstick, noted the oil was ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
Engine stopped and made me come to a stop on a busy rd. Car warning came on saying it was overheating. After taking to mechanic I find out it was due to a Ford known coolant intrusion issue on the 1.5L eco boost. This happened at 103000 miles. Ford is a worthless company knowing they have screwed many owners of these vehicles. Vehicle is sitting in driveway undriveable needing a $10000 engine rep... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2026
The vehicle experienced coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders related to the 1.5L EcoBoost engine. The issue has been diagnosed as an internal engine failure requiring engine replacement. Symptoms included coolant loss, engine misfires, rough operation, white exhaust smoke, check engine warnings, and intermittent no-start conditions. The vehicle is currently at a Ford dealership and is avail... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
For the third time, my vehicle died on me while I was driving; 2 of those times were on the highway going highway speeds. The last (3rd) time, I was towing my travel trailer/RV on the highway. In all incidents, the engine stopped propelling the vehicle. I could see and hear the engine revving but I failed to accelerate. After various warnings on the dash, I was able to pull safely off the road... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2026
My vehicle started stuttering & shaking when starting. Then the check engine light came on. It was diagnosed with cylinder 2 & 3 misfire. All spark plugs & coil packs replaced. It got better for about 3 months then the problem came right back. Have replaced coil packs multiple times. Took to dealer who said cylinder misfires were caused from coolant leaking & the only fix was to have engine repl... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
My 2018 Nissan Armada has had SO MANY issues (probably 15-20) with not starting when cranked. Something is draining its battery. We have had to change the battery so many times (usually 2-3 times every year or two.) This happens without any notice! We have been stranded in other cities, stores, &/or at work. We have tried having it checked out by different repair shops, replacing batteries in key ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
First, after a trip of approximately 100 miles, the vehicle would not advance after stopping at a STOP sign. I had to shift from DRIVE to PARK and back to DRIVE before the vehicle would move. In the second case, again after a trip over 100 miles, primarily on the highway, the vehicle failed to shift out of first gear while the engine revved to over 7,000 RPM when I left an intersection. In that i... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2024) - ENGINE
May 12, 2026
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
After emissions campaign 9c9, downshifting using paddle shifters on downhill grades, engine failing to maintain speed. Does not slow car down like it did before, seems like no compression. Fuel efficiency / emissions over traditional transmission braking, forcing drivers to use brakes more often to avoid high RPMs. Safety Risk: The lack of engine braking can lead to brake overheating or fade on lo... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2026
Engine failure shortly after recall remedy performed by dealer. Recall 25V-274 / N252494000. Sudden loss of propulsion while driving at highway speeds with no warning. Engine stalls and will not restart. Vehicle cannot be shifted into neutral without engine running making it impossible to get vehicle to safety and out of traffic. Dealer confirmed that engine seized as part of recall and will need ... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
Starter started smoking at start up! And clutch failure at traffic light!!!! No accident occurred because of experienced driver!
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2019) - ENGINE
May 12, 2026
Incident date: May 8, 2026
While traveling at 75MPH on the highway, the vehicle shut down. No propulsion at all and the error message "Pull Over Safely - Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon" was displayed. Was able to coast to a nearby exit and have the car taken to a dealer for service. Very unnerving at 75MPH and a significant safety hazard to me and other drivers.
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
Engine oil pump is failing. Early production 2019-2020 model years are made of plastic which can crack and break resulting in engine failure while driving. This is a well documented issue regarding the BMW B58 Engine (2nd Generation) They have since updated the engine oil pump part to a durable metal pump on newer models leaving the older ones with the bad part with no resolution. The vehicle no l... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
My 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee just completely lost power again and almost got hit by the car following me. Almost got hit again coasting to the side of the road! This has happened before and the repair shop tried updating software which did not fix it. Why was the 2017 not included in your recall of the Power Transfer Case? Repair shop diagnosed problem the last time it happened as the PTC! I am an... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2026
2018 Pacifia developed a leak in the left bank head gasket. The vehicle only has 53,000 miles. From the forms it sounds like this maybe a common issue. So I am reporting the issue to hopefully help push the company to cover build or design issues. The gasket shouldn't break down a little past 53,000 miles. Thanks,
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
I have an Atlas Voltswagon 2021. I have a water pump leak issue with my vehicle. There is a recall warranty for this vehicle from 2014-2021 for this very reason, but my VIN is not underneath this because of the trim package I have. I believe this is ridiculous. My trim package sound not be excluded from this warranty if its a manufactural issue and the make, model and year are within this warrenty... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
Vehicle stalled approximately 15 times between April 17 and May 4, 2026, including once on Interstate XXX at approximately 50mph with minor children ages [XXX] and [XXX] in the vehicle. The oil and battery lights illuminated simultaneously at each stall. Diagnosed as ABS module failure first, then left front wheel speed sensor failure on the 2nd occasion, both confirmed by a Hyundai dealership. ... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2017) - ENGINE
May 12, 2026
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Ram 2500. The contact stated that on three occasions while driving, the vehicle lost power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to her residence. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. A computer update was previously completed, but the failure recurred. The dealer later informed her the failure was due to the battery. The manufacturer wa... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2020) - ENGINE
May 12, 2026
Incident date: May 6, 2026
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The suspected failed components involve the 1.5L engine system and head gasket on my 2020 Honda Accord. The vehicle experienced frequent overheating along with repeated check engine light activation. Multiple mechanics, including Heritage Honda Parkville, indicated that head gasket failure is a co... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled and failed to accelerate with the low oil warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred after the contact’s spouse had added oil to the vehicle. The vehicle was able to restart, and additional oil had to be delivered to the contact to refill the vehicle. ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
On March 21st, while driving my Hyundai vehicle, I noticed the vehicle began making a ticking sound. After stopping the vehicle, it slowly began catching on fire. The fire ultimately spread and resulted in the vehicle becoming a total loss. This created a serious safety concern and placed me at risk. I later learned there was a recall associated with the vehicle. However, I never received any rec... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
We recently bought this vehicle a few weeks ago. Since we’ve had it I have been noticing a strong smell of burning engine coolant. I have looked at similar models of the 2021 Range Rover sports and they do have recalls for issues with the engine coolant system. I assume this is the same problem the phev Range Rover sport is having. Today I have a low engine coolant message pop up on the dash.
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The vehicle overheated and caught fire.
Fire
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
I was driving on a main road at 55-60 mph with my daughter and grandchildren in the car and had a sudden loss of power. I was almost hit from behind. The check engine light started blinking. And the car went into limp mode. I had to limp it to the nearest place to safely get off the road so as not to put my family in any other danger.There is not enough shoulder on the road to pull over safely. It... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Chevrolet dealership diagnosed my truck and said the coolant control valve would have to be replaced.
Incident date: May 6, 2026
Vehicle: 2026 Honda Pilot – Mileage 20,847 Issue: Engine Failure, oil leaks, wheel alignment, air conditioning, major gas leaks from the engine, safety electronics alerts on front dash display are saying the vehicle is not safe to drive. History of issues: 03-11-2026: Car broke down while driving in [XXX] . 03-12-2026: Received call from Ira Honda service and was told they needed to replace th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The vehicle all shut off as I slowed down for a stop sign. Put in Park turn the key off restarted it got to the next stop sign same thing. Also the red light same had to shut it off put it in put in Park shut off and then restart and step on the gas so I can get through before a car hit me. Happened several times till I finally got the car home done it started knocking loudly and shut off just as ... Read more
TOYOTA
SEQUOIA HYBRID
(2024) - ENGINE
May 12, 2026
Incident date: Feb 13, 2025
Cylinder 2 and 4 misfire, that will cause all the sensor lights to come on and the vehicle will stall out. Doesn't matter if driving 15 mph or 55 mph, it will just stall.
Incident date: May 5, 2026
Vehicle won't move. Emergency break malfunction notification came on. Unable to get to dealership without a tow. Diagnostic completed.. Quick service provided $701.66. Two A21 Cylinder Assy, RR DI @$402.90. Two A11 Actuator assy, parking @ $2168.34 also customer paid shop charge for repair order @ $99.00. Plus tax Total $3585.52 This car is a 2022 toyota corolla hybrid. Mileage at 78,000. This... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
On 5/9/2026 my 2023 Nissan Rogue overheated, lost all power and was inoperable. No alerts from dash or Nissan Connect app received. Had to be towed to the Nissan Lithia Springs Dealership and was told that a new engine is needed. My family was in the car and my children had to get out on the highway and walk until a bystander offered to assist. The dealership and Nissan Consumer Affairs is not ans... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain Denali. The contact stated while the contact's daughter was driving, the brake pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to stop as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the brake pedal was unusually hard when depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was purchased. The contact stated that the service brake vacuum pump faile... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2026
Please update recall repair status to repaired for this VIN (dealer repair invoice attached)
Incident date: May 6, 2026
Vehicle developed a check engine light and camshaft sensor fault at approximately 48,000 miles. Engine began making abnormal ticking noise and later entered reduced power/limp mode condition. Vehicle was initially evaluated by an authorized Porsche dealership, where damage to the camshaft trigger/tone wheel and internal mechanical concerns within the valvetrain were identified through diagnostic ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
The coolant is leaking into the engine making the vehicle unsafe to drive.
TOYOTA
GRAND HIGHLANDER
(2025) - ENGINE
May 12, 2026
Incident date: May 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while the vehicle was at a red light, the vehicle stalled; the contact restarted the vehicle for the vehicle to return to normal operation. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to get a diagnosis however, the failure cause was unidentifiable. The contact did research and was made aware of an unk... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
During acceleration engine makes a strange noise as if marbles were rolling around in the engine, or a knocking noise more noticeable when the engine is cold. Dealership says this is a normal sound on Nissan Rogues with the 1.5 cyl turbo charged engine. When I use 89 octane fuel the knocking sound seems less pronounced but, The manual on my 2022 Nissan Rogue says to use 87 octane. Is there anythin... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
2020 Hyundai Palisade, VIN: [XXX] . Excessive engine oil consumption beginning at ~95,418 miles. Oil drops to critical levels between oil changes, causing engine hesitation, rough running, and Check Engine Light activation — CEL clears only after oil is manually added, confirming oil starvation as the cause. SAFETY RISKS: Engine seizure or stall at highway speed; engine fire from oil burning on... Read more
TOYOTA
GRAND HIGHLANDER
(2025) - ENGINE
May 12, 2026
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light and drivetrain warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the positive battery terminal motherboard had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; howeve... Read more