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: Mar 11, 2026
On April 17, 2026, my 2026 Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe experienced a sudden and complete electrical failure while operating on a public roadway in Texas. The vehicle lost propulsion and became completely disabled in active traffic during dusk/nighttime conditions. All electrical systems failed simultaneously, including lighting and hazard lights. The vehicle could not be restarted, moved, or recharged r... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The dealer stated my engine repair is not covered under the recall/warranty because an ECU software update was not performed. I was quoted $8500 for engine replacement (Long block). I have owned this vehicle for 2 months, going on 3. I am requesting a review of whether this vehicle qualifies for any engine recall or safety-related warranty coverage, as the explanation provided by the dealership ap... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2026
Vehicle is overheating, have had issues right after purchasing from carmax burbank and issues after the recall was worked on at van nuys jeep dealership.
Incident date: Jul 16, 2024
The check engine light came on with a warning that said "Steering assist reduced drive with care". The temperature gauge went to cold and the air condition quit working.
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
Out of town July 12th 2025 my 2020 Kia Optima engine started having problems. I tried to get to my hotel but it was obvious I was not going to make it. I pulled into the nearest station and was told my car had no oil. There were no signs of leaking oil and no warning lights so they changed my oil and I was able to made it home. Shortly after I broke down again at night and pulled into a parkin... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
The engine valves and cylinders keep failing every 6 months. I have to spend another $1,800 to get it fixed. I doe this TWO TIMES last year. My car has the Theta 2 engine
Incident date: May 1, 2026
My safety is put at risk. My car has stalled two different times on the highway. I was able to get it off the road after restarting the vehicle and coasting out. The engine was worked out by Kia of Mission Viejo. They stated it was not due to Rod bearing, although I was told on a separate occasion that there was metal in my oil in the same scenario then when they submitted the video to Kia, they s... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
I am the owner of a Nissan Rogue subject to recall campaign R25D1, which addresses a manufacturing defect affecting engine bearings and/or engine components that may progressively fail over time, leading to engine damage and engine failure. I brought my vehicle to Headquarter Nissan in Columbus, GA (the same dealer that issued the recall notice) for diagnosis after experiencing engine problems. Th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
I was trying to stop at a light and the brakes wouldn't work. I almost crashed into the car in front of me but I had to step on it really hard to stop. Then the brakes were stiff and it was hard to stop. I brought it to a Chevy dealer yesterday and they said the vacuum pump exploded and pieces were in the engine, and it messed up the cam shaft. This is 5l worth of damage. When I looked it up onlin... Read more
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER
(2022) - ENGINE
May 7, 2026
Incident date: May 5, 2026
Greetings, I am adding my name to what has to be thousands of complaints about engine failure do to antifreeze intrusion. Ford should be replacing these engines for free. I also own a 2019 and waiting to have to spend another 8 grand on it.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
There are parts in the engine that malfunctioned and have caused fluids to leak into the engine. This is causing the engine to fail and requiring replacement. This issue started last year for me personally. The car has been to 2 mechanics and they both have diagnosed the issue , and to fix it requires full engine replacement . It’s a safety issue because the engine can lock up and stop the car.
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
The contact owned a 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a loud popping noise was suddenly heard coming from the engine compartment with no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that immediately following the failure, the power steering and brakes became inoperable, making it difficult to maintain control of the vehicle. The contact also ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the wheels skidded and the steering wheel seized. In addition, the contact stated that the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started. The contact stated that the vehicles behind the contact's vehicle had to dr... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2024) - ENGINE
May 7, 2026
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
While waiting at a red light with foot on the brake, the auto idle stop system shuts off the engine but fails to restart it when the foot is lifted off the brake, causing stalling. The vehicle has to be put in park and turned off completely and restarted before it will drive. This has happened twice, once on 5/1/26 and today on 5/7/26.
HONDA
CR-V HYBRID
(2022) - ENGINE
May 7, 2026
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that an abnormal, knocking sound would emit upon depression of the accelerator pedal as a check engine light appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic where the diagnosed the vehicle with a defective rod knock sensor; he was then advised to no longer operate the vehicle. The vehicle was later ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
on 1/26/26 while driving my car started shaking. I felt unsafe driving and had the car towed to the dealership. They inspected the vehicle and could not notice the shaking but did perform recall service NTB25-05 as well as some additional items on the routine maintenance schedule. They said the recall was just an ECM software update and all should be well. 5 1/2 weeks later while driving out o... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2026
I own a 2021 Ford Explorer ST (3.0L EcoBoost) with 47,680 miles. The vehicle is exhibiting a severe metallic knocking noise at idle, a flashing Check Engine Light, and a dangerous loss of motive power while driving. A certified Ford dealership technician (Kendall Ford) diagnosed the vehicle with catastrophic engine failure, requiring a full engine replacement estimated at $13,000.My vehicle is exh... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
2016 Honda Civic EX-T 1.5L turbo. Coolant is disappearing with no visible external leak. Diagnosed by mechanic as likely head gasket failure. This is a known defect affecting 2016-2022 Civics with the 1.5T engine. There is an active class action lawsuit (Alcantara et al. v. American Honda Motor Co.) regarding this exact issue. Vehicle has approximately 190,000 miles.”
Incident date: May 5, 2026
I own a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali equipped with the 6.2L L87 engine. On or around December 31, 2025, the vehicle developed a loud knocking noise from the engine that became worse with RPM increase. The truck was taken to a GMC dealership for diagnosis and repair under warranty/service contract coverage. The dealership initially diagnosed valvetrain-related failure and replaced multiple top-end ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
Driving down the highway in heavy traffic and the truck shutoff unexpectedly, I came to a complete stop and luckily avoided being rear ended and had to go from Drive and Park and recycle the ignition to restart the truck and limp off to a safe place.
Incident date: May 1, 2026
We were told by the mechanic that the engine was locked up after the car refused to drive faster than approximately 23 mph. We had to have the car towed from Boone, NC which was about 200 miles. The car is at our house and is available for inspection upon request. I have made repeated calls to different Kia dealers asking for a call back to assist me with direction but there will never be a retu... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
On May 2, 2026, ten days after purchasing the vehicle, the driver‑side seatbelt locking mechanism failed while I was driving. The vehicle was inspected the next day at CarMax Tuscaloosa. Their mechanic confirmed two separate safety defects: 1. The driver‑side seatbelt mechanism requires replacement. 2. The motor mounts are broken/loose and require replacement. The mechanic explained that debri... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2019) - ENGINE
May 7, 2026
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
I experienced sudden unintended acceleration which propelled me over a curb, up an embankment, over a boulder and into a fence. I could have been killed or I could have killed others because I had no control of the car. The Hyundai corporation will not acknowledge this. The car was inspected and declared a total loss and is being moved to a location where it can be stored at no cost. There was no... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
The contact owned a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact’s spouse stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power with no warning lights illuminated. The contact's spouse noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle, prompting the contact’s spouse to pull over to the side of the roadway. Moments later, the front of the vehicle caught fire. The local fi... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
During acceleration from 40-60 miles per hour, there was a pronounced vibration/shudder through the front end of the vehicle. After taking it to the dealership, they advised both front axles would need to be replaced. The catastrophic failure of an axle is likely to cause a car crash. The problem has been identified by Ford Motor Company and also confirmed by the Ford Dealership where I got it ... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
“Required Engine Maintenance- Visit Your Dealer” message came on the dash. After doing some research and troubleshooting; it appeared to be the coolant bypass valve that everyone has had issues with. The problem was then confirmed with a local provider who instructed us to contact the dealer to see if they’d cover the repair. Otherwise the repair by them would be $700. Toyota customer serv... Read more
ALFA ROMEO
STELVIO
(2018) - ENGINE
May 7, 2026
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed the vehilce intermediately misfired due to oil leak. No warning lights were illuminated The vehicle was taken to the local where it was diagnosed the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure milea... Read more
TOYOTA
SEQUOIA HYBRID
(2025) - ENGINE
May 7, 2026
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
Complete engine failure. Car stalled out at highway speeds and nearly caused collision. Would not turn over to be moved off freeway.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) - ENGINE
May 7, 2026
Incident date: May 1, 2026
I would welcome making my vehicle available for inspection on this issue. Year/Make/Model: 2023 Kia Sportage EX HEV AWD 4-Door SUV Color: Black Powertrain: Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Number of occupants: 2 (driver and passenger) Injuries: None, but fatalities could have occurred. Vehicle turned off completely – no power, no hazard lights, and although driver miraculously made it to the sh... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
I was driving down the freeway at 75 miles an hour. All of a sudden the press start popped up pulled over. On the shoulder and the motor would not start.
Incident date: May 7, 2026
Complete engine failure with 62,500 miles. Truck appears to have the same problem as the 21-2024 which is currently recalled and engines are being exchanged.
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
I own a 2017 Ford Escape SE with approximately 96,665 miles. The vehicle developed coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, resulting in coolant loss, misfires, rough running, and risk of engine failure. The dealership diagnosed the vehicle as requiring a full engine replacement. Ford has acknowledged similar coolant intrusion defects in certain 2017 Ford Escape vehicles through Customer Sati... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
I have a 2019 Chevrolet High Country, have always kept it serviced and maintained. Driving down the road it randomly lost power, wouldn't let me (driver) give gas, started shaking and making loud clanking noise from the engine. Was able to pull over to the side of the road, recorded the noise it was making. Called a tow company to get it towed to the nearest Chevrolet Dealer ship and they confirme... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Sierra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light illuminated. The contact stated that every 2,300 miles, the oil reservoir was refilled with 2 quarts of oil. In addition, the contact stated the failure occurred after the first oil change was performed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, the contact was informed that the oil u... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - ENGINE
May 7, 2026
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed as needing transmission fluid. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was taken to another independent mecha... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
Vehicle developed engine ticking/tapping noise followed by rough running and misfire condition. Independent repair facility performed engine teardown and found cylinder 4 exhaust camshaft lobe severely worn/damaged. Repair facility stated the exhaust roller follower/lifter needle bearings failed and fell out, causing the roller to seize and come off position, resulting in improper valve operation ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Sierra Denali 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 73 MPH the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over safely. The driver was unaware of any warning lights being illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not avai... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2022) - ENGINE
May 7, 2026
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
Document attached that includes dates.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) - ENGINE
May 7, 2026
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
Zero warning lights, dash clusters only allowing two options to show, oil temperature reading 200degrees Fahrenheit or higher, floor board feels like the firewall is almost in the interior of the vehicle and not engine port. Upon performing a thorough investigation of my own, the manifold, intake valve and wires are visibly damaged and BURNT, coil two is visibly damaged and was smoking. The batter... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 4, 2026
We bought a 2017 crv rand new. with 1.5 engine and turbo, ALL WARNING LIGHTS ARE ON .Obd keeps on giving ing medifferent codes and multiple..I have watch car repairs in YOUTUBE and there's a lot of the same vehicle as mine with the same problem.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 2500
(2025) - ENGINE
May 7, 2026
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
I am reaching out regarding the cam carrier leak on my 2019 Subaru Outback. After researching this issue, I discovered that cam carrier leaks are extremely common among Subaru vehicles equipped with the boxer engine, especially Outbacks from this generation. Many owners have reported the same exact issue, often at relatively low mileage, with repair costs commonly ranging between $3000 - 5000 Wha... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2026
Check engine light came on, car lost power on highway. Car continues to have the same issue after repairs have been made. Ford App says engine misfire, after every repair. Ford mechanics fix spark plugs, coils, electrical. None of which has fixed the issue of stalling on the highway which poses risk of me the driver and others driving on the highway. The only light that comes on is engine light.
Incident date: May 5, 2026
Transmission shifts eradicate, jumps into gear (hard) Motor rpm raises high as transmission actually jumping , not smooth shifting into gear .
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2015) - ENGINE
May 7, 2026
Incident date: May 3, 2026
Bought the acadia in june of 2021, in december of 2022 had to have the radiator replaced due to it leaking. This was found on routine maintenance and was not having any issues whatsoever. I received no alerts on my dash such as a check engine light. Fast Forward to March 2026, I received a message of "steering assist reduced. drive with care." The engine seemed like it was still running despite th... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
The vehicle experiences sudden loss of motive power during acceleration. Between 30–60 mph, the transmission fails to upshift correctly, causing the engine RPMs to spike to 5000 while the vehicle fails to gain speed. This creates a severe safety hazard when merging into high-speed traffic. Additionally, the infotainment system frequently blackouts and reboots while driving, and there are intermi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2026
About a year ago, right after the warranty period was over, the water pump and related had to be replaced and car would not run right. This water pump is a well known issue with audi and had a recall already. My car was the year after but it happens to almost everyone at around 50-55k miles. This 2022 Audi SQ8 should be part of the recall process. It is a danger, it is well documented as a problem... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2026
I have Coolant intrusion in cylinder #2 91000 miles this should be a recall it's a problem that's well documented There's a recall for the back up camera hope the camera can see through the white smoke!
Incident date: May 5, 2026
Vehicle started up on its own and continued to run. Key fob was laying on a night stand. No messages were displayed in car. I was able to turn it off.
Incident date: May 5, 2026
My 2023 GMC Hummer EV 3X has experienced repeated thermal-protection failures in the high-voltage battery and drive-motor cooling system, causing the vehicle to enter limp mode and drop to as low as 12 mph without warning. Stored fault codes: P0C12, P0C13, P2EE0, P2EE1 (battery and drive-unit overheating). A sudden, unannounced drop to 12 mph in a 9,000-lb EV is a serious safety hazard — on hig... Read more