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 6, 2026
For the past year, the vehicle's Auto Idle Stop system has intermittently failed to restart the engine after coming to a complete stop at traffic lights. This creates a dangerous situation where the vehicle is immobilized in active traffic, posing a significant risk of rear-end collisions or other accidents. I have taken the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealership for service; however, they wer... Read more
GMC
HUMMER EV PICKUP
(2023) - ENGINE
May 6, 2026
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
I am submitting this complaint to report a serious and ongoing safety defect involving the engine of my 2018 Hyundai Sonata Sport equipped with the 2.4L Theta II engine. The vehicle has been officially tested and documented by Hyundai as consuming more than two (2) quarts of engine oil per 1,000 miles, which Hyundai has acknowledged following completion of its oil consumption test procedure. Despi... Read more
GMC
HUMMER EV PICKUP
(2023) - ENGINE
May 6, 2026
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
I was driving on the Highway, and went to accelerate and my car went into Limp Mode in the middle of the highway and I was almost not able to get to the emergency lane due to not being able to accelerate. I took it to the nearest auto mechanic shop, and they informed they could not work on it or diagnose due to it being a Volkswagen. I then took it to the nearest Volkswagen dealership, and they sa... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
2.0 liter engines suffer from excessive oil consumption due to defective piston rings which can lead to engine failure. This is a class action lawsuit in other states. We now need a new engine at the cost of $6,500
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
I am reporting a recurring safety issue following the Acura rod bearing recall repair on my 2019 Acura MDX SH-AWD. The original recall resulted in catastrophic engine failure and Acura replaced the long block assembly. Since that repair, the vehicle has repeatedly failed and returned to the dealership multiple times for the same issue pattern. Symptoms include: * “Emissions System Problem” ... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. and my 2023 Toyota Tundra, which is currently subject to Safety Recall 25V767 involving catastrophic engine failure risk due to crankshaft bearing contamination within the V35A engine. Toyota has acknowledged that my vehicle is included in the recall and has further acknowledged that the engine will require replacement. However, d... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2021) - ENGINE
May 6, 2026
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
I own a 2019 Mazda CX-5 with approximately 36,000 miles. The vehicle developed a strong burning oil smell while driving, particularly through the HVAC/vent system. I initially reported the odor to a Mazda dealership, but no issue was identified. Approximately two months later, the smell returned and worsened. The vehicle was later diagnosed by a Mazda dealership with an oil leak originating from t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
Recently my vehicle was serviced under recall N252494000 at an authorized GM dealership. Following completion of the recall remedy, which included an inspection and oil change to OW-40. As a result of this recall remedy, I have experienced the following adverse effects: •Significant increase in oil change costs from approximately $80.50 to $171.21 •Noticeable decrease in fuel economy (previo... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2026
Following sustained highway operation and varied elevations in tropical conditions, the vehicle’s Auto Start-Stop system may activate during traffic congestion. In certain instances, the battery warning light illuminates upon engine automatic restart. If the auto start stop is activated once more on the engine restart the battery warning light will turn off. I went to the dealership and they wan... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
I am reporting that authorized dealer Audi Knoxville (Harper Auto Square) is KNOWINGLY AND WILLINGLY attempting to force me to operate an unsafe vehicle. Following an intake manifold repair, the dealership’s service staff identified carbon buildup and fouled spark plugs as a necessary repair, while the manufacturer (Audi of America) has reclassified it as 'maintenance' to avoid coverage. Because... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was illuminated and there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle needed an oil consumption cleaning. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The manufacture... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
Truck will not release the key consistently upon shutting down the truck. The interlock will not allow it to turn fully off and pull out despite being placed in park.
Incident date: May 6, 2026
My vehicle I’ve had for 3 months and now it won’t start and it’s from a coolant leak flooding my engine. As they called it a coolant intrusion into my engine and will cost 12k to get this fixed as I need a whole new engine.
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
Engine is burning a tremendous amount of motor oil. Dealer does acknowledge engine is burning oil. No warning lights on. Told burning motor oil is normal for a hyundai engine. Engine can seize during driving with no warning and is a safety issue. Front struts are also failing. No warning and is a safety issue: Currently trying to get dealer to cover defective components under warranty. Nothing has... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
The cars speedometer screen and radio screen go black and sometimes flicker on and off. This makes it impossible to see the speed. Also the car stalls sometimes when this happens in traffic. The autonomous braking applies the brakes even when there is a large distance from other cars and objects to the point where it has almost caused me to get into an accident on numerous occasions. The driver at... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2026
Yesterday evening we were driving and the orange check engine light came on. Followed by a red battery light, the red turtle and an exclamation point with a car and a speedometer symbol. It would not let me switch to electric e-save and kept me in hybrid mode. Regenerative braking would not work either. Once safely parked it was making a loud high pitched whining noise. It would also drop RPMs whi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
Coolant intrusion kill the engine at start up. Warning light temp high and prevent start. Ford dealer report as coolant intrusion and cannot provide simple repair i.e change gasket. So changed used engined to repair with mechanical shop
Incident date: May 4, 2026
A connecting rod bearing is failing in my 2014 Acura MDX which could have led to complete engine failure while driving my family. Absolute Auto Center of Berlin, CT confirmed the issue and noted that Acura has recalled 2016-2020 MDX models due to connecting rod bearing defects but have not expanded the recall to include earlier model years that are also impacted. There were no warning lamps or mes... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
* The 2.0 Ecoboost engine has failed due to coolant puddling on top of the piston of cylinder 1 * The safety of any driver and others on the roads is at risk due to the potential of the vehicle overheating and engine seizing while driving * The symptoms (rough engine operation, check engine light) were reported and reproduced by a local Ford dealer, and inspected by the same dealer who cited Techn... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
Dealership found metal contamination in oil pan from engine. They diagnosed as car needing a new engine due to engine failure. The car only has 90,000 miles and it’s a 2021.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
The primary component involved is the high-voltage charging system, specifically the charging port and connector interface. The vehicle previously experienced a confirmed failure involving a scorched charging port and a melted pin, which required replacement. The same symptoms have since returned, including heat at the charging interface and a burning odor. The vehicle is currently located at an a... Read more
TOYOTA
GRAND HIGHLANDER
(2024) - ENGINE
May 6, 2026
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The engine consumes oil and requires repeat oil changes or refilling the engine oil prior to expected or recommended service date. This causes a severe emissions issue.
Incident date: May 6, 2026
Engine started knocking luckily I was right by my mechanics place. They said needs new engine. Not to drive as a rod might go right through the engine. Only 98000 miles on it. Maintenance always done on time.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The vehicle shudders and it very slow to shift from park to drive.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Koa. The contact stated that while the daughter was driving the vehicle began to sputter and jerk before stalling. During the failure the oil warning light flashed off and on. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine had failed due to carbon buildup. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
AMG GLE63
(2024) - ENGINE
May 6, 2026
Incident date: May 6, 2026
On April 12, 2026, while traveling approximately 65 mph westbound on XXX in [XXX] (just east of Exit XXX), the engine in our 2022 GMC Yukon Denali failed without any prior warning. This occurred on a four-lane highway where I was in the lane furthest from the shoulder. The engine shut off, the vehicle automatically shifted into neutral, and I had to cross multiple lanes of traffic to reach the sh... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
Motor started knocking My safety and my family safety was put at risk because we were driving down the street. The car is now at Woody dealership in Naperville, IL. Being inspected as we speak. No symptoms prior to failing.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
My car burns oil very fast. I am putting in more than 5 quarts of oil in between oil changes. I have replaced the flex pipe, the catalytic converter two times, and both the upstream and downstream oxygen sensors. The catalytic converter now needs to be replaced again after only 7 months after being installed. The car keeps getting P0420 codes. I found out this last converter was bad while on the h... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Canister purge valve getting stuck open and causing a hard start
MERCEDES-BENZ
EQS 450 4MATIC
(2023) - ENGINE
May 6, 2026
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
unknown Car is knocking and consuming oil quickly. Oil changes done as appropriate. Timing belt/chain changed almost 2 years ago. Garage now says we have an oil consumption issue and need a new engine! We are out of warranty and power train.
Incident date: May 5, 2026
The vehicle was puttering and smoking from the exhaust. At first the mechanic thought it was a head gasket, but with further investigation it was the coolant/exhaust. The vehicle stalled out multiple times, twice while driving and once in a grocery store parking lot.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
Complete power loss from transmission. Yes available for inspection. Power loss was experienced on at least 4 separate occasions. This occurred during either slowing down or stopping to make a left hand turn while yielding to oncoming traffic. When re-engaging the accelerator to get across oncoming traffic zero power transfer occurred putting my self, my passengers, and the oncoming vehicles and... Read more
BRIDGESTONE
TURANZA T
(9999) - ENGINE
May 6, 2026
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
when vehicle accelerates from stopping position motor immediately increases rpm's from 700 to about 4,000 and increases and decreases with jerking motion. sometimes much difficulty controlling speed and controlling car when there are approaching vehicles. the transmission does not perform safely there is the same problem when passing other vehicles and travelling uphill , sometimes 50 to 75 mph... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
Engine blew a head gasket so had to have the engine rebuilt @ a cost of $13,000. Car only had 22,500 miles on it. I think that should instigate a recall.
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
Loosing oil constantly. Always on the low end. I am having to keep oil in my car to put in it when needed which is often.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
At 170,000 miles, the 2019 Toyota Hybrid Camry LE has developed a consistent drive train lurch/stumble/shake around 20, 40 and 60 MPH, which is increasing in intensity and occurrence. This defect is quite startling and occurs regardless of efficiency, HVAC, cruise control, etc. settings. Examined twice by a Toyota dealer service department Toyota-trained licensed repair technician, no explanation ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2026
All lights on dash are on. Problem with running hot, oil is milky looking misfires, vibration is terrible. Cuts off and will not go over 5 mph sometimes.
Incident date: May 5, 2026
The vehicle has a dangerous hesitation and delayed acceleration when I am coasting and then reapplying the accelerator. This occurs in scenarios such as approaching a yield, slowing for a left turn on a green light, or slowing to merge where I reduce speed but do not come to a complete stop. When I press the accelerator to resume speed, the vehicle does not respond for a significant period. The tr... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving in first gear, the vehicle would independently enter limp mode as the check engine light would appear on the instrument panel. Due to the vehicle failing to accelerate above first gear, the contact would be forced to restart the vehicle as the vehicle would then resume normal operation. The contact stated that the ve... Read more
TOYOTA
PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2025) - ENGINE
May 6, 2026
Incident date: Jun 15, 2025
I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2015 Dodge Dart SXT with an active safety recall that currently has no available remedy. My vehicle experienced failure related to the recall issue, resulting in the vehicle becoming inoperable and requiring repair. At the time of failure, I was informed that the official recall remedy was not yet available and that the necessary part was on backorder. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at lower speeds, pulling into an uphill driveway, the vehicle had independently accelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. In addition, the contact stated that she was not able to depressed in time and had crashed into the left side of the house, causing damage to the front driver-side bumper and quarter p... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
This car burns through gas at an unbelievable rate. I have read that this is a common problem and Hyundai needs to address the problem - and REPAIR it - for all affected owners. I have about 75,000 miles and the problem has been ongoing for over a year. I have to add oil every week and if I forget, it is all burned up within 2 weeks.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that all the warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle stalled upon starting. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the fuse was replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While depressing the start button, the look in the rear mirror was displayed. The vehicle failed to start. The brake pedal was kickin... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
The engine malfunctioned, and the car is available for inspection upon request? My safety was put at risk because the car was backfiring in traffic due to the spark plugs filling up with oil. I reported the problem to the Libertyville Honda because they sold me the vehicle about 35 days before the issue started, but I have not heard back from them. I had the Odyssey inspected at Napleton Honda in... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2026
Faulty Radiator Inlet Hose, upper radiator hose failure, outlined in PIT6494A. This is the third time that the light on the dashboard has come on for failure, the first time they "Fixed it" the second time they said it was the Battery, it was NOT!! This time they are saying what it really is, The Radiator Hose FAILURE, since the vehicle is only 3 years old but over the 36k mile WARRANTY, they will... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
On April 1, 2026 at approximately 7pm the vehicle had a complete engine failure exiting an interstate. As I was slowing to exit the interstate the truck, without warning, lost power and locked up the rear wheels. I was able to safely exit onto the off ramp, but did partially block the off ramp for 45 minutes waiting on a tow truck. Once I came to a complete stop the dashboard began displaying n... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated to 25 MPH with a “Vehicle Will Shut Down” warning message displayed. The contact stated that the engine then began to shut down, and although the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate and stalled. The failure occurred on multiple... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
While driving at highway speeds, the vehicle experienced a sudden jerking and a catastrophic loss of motive power (Limp Mode). Simultaneously, multiple safety systems failed, including the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control, and Road Departure Mitigation. The vehicle became a road hazard in active traffic. A certified Honda dealership technician inspected the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
I was traveling with my family on the Ohio Turnpike. We were traveling west in our 2023 GMC Yukon Denali when we lost all propulsion and the engine seized. There was no warning lights or other symptoms prior to this incident on May 3, 2026. In fact, I had the vehicle in for the prescribed recall to test the engine for the known defect earlier in 2026. The vehicle passed that test and was g... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
My 2018 Ford Escape with 1.5L EcoBoost engine had repeated overheating and coolant loss over time. The vehicle was repaired multiple times for cooling system issues (hoses, coolant, water pump), but the problem persisted. It has now been diagnosed with internal coolant intrusion requiring engine replacement. This matches known issues reported with this engine.