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: Apr 27, 2026

turbo component defective fixed at my own cost last 2 yrs 9 m. afraid of fuel starvation

Incident date: Dec 21, 2025

Purchase Date of LX600: 10/26/2023 Date of Incident: 12/21/2025 While driving home (at about 65 MPH) the vehicle gave an alert on the dash which said Pull Over - Vehicle Losing Power and Shutting Down. Once this alert appeared on the dash, we had approximately 30 seconds to find a safe spot to pull over. The road that this happened on is a one lane road in each direction in a rural zone that is h... Read more

Incident date: Apr 17, 2026

Engine suffered catastrophic failure without warning while traveling highway speeds after being cleared during recall check and suggested oil viscosity change. Most recent dealer performed service on 4/3/26 showed no mechanical issues and engine failed 2 weeks later on 4/17/26.

Incident date: Apr 28, 2026

Antifreeze intrusion into motor. I was driving on the interstate going 77mph cruise control set. Lost power dropped to 65mph without warning. RPM shot up to 4500. Trouble accelerating. Limped the car home, took to have looked at. Was told need new engine do antifreeze in combustion chamber.

Incident date: May 2, 2026

Today, 5/2/26 in Lewis Center, OH- My daughter and I were returning home from her Soccer game. The time was about 11am. We were in my brand new Chevy Z71 Suburban, with 4,100 miles. As we were slowing , approaching the roundabout, i noticed no power as i was preparing to enter the roundabout. I then see that the car powered off. It would not restart and i had no way to put into N. I had to c... Read more

Incident date: Mar 10, 2026

Cam Phasers. Ford refuses to repair cam phasers despite having a recall previously and never fixed by previous owner. Ford quoted the repair at $8k. Previously recall stated safety concerns over faulty manufacturing of cam phasers, having plastic parts and exposed parts rather than metal and enclosed parts like in they install during the repair. While I understand the repair was a voluntary recall... Read more

Incident date: Feb 16, 2026

The engine in this 2016 Hyundai Tucson has experienced progressive failure symptoms consistent with the known rod bearing defect covered under Hyundai's engine warranty extension campaign. Symptoms include: excessive oil consumption requiring frequent top-offs over several months, severely degraded acceleration, failure to upshift under load, and an audible metallic crunching noise occurring aroun... Read more

Incident date: Mar 5, 2026

Hyundai's recent emissions software update (9C9) has disabled engine braking, creating a risk of brake fade on grades. The vehicle is no longer able to hold speed while descending grades, regardless of downshifting, forcing the brakes to be implemented to avoid excessive speed. This was never an issue prior to the software update and happened immediately after the software was installed. Instea... Read more

Incident date: May 2, 2026

On May 2nd, we drove our 2019 Honda Odyssey XL-E to church, and as soon as we pulled into the parking lot, we started to see smoke coming from our front hood. We exited the car. Within 30 seconds, the car then went into flames, and exploded and the car is now unsalvageable. When I went online, it seems like this is a common occurrence with these Honda Odysseys. There were no warming lamps, messag... Read more

Fire

Incident date: May 1, 2026

After driving my 2024 RAV4 in rain for about an hour, I was then parked for about 5 minutes in a parking garage and the engine shut down and warning light came on for power steering, and white smoke /steam came out of the engine. Engine would not restart, even after tow truck arrived thirty minutes later. Once dealership received my vehicle they say it starts fine and can't find any issues. They h... Read more

Incident date: Mar 18, 2026

My vehicle had oil consumption problems that were fixed with a new replacement engine now my catalytic converter is going bad due to engine oil consumption problems and the dealer I deal with is refusing to help with this issue. There is only around 50k miles on the new engine. I would greatly appreciate your help with this Thank you!

Incident date: Apr 13, 2026

First I had to replace all injectors and now I have a cylinder 4 misfire and need a head gasket job that’s being quoted at $5000!!! I’ve done all maintenance and upkeep and my car looks new. I’m in Honda groups and this is happening to everyone with the 10th generation accord that’s 1.5t engine. This should be a recall! I thought Hondas were the best. This is ridiculous and the car has no ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 4, 2026

Failed Head Gasket in the engin affected fuel injectors and spark plugs to fail or not perform normally and started misfiring in the engin. My 24 year old son drives this car and the problem happened at night when he was driving home at night on 3/4/2026 flashing all waring signs on the screen. The car's speed was abruptly reduced to very low and he was not able to drive the car . I put the car to... Read more

Incident date: Apr 27, 2026

another case of a 2018 cx-5 cracked cylinder head. 70k miles and regularly maintienced. no warning other than oil showing on the ground. took it in to mazda dealership and they came back after looking at it and declared it was a cracked cylinder head priced at 6.8k. after looking it up it appears to be a casting issue that has affected many mazdas but mazda corp. will not take fault.

Incident date: May 2, 2026

NHTSA Complaint SummaryVehicle: 2017 Ford Escape SEEngine: 1.5L EcoBoostVIN: [XXX] Defect: Engine Block Design Flaw / Coolant IntrusionTechnical Description of the Issue:My vehicle is experiencing a well-documented manufacturing defect specific to the 1.5L EcoBoost engine. The engine block was designed with a "v-groove" between the cylinders that is prone to structural failure. This allows engine... Read more

Incident date: May 2, 2026

Consistent burning of oil

Incident date: Apr 26, 2026

Engine coolant control valve needed to be replaced. Special coverage (N252508341) was issued out by GM to fix this problem on 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles.

Incident date: May 2, 2026

My Vehicle some times gives a jerk once in awhile I also have been told I cant charge my vehicle these recalls have no fix to them I am getting really tired of this and want Jeep to buy back my vehicle!!!

Incident date: Apr 10, 2026

Engine problem had to get a new engine

Incident date: Apr 28, 2026

On Tuesday April 28 while I was driving the engine suddenly started making a strange noise and the engine died. It would not restart. I had it towed to the dealer and was told the cam shaft “spun” and destroyed the engine. I am now having to replace the engine at a cost of $11,000!

Incident date: Feb 2, 2023

When slowing down in traffic or approaching a stop sign vehicle will stall then turn off. This will than cause the vehicle to abruptly stop. Emergency brake is then engaged. It takes 1-3 times to engage vehicle to restart using the push start button. This happens with in 2-4 blocks of a cold start or even after 15 minutes or more of driving. This vehicle has been in the Dodge dealer several time... Read more

Incident date: May 16, 2024

The component or system that failed or malfunctioned due to this issue was our cylinder number 1 had a misfire code showing. Upon further inspection of the car at the shop with a borescope camera it was found that coolant is leaking into the cylinder causing a misfire to occur after the vehicle has been driven and then sits while cooling system is still under pressure. Our safety was put at risk b... Read more

Incident date: Nov 4, 2025

Engine failure. Not available for inspection. Engine replaced and damaged engine return for core charge. While driving on the highway, without any for warning, engine stalled, loss of power and dash read “emissions system problem “. Vehicle was towed to Honda of Denton for diagnostic testing. The engine stalling and loss of power at highway speeds caused a great risk for my family in the van... Read more

Incident date: Oct 10, 2025

In October of 2025 the vehicle began to make engine noises. Within a day the vehicle stalled and shut down completely. I had my mechanic examine the car and they advise coolant had leaked into the engine cause damage. The engine had to be replaced. No warranty coverage and 4k later.

Incident date: May 1, 2026

p1326, rod bearing failure and seizure of motor without warning.

Incident date: Feb 27, 2026

The brakes failed within hours of owning the Certified, WARRANTIED VEHICLE. ALMOST had an accident. Within <5 weeks of owning this warrantied certified vehicle, was stranded on Rine Ridge Indian Reservation and on the highway. Engine jerk so bad feels like I a derby car. Then just stalls. The dont comply with their own 172 point certified inspection. They claim two keys for specified vehicle. The... Read more

Incident date: Mar 24, 2026

I was driving and all of a sudden a message popped up and said high engine temperature stop safely in the car just shut off immediately. The car would not drive anymore it shut off in traffic with no warning, which could have caused a terrible accident, because something about a heat sensor the car never ran hot the car has never overheated. I've never had any issues The car has always been servic... Read more

Incident date: Apr 8, 2026

while driving ,the vehicle just shuts off while in motion, then dashboard lights come and message says if you want to start vehicle step on brake and push button , but once I push the button it struggles to start. Mechanic ran a diagnostic test and said its the power train control module that is under a recall on other jeeps but not mine.

Incident date: May 1, 2026

I was just driving down the block and stop at the stop light when I went to pull off and make a left turn the car completely shut off with no warning or anything. Just stopped completely went off in the middle of the road and all of the dash lights came on. It started right back up thankfully but it stopped and locked up

Incident date: Apr 30, 2026

Motor suddenly failed after a required update while driving, nearly causing a crash with multiple commercial vehicles and pedestrians, leaving brake lights dangerously always on and alarm sounding, killed 12v as well.

Incident date: May 31, 2025

Sluggish engine, delayed engine engagement, delayed throttle response. Engine noise under acceleration. My safety is being put at risk when pulling out into oncoming traffic on the highway, engine is not shifting, vehicle not moving as fast as it should. Technical Expert sent out by Arbitrator with the BBB Autoline who confirmed multiple issues with the engine. Vehicle has been to Nissan dealershi... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2026

I'm reporting a safety issue with BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 engine, primarily 2019-2021 models. These vehicles have an oil pump with an internal plastic component that regulates oil pressure, and this part is fracturing in the field, causing sudden loss of oil pressure. The failure typically occurs during cold starts in low temperatures. When it fails, oil pressure becomes erratic or is l... Read more

Incident date: Apr 29, 2026

While idling, the engine shuts off completely and requires the vehicle to be shifted into park and restarted before operation can continue. On multiple occasions, the engine has struggled to restart and cranked for several seconds before turning over. Honda of Tomball in Tomball, TX currently has it. This defect creates a significant safety hazard because the vehicle loses power unexpectedly while... Read more

Incident date: Apr 27, 2026

Incident date: May 1, 2026

Incident date: Apr 30, 2026

Engine failure & excessive oil consumption causing the vehicle to overheat. Coolant low, suspect coolant loss internally in engine. P0524 Engine pressure too low. Potential causes: low oil pressure, low oil level, wrong oil viscosity, contaminated oil, faulty oil pressure sensor, signal shorted to ground in electrical circuit of sensor, worn internal engine components. Per testing- coolant low, su... Read more

Incident date: Apr 25, 2026

I bought this car from a dealer in November of 2025 just over 95k miles. Two weeks after I bought it a PO303 code for a cylinder 3 misfire appeared. I changed the spark plug and the code went away. Then on Friday, April 10th, the code came back. I replaced the spark plug for a 2nd time. The code disappeared again. Then, on April 25th the code returned and I replaced the cylinder 3 spark plug for t... Read more

Incident date: Apr 22, 2026

Well traveling motor started making a slight ticking noise, about a mile down the road started squealing like a belt issue, pulled over on the side of the road popped hood and heard the squeal better before it shut down. There was no check engine light or any indication there was an issue prior to this happening.

Incident date: Apr 30, 2026

Engine ceased while driving and shutdown. Towed to dealership. Dealership ran diagnostic test and code P0016 came up. Its 6.2 engine has recall on other years with similar issues

Incident date: Apr 7, 2026

The vehicle suddenly stalled while driving on the highway at normal speed without warning. The engine lost power completely, creating a dangerous situation and a risk of collision with surrounding traffic. The vehicle had to be towed to a repair shop, where the issue was diagnosed as engine failure. There were no warning lights or prior symptoms before the incident. This appears to be a serious ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 17, 2026

On 4/17/26 McDonalds Hyundai of [XXX] , dealership performed an ECU update for THETA II Emissions logic improvement (Hyundai campaign number 9C2). Ever since that time the vehicle has been lurching during acceleration. This happens particularly when the vehicle has been sitting for several hours. I reported this to the dealership on 4/28/26 (Scott, service manager) and to Hyundai on 4/29/26 (Hyund... Read more

Incident date: Apr 27, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with an EMS warning message displayed. The vehicle was able to restart after multiple attempts. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approxima... Read more

Incident date: Feb 11, 2026

Drove roughly an hour from Roseville MI to Temperance MI. Car was fine. No issues on the drive. Gauges were all fine. Got to my friend’s house and took my stuff inside. Came back out immediately and saw dark smoke now coming from the hood. Attempted to open, but couldn't unlatch the hood after it was popped. Saw flames and called 911. Entire car burned down to the back seats. Car seat, Reading g... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Jan 1, 2026

BMW Manufacturer Recall for fire hazad in starter for ths model first issued Oct 2025! NHTSA Recall Number26V056 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available as of May 1, 2026 My complaint is about the delay in a remedy from BMW - it's been more than 4 months!! This is not"timely"

Incident date: Apr 30, 2026

On March 25th the dealership said our car was on a recall for R25E2 the dealership performed the ECM software update fix at this time. On April 30th 2026 the engine suffered catastophic failure. The heat stopped working the car was not showing hot the dial was at 1/4 it is usually at 1/2. The oil light flashed my husband lost power steering and it died at a 4 way stop. There was so much white smo... Read more

Incident date: Mar 31, 2026

2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum, 6.2L V8 L86 engine, under 100,000 miles. Engine seized and was towed to an authorized GM dealership. Teardown confirmed a spun and twisted rod bearing resulting in complete crankshaft seizure, documented by the dealer as non-serviceable per GM, requiring full engine replacement. Component is available for inspection. Prior to seizure, the vehicle experienced a... Read more

Incident date: Apr 28, 2026

Two nights ago I was at Domino’s Pizza. I put my car in reverse and the car died and the steering wheel locked up like the power steering was giving out I was able to start the car again, but still with no power steering assist and drove the car home about a mile away, but every time I slowed down or came to a stop sign or a stoplight, the car would die, and the battery light would flash on the ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 27, 2026

My car stalls in the middle of traffic. I took the vechile for diagnostics with a mechanic and was informed my piston rings were bad. Currently a recall in progress. I take my car in for recall of faulty piston oil rings that can cause engine damage, stalling, or fire. The dealers inspect and stated it was not the right sound. I take it back to mechanic and was informed I should contact you all C... Read more

Incident date: Mar 5, 2026

2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV - passed Safety Recall N252494001 L87 in August of 2025. March 2026 experienced loss of propulsion (while driving), major noise and violent shaking. Every warning came on. There were no other symptoms Very fortunate no one was behind us as vehicle completely stopped on road. Reported problem to dealer and took into them. Said it was serpentine belt and we were charged to... Read more

Incident date: Apr 30, 2026

I am reporting a serious safety defect involving repeated engine stalling and failure to restart associated with the auto idle stop/start system on a 2025 Acura MDX. The vehicle was leased in December 2024. Beginning in late summer and early fall of 2025, the vehicle intermittently shut off at stops and failed to restart when releasing the brake. This resulted in the vehicle becoming unresponsive... 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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