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
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2024) - ENGINE
Apr 30, 2026
Incident date: Apr 29, 2026
October 24, 2025 I had taken in my vehicle for recall 25V274 Loss of motor power. Mine was deemed unaffected and given the oil change they were doing as part of that. Today it died while I was pulling a trailer with a RZR on it. I had drove about 90 miles with a stop midway when I did have the engine turned off. Then it just quit. My vehicle only has 13k miles on it. Not sure if police report was ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
The fuel injection system failed, specifically causing a cylinder 1 misfire (DTC P0301). The component is currently installed in the vehicle and available for inspection. The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power and violent shaking while driving in traffic, creating a high risk of a rear-end collision or being stranded in a dangerous intersection. Multiple safety systems (VSA, Braking Assist... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rouge. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the EGR cooler failed and that the engine ne... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
The contact owned a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle began to make a knocking noise which became progressively louder and backfired. There was white smoke coming from the exhaust as the contact moved to the side of the road and exited the vehicle safely. The vehicle then developed a small fire underneath the hood in the engine compartment, which quickly became e... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
Was driving down the highway and my car caught fire. I was stopped by another driver saying that my car was on fire. I had no breaks to stop, I had to put it straight to park to stop the car. That way myself and my son could jump out of the car.
Fire
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Yukon Denali. The contact stated that while making a right turn the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lifter went out and caused shaving to go into the oil and then the engine seized up and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
failing turbo charger - GM website issued special coverage bulletin
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
I own a 2019 Audi Q8. The vehicle was in the dealership’s possession for approximately three (3) weeks for service. During that time, I was not informed of any significant mechanical concerns or issues. After retrieving the vehicle, it displayed an oil pressure warning while in operation. I immediately returned the vehicle to the dealership for evaluation. At that time, the dealership added oil... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
The 2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid’s powertrain design may be insufficient to maintain basic safety maneuvers (specifically "limp mode" or emergency clearing) during an engine failure while operating under high-load conditions in mountainous terrain. This creates a life-threatening hazard for the occupants and other motorists. Statement of Fact: As an owner of a 2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid, I primar... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
At approximately 43,044 miles, my 2021 Audi A7 55 TFSI e quattro (PHEV) was diagnosed with a failed N632 coolant changeover valve — a component of the PHEV thermal management heating circuit. The vehicle has a complete, documented service history with no maintenance gaps. The N632 is an electronically controlled valve that routes coolant between the combustion and hybrid/electric circuits and is... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
Check engine light illuminated on my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. Upon diagnostic scan, the following emissions-related fault codes were present: P11D5 (NOx sensor), P14D9 (NOx sensor), P2383 (EGR pressure sensor), and P2C7A (NOx catalytic converter efficiency). All components are available for inspection upon request. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Chevrolet dealership for diagnosis. The dealer... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
In March 2026, I was driving on the freeway when the car shut itself off and put itself into neutral and accessory modes. There was no warning. This put the safety of myself and other drivers on the road at serious risk because I was unable to accelerate or adequately control my vehicle without warning. The dealer says the car "is operating as designed."
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
My 2023 GMC Yukon Denali is currently at the dealership due to a manufacturer recall involving the engine. The engine issue occurred while I was driving with my children in the vehicle, which required me to pull over and have the vehicle towed to the dealership After inspection, I was told the vehicle requires a full engine replacement. The dealership has stated there is no estimated time of arriv... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle, it stalled after initially adding fuel. Even though the reading indicated there was 1/8 of a tank of fuel. The fuel gauge failed to move. The thermostat was stuck open. The electric steering was not working properly. The engine light was illuminated. The traction control was turned off. The contact stated that t... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2020) - ENGINE
Apr 30, 2026
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
I’m scared to drive my vehicle because of the 6.2L V8 ongoing engine failures! I believe it to be unsafe for travel never knowing when the engine will fail. Now with over 1 Million failures of this engine!
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
Water pump failed while driving on highway. Completely shut down and began to smoke violently. Luckily wife was able to pull over immediately without crashing. Wife and children very disturbed. Looked up issue and 720000 BMW x5 have been recalled with same exact issue. Ours is not. Why?????
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
My 2018 Mazda CX five experience catastrophic engine failure at approximately 119,000 miles despite proper maintenance. The failure resulted in a repair estimate exceeding $9500. This type of failure raises concerns regarding potential engine defects or premature mechanical breakdown. Mazda acknowledged the issue by offering a minimal Goodwill payments, but refused meaningful assistance. I am rep... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a piston ring failure and related the failure to Honda Service Bulletin:25-061. The vehicle was... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) - ENGINE
Apr 30, 2026
Incident date: Apr 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The messages "Put Vehicle in Neutral" and "Check Oil" were displayed. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The con... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
Ford Corporate will not reimburse for the repairs that need to be made or provide a loaner car until the recall equipment is available. Need vehicle to drive to work. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The automatic lead frame has gone due to the PCM recall for my ford 150 2016 vehicle Safety or the safety of others put at risk? Famil... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2019) - ENGINE
Apr 30, 2026
Incident date: Oct 25, 2025
I have a coolant leak. The first time presented to the VW service department, I was told it is a known issue and to add coolant if it isn’t a big leak or concern. I have been doing that, but now the leak is an everyday thing. I took it back to the service department and they said I need a new water pump and a belt. I asked about this known issue and they said I don’t qualify to have a recall f... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine unexpectedly seized without warning. The contact stated that after the vehicle lost motive power, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine h... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
1. the 10R80 transmission , Yes it is available for inspection. It has already been replaced with a new one. 2. Transmission was upshifting hard and then downshift from posted speed limit of 70 mph down to 50 mph on [XXX] South to Birmin [XXX] s, the dealer replaced it with new transmission at my expense. $8188.67 Plus Labor 4. Yes it was inspected Long-Lewis Ford Dealer. 5. Yes check engine l... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2026
My CX-5 has 86,120 miles. I noticed a burnt oil smell coming into the car and later found oil droplets on my garage floor. I took it in to my neighborhood garage and they found an oil leak coming from the cylinder head. They recommended I take to my Mazda dealer. I had it towed to Pearson Mazda, Richmond,VA. They inspected it and stated I had a cracked cylinder head. I have a 100K extended warrant... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal ticking sound while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the engine made a loud sound. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE25008 (Engine). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and there were metal... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
There is a known issue about exhaust manifolds for my year model truck. A ram technician said in 2019 mopar created a new exhaust manifold for my truck that would be less likely to create soot buildup and warping in the exhaust manifold. In 2021 my EGR was replaced because of a recall but now my exhaust manifold has failed and needs to be replaced out of pocket even though it’s been a known issu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
My 2022 Kia Soul with a 2.0 Litre Engine is consuming lots of oil, I'm having to ad a quart every day. I have check engine lights for the catalytic converter and engine missfires. The car has always consumed oil between oil changes since I bought it new in 2022, and its gotten progressively worse. I've maintained the car as required by the manufacturer and have topped up the oil when low. I had th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into park(P) and turn off as intended. The check engine and the power steering warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer and Farris Jeep Ram Chrysler Dodge (910 W Morris Blvd, Morristown, TN 37813) were contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received a recall letter for NHTSA ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2025
There is a recall for Ram 1500 manufactured between January 2015-September 2015 regarding failed power steering. My truck was manufactured February 2015 and was not on the list of specific Ram 1500s to have this recall done. I was with my kids getting an oil change on the truck. When I was leaving the maintenance bay my power steering suddenly failed and left us stranded to get towed. Chrysler s... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2026
Coolant intrusion defect. Had to replace engine. Power train fail also.
Incident date: Apr 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and running, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The vehicle returned to normal operation after the contact added oil to the engine. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the independent mechanic informed the contact that the en... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
The vehicle would shut off when idling at lights or in reverse and have delayed acceleration after stops. It also would shut off when idling in park. I took it to the dealership summer-fall 2025 and they were too busy to investigate the issue because no alarms were present. The vehicle started doing the same thing and the check engine light came on March 2026. Now it has been in the shop for many... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) - ENGINE
Apr 30, 2026
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
I own a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4. The vehicle developed a clear engine knocking noise. I first brought the vehicle to the dealership while under 150,000 miles for inspection related to a recall. The dealership only performed a computer scan and oil change and stated no issue was found. No mechanical inspection was performed despite the noise. The issue continued and worsened. I returned to the de... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
The cylinder head cracked, causing a coolant leak, which then lead to the car overheating. My car was taken into Mazda dealership because there is a warranty extension for this specific part CSP111. The Mazda dealership, corporate, and warranty department all stated the known widespread defect cracked cylinder head will not be replaced on their behalf due to an overheating code. Mazda is using a s... Read more
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2016) - ENGINE
Apr 30, 2026
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse(R), the vehicle stalled, and the power steering became inoperable. Additionally, the failure recurred while making right or left turns at various speeds. The contact depressed the brake pedal, shifted to park(P) and restarted the vehicle after each failure. The failure recurred intermittentl... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
2019 Hyundai Tucson experienced catastrophic engine failure, including internal damage. Vehicle previously had Hyundai Campaign 966 (engine monitoring logic) completed. Despite this, engine failed without sufficient warning. Concern that prior campaign did not prevent engine failure
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Code : P1777 Transmission- oil pump A issue with the Valve cover gasket leaking into the engine causing a misfire. Making the car suddenly stop while driving which is very unsafe. I took the car to the dealership and they want to charge me for the repairs. I have 2 kia optima hybrid and both cars have the same issue around the same mileage. There were no warning lights during the time it was at ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH on the highway, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power steering functionality while decelerating. The vehicle jerked, and a driver assistance system warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 157... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
Sudden engine failure while driving with no warning. Vehicle began jerking, shaking, and losing power. RPMs dropped unexpectedly and the engine stalled intermittently. Multiple misfire codes were present (cylinders 1, 3, and 4), and the engine was found to have low or no compression in cylinder 1. The condition rapidly worsened to near complete engine failure. The vehicle was operating normally pr... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
A issue with the Valve cover gasket leaking into the engine causing a misfire. Making the car suddenly stop while driving which is very unsafe. I took the car to the dealership and they want to charge me for the repairs. I have 2 kia optima hybrid and both cars have the same issue around the same mileage. There were no warning lights during the time it was at the shop. However one day the check e... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
MY VEHICLE LOST POWER SUDDENLY I ALMOST GOT HIT FROM BEHIND LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO AVOID A ACCIDENT TOWED TO MECANIC TOLD ME COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS ENGINE MY ENGINE NEEDS REPLACMENT
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
Car overheats and stalls or shuts down due to engine issues. No prior warning codes.
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
My vehicle keeps downshifting randomly at highway speeds and will also not shift out of 1st or 2nd. Rear tires keep locking up. 1. PCM 2. I have a hard time keeping vehicle in control 3. Yes, active recall can't repair until July 4. Yes, it has been inspected 5. Yes, check engine and wrench light
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2017) - ENGINE
Apr 30, 2026
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
I was stopped at a red light and when it turned green and I proceeded to drive, my car started to hesitate and quit moving right in the middle of the road. I finally got it to the side of the road. When I attempted to reverse it hesitated again and the R symbol started flashing and the engine light came on. The engine codes are P1D97 Clutch A or D defective and P1DB8 Unintended Torque applied whi... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2023) - ENGINE
Apr 30, 2026
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
I took the truck in for a recall they notified me and said it failed the test and there was metal in the oil and said it needed a new engine
Incident date: Apr 29, 2026
Engine stopped while driving 70 mph down the highway and the car shifted into neutral. Had to cost to side of the road. Took car into dealership and even though the car was certified safe drive and the engine had no issues 5 months ago, I was told the engine was now locking up. The engine failed despite using the higher viscosity oil that chevy recommended. These greedy cunts at chevy placed me ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
While accelerating to merge into traffic, the engine suddenly lost power and died completely. I lost power steering and power brakes, making it difficult to safely maneuver the vehicle to the shoulder. There was no warning light or unusual noise prior to the stall. The vehicle has approximately 138,000 miles. This stall occurred in live traffic, creating a high risk of a rear-end collision.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2020) - ENGINE
Apr 30, 2026
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
On 6/27/22 my 2020 gmc sierra 1500 at4 6.2L had lifter failure. The dealer fixed that problem and on 7/1/22 again has lifter failure. The dealer fixed that problem again. On 7/13/22 a third time engine had lifter failure again. I requested they need a different engine to be installed and GM agreed andthey install an L87 2022 engine. This engine seemed weak and not right since it was installed. On... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
Fully charged. Goes from electric to generator/gas propulsion and abruptly slowes about 1/2 speed. Very dangerous.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
Plastic oil pump cracking problem is apparently known to BMW, but they haven’t recalled these defective oil pumps leading to engine failure.