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: Feb 12, 2026
My 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe diesel unexpectedly lost power while driving. I was stopped, made a right turn, and accelerated to approximately 34–40 mph on a two-way street when the vehicle suddenly shook, shifted into neutral, and the engine shut off without warning. There were no warning lights, dashboard messages, or prior symptoms before the failure. I was driving with two young children secured i... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 27, 2025
While driving home on the highway from our sons hockey game at about 8:30 pm we were going about 60 mph when the car made a noise and began smoking and as we were trying to pull over on the side of the highway noticed by the reflection of a passing car that the engine on our vehicle was on fire under the vehicle. We had to evacuate the vehicle quickly and get our children out on the side of a busy... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
My 2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid's engine has expired and been confirmed by Toyota dealership and Toyota Corporate. They are rebuilding the motor, which is outside of warranty but my specific truck is not on the recall list, therefor I will not get a new motor, but a rebuilt motor. I was put at risk of complete engine failure, leaving me stranded on the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to Re... Read more
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2023) - ENGINE
Apr 27, 2026
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
The clock spring needs fixed no features including the horn is working in my airbag light is staying on. Also I now have a loud knock in my motor I understand this should fall under the extended 15 yr 150k warranty; 2012 Kia vehicles (specifically the Sorento) with V6 engines are covered under major safety recalls for engine failure and fire risks. The primary issue involves metal debris from man... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2016) - ENGINE
Apr 27, 2026
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle lost automotive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there was bluish-gray smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. After releasing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle stalled. The cont... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2026
Coolant intrusion issue causing excessive smoke and coolant leakage. Ford is aware of the issue and provided a service notice but no recall and an extension of coverage but. Y. Vehicle falls beyond that scope due to mileage. The repair solution is a brand new engine on a known engineering flaw costs more than. The worth of the vehicle.
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
Our Odyssey is equipped with idle stop. Sometimes when idle stop engages, the engine won't start again afterwards. We need to turn the car off completely, and then try again. Usually it turns on after doing so. We try to always turn off the idle stop when we start up the vehicle, but sometimes forget. This hasn't led to an accident yet, but has led to some angry vehicles when we can't move when a ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2026
The engine started running loud and making a knocking noise. Took it to the dealership and they said it needs a new engine. Regular maintenance performed by Ford. There were no warning lights that came on prior to the engine failure. They say the engine is on back order.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, VIN: [XXX] The vehicle was purchased new in October 2021. Volkswagen issued Recall 13i4 / NHTSA Campaign 22V-753 for certain Atlas Cross Sport vehicles due to an engine connecting rod/connecting rod bearing manufacturing defect that can cause engine failure, loss of motive power while driving, and potential safety ri... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2025) - ENGINE
Apr 27, 2026
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
Car engine caught fire. Allstate notified pictures provided below.
Fire
CHEVROLET
AVALANCHE 1500
(2005) - ENGINE
Apr 27, 2026
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
I am writing to formally report a serious safety issue with my brand-new Jeep Grand Cherokee (got it from DARCARS Rockville, MD dealership) and to request immediate resolution under warranty and applicable consumer protection laws. I purchased this vehicle with the expectation of reliability, safety, and comfort for my family. Unfortunately, within a very short period of ownership, the vehicle ha... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2019) - ENGINE
Apr 27, 2026
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
My 2016 Acura MDX (purchased new January 2016) has a confirmed failure of the 9-speed automatic transmission warmer (ATF warmer), causing engine coolant and ATF fluid to cross-contaminate. The failed warmer is still in the vehicle and available for inspection. In the last week of March 2026, I noticed the engine cooling fan continuing to run after shutting off the vehicle — an abnormal symptom t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
Vehicle: 2005 Nissan Altima | VIN: [XXX] To the Executive Team and Legal Counsel, I am writing this under extreme duress following a catastrophic, life-threatening vehicle failure on April 23, 2026, in Ripley, WV. While transporting my [XXX] son, my 2005 Nissan Altima suffered a sudden engine stall, followed by the engine bay becoming saturated with oil and emitting heavy smoke. This event is... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on a local roadway, the oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact stated that oil was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine had seized. The manufac... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the RPM was unexpectedly elevated. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed from the scene. After the failure, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
Date of Accident: April 13, 2026 I drove into our church parking lot and then parked next to my husband’s car and was totally stopped and in the parking space. I thought I had my foot on the brake. After a split second, it accelerated and jumped the curb of the parking space at a very fast speed. I had no control of the car. I sheared off a heavy metal sidewalk railing and was headed for the br... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Main seal leaking and engine needs replaced at 95,000 miles.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
Since shortly after purchase, the vehicle has experienced intermittent drivability and shifting issues along with repeated EPC and check engine warnings. Diagnostic trouble code P0111 (intake air temperature plausibility) has been present along with other electrical and engine management faults. A Volkswagen dealership diagnosis indicated that the intake air temperature sensor and an additional e... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
My Yukon Denali XL GM engine that was put in on 07/2022 has already failed. It failed as I was driving down highway at 65 mile per hour. It failed on 04/12/2025. I paid almost $7,000 to have my engine replace due to the original engine failing in early 2022. Now the engine that I paid thousands of dollars for has already failed and has no compression in cylinder 4. I have researched this and ... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2023) - ENGINE
Apr 27, 2026
Incident date: Apr 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact stated that while exiting the contact's residence and noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that seconds later, the contact noticed fire coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was unoccupied. The contact attempted to extinguish the fire with two residential f... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
This complaint involves a catastrophic engine failure in a 2018 Hyundai Tucson that appears to be part of a broader pattern of similar failures reported by other owners. Prior to failure, the vehicle exhibited excessive oil consumption and progressive engine performance issues. These symptoms have been widely reported by other consumers with the same vehicle, suggesting a systemic defect rather t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
SUBJ: Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2023 Cadillac Escalade Sudden Loss of Power I am reporting a safety issue involving a 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV (VIN: [XXX] ). On April 19, 2026 (late evening into early April 20), while traveling approximately 70 mph on [XXX] , the vehicle suddenly and completely lost engine power without warning. This created an immediate safety hazard, nearly resulting in ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
I own a 2016 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, VIN [XXX] . The vehicle has been in and out of Rydell Jeep & Ram dealership over 3 times in the last few months for fuel pump issues. It has been at the dealership for over a month total (in and out). Each time I have had to pay for towing and rental cars. I have not been reimbursed for any rental or towing costs. On April 11, 2026, immediately after picking up the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
I ordered and purchased this vehicle in November of 2021. Since it was new, it has consumed approximately one quart of oil per oil change interval as indicated on the oil life monitor system. Every time I have it serviced by the same dealership, I have inquired as to if this amount of consumption is "normal". They said it wasn't excessive yet to continue monitoring it. This vehicle did pass th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, it failed to start up. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed DTC: P0016 was retrieved. The contact was informed that the camshaft position correlator and crankshaft and intake were not aligned and needed to be realigned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and lost automotive power. The check engine, ABS, and several other unknown warning lights were displayed before an engine misfire. The vehicle regained automotive power before hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, there was an abnormal humming sound comin... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe Premier for repeated brake assist/braking failures. Most recent incident: While driving, the check engine light came on. I turned the vehicle off for approximately 10 minutes and restarted it, but the check engine light remained on. Approximately 20 minutes later, multiple warnings appeared on the dash including: “Brake Assist Fai... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 BMW X7. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated and the engine seized. The check engine warning light was illuminated. While attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle restarted with the power train warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed, and the failure reoccurr... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed, and the failure was not duplicated. The dealer cleared the check engine warning light. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V011000 (EQUIPMENT); however, the part to do the recall repa... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
My engine failed due to a known piston problem code P1327. The recall 203 was performed 7/1/22 which put in a sensor so the dealership said that Hyundai said they do not have to fix it because it is out of warranty at 141,000 miles and was manufactured in South Korea so they say it doesn't qualify for the extended warranty Recall 203 Dealer Best Practice Date: October 12, 2021 Subject: HMA Recall ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 50-60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle hesitated and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to Firestone, where the spark plugs and ignition coils were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to Firestone, where it was diagnosed with trans... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2026
My family and I were returning from a trip, and the engine just died in the middle of the street at 2 AM. No noises from engine or anything, but it just stopped out of the blue.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
5th generation (2017-2022) Honda CRV displaying ALL driver assistance system errors (stability control, cruise control, emergency anti-collision etc), check engine light, tire pressure monitor malfunction, parking brake, and some other lights. *OBDII scan reads back P0303* Battery was replaced in 2025, and has never tested at low voltage. Recently tested battery 04/26/2026 at 14.51V (with engine... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2026
Car makes a high pitched whining noise at low speeds of approx. 10-30 mph
Incident date: Jul 4, 2025
Goodwill Repair for my 2022 Highlander transmission whine, referencing TSB T-SB-0008-21。”
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
I was driving home from the farmers market with my two young kids. I was turning left at a busy intersection when the engine died and an engine warning flashed on the dash (I don't recall the exact message; it sounded catastrophic). There were no "check engine" or any other warning messages prior to the incident. I was able to restart the car immediately and give it a lot of gas to get out of t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2026
My 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 is experiencing engine misfires and fault codes consistent with a known cylinder head defect that is the subject of a recall affecting 2022 and earlier models. A certified mechanic has confirmed the issue aligns with the recall defect. Despite identical symptoms and engine configuration, my VIN is excluded. The condition results in loss of power and creates a potentia... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
On 3/15/2026 I was on my way home from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania, and about 35 minutes into my drive I got an alert stating "High Engine Temperature Stop Safely", so I pulled over immediately and turned the car off. After allowing the engine to cool down, I opened the hood and started the car to see if I could identify any issues, the "Engine Fault Service Now" alert came up. This was the firs... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
On April 20th, 2025 while accelerating from a stop light, my vehicle (2021 GMC Yukon Denali XL, 6.2L V8) started making a ticking noise and the service engine light started flashing. I was within a few minutes of my house and limped my vehicle home. The next morning, I started it and it exhibited the same symptoms. I called my local GMC Dealer, Wright Buick GMC, and was advised to have the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
This vehicle is another of many that is suffering from coolant intrusion due to Fords faulty design. This 2.0 has 68 thousand miles and needs a new engine. This has been a known problem for this engine between 2013 and 2019. We were sold a new car that would be reliable for years, it’s not. Now we may be out upwards of $10,000.00 for a car we just paid off a year ago.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
Vehicle has gone through the 68C update and the car sometimes hesitates in stop and go traffic. Also the vehicle hesitates on acceleration almost causing an accidents more times than I can count.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
On [XXX], my 2022 GMC Yukon Denali XL (VIN [XXX] ) experienced a complete loss of propulsion while I was driving on [XXX] in El Paso, Texas, with my wife and two young children in the vehicle. Mileage was approximately 50,364. While in motion, the vehicle was displaying abnormal behavior, concerned the vehicle would stall on the highway, I exited at the Geronimo exit. As the vehicle slowed, it shu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
Engine went out , starter went out got it replaced been having issues since I purchased it . Makes a noise my engine oil and gasoline was mixing my engine is locked now
GMC
SIERRA 2500
(2024) - ENGINE
Apr 26, 2026
Incident date: Apr 26, 2026
The vehicle began experiencing engine performance problems including rough idling, vibration at startup, and a check engine light. Diagnostic testing indicated a misfire condition. Further inspection suggested coolant intrusion into the engine, consistent head gasket failure. The issue appears to involve the engine cooling and combustion sealing system (head gasket), which is a critical internal ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
I am reporting a dangerous engine failure involving sudden loss of power and complete engine shutdown. While traveling uphill on I-90 in Massachusetts, my 2017 Kia Sportage suddenly lost engine power and rapidly became unable to maintain speed. I first moved into the right lane due to the power loss, but then had to cross traffic at approximately 20 mph to reach a small emergency shoulder area on ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
While driving on the highway, the vehicle experienced sudden engine failure at highway speeds, putting the safety of our son and others drivers at risk. The engine completely lost power. The diagnosing dealership confirmed failure of a connecting rod and bearings and internal engine damage with metal present throughout the engine, requiring full engine replacement at an estimated cost of over $17,... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
I was traveling in the right lane on I-75 at approximately 70 miles an hour, and my Wrangler completely lost all power and began to suddenly decelerate in traffic. I lost all acceleration ability, power brakes, and power steering. I immediately had to change lanes and exit the highway onto the shoulder while trying to avoid other vehicles all while struggling to steer and brake.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
Claim #25921274 To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally dispute Kia’s denial of warranty coverage for the engine failure in my 2013 Kia Sportage. Per communication with customer care, Kia denied my claim on the basis of “excessive mileage between oil changes.” However, this conclusion is not supported by sufficient evidence and does not meet the legal standard required under the ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2026
Multiple recalls issued, we were informed by Cochran Nissan there were “no fixes for the these recalls.” Yet this vehicle left us stranded along highways and busy roadways on numerous occasions. Leaving us in unsafe places while waiting for the vehicle to be towed. Each time multiple warning lights were illuminated and the car lost power. The final repair involved engine replacement and other... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2026
Engine light repeatedly comes on. Coolant leaks out of engine, onto ground outside and onto the floor inside of the car. Warning lights for engine come on repeatedly. This is a constant battle with this 2014 Ford Escape. It is the Ford company that should have resolved this issue. I can’t provide approximate dates this happened because it is constant. The problem has been reproduced by our tr... Read more