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: Apr 20, 2026
On 4/22/26, while driving on a main road, my 2022 Nissan Rogue with about 74000 miles displayed an engine malfunction warning and went into reduced power mode. This created a safety concern because the vehicle lost normal power and acceleration. This is a safety concern because the vehicle lost power in traffic. I had the vehicle inspected by a Nissan dealer, who diagnosed a failed EGR pressure se... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
On multiple occasions our vehicle has turned off at a stop (auto start/stop) and failed to restart upon pressing the accelerator. It then takes several seconds to be able to restart and get moving.
MERCEDES-BENZ
SPRINTER 2500
(2024) - ENGINE
Apr 23, 2026
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
The vehicle began experiencing engine roughness during cold starts, with the engine running extremely rough for several seconds before stabilizing. This condition worsened over approximately one week. Shortly after, multiple warning lights illuminated simultaneously across the dashboard, including systems unrelated to the engine. The vehicle then entered a reduced power or “limp” mode, making... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2025) - ENGINE
Apr 23, 2026
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
Vehicle has ongoing and recurring electrical and engine-related defects that affect safe operation. The primary systems involved are the electrical system, engine ignition system, and powertrain. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Prior service records show issues beginning in 2020 involving repeated electronic system failures requiring multiple repairs and component replacemen... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
Since February 2026 I have had daily incidents of the hybrid system error where the vehicle is only relying on the hybrid battery to move. I've had a few near miss accidents as my car crawls through an intersection. Was almost rear-end after leaving a stop sign and the hybrid system error popped up and the car doesn't accelerate. In order to temporarily fix the system, the car must be shut off and... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
On March 31st, 2026, while traveling at approximately 60 mph on a major highway, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic engine failure without prior warning. The "Check Engine" and "Powertrain Malfunction" (Wrench) lights illuminated, and the vehicle experienced an immediate and total loss of motive power. This created a high-risk safety situation for myself (luckily my daughter was not with me at th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
Jul 08,2025 Manufacturer Recall Number25S75 NHTSA Recall Number25V455 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary ON YOUR VEHICLE, IT IS POSSIBLE TO HAVE A LOSS OF FUEL PRESSURE AND FLOW FROM THE FUEL TANK DUE TO FUEL PUMP FAILURE. THIS CAN CAUSE A LACK OF FUEL DELIVERY TO THE ENGINE AND RESULT IN AN ENGINE STALL WHILE DRIVING. Safety Risk AN ENGINE STALL WHILE DRIVING INCREA... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
Coolant intrusion into the Engine issue with my 2017 Ford Escape was confirmed by University of Ford with a $12,000 price tag. I was told my car wasn't part of the recalls and it had 106,000 miles on it so it wouldn't be a part of it anyway. They offered me $500 to buy my car.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
A check engine light came on then got over heated and the vehicle shut off on highway with no prior warning almost causing an accident and almost hit a guard rail.i was told that my vehicle is known for this ford is aware of the problem but refuses to fix it.the mechanic said it is called coolant intrusion.there is a known defect documented in ford TSB 22-2322. As well as a class action lawsuit
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
Turbocharger is defective. Reduced engine power. Engine Power reduced shows up on my dashboard. I bought the car brand new at Lindsey Buick in Ohio. This car is too young for this problem. Lindsey Buick and GM need to stand up to accountability and transparency when it comes to delivering top quality products. My vehicle almost caused a horrific accident by not accelerating fast enough. I a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
The emergency brake system continues to come on and read all the type of stuff on the screen, as well as the LKAS keeps coming on the screen showing problems and when it does, the transmission or engines stalls a little and slows up and speed down on its on
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
My car has been in shop month at a time it lost all power to start with it has been torn up for the last 2 years 7 turbo 2 in one vist now it has metal saving in the motor ford say dealer ship is responsible dealer ship say ford but I lost my job have 2 kids and no way to go
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
2023 Subaru Ascent, under manufacturer basic warranty. Factory OEM battery has repeatedly failed. Voltage drops below 11.5V in normal use. Three documented failures in six weeks. SAFETY INCIDENT: Vehicle died on a public street and became completely immobilized. Brake warning light activated. Vehicle would not move even after a jump start. Passengers had to exit in a live traffic lane. A second ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
The engine oil system failed due to a persistent oil leak that was present from the time of purchase on December 16th 2024. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request and is currently immobile due to a completely seized engine. My safety was put at serious risk because the vehicle has no functioning low oil warning indicator to alert the driver of critically low oil levels. I was driving... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
fuel pump cut off intermeeting mager loss off power tech at subaru refuse to repair car has 72000 miles on well manetane
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
The issue appears to involve the engine and turbocharger system. The vehicle has shown symptoms consistent with a turbo underboost condition, including loss of power and reduced acceleration. A mechanic indicated that the symptoms may be consistent with diagnostic code P0299 (turbo underboost). The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This issue affects safe operation because the veh... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
My valve cover gasket started leaking enough to notice on the dipstick. Was losing about 3/4 of a quart in an oil change interval. After some research I’ve seen that this is a very common issue with the 2017 Crv LX 2.4l
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
On the motor, when off for more than a certain time prolonged, when is a cold start motor make a noise like it doesn’t have oil in it since new I let the dealer know but they say it’s normal and I don’t believe so. Also, the transmission have a problem since New it shifted weird sometimes, and the dealer says it’s normal
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
The vehicle has a difficult time turning over when cranking, the RPMs are sticking and the car periodically shuts off at red lights. Several warning lights pop up when it won't crank and then other warnings when the car just completely shuts off at red lights. I drive the interstate in [XXX] daily for work, so with the engine stalling my safety is at risk every time I drive it. Likewise when it w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
Honda has a known defect with the engine of these vehicles. Specifically the 2013 that I own. I contacted them years ago when their first warranty extension expired because I was never contacted and my vehicle exhibited symptoms right after expiration( bulletin 13-061). Now they have done it again with bulletin 25-061. It expired Jan 2026 and they NEVER notified me, if they didn’t tell me they d... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
I chose the engine and fuel questions as I believe these would be the issue. While driving on the I 10 east towards [XXX] there are areas on the freeway that you drive upward from a flat freeway service to (up hill). Today 04/22/2026, my bronco sport lost drive power from 65 mph to 45 mph which caused the warning lights of the engine and wrench notifications to come on. It was a little difficu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
I was on the on-ramp getting on the highway and whenever I started to increase speed and try to get over into the next lane, I noticed the car all of a sudden jumped a little bit and then it started consistently jumping in the check engine light was flashing, and I couldn’t keep the car over what ended up being 50 mph anytime I tried to go over 50 mph. The car jumped in was shaking pretty pretty... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Truck is equipped with a 6.2 engine. It is a 2021 with less than 100k miles on it. Dealership is stating engine failed for no reason. Dealership confirmed engine failure this past week of April 2026. This is a known issue and my vehicle is not under the recall. Truck stalled out of no where. There was no warning before it did it.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
On Sunday April 19th at approximately 12:00pm. I was driving on NJ’s garden state parkway when the car had catastrophic engine failure at highway speeds. I lost full power, including power steering, and brakes. This SUV could have killed my family and I if I was unable to use brute force to control it into the right lane. While I understand that any vehicle can experience warranty-related issues... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
My cylinder head is leaking coolant. There is a well known and well documented issue with these cylinder heads cracking due to poor casting. This has become such a big issue that Mazda has even recalled the cylinder heads, BUT, only if the engine is equipped with Turbo. However, this issue is becoming enormous even for non turbo owners and is a huge safety issue as it can lead to overheating, stal... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly shut off and stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the battery was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and found metal shavings inside the oil filter... Read more
BATTLE MOTORS
LET2
(2025) - ENGINE
Apr 22, 2026
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
While driving the car began to smoke from under hood and engine stopped. Interior and under hood flooded with smoke and fire under hood. This was a major fire, fire company put it out. No repairs were made or needed on car since purchase October 2024.
Fire
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
I was driving 70-75 mph on interstate XXX going south from [XXX] to [XXX] after picking up my friends. I had e-save mode on to save the battery for later and out of nowhere the car lost all power and would not accelerate. Some writing flashed across the screen telling me to pull over in the emergency lane and stop and then restart the Jeep in hybrid mode. I had to throw on my hazards and pray... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
TIMELINE: 3/2/26: Check engine light and remote start error appeared; no immediate symptoms, planned to have it inspected later. 3/3/26: Truck failed to start after work, leaving me stranded. 3/4/26: Checked for obvious issues (battery, fuses); none found. 3/5/26: Diagnosed and replaced a failed starter; truck started and drove normally. 3/6/26: Vehicle operated normally all day with multiple succ... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2024) - ENGINE
Apr 22, 2026
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
Car is burning oil. Replaced timing chain and it continues to burn oil.
TOYOTA
CAMRY HYBRID
(2026) - ENGINE
Apr 22, 2026
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
My 2024 Ford Bronco Sport has had an open unrepaired safety recall (Ford 25S76 / NHTSA 25V467) for about 10 months. The recall states that a fuel injector may crack and create an under-hood fire risk. There is still no repair remedy available. Ford and the dealership have stated that they are trying to develop a solution until June 2026. This effectively means I am being told to continue driving ... Read more
TOYOTA
CAMRY HYBRID
(2026) - ENGINE
Apr 22, 2026
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
I purchased the vehicle on February 10, 2026, at which time it had approximately 31,000 miles. Within one week, the check engine light illuminated. I brought the vehicle to a repair shop, where diagnostic testing identified a fault related to spark plug #2. Further inspection revealed that the engine was losing coolant. According to the technician, coolant intrusion into the cylinder caused the s... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
I purchased a 2021 Hyundai Kona in 2023. I own it outright. 2 weeks later my engine seized on the CA 118 in the middle lane & I lost steering & power. I don’t know how I made it to the side w cars doing 80. I was shaking. The dealer refurbished my engine no cost , it was due to the oil consumption problem & the piston ring issues many cars in ‘20 & ‘21 had. I had a Hyundai rep call & offer ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2023
Occasionally, the car's RPMs fluctuate wildly, and the engine stalls; the surges in RPM lead to sudden, abrupt acceleration, which poses a safety risk to me and my family. The dealership has been unable to resolve the problem.
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
CAR IS OVER HEATING AND ENGINE LIGHT ON. SAME ISSUES AS THE 2017 FORD FUSIONS RECALL BUT I WAS TOLD THE FIRE RISK FROM ENGINE COOLANT LEAKS AND ENGINE BLOCK HEATER FAILING DOES NOT COVER MY YEAR EVEN THOUGH THE ISSUES ARE COMPLETLY THE SAME.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
The car goes into limp mode in the middle of driving on the interstate or usually at higher speeds and loses speed quickly. This has put me at high risk for accidents when traveling between cities and has left me stranded on dangerous parts of the interstate at times. I have taken it to my Hyundai dealer I bought the car from and they said there is a knock in the engine and the whole engine would ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
UNKNOWN - engine developed knock that could potentially lead to catastrophic engine failure during normal driving conditions, causing loss of control or inability to stop. NTB19-057a is a technical service bulletin issued by manufacturer - cylinder 7 scuffing with a short block or complete engine replacement as the fix. Manufacturer will not replace engine outside of vehicle warranty period, even ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2025
My vehicle started turning off suddenly when stopped and then when starting to move. I replaced my rear seal. A week later, I have oil in my timing and my engine no longer works. I have had it checked by a shop. No warning was given. I have my oil checked regularly and changed on time. I had a car full of people, adults and children, in rush hour traffic. The car is sitting in my driveway as I wil... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. Upon further research, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced.... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2025
While I was slowing down when approaching a red light, the engine abruptly shut off and had no warning or anything. Then once stopped the engine would no longer crank leaving me stranded in the middle of a busy roadway.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Coolant problems and cylinder damage on engine due to coolant intrusion. Ford has not issued a recall on this well known problem and issue on ALL Ford Fusion Models. Several complaints have been made by many Ford Fusion owners for putting drivers and vehicle owners at risk of driving unsafe vehicles and poor driving conditions.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2015) - ENGINE
Apr 22, 2026
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
On multiple occasions the vehicle's engine will stall out in traffic when breaking. It happens every few weeks randomly. To correct the stall, I need to place the vehicle into park and restart the engine.
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
Vehicle engine started knocking heavily while driving down the road. Had vehicle inspected for issue and was told vehicle had burned all the oil down to one quart and the engine was destroyed. Vehicle recently serviced with oil change within roughly 3,000 miles.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2025
Grid heater nut/bolt detached and entered engine, causing catastrophic internal failure and total engine loss while driving.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
Vehicle: 2019 Kia Sorento Issue: Engine Failure / Safety Concern Complaint: I am filing a complaint regarding a 2019 Kia Sorento that experienced sudden engine failure after clear warning signs that created a serious safety concern. The vehicle began making a loud ticking/knocking noise that progressively worsened over time. While driving, the vehicle struggled to accelerate and lost power. The no... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
I own a Hyundai Elantra with approximately 103,000 miles. The vehicle has developed an intermittent issue where the engine will suddenly stall while driving. This most often occurs when I am decelerating and turning, such as when entering or navigating roundabouts. At the time of the stall, multiple warning indicators appear simultaneously, including the check engine light, battery warning light,... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after 20 minutes of consecutive driving, the vehicle drove sluggishly and lost power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the check en... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
My vehicle burns oil too quickly. I schedule my regular oil change based on the feedback from the auto repair shop. During my last oil change he said I practically had no oil left, but it has been less than 5,000 miles since my previous oil change. The tech informed me he's seen this happen a lot within Kia's including the optima that I currently drive. Fast forward a few months i noticed my oil l... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2018) - ENGINE
Apr 22, 2026
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to properly shift into gear while the gear shift lever was in use. The check engine and another unknown warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where several undisclosed fault codes were cleared. The vehicle was towed back to the same local dea... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2018) - ENGINE
Apr 22, 2026
Incident date: Apr 25, 2025
Coolant leak observed at the upper radiator hose quick-connect fitting. The leak appears to originate from the internal seal at the radiator inlet connection. This issue developed without warning and is consistent with a known defect in the radiator hose seal design used in 2023 GMC Canyon vehicles. Vehicle experienced coolant loss and visible residue at the connection point. No visible external ... Read more