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 18, 2026

First purchased this car from a dealership in 2023, used at128,051 miles. Did not have any problems with it in the first year I would say. Then suddenly while driving down the road the epc light would come on limiting my speed to 4,000 rpm. It would come on and off also causing my check engine light to come on and off. It has now become more frequent, the epc and check engine lights will come on a... Read more

Incident date: Mar 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed 60 miles away from home, the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle started smoking. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the failure was due to an intern... Read more

Incident date: Apr 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and stopping at a stop light, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the accelerator pedal became stuck, and the engine unexpectedly revved to 5,000 RPM. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal failed to release. The brake pedal was depressed several times within 15 seconds, and ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 22, 2026

Head gasket failure at 42,000 miles. Transmission leak from filter and pan. VW dealership diagnosed.

Incident date: Apr 14, 2026

The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. A nearby Samaritan attempted to jump-start the vehicle, however the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that 15 minutes later, the contact attempted to start the vehicle, and the vehicle started. The O'Rileys, where it was ... Read more

Fire 1 injured

Incident date: Apr 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for a diagnostic test. The dealer retrieved DTC: P0304 (ECM Detected Repeated Misfire in Cylinder #4). The dealer linked the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 21-007; however, the vehicle was not covered under warranty or the bulleti... Read more

Incident date: Dec 12, 2025

car inverter failure, 2013 civic hybrid inverter recall for said year but refuse to include in recall lemon

Incident date: Apr 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light was flashing, and the vehicle was shuddering. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, and it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #5. The dealer informed the contact that the engine was taken apart during the diagnostic process, and the vehicle was repaire... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2025

On April 10th, while traveling approximately 7 hours from home on a very busy highway in [XXX] , my 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe (6.2L engine) suffered a complete and catastrophic engine failure, requiring a full engine replacement. The vehicle had to be towed and I was left stranded with no transportation. Prior to this failure, I had brought the vehicle to an authorized GM dealership for a recall inspe... Read more

Incident date: Mar 10, 2026

My 2016 Honda Pilot has been diagnosed with engine failure caused by an issue known as "rod knock" by Hudson Automotive in Toledo, OH despite having been cared for quite well. This failure occurred outside the warranty window and there were NO relevant symptoms or warning lights before the sudden failure. After doing some research on Pilot owner online forums, as well as the NHTSA website, it seem... Read more

Incident date: Mar 10, 2026

Engine oil light is on and there is a burning smell when I drive. Fear of a fire breaking out in the engine when driving or parked. Had it looked at by a technician and they expressed those concerns to me and that brings me great worry. The service technician believed it was just the oil cap being loose but there was no evidence of that.

Incident date: Mar 2, 2026

Traveling on an interstate at 75 mph (posted speed limit) and a warning popped up telling us to pull over bc the engine will shut off. We lost acceleration and could not continue with the flow of traffic. Had to cross through multiple lanes of traffic without the ability to accelerate. This has happened several times in this vehicle. I feel unsafe driving.

Incident date: Mar 2, 2026

The connecting road bearing broke apart. Caused the engine to shut off while driving. No, the problem has not been confirmed but all the symptoms and issues point to it. They found metal shavings in the oil and oil filter. The EPC light came on prior to it occurring.

Incident date: Apr 22, 2026

First engine has not failed yet, it will happen. It presents a safety defect potential stalling , engine failure, or worse. ... It is same engine as non-hybrids . build date December 2023. Cuurent milage 23k . Toyota excluded hybrids with no proof safely exit hwy under electric power. i avoid passing lane for this very reason. Hybrid cannot gain speed to get over to side of the road. with drast... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2023

The vehicle exhibits dangerous electronic malfunctions. A licensed technician (MV-113255) has confirmed a sporadic unintended acceleration defect where the cruise control 'decrease' button causes the vehicle to increase speed. Additionally, the vehicle repeatedly enters 'Limp Mode' in active traffic, causing a violent jerk and a total loss of acceleration while displaying a 'Smart City Brake Suppo... Read more

Incident date: Apr 14, 2026

I experienced repeated stalling, loss of drive power while on the highway, limp mode, and all dashboard warning lights over several years. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealership multiple times and specifically asked whether these symptoms were related to the known fuel pump recall. Each time I was told the recall was not the cause. I was also told recall parts were unavailable or ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 14, 2026

MY VEHICLE HAS HAD A FUEL INJECTOR RECALL SINCE 07/2025. MY CAR HAS GRADUALLY STARTED TO IDLE AND DROP RPMS. IT STARTS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY IN PARK AND NOW IT IS HAPPENING WHEN I AM IN DRIVE AND FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE. I AM NOT SURE WHAT TO DO BECAUSE OF THE OPEN RECALL WITH NO REPAIR OPTIONS IN SIGHT ALMOST A YEAR LATER.

Incident date: Dec 8, 2015

On April 14, 2026, my 2019 Hyundai Sonata was parked at a retail store parking lot. Returning from the store, I attempted to start the car, and it did not start. I attempted to start it again, and I saw smoke coming out from under the hood. I immediately exited the vehicle and opened the hood. I saw open flames coming out of the engine area, about 4” high. I called 911 and waited about 10 minute... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Apr 22, 2026

After vehicle acting like it isnt getting power and trying to die, I pulled into a gas station and turned it off. When I went to restart it, the vehicle kept turning over and over automatically not wanting to start and the engine light came on. I let it sit for about 5 minutes and tried again. It did same thing. I tried a 3rd time pushing the gas pedal and it finally started. I made it home 2... Read more

Incident date: Mar 28, 2026

I experienced an engine issue that I believe is related to excessive oil consumption and the lack of an oil pressure light warning. The car was driven out of town when a noise was heard coming from the engine. A visual inspection of the engine revealed smoke coming from the engine department when the oil cap was removed. The dipstick was checked and showed no visible oil on the stick. Later in tha... Read more

Incident date: Apr 21, 2026

Complete shut down of all electrical associated components while driving on highway Loss of power steering loss of braking loss of ability to accelerate transmission failure loss of lane detection, loss of car detection. Diagnosed as , faulty alternator recall repaired and continuation of same electrical failures despite six additional repairs Multiple failures of all electrical components on ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 5, 2026

My car is not accelerating when I shift into drive or reverse. It says “reversing not possile-service required” error. Out the blue. There is a known recall on these model cars but Mercedes benz is saying its vin specific and mine is not covered even though I am experiencing the exact same issue. Recall date- 2017-02-07 Recall no. 17V078000

Incident date: Oct 15, 2025

Noticed large amount of oil on driveway. Check engine light came on. Took it to the VW dealer. They advised that there is a recurring problem with 2022 Tiguan, where a premature head gasket failure causes engine and coolant leaks. Requires a cylinder head replacement. Since a large number is affected, there is a 8-10 back order of the part. Also, I was told that VW is repairing the defect under S... Read more

Incident date: Apr 27, 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road, and the contact listened for the abnormal sound. The abnormal sound was persistent. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was ill... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2025

Driving and lost all power to truck annd lost control. Was able to coast truck with no accidents. all lights turned on dash board. Engine stating to make horrible noise. Cylinder 1 had a collapsed lifter which cause the failure. They replaced all lifters on the left side. They stated that batch of lifters were faulty. Requested to have the lifters on the right side replaced since they are t... Read more

Incident date: Apr 21, 2026

Issue Description: The vehicle developed a check engine light and was diagnosed with a P0302 cylinder #2 misfire. The condition persisted after basic troubleshooting, and the vehicle was taken out of service to prevent further damage. The vehicle was subsequently brought to an authorized Lincoln dealership for diagnostic evaluation. The dealership confirmed that the vehicle requires a full engin... Read more

Incident date: Apr 15, 2025

My vehicle was in motion down a state highway at approximately 55 mph around a corner as my 6.2 put itself into neutral and shut itself off. A message displayed on my dash stating to press start again to restart the engine. I pulled to the side of the road and attempted to do so in which nothing happened. Vehicle was towed to the dealer the same day. I was on a blind corner, experiencing complete ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 8, 2022

My wife was driving down the highway and out of no where there was a loud taping sound, the vehicle started running real bad (skipping), the vehicle lost power and she lost control of the steering. As a result, she ran off the road into a ditch. this is a known concern with the 6.2 liter engines and all signs are pointing to lifter failure. She could have ben seriously injured and GM is responsibl... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Apr 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 72 MPH and towing a trailer, the vehicle stalled while on the off-ramp. The vehicle failed to restart with an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the RPM was elevated. The contact was unsure if the sound was coming from the vehicle or another vehicle nearby. The message “E... Read more

Incident date: Apr 21, 2026

My 2018 Honda Odyssey began exhibiting intermittent acceleration lag several years before the repair, and the condition progressively worsened. At the time of repair, the vehicle had 68,957 miles. The safety concern occurs when accelerating from a stop, such as at a red light, stop sign, or when merging into traffic. I depress the accelerator normally and the vehicle does not respond. There is a d... Read more

Incident date: Jan 13, 2026

I am writing to formally report a recurring and serious mechanical issue involving the head gasket in the 2018 Honda Accord equipped with the 1.5L turbocharged engine. This issue appears to be widespread and poses both safety and financial concerns for vehicle owners. In my experience, the vehicle began exhibiting symptoms consistent with head gasket failure at relatively low mileage. These sympt... Read more

Incident date: Oct 6, 2025

I Was traveling home one night and the truck shut off while driving and lost all power, loosing all steering, braking power aswell as all my lights while traveling down the road in the dark. . When I went to start it again all I would get was a cranking noise but no firing. After 30 minutes of waiting the truck started again. In which I drove it 3 more miles before it shut down again. After that i... Read more

Incident date: Feb 6, 2025

The vehicle’s ICCU unit stopped working out of the blue. This happened on a busy intersection and the car came to a sudden and violent halt. Luckily we were not involved in an accident. It’s a very well known issue with these vehicles and it’s really criminal that Kia has done nothing to fix it. They just change the ICCU unit and then it happens again.

Incident date: Apr 1, 2026

I am reporting a pattern of systemic failures on a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid with approximately 131,000 miles. This is my second NHTSA complaint regarding this vehicle and manufacturer. Primary Safety Concern — Engine Wiring Harness: During a recent engine replacement at an authorized Hyundai dealership, technicians identified damage to the engine wiring harness and documented in writing that t... Read more

Incident date: Dec 16, 2023

After owning this truck a little over a year I’ve had to replace the transmission and now it’s in the because the motor sounds like a bag of marbles was put in it and the warranty company is a joke they only want to replace just the cam and lifters but yet the dealership hasn’t be authorized to go to the bottom of the motor to check it out this truck has been nothing but a lemon!!!!!

Incident date: Feb 1, 2026

I am reporting a safety defect involving a GM 6.2L L87 engine. My vehicle was included in the GM recall related to engine failure (loss of propulsion). The recall remedy was performed, and the engine was replaced under recall/warranty in August 2025. After the recall repair and engine replacement, the vehicle experienced a second catastrophic engine failure, on April 21st. The engine failed agai... Read more

Incident date: Apr 7, 2026

I purchased this vehicle CPO and shortly after purchase the vehicle experienced a major mechanical failure involving the clutch/transmission. The vehicle had a prior safety recall (Recall #24S36) listed as “completed” before I purchased it. However, the issue has now reoccurred despite that recall being marked as repaired. The dealership is now claiming the failure is due to “wear and tear... Read more

Incident date: Apr 19, 2026

Vehicle has 126,000 miles on it and has a coolant intrusion into the engine. This has also caused my heater to go out with a weird smell and making the engine shake when driving.

Incident date: Apr 19, 2026

Rod bearing failure while driving, engine made a clanking noise. Engine made a loud bang and shut off. It was difficult for the driver to get control of the vehicle and get it to the side of the road. Engine threw the rod and piston through the oil pan causing catastrophic internal damage. The oil had been changed the day prior. The company that changed the oil sent an inspector to evaluate car... Read more

Incident date: Apr 17, 2026

I was driving and lost engine power in the left lane of a freeway, cut across traffic and coasted to the shoulder. Had truck 6' off of road, though with semis and cars passing at 70mph, I left and waited in the ditch for the tow truck. The electronics worked, but the engine was dead and would not start. When the tow truck arrived, the wheels were locked up and they used rollers to haul the truck ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. While depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The contact stated that the rear driver’s side brake light was inoperative. The failure occurred on several occasions. No warning lights were illuminated. The c... Read more

Incident date: Feb 7, 2026

Grinding noise on startup. Goes away after warmup. Ford Dealer just reported that I need a $6,500 engine repair. I’ve owned this truck since brand new in 2019. Always have done routine maintenance. This clearly is a quality issue.

Incident date: Feb 7, 2026

I own a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Base (VIN: [XXX] ) equipped with the 1.5L EcoBoost 3-cylinder engine. I am experiencing a complete and repeated loss of engine coolant with no visible external leak. Upon inspection, air bubbles were observed rising through the coolant reservoir when coolant was added, indicating combustion gases are entering the cooling system through a compromised seal. On multiple... Read more

Incident date: Feb 7, 2026

EGR system coolant leak and white smoke from exhaust

Incident date: Apr 17, 2026

Since moving here to Nevada in 2023, I’ve had several oil changes. After about 1200 I have to add mother oil to the car. I’ve gone back three times to 5 min oil change to get free refills since they offer free top offs after your initial oil change. I than took a deep dive on the internet and discovered that the Volvo XC90, 2016 had issues with oil consumption, but never informed me of this i... Read more

Incident date: Apr 21, 2025

While driving, the truck suddenly Boggs down and gets sluggish. A message appeared once that said reduced acceleration drive with care. It is dangerous because it loses power and stalls in front of other vehicles. I took it to the dealership on Friday the 17th and they said it was the crank position sensor. They ordered the part and I took it back on Monday the 20th and they replaced the sensor. T... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2024

As I was driving down the tollway in Dallas going 75 miles an hour, my engine completely shut down and went into neutral in rush hour traffic. I had to slowly get over from being in the left lane as my car was slowing and slowing. I was able to get over on the side of the tollway as cars zoomed past me. By the grace of God, I didn't get hit. Once it was towed, the service department confirmed ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 25, 2024

When driving the transmission it shudders/hesitates when pressing the accelerator.

Incident date: Nov 23, 2025

Grid heater bolt broke while towing our camper and destroyed our engine while traveling through Virginia!

Incident date: Apr 6, 2026

Vehicle is shifting it self to park while driving and your truck will lock up in traffic, digital instrument. Cluster will go black then come back saying restart required before you can start driving and get out of harms way. Digital cluster will flash while driving causing the turn signals to malfunction and you can not see how fast you are going. It is also causing the transmission to get stuck ... 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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