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 11, 2026

The AC compressor failed on my 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid after 2 1/2 years of service and 59,800, mostly highway, miles. This affected the vehicle's drivetrain and it ground to a halt many times with a message "Check Hybrid System" displayed on the dashboard. The problem occured randomly and initially every few minutes when the vehicle was stopped at traffic lights, creating a real danger of being ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 11, 2026

Took my vehicle in for oil change and was notified the cam carrier is leaking. Researching this issue online it seems this is a very common problem with this vehicle and if I had known earlier wouldn’t have purchased for my daughter. With such a common problem I wonder why a recall hasn’t been made?

Incident date: Apr 18, 2026

Brand‑new 2026 Nissan Armada suffered catastrophic engine failure at under 5,000 miles. Fault codes P21A1, P0019, P0326, and P219C were identified by an ASE Master Technician. Technician warned of internal mechanical failure and a risk of fire or explosion. Vehicle became undriveable and was towed to the dealership. Technician instructed that the engine should not be started due to safety risk.

Incident date: Apr 17, 2026

The air conditioning in the is not blowing enough air to cool the car down. It would take long to cooling.

Incident date: Apr 3, 2026

Smoke coming from engine bay area. Vehicle in limp mode. Mechanic says piston broke a hole in engine wall.

Incident date: Mar 5, 2026

This is supplemental information for my existing Complaint #XXX – 2021 Kia Seltos SC336 / 25V-099. Key facts and timeline: Purchased as Certified Pre-Owned on August 17, 2025 from Rairdon Kia of Burlington. Safety Recall SC336 / 25V-099 performed June 24, 2025 (mileage 61,378). January 15, 2026 oil change performed at Smith Kia of Bellingham (R.O. XXX). April 2, 2026: Sudden severe loss of powe... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2026

I check my oil every time I get gas as to ensure that i don't go below the threshold for the oil, as I know these engines have an oil consumption issue. My terrain started having a loud grinding sound after losing power on the highway and I was able to pull off before the car died completely over 60 miles from home. I have since changed the upstream, and downstream O2 sensors (they needed it), VVT... Read more

Incident date: Apr 4, 2026

coolant intrusion

Incident date: Apr 16, 2026

I brought this truck brand new. Had issues the first couple days of purchase that was a quick fix, but as time went on things got worse. Truck always stalling out, engine has been replaced once already due to a recall and months after the first replacement, it stalled out on me again in the middle of the freeway and I just got a call from the dealership that it needs another new engine! How is thi... Read more

Incident date: Jan 9, 2026

On 3/28/2026 my vehicle decided to engage the emergency brake, shift into park and turn engine off at the intersection with oncoming traffic approaching causing several vehicles to dangerously navigate around my vehicle to avoid an accident

Incident date: Apr 14, 2026

Was driving the truck on the highway at 75mph when suddenly the motor revved up in rpm’s and vehicle lost all power. There was no warning lights or any limp mode or anything as such as far as warning. The truck lost all power and could hear metal to metal sounds and turned off the motor. I was able to coast the truck to an off ramp in 70mph traffic. The truck would not turn back on and vehicle w... Read more

Incident date: Apr 2, 2026

This vehicle has 110000 miles. Has coolant intrusion in cylinder 2. Has had an issue since 45000 miles with drivability. Coils and spark plugs were replaced even though coolant intrusion was a known issue at the time.

Incident date: Dec 13, 2025

Vehicle shut off while driving. Luckily we were in right lane and we just drifted into breakdown lane with no power steering or power braking. These cars are unsafe 2500-4000 lb missiles going down the roadway and the government is continuing to allow them on the roadway with serious life jeopardizing known defects. The dealers point at Jeep, Jeep points to dealers, both point to Stelantis and it... Read more

Incident date: Apr 17, 2026

It has a miss in cylinder 2. I understand there is a recall about this problem and I would like Ford to take care of problem. I have been driving Fords since 1960 and I also retired from a Ford dealership in Texas after 22+ years of service. Would like to hear back from you on this matter.

Incident date: Apr 10, 2026

On 4/17/2026 in Tomball Texas I experienced a sudden loss of engine propulsion while driving on a 4 lane road. The battery had voltage, hazard lights and radio worked normally. The car rolled to a stop in a traffic lane as this road has no shoulder and was put into park. The push button ignition was pressed but no restart of engine. The car was towed to the dealer that same day and told me the... Read more

Incident date: Feb 2, 2026

We received notification about the PCM needing reprogrammed and we had that done in 2020 at 41K miles. In Oct 2025 we had the water pump and timing belt changed at 106,236 miles then 5 months later it started shaking and the check engine light came on. The light had never come on before this. It has 109,630 miles. I put a scanner on it and it showed P0302 misfire so I replaced the plug and coil i... Read more

Incident date: Mar 17, 2026

Iwe were on freeway 70 mph and then the motor lost power with a a semi behind us our motor went to 20mph this suv is dangerous unfixable and I should get a new car and money back this car has almost gotten us killed 4 times now,I've given Ford 3 different chances to fix it,they can't they are putting on the same parts our son is so scared he won't get in the car at all,we have made Ford aware of ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 11, 2026

My vehicle suddenly stalled and completely shut off while I was driving. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms to alert me there was any engine issues. I was definitely put in danger as I was driving at rush hour in a 6 lane busy US 1 Federal Highway. The vehicle was stalled, without any power, in the middle lane with cars and trucks swerving around me at the last minute. I called 911 im... Read more

Incident date: Dec 15, 2025

Engine randomly shuts off when driving for no reason. Will restart and check engine light comes on. Has now happened three times , twice to me in traffic. One of those the car went into a limp mode where it wouldn't drive above 30mph at most. This is very unsafe in the middle of highway traffic. The second happened approaching a traffic light , I put the car into neutral and luckily it restarted ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 11, 2026

I am submitting a complaint regarding a serious engine failure in my 2022 GMC Yukon XL equipped with the 5.3L engine (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle has experienced a complete failure of the lifters and camshaft. Prior to the failure, there were noticeable engine performance issues, including abnormal ticking noises, rough operation, and loss of power. The condition worsened rapidly, ultimately resulti... Read more

Incident date: Apr 12, 2026

I had the oil changed on my car at a local tire and lube shop. Two weeks later I drove to Vegas (7 hrs one way). While in Vegas I started to hear a super faint clicking noise coming from under my hood, but no lights came on inside, so I assumed maybe it was nothing serious and would have it checked when I returned home 3 days later. On the way home (2 hrs from home) the clicking got louder. I at... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Mar 19, 2026

VIN: [XXX] Recall data refreshed on Apr 18,2026 1Unrepaired Recalls associated with this VIN Oct 23,2025 Manufacturer Recall Number67C NHTSA Recall Number25V-720 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary 4-13-2026 Is someone going to have to die because this vehicle is still on the road with a recall that could start a fire in the engine compartment that no one knows what ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 8, 2026

I am filing a safety complaint regarding a sudden and complete loss of power event while driving my 2021 Land Rover Discovery. The vehicle experienced a DC-DC converter failure with no warning, resulting in a sudden shutdown. The engine lost power, critical systems went offline, and I was unable to shift the vehicle into neutral. The vehicle became immobilized in active traffic, creating a dangero... Read more

Incident date: Jan 12, 2026

2014 Acura RLX Advance suffered an Engine Failure from internal bearing defect. The vehicle was meticulously maintained by Acura dealerships, and had extensive service records. While driving, the engine produced a knocking sound, then abruptly shook and died. The Engine has seized, and exactly has the same problem with Honda/Acura 3.5l V6s recalls. Diagnostics after Engine failure included inspec... Read more

Incident date: Apr 13, 2026

82.826 miles sounded like a idler pully making dinging noise got louder driving in city went to get on highway sudden lost of power and rattling noise and jerking and lunging got off first exit pulled into parking lot and shut it off. Called dealer they sent tow truck diagnosed it as bad motor 4/6/26 got remanufactured motor on 4/17/26 waiting to see how long this one lasts

Incident date: Mar 10, 2026

To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting a formal complaint regarding a serious safety issue involving my 2021 Kia Forte. Approximately one year ago, I purchased this vehicle used with approximately 56,000 miles. I have owned the vehicle for nearly a year without prior incident until a recent and significant failure occurred. While driving on a highway after work, the vehicle suddenly lost engine ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2026

I just bought the car one month ago, and While driving my 2016 Kia Soul on a high-speed highway at approximately 98,000 miles, the vehicle suddenly lost power without warning. The engine stopped responding and the car could not accelerate. This created a very dangerous situation because traffic was moving at high speed and I was at risk of being hit from behind. I was driving with my son, who has... Read more

Incident date: Apr 16, 2026

I am submitting this complaint to report a serious and potentially dangerous safety defect involving the internal water pump design in the 3.5L Duratec V6 engine used in my 2017 Ford Flex. The water pump in this engine is mounted internally behind the timing chain cover. When the pump fails, coolant is not externally visible but instead leaks directly into the engine oil. This design prevents ear... Read more

Incident date: Apr 17, 2026

Vehicle experienced catastrophic failure while going approximately 45 miles per hour in the middle lane of one of the busiest streets in the city…my [XXX] son was in the vehicle when this occurred….I am a disabled veteran who purchased this vehicle for transportation for son and his team mates to sporting events and tournaments…the vehicle has been at the dealership for 60 days…there was ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 14, 2026

I need to open a safety case for my vehicle. I am concerned with my vehicle. Car was having trouble starting on 4/16/2026 while parked at home giving a "full accessory power active" error. I called Ford and I was told it could be a battery issue. Triple A was called and help was dispatched. The Triple A representative did not jump start the battery and instead gave directions to power up the car... Read more

Incident date: Apr 16, 2026

As I was driving the car this error message came on. The battery was depleting faster than usual. Luckily I was able to get to a Honda dealer asap if not the car would go into “turtle mode” could stall in the middle of traffic. Also probably could not charge the car again due to this issue.

Incident date: Apr 17, 2026

I took the Kia to Hurst Dealership and Scott told me he would check it out. He called me and told me I needed the key replaced, so we paid them 230 dollars. Then he told me he found 4 recalls, fixed 3 of the 4 recalls. The last one, the engine seizing up, was still not complete. after 30 days we removed the car from that dealership because the whole time they were trying to sell us a car. Now th... Read more

Incident date: Apr 8, 2026

My vehicle is a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. It has a serious and recurring safety issue where the vehicle shuts off unexpectedly while driving. This has occurred on the freeway while driving at approximately 65–70 mph, which is extremely dangerous because the vehicle loses power while in traffic. After a previous repair at the dealer, the issue returned again after several months. The vehicle was p... Read more

Incident date: Apr 8, 2026

I have a car covered by the Theta II Settlement. Engine, fuel system. Metal shavings found in oil and oil is diluted with fuel and oil if overfilled 1 inch above full mark on dipstick upon pickup from dealership. The vehicle is available for inspection at my residence; however, it is currently grounded as a known safety hazard. The vehicle is exhibiting symptoms of imminent engine failure (audible... Read more

Incident date: Mar 31, 2026

8,305 miles the engine failed. Had to have it towed to the dealership. New engine on order, but on backorder and have no idea when it will come in.

Incident date: Apr 2, 2026

There is no incident, yet, just a recall that I have for this vehicle, coming up on a year here soon, for a fuel leak that could cause a fire under the hood while driving, and Ford doesn't seem to think that's urgent enough to get the parts to fix it. What's up with that? Safety recall notice, 25S76 NHTSA Recall, 25V467

Incident date: Apr 7, 2026

Vehicle experiences sudden, intermittent loss of motive power, severe engine hesitation, and stalling while operating at highway speeds. Diagnostic scans confirm fault codes P2015 and P0341, indicating a failure of the intake manifold position sensor and camshaft position correlation. These mechanical failures, combined with extreme carbon buildup on the valves, create a hazardous operating condit... Read more

Incident date: Apr 16, 2026

At 89k miles, my engine has failed, due to coolant intrusion, according to Ken Garff Ford Dealership in St. George, UT. I started having issues with rough start and timing miss and engine light came on. I immediately took it to Dealership and they did two repairs (tune-up) and subsequent gasket change because they said oil was getting into my spark plugs. It did not resolve the issue, took it stra... Read more

Incident date: Apr 14, 2026

While driving on the freeway, the car stopped having the ability to accelerate. The engine light came on, and I received a notification on the Mazda app stating there was an "engine malfunction." I took it to Mazda, and they told me nothing was wrong. Flash forward a month and the same exact situation occurred. I took it to Mazda, and they told me the same thing. This is incredibly dangerous, as ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 6, 2026

Coolant intrusion into cylinder #2 in my 2.0L Ecoboost engine. This gives a rough engine start and a misfire code for cylinder #2 on cold starts. After warmup, the engine code is not active and misfire goes away when the coolant is burnt and sent through the exhaust. This also caused the car to overheat as the coolant was dropping to a low level. There was no indication of the low coolant level un... Read more

Incident date: Mar 26, 2026

At 37008 miles my coolant started to leak and it overheated, when taking to a mechanic they replaced the coolant and tubes and advised that it was rubbing on the hose, so they replaced the hoses and put in new coolant fluid and said it was all addressed, not even a week later, it started to overheat again even though it has all new hoses and they wrapped the hoses so it doesn't wear and cause the ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 16, 2026

I have put 2 cat converters in 2 yrs in this truck there was a recall for an engine control module that when it gets heated could start a fire but it gets too hot and the converter gets clogged and oil starts going through engine. The dealer us out of business and went to jail. I can't keep putting new converts in and can't get inspection sticker because it causes the check engine light yo come on... Read more

Incident date: Apr 9, 2026

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS (123,000) - Coolant control Valve failure Cooling issues after 20-25 mins of driving. No Check engine lights initially just temperature gauge climbing. After 3 day of trying to drive to and from work. "Engine reduced" and P3075 code. Had it towed to dealership, in which they replaced the water pump. This DID NOT fix the issue. The next two drives (fro... Read more

Incident date: Apr 17, 2026

Car began making noises and overheating. Had to pay $2200 for water pump coolant thermostat timing belt etc. with the uncertainty if the engine was “blown”. Drove two days began overheating again. Has been determined that head gaskets are blown due to coolant leaking into the engine.

Incident date: Apr 17, 2026

Cylinder 4 misfire code caused a check engine light. Brought to mechanic who replaced all spark plugs and the cylinder 4 coil pack. The code came back later that day. I started noticing a low coolant level and one instance of white smoke on startup. I brought the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in the engine block. This is a well reported and well kno... Read more

Incident date: Apr 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2007 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, with the air bag warning light and check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn, and the vehicle was nearly involved in a T-bone crash. The contact forcefully turned the steering wheel to regain control of the v... Read more

Incident date: Apr 12, 2026

Hello, I would like to file a safety complaint regarding my Ford Escape. Vehicle Information: VIN: [XXX] Make/Model: Ford Escape Year: 2018 Issue Description: While driving, my vehicle suddenly overheated. The temperature gauge moved from normal to hot within seconds, and a warning appeared to stop the vehicle immediately. This created a serious safety concern, as the failure was sudden and wi... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, the rear wheels locked up. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the brakes needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to another l... Read more

Incident date: Jan 2, 2024

2020 Chevy Blazer RS 3.6L V6: having intermittent issues with ‘check engine’ light activating and giving code P0128 - indicating “Coolant Thermostat (Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature)”. Symptoms include: - Temp gauge drops to reading “C” (cold), - AC blows warm/hot air, - Dash displays message, “Steering Assist is Reduced, Drive with Care”, - Radiato... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2024

Loud ticking sound from engine corresponding with engine speed (faster as the rpms increased). Took in to dealership out of concern and the rod bearings were spun necessitating a full engine replacement. This was only 4 months after it passed the inspection for Recall - L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion (Related field action: See Special Coverage N252494003).

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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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