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 17, 2026

On February 27, 2026, my 2020 Hyundai Kona (Recall 203) suffered a catastrophic engine stall while driving, requiring an emergency tow. The dealership (Rosen Hyundai) and Hyundai Motor America are refusing to perform the Safety Recall 203 remedy unless I first pay $4,715.26 for a timing repair. I was also required to pay $453.05 for wiring repairs just to "enable" the recall test, yet the recall r... Read more

Incident date: Apr 17, 2026

I am writing about my concerns on a 2016 Hyundai Sonata SE that I purchased for my daughter in October 2023. After purchasing I took it to my local Hyundai dealer to have it checked out. It was one of the cars that came with a lifetime warranty for the rods DO TO A DEFECT.On January 2024 my daughter was driving on the freeway when all of a sudden it just stopped accelerating and when checked it wa... Read more

Incident date: Apr 17, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with camshaft phaser and timing chain failures. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,540.

Incident date: Apr 17, 2024

Component/System: Engine — 1.5L EcoBoost short block coolant intrusion leading to catastrophic engine failure. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: Vehicle overheated while in operation, creating risk of engine fire, loss of vehicle control, and stranding of occupant on a public roadway. Ford's own TSB 22-2322 acknowledges this defect creates a fire risk. Confirmed by d... Read more

Incident date: Mar 9, 2026

These are two separate incidents. The first one is the seat moves to the left or to the right given the direction of the vehicle. The other incident was when I was reversing into a parking spot. The gear shifted out of reverse and just was in a floating stage. I then had to put it back into reverse to continue it did it twice

Incident date: Apr 4, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 BMW 530I. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop, and while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the contact stated that the infotainment system might have been remotely hacked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, whe... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2019

Upon driving on the highway the engine begins to make a hissing sound . Then the the car begins to feel like its slowly braking. From there It slowly loses power . The accelerator does nothing. This happened when my son I his [XXX] was drive me to airport through [XXX] mountains. Had to pull over many times eventually getting and Uber from gas station to make flight. Very unsafe condition and ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 27, 2025

While driving this car on April 4, 2026 at around 6PM, I experienced the distinct smell of gasoline. I had driven for about 5 minutes on our way to a local restaurant that is approximately an 8 minute drive from our residence. My wife said that she had just filled the gas tank that afternoon. After arriving at the restaurant, I checked the gas cap to ensure it was tightly sealed. I also checke... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Apr 6, 2026

On 4 seperate occasions, my vehicle has completely shut off in the middle of the road. 3 times this has happened while traveling on the interstate. Every time with my 6 year old son in the car. The steering wheel locks up when it happens and you have to use all of your strength to get out of the road as soon as possible to avoid being smashed by oncoming traffic. On 8 seperate occasions, my vehicl... Read more

Incident date: Apr 17, 2026

Coolant intrusion in the engine. Causes failure if engine and oil leak on engine. Had it diagnosed with a mechanic.

Incident date: Apr 17, 2026

On 04/16/2026, while driving, vehicle received and completed a software/firmware OTA update. A second update completion prompt was received while still in motion. Shortly after, while stopped at a traffic light, the auto-start/stop system re-engaged and the vehicle appeared to restart normally. Upon stopping to refuel, remote key fob auto-start failed to respond. Vehicle was started manually and ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 8, 2026

We have been without our 2020 JEEP since the end of February 2026 due to an engine issue (had the car only 6-7 months). The first company thought there might be coolant in the head gasket causing the issue. After our extended warranty company wanted the engine opened to confirm, we had to send the car to Precision Tune at the end of March to do this (prior place didn't open engines or repair them ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 8, 2026

The catalyst, the Evap and the EGR/VVT

Incident date: Sep 1, 2024

Check Engine light illuminated, code: P2402 #07E8 EVAP SYSTEM LEAK DETECTION PUMP CONTROL CIRCUIT HIGH. Checked online and same year, same model have recall for same issue.

Incident date: Nov 30, 2025

Same as in the other two complaints. At one year and approximately 5000 miles I personally did the first oil change. Car was approximately 3 quarts low on oil after draining the oil for the oil change. Filled up to manufacturers recommendation. Two months later and approximately 1000 miles on the car, the car was 1 quart low. GM has a bulletin on this very issue bulletin number 01–0 6–0 1–0... Read more

Incident date: Apr 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that DTC: P2002 was displayed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the diesel particulate filter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 18, 2026

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Yes How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The car stalls and/or shuts down while in use Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives,... Read more

Incident date: Apr 17, 2026

6.2l engine was losing power in Oct 2025. Took to dealership to address L87 recall. Oil change was completed and recall was closed. In March 2026, vehicle lost full power while driving on highway with other traffic. Vehicle was towed to dealership. Battery replaced. April 2026, vehicle lost power again on highway with traffic. Vehicle towed back to dealership. Both incidents inbolved children i... Read more

Incident date: Feb 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated when the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle, and the vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact became aware that the 400 AMP... Read more

Incident date: Apr 10, 2026

Coolant Intrusion in the Block Led to white smoke coming out of the exhaust thick enough that I couldn't see as I tried to back out of the road.

Incident date: Apr 17, 2026

This is a report of a recurring, life-safety defect involving unintended vehicle movement in a 2024 Ford Expedition. The vehicle has experienced two separate incidents where it was placed in 'Park,' remained stationary for 13-30 seconds, and then began driving itself backward without driver intervention or throttle input. Incident 1: Occurred on March 29, 2026 and I have this one on video. Incid... Read more

Incident date: Apr 17, 2026

I PURCHASED A 2018 FORD EXPLORER WITH THE 2.3L 4 CYLINDER ENGINGE IN 2023. WITHIHN A YEAR OF MY ENGINE STARTED TO HAVE ISSUES HESITATING WHEN ACCELERATING. THEN IT OVERHEATED AND I REALIZED MY COOLANT WAS DISAPPEARING BUT WASNT POOLING ANYWHERE.. IT WAS EVAPORATING BECAUSE IT WAS LEAKING INTO MY SPARK PLUGS. WHEN I CHANGED PLUGS I NOTICED OIL OR COOLANT ON TWO OF THEM I CALLED FORD ABOUT I... Read more

Incident date: Feb 14, 2026

On March 14th the 6.2L engine was making a loud noise so I took it straight to the dealership and dropped it off. It was determined to be a failed engine. I have not been able to use my vehicle for 5 weeks now.

Incident date: Apr 16, 2026

A check engine light turned on and the vehicle was taken to a local dealership. The check engine light was for an engine misfire and was diagnosed further. There was an engine failure due to coolant entering the system. Upon further research, I learned this is a common issue for 2016-2020 Ford Mustangs and it is due to a faulty engine design. The dealership is recommending a new engine install wit... Read more

Incident date: Feb 24, 2026

I. Dash lights go on and off intermittently 2. If you bump the gear shift lightly it comes out of gear.

Incident date: Feb 24, 2026

Truck has stopped completely including brakes and truck shutting completely off three times, causing almost collisions three times now. This is an extreme safety risk, this vehicle was just purchased from dealer three month ago and all maintenance and recalls thus far have been dealt with

Incident date: Jul 13, 2025

I was driving on a cold day. When I stopped at a stoplight seeking to make a left turn, the car would not accelerate when I pressed the gas pedal. I looked down and saw the following warning sign "Engine Stopped, Steering Power Low" appear on the dashboard. However, since the car was not in park, it had rolled forward and was close to the being in the nearest lane of oncoming traffic. It was also ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 14, 2026

I am submitting this as a formal complaint regarding an ongoing and unresolved safety issue with my 2018 Nissan Maxima (VIN: [XXX] ). Despite multiple attempts to have this issue diagnosed and repaired, the problem continues without resolution. The issue occurs after driving for approximately 30 minutes. The vehicle suddenly goes into limp mode, the gas pedal becomes unresponsive, and the RPMs be... Read more

Incident date: Nov 21, 2025

Our vehicle has a hole/leak in the pipe before the catalytic converter. This is a known problem in other years of the Traverse, and the warranty was increased substantially to fix an obvious and proven issue. GM needs to repair our 2015 Chevrolet Traverse at no cost to us before the fumes cause harm to anyone in the cabin.

Incident date: Apr 1, 2026

Engine failed 3 cyclinders blew, car would not start, was able to drive car into parking lot (Einstein Bagels)before failure, otherwise could have been reared ended, as was in heavy traffic on westbound Dundee Road, in Palatine IL. Parking lot was near Dundee and Rand Road intersection

Incident date: Apr 16, 2026

PER DIAGNOSTICS, PTU HAS BEEN COMPROMISED. I was driving on the highway and the car started to shake and make a loud, grinding noise and seemed to be stuck in gear. When I stopped it wouldn't go into park or go into drive.

Incident date: Dec 1, 2025

on 2/28/26 i experienced complete engine failure on my 23 Yukon. I was going 70mph on the highway when the engine kicked and and kicked into neutral. the car spent 6 weeks in the dealer to have the engine replaced. i picked up the car on Wednesday, 4/15. On 4/16, i was once again driving, as normal when it suddenly turned off and kicked into neutral. 1 day after I picked up the vehicle it is once... Read more

Incident date: Apr 16, 2026

My 2012 Dodge developed an engine issue at 129,000 miles. The issue was rough idling and no acceleration. I took it to a Dodge dealer. They diagnosed it as a chronic cam issue with this generation Chrysler hemi engine. I had the cam and replaced at Waldorf Dodge. The cost was at $3400. I believe this is a known problem and Dodge is aware of exactly why it happens. Lack of oil pressure to two of th... Read more

Incident date: Apr 17, 2026

I was driving my 2022 Genesis GV80 on Sunday April 5th, 2026 when the vehicle started to overheat. This is the second incident that happened due to the vehicle overheating. The first time reported was in December 2025 at a cost of $3400 out of pocket. Now I see this recall for a potential fire that can be caused by the manufacturer defect. This is very concerning, since the vehicle has been servi... Read more

Incident date: Apr 17, 2026

A rod bearing inside the engine failed and created metal shavings inside the engine. The vehicle has not been fixed yet, so it is available for inspection currently, but I will be having the engine replaced in the next 2 weeks. With the metal shavings inside the engine it could cause a catastrophic failure of the engine while driving at any point The dealer has inspected and diagnose it as a ro... Read more

Incident date: Apr 14, 2026

When I’m stopped, the car sometimes shuts off. The horn works intermittently. When I start the car, it feels like it’s going to stall. At times, all of the dashboard warning lights come on. Also, when I’m backing out of my driveway with nothing behind me, the car will sometimes automatically brake hard.

Incident date: Mar 30, 2026

oil filter housing is plastic and is bound to give I hadn’t reach 150k miles its an expensive job not normal maintenance problem bmw is expensive but recall this part to protect consumers

Incident date: Apr 13, 2026

My Car would shut off in the middle of the road after I stopped to make a turn or even stop at a stop light. Also the engine is burning oil. Mechanic says the the engine needs to be replace. Something with the oil piston and the exhaust is burning oil. I am not sure

Incident date: Apr 14, 2026

While driving on a California freeway at approximately 70mph, the engine check light began flashing, the vehicle experienced a sudden and severe power loss, entered reduced power mode, and began violently shaking. Engine braking occurred without brake light activation, creating an immediate rear-end collision risk from following traffic. The vehicle would not stop shaking until restarted. This occ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 16, 2026

I was driving, no warning lights came on, and the car just stopped. Had it towed to a local mechanic and was told the engine froze.

Incident date: Apr 11, 2026

This has happened 3 other times. It just stalls out when stopped. Not to do its SMART thing but it clunks-like and turns completely off. Its a bit scarey. And now heat issues just like the last 2 summers. It has issues!

Incident date: Apr 16, 2026

The car has only 82,273 miles on it. We experienced rough idling and took it to a mechanic. They found that the #2 cylinder was cracked and leaking coolant into the cylinder. They also stated that this is a known manufactured defect, but there is no recall by Ford. They gave an estimate of $9000 to get a new modified engine. We took it to another mechanic for a second opinion and he confirmed t... Read more

Incident date: Feb 10, 2026

Subject: Formal Complaint and Denial of Recall Reimbursement – Nissan North America To Whom It May Concern, I am filing a formal complaint against Nissan North America for refusing to reimburse $6,703 in out-of-pocket expenses related to a failed VC-Turbo engine and a faulty electronic throttle body. These components failed on October 20, 2025, and are directly associated with active, ongo... Read more

Incident date: Apr 16, 2026

In February of 2025 the brake vacuum pump failed and lost braking power. It was promptly towed to Toyota and the recall was performed. Roughly 3 weeks later an internal engine part that was removed during the recall repair came loose and damaged something internally. Since then the vehicle has yet to be adequately repaired. It produces no power, struggles to accelerate and has constant safety syst... Read more

Incident date: Feb 7, 2026

I have had my vehicle for less than 2 years and less than 25,000. I had it in for regular maintenance and was told I had no coolant. After a pressure test the dealership told me I had a large crack in the coolant line. It will 2 weeks to get the part and I can’t drive my truck. This needs to be made a recall and the part needs to be made available asap.This could of caused serious damage to my e... Read more

Incident date: Feb 10, 2026

Known Recall Issue: The failure pattern aligns with known manufacturer defect categories involving: •Engine torque / internal engine failure conditions •Cooling system failure leading to overheating Shortly after I purchased my 2015 Range Rover, I started to have repeated and escalating safety-critical failures involving sudden loss of power, engine malfunction, and vehicle shutdown while dri... Read more

Incident date: Apr 3, 2026

While driving into work, I noticed a knocking sound from the outside of the vehicle. Once parked, upon further inspection I narrowed down the area of the noise to the bottom rear of the engine/front of transmission. Fortunately, I was able to park in front of my office building and wasn’t stranded on the side of the road but under different circumstances it could've been the side of a busy highw... Read more

Incident date: Apr 15, 2026

My vehicle started overheating out of no where towed it to the shop, it’s been there for 2 weeks they’re actively waiting for a manufacturer engineer to tell them what to do because they can’t figure out how to fix it. On top of that there have been a lot of overheating issues cause by different parts on the vehicle. There was another trailblazer in the at the same time as mine that was also... Read more

Incident date: Apr 16, 2026

Start blowing black smoke-while idling, over heated, stalled.

Incident date: Mar 10, 2026

My 2017 Ford Explorer suddenly started vibrating intensely whenever I am at a stop or start slowing down. Episodes of hesitation when attempting to take off from a start with significant rpm surges. I am told I need to have my torque converter replaced. My vehicle has 84,697 miles on it, and was bought brand new from a dealer. I already had to have a new engine a month ago. This level of multiple ... 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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