Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 164,804 complaints — component: ENGINE
Incident date: May 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle was driving unusually rough and the vehicle stalled. In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to stall as intended. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
My engine has been diagnosed as having connecting rod bearing knock, which is indicative of failing connecting rod bearings. Two independent mechanics have told me I need a new engine. I'm submitting this complaint as further evidence for the NHTSA investigation that Honda's Honda Pilot Connecting Rod Bearing Safety Recall had an insufficient of covered vehicles. At the time of purchase and as of ... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
2024 Crown Hybrid system keeps popping up on dash saying warm lamp came on twice: third time Warning lamp turned. Vehicle has been serviced twice at same dealer and then taken to another for same problem. The problem has not been resolved. Dealership indicates cannot duplicate problem. I have even shown the dealership from photo and not able to resolve.
Incident date: May 26, 2026
For the third time the 2025 KIA Carnival Prestige I own lost power while driving on the interstate! Without warning, the vehicle would no longer respond to the accelerator pedal. No matter what I did I could not get the vehicle to accelerate past 35 mph. The minimum speed limit on the interstate is 45 mph. I had to immediately engage my hazard lights and make my way over to the shoulder of the r... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) — ENGINE
May 27, 2026
Incident date: Sep 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving, the vehicle decelerated unintendedly and failed to exceed 50 MPH on several occasions. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the message " Reduced Acceleration - Drive With Care" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions, and the OnStar sensors, the fuel injectors and 8 spark plugs we... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2025
We purchased our 2012 Dodge Ram heavy duty with tow package new. At just over 152000 miles, the engine started knocking while on vacation. We were not towing at the time. We put in injector cleaner to try and help the knocking. During our vacation, we were on the freeway when we suddenly lost power, the service engine light popped on, and the engine died. We were literally driving one minute and t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
I purchased a 2023 Nissan Rogue from Bella Nissan in Union City in September 2025. The dealership failed to disclose to me that there was an open recall on my vehicle. Several weeks later, the car shut down on me while I was driving back to work from lunch, which was extremely dangerous as well as frightening. I missed half a day’s pay because I could not return to work. I had to return the car ... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2026
I purchased a new 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback on 4/13/2026. I brought my car home that day and then had to go to the hospital for surgery so didn't drive my car for two weeks. I get in my car after a couple of weeks and the engine light came on and didn't come off I took it into Audi on May 7th. Audi said I could pick up my car on Monday May 11th and said the car battery was charged and I should be ... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
The engine has 1205 miles on it and seized up. Autofair hyundia of Manchester denied us. We did get a warning light a couple days before. But to late just the dealer inspected it.
Incident date: May 27, 2026
Engine temp gauge stops working causing the air to stop working and the cooling fan to rev to highest rpm. Also a warning that the steering assist is reduced. Eng check light comes on with a code P0208. This a known problem with an extended service # (N242484760) but only if your vin is listed. All vehicles with this problem should be covered
Incident date: May 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving 60-65 MPH, the check engine light was blinking. The vehicle began to jerk. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with faulty fuel injectors. The injectors were replaced. After further evaluation, it was determined that the engine and knock sensor needed to be replaced Additionally the rod bear... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2023
I’ve had three transmissions replaced from 2023 to 2026. Ford no longer makes 2017 Ford Explorer transmissions so I keep getting bad parts. In 2026 engine light came on , coolant leaking into cylinders, $11K to fix. This car has left me stranded on the side of the road , not to mention months at the dealership trying to find transmission parts. Ford Corporation refuses to buy back vehicle based... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2025) — ENGINE
May 27, 2026
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
1st incident My son was driving the truck when all the emergency lights came on. He pulled over and the engine was on fire. He ran to a strangers house to get buckets of water not safe for my child at all. Come to find out that an engine rod slipped and put three holes through the engine causing oil to spill and a fire unbelievable! Lucky my son wasn’t injured. Chevy blames my son for that!... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
Filing regarding NHTSA Recalls 25V-636 and 26V-056. My 2021 BMW X3 M40i (VIN: [XXX] , built September 2020) contains the recall-affected starter part number ending in 997 — confirmed by a BMW Level 1 certified technician — not the non-recall part number ending in 505. BMW denied coverage based solely on manufacture date, with no consideration of the actual components installed. My vehicle dis... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2026
On XXX, I was driving my 2025 Cadillac Escalade (6.2L engine) on [XXX] , at 55 mph in a construction zone. The right lane had a cement barrier one foot from the yellow line, eliminating any shoulder, and the left side had only a narrow berm before the median. Without any prior warning, I heard a loud “pop” and felt a jolt. Immediately, the check engine light illuminated, the vehicle went silen... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
I was driving on the freeway and my check engine light started to flicker and I felt my car shake and going to limp mode. I made an appointment with the Kia dealership and they told me the engine is failing. They submitted a request for a Goodwill case to Kia corporation and it was denied since there’s no open recalls and is not covered by the extended warranty. the dealership recommended me to ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
Problem 1, Check Engine Light: I purchased the used car on Jan 9 2025, around 23,400 miles from Kia Dealership, capitol Expy in San Jose. Today 05/27/2026, the odometer reads 26, 407 miles. My car is used only twice a week - 20 miles on Fridays, 12 miles on Wednesdays. My car has less than minimum wear and tear and is barely used. I completed my 25K service after Thanksgiving in Nov 2025. I ha... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2023
I have changed this transmission twice, and the truck still turns off when it comes to a complete stop at an intersection. It hesitates, skips, and pulls back when driving.
Incident date: May 21, 2026
Vehicle shut off while driving on highway during morning rush. Car shut off within seconds of flashing dashboard. I was in a dangerous situation with the possibility of creating a major highway accident, I was stuck on the highway with disappearing breakdown lane. Pulled code P26CB on OBD code reader at auto zone; P26CB7 pulled on Toyota diagnostic code reader= Engine coolant pump actuator stuc... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
I am formally requesting a neutral third-party arbitration review under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act to compel American Honda Motor Co. to provide a permanent mechanical remedy—specifically, the sourcing and installation of a brand-new, redesigned engine assembly (Engine #Four)— This vehicle frame is now on its third engine block. Car was bought 11/30/2024. At Grubbs Acura, fuel pump safety ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
The engine of this vehicle is still exhibiting the issues that are under the class action lawsuit. Engine. Was not repaired properly by dealership. I must change my oil around 1700 miles
Incident date: Jun 12, 2025
VEHICLE: 2019 Honda Accord LX SUMMARY OF SAFETY DEFECTS & FAILURE: My vehicle is experiencing severe, dangerous mechanical and electrical failures identical to existing national safety recalls, yet my specific VIN is being excluded by the manufacturer. 1. FUEL SYSTEM FAILURE & ENGINE STALLING: The vehicle is experiencing sudden engine stalling and failure to start due to a defective low-pressur... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2022
Around 100,000 miles, my vehicle began experiencing intermittent hesitation, sudden loss of power, and frequent stalling. Prior to the complete failure, the vehicle would occasionally hesitate during acceleration and feel like it was losing engine power while driving. Over time, the problem became more frequent. One day, while driving approximately 50 mph on a side road, the vehicle suddenly stal... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2023) — ENGINE
May 27, 2026
Incident date: May 27, 2026
Just got the call from the dealership BAYWAY Cadillac of The Woodlands that the L87 V-8 engine recall failed inspection and the engine will need to be replaced.
Incident date: May 10, 2026
on 5 different occasions over the last month, I have had the car go into an engine shut off and said put it into P or N and restart while I am driving on the road!! 05/10-was going to a stop sign and going 5-20 mph. 05/17-happened twice that day, both driving around town 10-30 mph. 05/26- happened driving around town going around a curve 5-20 mph. 05/27 getting off the interstate and getting ready... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2026
While driving my vehicle suddenly would not accelerate above 20 mph and warning lights all over the dash lit up (check engine, abs brake system, adaptive cruise control, vehicle stability, power steering, hill assist, and brake hold). I took it for a diagnostic, it gave a code for cylinder 3 misfire. I got a tune up the next day along with a fuel system cleaning just to be safe. After about 35 mil... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) — ENGINE
May 27, 2026
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
I was driving and all of a sudden engine and transmission failed many lights appeared on the dashboard brakes were not braking, the truck started to lose power and making weird noises.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle was hard to stop, and he lost control but was able to avoid a crash. The maintenance light was illuminated. Upon further research, the contact indicated the failure was related to TSB T-SB-0088-23. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine moun... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
reporting a serious safety concern involving my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport with the Theta II engine. While driving on the highway, my vehicle suddenly lost power without warning. The vehicle became unsafe to drive and I had to pull over and have it towed. There was no warning light before the failure. The vehicle has been regularly maintained. Hyundai later stated there was internal engine dama... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2026
This is a well known problem that when water gets into the intercooler, the car goes into limp Mode. This happens to my daughter, while driving 85 miles in the fast lane in the highway. Her check engine light started flashing, she was unable to accelerate, and she was scared! She had to pull over in the left lane, against the median.This is a safety hazard! I am paying over $1000 to have this fi... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2026
While I was driving in the interstate my car when in limp mode while I was trying to pass a semi. I had my children in the car and was stranded on the side of the road. No warning lights ever came on before hand. My mechanic said it was a problem with my engine and it’s common in Kia’s in but doe not include my year. It’s a costly repair for a car that’s not even 5 years old.
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
Ford dealership in Ferndale,MI told me I needed a new engine February 2025 which was covered under warranty. they told me they had to replace my engine. I serviced car at same dealership for numerous oils changes engine light was in but they told me that it was codes for something else that they reported on my papers. My Vehicle started running hard in January 2026 asked them about why it was run... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to O’Reilly’s where it was diagnosed with a failed engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle as not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a r... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2026
Faulty fuel injectors are causing consistent engine misfires and occasionally causing the check engine light to illuminate and for the vehicle to reduce power greatly. This poses a great safety risk to both myself and other drivers on the road because in the event of a large misfire, my vehicle suddenly slows and I have to navigate to the shoulder of the road. A Kia dealership has confirmed that t... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2026
Engine failure at 93,000 miles. Timing chain jumped, causing internal engine damage. Dealer (Capitol Kia, San Jose CA) diagnosed engine as failed and quoted $11,843 for short block replacement. Vehicle is a 2021 Kia Sportage 2.4L. This is a known issue with the Theta II 2.4L engine.
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2024) — ENGINE
May 27, 2026
Incident date: May 20, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -The engine malfunctioned. It is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -The engine went out at 77k miles in the middle of driving with no warning. Could have caused a serious accident. We have always done proper oil changes. The rods separated from the p... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH the engine seized. All the warning lights illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that an engine replacement was needed. The vehicle was not repaired due to the part being backordered. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 1... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2025
Low idol sputters then dies down shifts clunks and stays stuck in 3rd gear cruse control fails different modes stop working wrench light on dash truck is lurching on takeoff basically just destroying itself while in operation rendering it undriveable
Incident date: May 26, 2026
About every 7-9 days I will get a day or two where the engine shuts off while driving. Most recently it happened on 5/26, once at lunch time, once about 5pm, and again while driving about 8pm. All of these instances where at lower speeds, 2 while braking, another after taking a turn at a lower speed. Each time, the dash lights up, an alert sound plays and it says Engine off, shift into nuetral or ... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2026) — ENGINE
May 27, 2026
Incident date: May 27, 2026
While driving on the highway, the steering became much more stiff, and then I heard metallic clanging sounds for a few seconds. The dashboard said press start to start Vehicle. I pressed start while going 30 miles an hour and all lights and instrument clusters went black. I pulled into the grass median where the truck would not start or shift gears. Truck was towed to a GMC dealership
Incident date: May 20, 2026
While driving the engine stalls. It has jolted back-and-forth at times and had to be taken to a dealer. It’s still stalls when trying to slowly accelerate especially uphills. Low gas mileage barely getting 18 miles per gallon. Warning lights flickering while car stallling. It’s like it’s having a seizure. This has happened a few times.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C 300 4MATIC
(2024) — ENGINE
May 27, 2026
Incident date: May 5, 2026
I had to take a detour one night coming home, the detour led to a bridge that connects to a highway. Approaching the bridge my car started to jerk and pop up with all of these notification about “blind spot assistance” is down, “car engine failure, please check user manual”, “car malfunction” with a engine battery symbol. All the while the engine light was on. All these warning was pop... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2026
I was driving on the freeway in my Toyota Tundra when it suddenly shut off completely. It was honestly terrifying because my first thought was getting rear-ended in traffic. After about 15 seconds, the truck randomly turned back on by itself, but the whole situation really shook me up. A vehicle that new shouldn’t be doing something that dangerous.
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE HYBRID
(2025) — ENGINE
May 27, 2026
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
My 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid AWD was serviced under warranty on 4/22/2026 for a driveability concern after experiencing a loss of power while driving. The service history shows part HY35326-2M500 was replaced. On or about 5/25/2026, the same issue occurred again while driving at highway speed. The vehicle suddenly lost motive power and dropped from approximately 70 mph to approximately 30 to 40... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
The vehicle exhibited a severe mechanical engine knock, significant magnetic iron debris in the engine oil, and subsequently triggered diagnostic trouble code P1326 (Bearing Wear Limit Exceeded). This indicates imminent connecting rod bearing failure, which is a known defect subject to lifetime warranty extensions and safety recalls under the Hyundai/Kia Engine Litigation. This defect poses a seve... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
Car drives sluggish then takes off rides fine for awhile then problem repeats
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
Car started to overheat randomly, no signs of issues before, replaced the water pump for the second time in a year (2025 and again 2026). Continued having issues & white smoke puffing, turned out to have an oil leak due to piston rings being melted to the pistons, causing all spark plugs (prior repalced) and engine to be bad. Car is continuing to worse, sputters just sitting after you start it. Sm... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2026
Cv joint and axle causing car to stall when turunning
Incident date: May 25, 2026
The plastic coolant crossover valve or pipe failed at 66,000 miles and 5 years of usage. This led to the radiator cracking. After researching online, I read about thousands of Tacoma 3rd generation users with the same issue. Also, the same issue was recalled for several other models of Toyotas but not the Tacoma.
Incident date: May 19, 2026
First incident, vehicle completely lost power and turned off while driving down highway, fortunately I was able to coast in to shoulder and request a tow. Second event the vehicle flashed all warning lights while traveling down interstate and had a quick shudder. This was similar to first incident. However, lights eventually cleared themselves and power wasn’t lost. Third incident vehicle warnin... Read more