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 14, 2026
My vehicle has about 92000 miles on it. Recently I am hearing engine knocking noises. I hear the sound mostly when I start the car and drive. When the vehicle warms it the sounds goes away. I also noticed my torque converter is not shifting well. You heard grinding noises when shifting .
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
While driving down the interstate my 2021 Chevy Trailblazer suddenly flashed "Battery Saver Mode" on the dash and shut off completely. I was able to coast to the side of the road and call for help. This was a MAJOR safety issue as my 4 year old son was riding with me and we could've caused or gotten into a serious accident. There were no previous warnings and no Check Engine Light came on prior to... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
My 2018 Ford Escape has diagnostic codes P0302 and P0316 cylinder 2 misfire and no compression on cylinder 2 due to coolant intrusion into the engine block. This is a known defect documented in Ford TSB 22-2322 and Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12. My VIN was excluded from this program despite having the identical failure and identical fault codes as covered vehicles. This engine failure occurr... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
Noise coming from engine. No engine light nor warnings otherwise. Van was taken to dealership where it was confirmed that a rod bearing inside the engine assembly is faulty, which could cause sudden stalling of the vehicle, even while traveling at high speeds on the highway. This is a known issue (Honda Service Bulletin 24-003) with this model van manufactured at the same time, for which a na... Read more
GRAND DESIGN
MOMENTUM
(2025) - ENGINE
Apr 16, 2026
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
the engine is consuming a quart of oil per thousand miles.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
Mechanic looked at vehicle couldn’t find a coolant leak from anywhere, could be a cracked head.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
the car only has 76000 miles on it. there are no check engine lights and the oil has always been perfect and changed on time. There is a known issue apparently with Piston slap that will lead to engine failure. Hyundai refuses to replace the engine, knowing the issue. Driving it puts my safety and others at risk. the Hyundai dealership in Merriam KS has confirmed the issue.
Incident date: Nov 19, 2025
Last week just driving to school, my engine started to knock. So the next day we take it to a local mechanic shop and it exploded while they were test driving it and they diagnosed it with rod bearing failure. So I contact Hyundai and get it towed to the Hyundai dealership for them to inspect it and eventually do an engine swap, but after it got dropped off I was told it’d be $360 to get it diag... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2025
While driving on the highway at approximately 70 mph with a heavily loaded vehicle, my 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.4L suddenly lost power and entered limp mode. The check engine light flashed and diagnostic code P1326 was stored. During limp mode the engine was banging hard, almost like it was seizing and then releasing repeatedly. This is consistent with connecting rod bearing failure, not wris... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - While on highway the vehicle loosed all Power indicating Electrical Malfunction How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? It happened on I-35 Freeway twice putting me in danger of 18 wheelers around me. I am afraid to be in the vehicle even if they return it to me. Based on records ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
My 2017 Chrysler Pacifica experienced repeated engine timing and oil system failures. The vehicle first developed a check engine light and engine timing code (P000D – camshaft position slow response). The vehicle was inspected by a dealership service department. Shortly after, a major engine oil leak was discovered from the oil cooler / oil filter adapter assembly. The vehicle required repair o... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Apparently, my car has a leaking head gasket. It was confirmed by the Honda Dealership. While driving it will go in limp mode and will no longer accelerate. I have to pull off to the side of the road, turn the car off, and back on just to get to where I'm going. It is causing my car to stutter really bad and we're constantly having to put coolant in it. This is a safety issue and will cost about $... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Coolant light and check engine lights kept coming on. The car was diagnosed by the Ford Dealership as Ford TSB 22-2229, which is a design flaw in specific EcoBoost engines, where an "open deck" block causes coolant to leak into cylinders 2 and 3, leading to severe engine failure. To fix this issue, the TSB requires replacing the entire long block assembly with a redesigned version featuring enhanc... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
On April 1, 2026, while pulling into a parking space at our church, I was applying the brake when the vehicle suddenly and forcefully surged forward without warning. The unintended acceleration was intense and unexpected, occurring despite continuous braking input. This resulted in the vehicle striking the building and causing significant damage to both the vehicle and the structure. This incid... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Hey I purchased a Volvo xc90 2016 seven months ago and I currently still have this car. Also others with the same model, are having problems with oil consumption who is the problem that I’m sadly dealing with, My car burns so much oil and I’m only 19 I got this hoping for a reliable car but in stead in burns oil just has much as I burn fuel every 500 miles, if that probably less miles. it tell... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
2018 Ford Edge 116,000 Due to poor engine issues since 2015 Edge cars a new engine of nearly 10,000 needs to be replaced. Ford knew this but continued to use this failed engine.
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2020) - ENGINE
Apr 16, 2026
Incident date: Jun 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle required an oil change every 1,000 miles driven due to excessive oil consumption. Additionally, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the lifters. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was diagnosed with excessive oil consumption and failures with the lifters. The contact was informed that the engine nee... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
4-14-2026 3:25pm Temp 70 degrees. Dry pavement. I was approaching a red stoplight at 50mph. I pressed on the brake pedal but the brakes didn’t seem to be working well. I was slowing down but not like normal. I pressed harder. I heard the truck getting louder inside the cabin. The truck was not braking well at all. It was slowing down but it was not stopping. Alarmed, I pressed even harder on the... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
I am writing to formally report regarding a serious issue with my Ford Escape 2018. The engine failed at the mileage of 37,833 miles, which is far earlier than any reasonable expectation for a vehicle of this age and mileage. This type of major mechanical breakdown is not consistent with normal wear and tear and raises concerns about the durability of the engine. Ford dealership did the formal eva... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
Engine light came on, no warning. Took to garage to check diagnostic system, went through system, did some work and light went off. Week later, light back on..took back to garage - they documented all they saw within diagnostic system and sent me to dealer. There was no indication of failure, drove fine but dealer made appt. Did some research and found out this year/make/model had complete engine... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
I am filing a safety complaint regarding repeated engine and drivability issues with my vehicle, which began shortly after purchase and have continued despite service visits. I purchased the vehicle on 03/04/2023. Within approximately one month (03/26/2023), I began experiencing abnormal engine behavior, including ticking noises and instances where the vehicle would shut off and require restartin... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while at a stop, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
The block heater on this car is leaking. The recall 26V011 does not apply to this VIN, even though it falls under the year, make, model category. How can I get my vehicle to have the recall done when it shows that it is not affected, even though it is clearly leaking.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
1. The failed component is the engine. The dealer confirmed that coolant intrusion caused internal engine damage and that the engine requires full replacement. This is especially serious because Customer Satisfaction Program 19B37 had already been performed on the vehicle and was supposed to correct this exact coolant intrusion issue. The dealer even acknowledged that this repair should have preve... Read more
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2025) - ENGINE
Apr 16, 2026
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH on the interstate, the vehicle started shuddering. The vehicle was pulled over safely to the side of the road. The AWD, Hill Descent Assist, power steering, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact checked the manual and continued to drive. While driving days later, there was an abnormal fuel odo... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2019) - ENGINE
Apr 16, 2026
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
The vehicle had an oil leak from both the left and right camshaft carriers. The dealer confirmed the issue and carried out the necessary repairs. Because the leak was not easily detectable, it could have led to engine failure while driving. There were no warning indicators; only small oil droplets were found on the ground.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2012) - ENGINE
Apr 16, 2026
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
The check engine light came on at 101000 miles. I took it to the shop and the mechanic said there was no oil on the dipstick and he put in oil and said we need a new engine because it is knocking. We have noticed the vehicle has a rough idle now.
TOYOTA
COROLLA CROSS
(2024) - ENGINE
Apr 16, 2026
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
I have a code of P0420 show up on a vehicle diagnostic test. This is directly related to recall SA363 ECU LOGIC . The engine light kept coming on. I was driving on the highway and the car stalled and then stopped as I was coming off the exit.
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
Lifter failure cylinder #8, this is a 2019 GMC Sierra Denali 4x4. It has a 6.2L engine. With 92823 miles on it. It would be nice if GM would do a recall on this year motor as well.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2026
While driving on the highway, my engine failed unexpectedly and I had to coast across the highway without power. I had the vehicle towed to a GM dealership, where I was informed the failure was due to a lower-end engine issue and that a full engine replacement was necessary. I am aware of known issues with GM’s 6.2L engines and asked the dealership about the related recall. They acknowledged th... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
EQE 500 4MATIC
(2023) - ENGINE
Apr 16, 2026
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
I previously opened NHTSA Complaint Number11637208 on January 20, 2025 regarding the internal engine failure of my 2021 Yukon Denial XL on January 3, 2025. After filing that Complaint, the engine in my Yukon was replaced by GMC in February 2025. After replacement, the engine was allegedly tested, given an oil cap change, and OK'd by the GMC dealership. On Sunday, April 12, 2026, the replaceme... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
The cylinder #1 spark plug ignition coil. Check engine light came on and the vehicle began to vibrate while traveling 70 mph. The last 30 miles of the drive on an interstate required no speed higher than 50 to prevent the vibrations. Per the independent service center, Ford has issued guidance that water could enter this compartment and rust the part. A repair costing 847.00 was completed by th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2026
The car showed a gear box faultvwarning and the transmission locked. The battery low voltage also came on . Have not been able to fix problem. Keri’s happing at random times
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) - ENGINE
Apr 16, 2026
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled and was idling roughly. The message “Stop Driving” was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate and lost automotive power. The failure had occurred several times. On one occasion, the vehicle had to be towed. The vehicle was able to ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
The vehicle experienced a major engine failure involving the 6.2L engine. The failure appeared sudden and premature and is not consistent with normal wear and tear for a vehicle of this type. Prior to the failure, there were intermittent performance concerns and warning indicators suggesting potential engine or drivetrain issues. The vehicle had previously undergone repair related to similar conc... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
I am writing because I have a truck with the 6.2L L87 engine and it has been burning oil at every start up and acceleration from stop signs or stop lights, it blows out a blue cloud of smoke. I have asked Jeff Belzers in Lakeville , Mn to look and they did not as my vin did not show up in the recall. I took it to Maur Chevrolet in Inver grove heights, Mn and they told me that my miles were too hig... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
My car had issues like harsh/hard shifting, jerking, hesitation, and a "shuddering" sensation, often occurring at low speeds, I took it to the dealer several times for this issue, because the engine light keeps coming on, back in May 2025 they said they did a valve replacement that should fix the issue, yet the problem persisted, i took it back to the dealer and they said nothing wrong with it (no... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2026
Catastrophic Engine Failure. Reported to NHTSA on 10.11.24 for Recall 23.097. Investigation (RQ24013) which no issues were allegedly determined. Now a new investigation has opened PE25008: We had our engine replaced for a used one and are concerned that this engine still has the issues realated to Recall 23.097. Called Honda to ask if they can confirm whether or not this used/salvaged engine ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding Hyundai Motor America’s denial of my request for engine replacement assistance. I own a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid with approximately 106,000 miles. The vehicle experienced sudden engine failure while driving which put my daughter, in danger and is now inoperable. I still have a remaining loan balance, and the cost to replace the engine is significant. I ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T (Theta II 2.0L GDI Turbo engine) has been diagnosed with burned exhaust valves requiring a complete engine replacement. This is the second catastrophic powertrain failure on this vehicle in under two years. In July 2024, I paid $2,754 to replace the turbocharger at an authorized Hyundai dealership (Wright Hyundai, [XXX] ). The burned valves are consistent with c... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact called an independent mechanic to inspect the vehicle. The independent mechanic discovered that the camshaft and lifters were inoperable. The mechanic stated that the issue would w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
My CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO ELECTRICAL AND ENGINE ISSUES.
Fire
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
Around Feb 15, 2026, at ~85,000 miles, the oil pressure warning light began illuminating at idle and extinguishing above idle speed. The vehicle had also been experiencing intermittent hard starts and occasional shuddering at idle — symptoms too subtle for a typical owner to connect to imminent engine failure. An independent mechanic performed a manual oil pressure test: 4 PSI (Hyundai minimum s... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
While braking at low speed approaching a stoplight, the vehicle did not slow as expected when I removed my foot from the accelerator. As I applied increasing brake pressure, the engine revved and the vehicle continued to move forward into the intersection. The brakes appeared to be working but had to counter engine power, and the tires briefly chirped. I shifted into neutral to stop the vehicle an... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
Vehicle steering locked up while driving causing driver to end up in oncoming traffic. Also, vehicles remote start turns on, but after a few seconds car shuts off.
Incident date: Apr 16, 2023
I don't know who could help resolve the issue we have. Our 2019 Ford Eco-sport had several recalls. The last recall Holman/Ford kept our car for 9 months but kind enough to lend us a car to use while they waited for a part. We had to cancel our vacation trip to Turner Maine to see our daughter's family because we were not permitted to drive the loaner out of state! Later they decided that they h... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at a full stop, the brake pedal was released, and the vehicle surged forward before the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. Th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
Component or system that failed or malfunctioned The issue involves a safety recall‑related system on my Ram truck that remains open with no available remedy for over one year. The vehicle is now experiencing traction loss while pulling and during normal driving, along with multiple failure/warning lights activating on the dashboard. How my safety or the safety of others was put at risk While d... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, the message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed, and the vehicle lost power. The vehicle stalled on three separate occasions. The vehicle was able to restart each time after approximately 15 minutes of waiting, but the vehicle failed to acc... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that at approximately 55,000 miles, the vehicle experienced a torque converter failure, and the torque converter was replaced under the factory warranty. The contact stated that four months later, the failure reoccurred, and the dealer declined to cover the repair. Subsequently, the camshaft failed, leading to a recommendation for a compl... Read more