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 6, 2026
Hello, I am reaching out regarding a serious safety issue involving my 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe under an active recall (78C), which Stellantis has acknowledged can cause an engine fire or sudden loss of vehicle function. Despite the severity of this recall, there is currently no remedy available. I have contacted Stellantis corporate multiple times and have been met with consistently poor cu... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
My truck only has 72,000 miles on it, yet the lifters in the engine are failing/ malfunctioning. While in drive, it has a hard time shifting into higher gears causing the engine to continue revving but not picking up more speed. A quick google search shows this to be a common issue. GM was made aware of the problem but did not offer much help in resolving the matter. GM specifically stated the NHT... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
The engine light was on and had my vehicle was stalling while driving in traffic. The service code P1101 was on and had my vehicle fixed. The light stayed off for few months then same service code is back on. I've read that there was a recall for 2019 models with same issue. My vehicle is a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu LT and has same engine as the 2019 models.
Incident date: Jul 12, 2023
When driving the whole car shakes and the engine makes a loud sound. It doesn't matter if I am going 10 mph or 75 mph the same shaking happens. The engine smells like burnt rubber. Driving feels like jerking not a smooth ride. I have already had the engine oil leak repaired. My car has been in the shop 3x in 2 months for this same problem. The dealership did a transmission systems update which did... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
My brand new two week old 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS Issue: Auto Start/Stop system failure, the engine shuts off and does not restart Description:
While stopped at traffic lights with the auto start/stop feature engaged, the engine shuts off as designed. However, when I release the brake pedal, the engine does not restart as it should. Instead, the vehicle displays a message stating “pre... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
When driving at slow speeds, less that 10 MPH, the engine shuts off and vehicle shifts to neutral. Message is displayed on driver console Press Start Button to restart. Only the engines shuts down as all displays, entertainment center and controls are still displayed. Pushing the start button restarts the engine. This has occurred several times since purchasing the truck however it has occurred 2 ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
Oil consumption, causing high pressure furl pump to clog. It also causes catalytic converter to clog. No warning of oil loss. Causing stalling out while driving. Caused the engine to seize. New engine replaced and still same problem s
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
[XXX] I was local driving and my Ram truck got silent and engine died. I still had power steering. When I rolled to a stop the message said "press brake and put in park". The truck put itself in park before I pressed the brake pedal. It took 3 attempts to get my truck started. I drove to Walker dealer in Alexandria, La., and reported problem. Service advisor put a computer on the truck and it had... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
The vehicle experienced a transmission failure at approximately 62,000 miles, which required a transmission replacement. Toyota replaced the transmission with a rebuilt transmission. Immediately after the repair, the vehicle began experiencing multiple issues that were not present prior to the repair. The vehicle initially would not reverse, and the battery was drained shortly after the repair wa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
Engine Failure. I was driving down the highway pulling a trailer and the RPMs raced up and I instantly lost power. Had to try and get over to the right lane/shoulder after losing all power. Extremely scary situation going 75mph on a 3 lane highway in the left lane. Luckily I made it to a safe spot but once there, I could start the truck. It. Would sit a power cycle. Tow truck couldn’t get i... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2021) - ENGINE
Apr 10, 2026
Incident date: Sep 23, 2024
I experienced unintended acceleration while operating my vehicle. I was slowly pulling into a parking space at a gym when, without warning, the vehicle suddenly accelerated rapidly forward. I did not intentionally press the accelerator at that time. The unexpected acceleration caused the vehicle to surge ahead and collide with a light post, resulting in significant damage to the front bumper. For... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
Check engine light came on and then vehicle stalled took to shop and said the engine was needing to be replaced. Looked into issue and seen multiple issues with this engine and happening to a lot of Hyundai engines where vehicles need to get complete new engines
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
Dealership stated they fixed recall ref# N252494000 on 9/24/25. But on 4/9/26 noticed engine noise (knocking), then a lose of power and then vehicle stalled on the highway.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
The rear parking collision warning abruptly stopped working. The engine smells like it’s burning. The recall 68c has no remedy currently. My neighborhood is at risk due to this outstanding issue.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
The engine suddenly seized and now needs to be replaced. Regular oil changes, no leaks, and the engine just seized up and won't run. 5.3L V8.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
My vehicle loses power on the highway intermittently. I had my car set on cruise control at 55 and with no other vehicle in front of me the speed decreased to 45. It frequently sputters going up hills. My car has had 4 oil leaks.
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
The Kona barely wants to accelerate and stalls out while driving. Even though I recently got a oil change there’s oil consumption and the oil is black as if I never got a oil change. I took it to a hyundai dealer ship, i told them what was wrong they said it’s the timing belt. When that’s not the issue. I recently took it to a mechanic to get a third opinion and to see and fix what is wrong... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
My vehicle has been non-operable since June 2025 due to an engine failure requiring engine replacement. Ford has stated the engine is on backorder, and the vehicle has now been out of service for over 10 months. My request for a buyback was denied several times because it is technically out of the Lemon Law period. I am submitting a complaint against Ford and would like them to buy back the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2025
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The high-pressure fuel pump and related fuel system sensor failed, resulting in a sudden loss of engine power. The failure was confirmed by diagnostic trouble codes retrieved by an independent mechanic. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE HYBRID
(2025) - ENGINE
Apr 9, 2026
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
Recall on my 2019 infiniti qx50. I am a 100% service connected from the vietnam war I can no longer drive and because this is a critical safety recall I sent a email to infiniti asking for help in getting the vehicle towed repaired and returned to my home address it is 100+ miles one way. Again, I am a 100% service connected war veteran. The car was being used to carry me to appointments most of w... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2018) - ENGINE
Apr 9, 2026
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
I am filing this safety complaint regarding a documented engine wire harness chafing defect in my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 2.7L L3B Turbo engine. While driving, my truck experienced erratic acceleration, engine throttling to 3,000 RPM without returning to idle after releasing the accelerator, engine misfires, sudden loss of engine power, stalling, and multiple simultaneous warning l... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
I was driving my yukon xl with my family and as I was coming to a stop at a stop light my Yukon started to shake violently and make a pinging noise. The check engine light came on and as I drove the car smoke started to come out the exhaust. Luckily I was not on the highway as this could have been a serious safety issue for me and my family. I had my car towed to the dealership and they said the 8... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2026
Connecting rod bearing failure, stated a recall was active but it hadn't been assigned to my vehicle. Vehicle went into engine failiure and does not have appropriate measures to prevent engine failiure. No warning messages prior to engine failiure.
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
The vehicle is a 2022 Ford Mustang EcoBoost. While driving in traffic, the engine suddenly stalled and shut off without warning. This created an immediate safety risk as the vehicle lost power in the middle of active traffic flow, requiring me to quickly maneuver to avoid blocking traffic and potential collision. The issue appears consistent with a fuel delivery or fuel pressure failure, as the en... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2016) - ENGINE
Apr 9, 2026
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
Check engine light on. code = P0303. Safety issue for overheating with potential engine fire. Local dealership service has diagnosed as coolant intrusion into cylinder #3 and coolant loss. vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance representative or other. Vehicle was serviced on January 29th of 2020 for customer satisfaction program 19B37. Vehicle has failed at 88000 mile... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
I have been working with Subaru of America and Capital Subaru service in San Jose, CA for a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek XV 2.0 CVT automatic engine shortly after we bought it used for multiple faulty known engine problems with this specific make and model. Since we have owned the vehicle, we have not been able to drive it for more than 2 months short distance at a time due to engine, Valve body, major l... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
My check engine light continues periodically turn on and off; diagnostics done by independent service centers shows the code indicating there's something wrong with my catalytic converter. I discovered the make and model of my vehicle has a recall for this issue, but upon contacting Kia directly and speaking with services members & customer care I was told that my vehicle does not fall under the r... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost automotive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was unable to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with battery and starter failure. The contact was informed that the starter and the battery needed to be replaced. After the replacement of... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2022) - ENGINE
Apr 9, 2026
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
My 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe (approx. 153,000 miles) developed a new stalling and engine-dying-at-idle condition immediately following a knock sensor replacement performed by a Hyundai dealership. Prior to this repair, the vehicle ran normally with no stalling or idle issues. The vehicle was originally brought in for diagnosis related to code P1326, which is covered under Hyundai Service Campaign T6G... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
2021 BMW X3 M40i – Starter Motor Failure Matches NHTSA 26V056000 Defect (No-Start at Stop Light + Excessive Starter Torque Fault + Fire Risk) I am filing this safety complaint regarding a sudden starter motor failure on my 2021 BMW X3 M40i. On March 31, 2026, the vehicle stalled at a stop light and displayed the message “car can be restarted in XX seconds.” After the timed period elapsed an... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
I am reporting a safety issue involving engine failure and fumes entering the vehicle cabin as well as unintended braking post major engine repair at 75,000 miles on my 2018 Mazda CX5. My vehicle developed engine problems consistent with a cylinder head/coolant defect and began allowing fumes/smoke to enter the cabin while driving. This created a health and safety concern for occupants. I report... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
My 2024 VW Jetta GLI 2.0L 40th anniversary edition is throwing false engine codes. The system rings with a warning and the center display shows a statement that "RPM over 4500" while the real RPM's is at or below 2000 at the time of the warning. The system then immediately puts the car into limp mode and displays the error triangle with ECP next to it. The issue can only be resolved by stopping th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
I noticed the vehicle was making a noise while driving which was diagnosed by an independent Honda service center. They said this noise was because of a rod bearing breaking. This issue creates a situation where the vehicle could break down anytime, and is therefore not drivable. The Honda diagnosis confirmed this as well, and they said the vehicle needs a new engine. No warning lights or mess... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
In 2018 Honda Accord with the 1.5-liter, four-cylinder turbo engine that had a head gasket fail at 110k miles which has been diagnosed and confirmed by local Honda dealer with misfire codes/counts on cylinder 1 due to coolant leaking inside cylinder 1 and 2 due to this bad head gasket. Due to the bad head gasket and coolant leaking into cylinders, this caused the fuel injectors to clog and fail. ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving in traffic at 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The horn and wipers turned on unexpectedly. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality and was inoperable and the vehicle jerked. The doors failed to unlock, and the air conditioner was inoperable on a hot day, and the contact had symptoms of hyperventi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
On December 10, 2025, at approximately 7:30 PM, I experienced a complete and sudden power loss while driving home. Without any warning, my vehicle shut down entirely in the middle of the road. I was unable to move the vehicle to safety, shift it into park or neutral, or regain any control of the vehicle. This left me stranded in an extremely dangerous situation, exposed to oncoming traffic and at ... Read more
LINCOLN
CONTINENTAL
(2017) - ENGINE
Apr 9, 2026
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
Car all the sudden stall/ lock up tires at high way speeds due to sudden no warning engine failure causing a massive safety concern My car locked up during a normal drive up a slowly passing a semi when my car died no power steering no engine power transmission locking due engine failure Car was checked and maintenance at the dealer less then a week prior for a small misfire then was dismisse... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
Burns Oil so bad I don't need to change oil. I put about a quart of oil in it a week. Car runs rough. Sometimes overheating and sounds loud when low on oil. This occurs on a consistent regular basis since aquiring in October 2024
Incident date: Dec 28, 2025
The contact owned a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 60 MPH, she noticed there was smoke emerging from the engine. The driver pulled over safely. but was alerted by a good Samaritan who ran across four lanes of traffic to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher to no avail. The fire department was on the scene to eventually extinguish the fire. There ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 20, 2025
Since taking delivery of this vehicle in June 2024 from Kenny Ross Mazda, I have experienced a persistent and unresolved error message on the vehicle’s display screen relating to “Multiple ECUs Reprogramming.” This error message first appeared within the first twelve (12) months of ownership and has remained continuously present on the vehicle’s instrument cluster/infotainment screen despi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2025
I was driving yesterday when my car began to shake at low RPMs. The traction control light came on steadily and the check engine light was blinking. I was unable to safely accelerate. I took it to my mechanic who tested spark plugs and coils, which he confirmed aren't the problem. He informed me that this is a common issue with the GM 6.2L engine, but mine isn't part of the recall. After checking ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
My engine failed with no warning on my 2024 Chevy Trax , at night in the express lanes of a very busy expressway in Chicago. I was able to get on an off ramp, but the car then stalled again and I was almost hit by other vehicles trying to exit the ramp. I did call 911 and was told to stay in my car because I would have a "better chance of survival". I had just had the car at the dealership for an... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
Motor seized while going 50mph down the road. Motor died and had to get to the side of the road. All electrical stuck on
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) - ENGINE
Apr 9, 2026
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V101000 (Suspension). While retrieving the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact heard the mechanic revving the engine of the vehicle. The dealer determined that the fuel pump and fuel pump module needed to be replaced, and that the failure was not related to t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
Oil plug in engine gets brittle and fails by cracking. This cause a complete engine failure with only 36k miles on it. Mechanic says this is a known issue. I could not operate the vehichle and broke down without warning. I have a reciept for the nrand new engine.
WAYMO
5TH GENERATION ADS
(9999) - ENGINE
Apr 9, 2026
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
1 WATERPUMP FAILED AND LEAKED WATER INTO MY OIL AND BLEW MY ENGINE. THERE WAS NO WARNING. MY CAR HAD NO POWER AND I COULD NOT DRIVE. I WAS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE WATERPUMP IS NOT A RECALL BUT THERE ARE ALOT OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE ON THE SAME MODEL . THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE. 2. PILLAR/TRIM RECALL IS NOT FIXED AND WATER IS GETTING INTO THE INSIDE OF MY CAR AND SHORTING OU... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2025
Camshaft and lifter failure As well as exhaust manifold leak
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
Subject: Vehicle Safety Complaint – Engine Failure – Hyundai To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting a vehicle safety complaint regarding a serious engine failure involving my Hyundai vehicle. The engine experienced a failure significant enough to require replacement. This raises serious safety concerns, as sudden engine failure can result in loss of power while driving, increasing the risk... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while at the stop sign to access the feeder road, while accelerating, the lights started flashing on the instrument cluster. The vehicle failed to accelerate above 5 MPH. The driver turned on the hazard lights, made a U-turn, and pulled over a block away at a stadium. The vehicle was turned off. The contact retrieved DTC: P0301, P0302, ... Read more