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: Mar 3, 2026
Knocking noise in motor and metal flakes in the oil. Called local dealership. They report no recalls for this issue.
JEEP
WAGONEER S
(2024) - ENGINE
Apr 7, 2026
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
The vehicle's engine has suffered a catastrophic internal failure at approximately 56,000 miles. The engine is the 6.4-liter HEMI V8. The issue began with a loud ticking noise from the engine. I brought the vehicle to Stoneridge Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Pleasanton for diagnosis. At that visit, the dealership lubricated an unspecified component and instructed me to continue driving. The ticking nois... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 30 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, causing the occupants to lunge forward. The tires squealed and the wheels locked up. The vehicle was turned off but failed to restart. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V248000 (Pow... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLE 350 4MATIC
(2026) - ENGINE
Apr 7, 2026
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
EV stalled, would not turn off or on, refusing to go into gear (Park, Drive, Reverse or Neutral) and the emergency brake automatically engaged. Foot pedals were unresponsive and wheels locked. Pedestrian safety chime played continuously even though the vehicle was not in gear. Park and Drive did not light up on the gear indicator and all options glowed red. Various error codes displayed one after... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2023) - ENGINE
Apr 7, 2026
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
While driving at approximately 70 mph on I-76 , a “CVT HOT” warning appeared on the dashboard. Immediately after, the vehicle lost power and would not accelerate normally, creating a safety hazard in traffic. I was forced to pull over multiple times. This issue began after a recall repair was performed on the vehicle. The condition resolved temporarily after shutting the vehicle off, but the f... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) - ENGINE
Apr 7, 2026
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
Turning into the driveway and the truck shut off. Place in park and the truck started right back up.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2016) - ENGINE
Apr 7, 2026
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light and low oil warning light were unexpectedly illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times and was eventually diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH on the highway, the vehicle jolted and shook abnormally. The electrical system warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost partial power. The engine and hybrid warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was coasted off the roadway to a gas station. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
This is the third time that my jeep has completely shut off with no warning and in the middle of traffic. I am unable to turn on any hazard lights. The power goes completely out, and I am unable to put the car in neutral or anything to be safe. I have reported this issue in the past. The dealership is unable to figure out what is wrong and I keep trying to get this resolved before it turns out tra... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2025
The car runs hot and needs antifreeze. I add antifreeze. The next week it runs hot again. There is no antifreeze leaking on the ground. The Honda dealer stated the antifreeze is leaking into the engine and blown a head gasket. I am advised this is very common problem for a Honda CRV. It should be a recall. This is why I am filing a complaint. The Honda dealer wants $7000 to fix it. The car... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
I was driving my 2022 Hyundai Accent (VIN [XXX] ) when the brakes suddenly failed without warning. When I pressed the brake pedal, the vehicle did not slow down properly resultina in a crash Immediately after the crash, the vehicle caught fire According to the fire department report, the fire originated in the engine compartment and was classified as unintentional/ accidental There were no prior w... Read more
Crash
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
specifics unknown check engine light came on cpl seconds before it started overheating / leaking coolant and or transmission fluid and overheating. and I'm not sure what. started last year but I don't drive very often so the issue just started last year
Incident date: Apr 5, 2026
I purchased a 2019 Ford EcoSport from CarMax on April 12, 2022. At the time of sale, CarMax provided documentation stating that there were no unrepaired safety recalls on the vehicle. I relied on this representation in making my purchase decision. I later discovered that the vehicle is subject to a serious manufacturer recall involving the engine oil pump, which can fail and cause loss of oil pre... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
Approximately one month ago I had a high pressure fuel pump installed in my 2018 Hyundai Tucson. While driving on the highway, about ten minutes from home, my car suddenly burst into flames. There were no warning lights in the cockpit. There was no smoke in the cabin. Another motorist flagged me down. I got out of the vehicle just in time for it to become fully engulfed in flame. It burned down on... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 5, 2026
I own a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado with approximately 84,000 miles. Prior to the engine failure, I noticed abnormal engine ticking noise, especially during cold starts. I reported this concern to the dealership during a service visit. The technician verified the engine noise but stated that the noise was normal and no repairs were performed. Over time the condition worsened and the vehicle began exp... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
In 2023 antifreeze was found in the engine cylinder chambers causing the engine to run rough. We purchased the repair/replacement of a new head gasket at a cost of $3500.00. Now, it is Apirl 2026 and we have developed the same issue plus internal oil leaking in the turbo. Our repair shop says we need to replace the engine and the turbo unit at approx cost $11,200.00 (parts and labor). We ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
I am reporting a safety concern regarding BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine, commonly found on models from 2019 to 2021. The oil pump in these vehicles is failing prematurely. I was told this by service technicians at BMW and confirmed it through my own research. The oil pump failure is due to a plastic adjusting ring breaking. The result is severe oil pressure lo... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Excessive oil consumption with no warning light, loss of power, and stalling. Also caused the master seal to leak and plugged the PCV valve. I have records for the repairs. It continues to excessively use oil and is not a reliable vehicle. When it stalls, power steering is lost as well as the stabilitrack.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
Here’s a more professional, structured version of your complaint while still clearly conveying the seriousness of the situation: ⸻ I am writing to formally express my concern regarding a 2020 Hyundai Palisade that I purchased from a dealership less than one year ago, along with an extended warranty. Since the time of purchase, the vehicle has experienced ongoing and significant oil consumpt... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
MY CAR STARTED TO USE A LOT OF OIL, AND UPON MY REGULAR OIL CHANGES IT WOULD ALWAYS BE VERY LOW, BUT OIL WAS NOT LEAKING OUT OF THE CAR. IT GOT TO THE POINT THAT I HAD TO PUT OIL IN OFTEN TO OPERATE THE CAR. IT GOT TO THE POINT THAT IT WOULD CUT OFF ON ME IN SCHOOL LINES. AFTER DEALING WITH THIS OVER A PERIOD OF TIME IT SOUNDED SO BAD THAT THE EXPRESS OIL CHANGE FACILITIES REFUSED TO CHANGE MY OIL... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped at a red traffic light, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle stalled. The message "Conditions not Available to Change Gear" was displayed. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the residence. The contact stated that several days later, while pulling into a parking lot, the vehicle unexpectedly... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
Noticed symptoms about a week before I had it towed to a garage for what I thought was a timing chain tensioner, Tech scoped it and found out it was much worse.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
I am reporting a recurring safety issue with the vehicle’s auto engine stop/start system. When the vehicle comes to a stop, the engine sometimes shuts off normally (other time only the auto-brakes engage, but engine stays on), but then the system behaves unpredictably. The engine attempts to restart with a violent jolt, causing the entire vehicle to shake. This occurs even when I am fully sto... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
I have 60k miles on my 2021 yukon xl denali. the transmission went out in it in January. i have it in the shop in january for a new transmission. i got it back and the transmssion went out again in it. its currently in the shop. the transmission is a 10 speed and has been nothing but issues.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
My 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport equipped with a Theta II GDI engine began exhibiting excessive oil consumption, engine knocking, and cylinder misfires consistent with the known Theta II engine defect covered under the Hyundai class action settlement. Prior to the failure, the check engine light illuminated and I experienced repeated misfires and audible engine knocking. The vehicle required frequen... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
| Issues first appeared recorded on 3/9/2026, while odometer read 49,663 miles. Check engine light was caused by error codes P0128 and P01F0. This causes the following issues: * Check engine light to appear on the dashboard. * Engine temperature gauges to be unreliable at times or completely non functional at others, as it will constantly read the engine temperature "Cold". * Air conditioning ... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - ENGINE
Apr 7, 2026
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
As I was driving on the turnpike the car engine literally just shut down on me! It could have caused a serious accident. This is the 3rd time when driving the car just stopped on its own on me! Gas tank full, oil good and battery good, but the engine is not! It gave me NO WARNING either. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. I could have been hit all 3 times! Family came to help and tried to jump it and it wou... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 7, 2025
The vehicle lost power on the highway due to an overheating issue. Very dangerous when this happens while your going 70 mph. The vehicle was later determined to be a victim of Ford's known 2.0L Ecoboost engine that due to Ford's defective design, which Ford admits but refuses to issue a recall for. The ONLY fix for this problem is to have the long block replaced at a cost of over $9,000.00. Not ex... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2025
2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe has had multiple safety recalls. My Jeep began losing all engine power while driving down the highway, causing it to jump forward and stall back. During this power malfunction, the engine began smoking and a burning smell was emitted from the engine compartment. I was luckily close enough to home that I made it back to my driveway before it completely lost power. I was worri... Read more
Fire
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2015) - ENGINE
Apr 7, 2026
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
Incident Date: 04/05/2026 Vehicle Speed: 65–70 MPH Location: [XXX] Component: Engine / Power Train / Fuel System Summary of Safety Defect: While traveling at highway speeds (65–70 MPH) with four passengers (including two children), the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic engine failure without any prior warning or symptomatic noise. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) began flashing r... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2026
My Kia Sportage has developed a loud engine knocking noise, which I understand is a known issue with Kia engines. I am concerned that this indicates internal engine failure and could lead to sudden engine seizure while driving, creating a serious safety hazard. The dealership denied repair assistance due to lack of oil change records, but the issue appears consistent with widespread engine defect... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
My wife and I were driving at highway speed around 70mph and truck shut off. There were no dash indicators or warning lights that signaled any engine/diagnostic issues prior to engine shutting off. Lost all power but still had brakes and steering. Coasted to safe stopping point and truck would not turn over or restart. The truck had to be towed to dealer for repair. The assessment was the engine h... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
Driving 79 mph total engine seizure. Check engine light came on and seconds later a low oil pressure light and turn off engine. Engine died and went into neutral and had to coast to side of highway in middle of nowhere at 11pm at night.
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
Coolant leaking into cylinders. Repair shops said it was a known Ford issue with the 1.5 ecoboost engine. Causes the coolant to leak out and the engine to overheat and the overflow tank to leak.
Incident date: Dec 28, 2025
Reporting a manufacturing defect in a 2022 Volvo XC60. The vehicle developed a metallic ticking noise in the timing area, audible at idle. Symptoms strictly match Volvo Technical Journal 36551.9.1 (NHTSA ID: MC-11015995-0001) regarding faulty camshaft seals. The noise disappeared when the oil filler cap was loosened, exactly as described in the TJ. An authorized Volvo dealer confirmed the defect a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Just bought a 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia from Carvana and two days later while driving the check engine light came on along with the electronic throttle light and the auto start/stop light. While driving the vehicle went into complete limp mode in a busy intersection and I had to pull off quickly to avoid being hit by other traffic. Engine codes came up fuel pressure related.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
The car had a power failure so I took it to the dealer to have it checked since it had an open recall, according to what the mechanic tells me is that the fault comes from the mild tree, but he does not tell me what causes that failure and he has not given me the results of the recall either
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
Within a matter of a few days my car has been stopping by itself. The car was smoking and stopping in the middle of the highway, my dealership is proving me with a new engine but is trying to have me come out of pocket for an fuel injector, please help !
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
Head gasket 2 has failed on my vehicle.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Coolant Leaking into Cylinders: 1.5L EcoBoost engines are known for head gasket failures that allow coolant to enter the engine cylinders, which can cause white smoke from the exhaust, "low coolant" warnings, and cylinder misfires. Engine Overheating: A lack of coolant, often with no visible external leaks, causes the car to overheat suddenly, sometimes leading to engine failure.
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
Engine light turns on every couple months. The Kia either stops accelerating and goes into “limp mode” or gives code for misfiring cylinders. Took to dealership several times, they did nothing but reset battery so light goes off. Unsafe when driving my family around and has turned into an unreliable vehicle. SO frustrating for a new vehicle to have these issues.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
My vehicle has a piston slap ticking issue and Hyundai will not help me fix this because it’s a common issue by Hyundai.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
While driving in traffic on a 2 lane road with small shoulders, the engine stopped, dash indicated automatic shift to neutral, restart vehicle. vehicle coasted to a stop partially blocking the lane due to lack of shoulder and size of vehicle. Turned off ignition and attempted to restart. there was a click and the dashboard/electronics all went blank/off for several seconds then came back on. Attem... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
My engine has metal flake in it and once which is a sign of engine failure. I reported it to GM they said it was a normal amount and to keep an eye on it the next day toil change. They issued a recall on the 6.2L motors and they have not on the 5.3L motors and this one is doing the same thing. I want to get ahead of the ball before my engine give out on the highway but GM is treating it like it’... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
Purchased the vehicle 1 year ago and immediately it had oil consumption problems. Got low oil alarm after 2000 miles from the dealers oil change. Dealer told us it was within “specs”. 6 months ago we were told the 6.2 engine had a recall and a different type oil will be used. 1 month ago the engine locked up and it is now at the dealer waiting for an engine. Asked another car dealership about ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2026
leak in cam carrier gasket caused large ammounts of smoke to fill engine bay and enter cabin air system. Struggled to breath and vision to an extent was obstructed. when car was parked, smoke continued to fill the engine bay. problem was confirmed by an independent technitian, with the vehicle undergoing a complete inspection about a year ago from the dealership of purchase. no warning lamps turne... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) - ENGINE
Apr 6, 2026
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
While operating my 2019 Honda Ridgeline at normal driving speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden and catastrophic engine failure without warning. Immediately prior to failure, a loud metallic knocking/hammering noise developed from the engine area. Within seconds, the engine lost power and shut off completely while the vehicle was in motion. After the shutdown, the vehicle would not restart. Att... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2026
Upon coming to a complete stop, the engine has failed to reengage causing the car to stall in traffic. The car has restarted after being turned off and restarting but with traffic moving all around us and cars behind honking because they think we are failing to go. If we happened to stop in an intersection it could be even more dangerous. This has happened 3 times so far I. The past couple of mont... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
Car caught on fire while driving down the highway. Had engine replaced with a remanufactured engine in January of 2026 and car engine seized again 30 days later.
Fire
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
I am submitting this complaint to report a catastrophic engine failure in my 2019 Honda Pilot Elite that is consistent with the defect described in NHTSA Safety Recall 23V-751, and to request that my vehicle be included in the recall or that the scope of the recall be expanded. My vehicle, manufactured in July 2018, experienced a sudden onset of engine knocking accompanied by a flashing check eng... Read more