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: Feb 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven back to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 141,654.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Vehicle model is prone to coolant intrusion which causes misfire and engine shut off while driving. Car shakes while accelerating.
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
I was told by a mechanic that something electrical is wrong with the vehicle it causes the engine to misfire. Different issue than before.
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
Update – April 1, 2026 (NHTSA Complaint #XXX) Today, April 1, 2026, at XXX I was informed that the engine replacement will not proceed because “the 3 years or 36,000 miles have passed.” This is incorrect. My Kia Soul 2022, VIN [XXX] , currently has 44,649 miles and was purchased in 2021. Kia’s Powertrain warranty is 10 years / 100,000 miles for the original owner and covers the engine. The... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
Unintentional acceleration.First, I was in line at car wash proceeding slowly ahead as directed in line. Foot on accelerator lightly moving, when car surged rapidly hitting back end of Tesla about 6-8 ft ahead (2/26/26 12:30pm) Impact strong enough to push Tesla into truck hitch damaging it front of it as well. Applied brake, but impact was too rapid. Second incident with my Volvo was a month la... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 21, 2026
The Rear crank shaft seal is leaking on my car. It was a recall on the same engine but on the grand Cherokee. Not the cherokees. It’s $2500 to fix it.
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced transmission failure, and the brake lines were rusted. The contact was trapped in the desert for hours with his dog. The contact stated that two independent mechanics had determined that the idler pulley needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
Im driving vehicle and randomly the vehicle will shut off when making turns. It is random every so many months. But it has done in major intersections. It will immediately start back up so that’s good. But there are no engine lights. And dealership Does not seam like they can do a whole lot with engine no lights on. But it seems common when doing research online The vehicle is a 2022 Ram 150... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
A week or so after taking the car in for an oil change, I was on the highway and heard a rattling sound coming from the engine. There were no indicator or warning lights from the dashboard. The car then stopped accelerating. It was on, and the accelerator increased the RPMs but the car did not move faster. I safely got home and checked the oil and it had less than a quart. There were no low-oil in... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2026
We purchased the car 4 or 5 months for my son who works for his God Mom as her assistant at a nonprofit. The car ran great until without no warning lights from instrument panel just left him sit in the middle of a busy road. The mechanic found a camshaft pin stuck in the camshaft & the timing jump 2 teeth. Repairs= Oxygen Sensor, Timing Component & Exhaust Camshaft total $3,557. Some 2018 are be... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated with the check engine warning light flashing off and on. The vehicle was slowly driven to a nearby gas station. The vehicle was restarted and operated normally and was immediately driven to the local dealer. The local dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failu... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
I experienced an unexpected Loss of Motive Power (LOMP) event. Late afternoon traffic was fast, estimate 75-80 MPH. I attempted to change lanes get to the righthand shoulder and was very nearly involved in a high-speed collision with a semi-petroleum tank truck. He applied his brakes to avoid hitting me and started to jackknife, but regained control and continued. The truck missed by inches. ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
Vehicle was taken to an authorized Mazda dealership for 60,000-mile service; coolant system drained and refilled. Immediately after service, check engine light illuminated (P011A – engine coolant temperature sensor correlation issue). Dealership retained vehicle, drove ~300 miles, performed a second coolant flush; issue persisted. Dealer determined heater core clogged, attributed to coolant cont... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2026
Based on everything we've documented, here's a tight, factual account written in the style NHTSA expects — first person, chronological, no fluff: "I own a 2016 Honda Pilot Touring AWD, VIN [XXX] , with 89,962 miles. The vehicle began producing a clunking noise from the engine. I brought it to Honda of Tomball [XXX] ), where the dealer diagnosed all main rod bearings as damaged and recommended ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
While driving my 2021 Cadillac Escalade on an interstate highway at approximately 70 mph with my family, including two minor children, the vehicle suddenly and without warning lost propulsion, shut off, and shifted into neutral. This occurred in active traffic and created an immediate safety hazard. A warning message appeared instructing me to restart the vehicle. After several minutes navigating... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
I kept all of the maintenance records for the oil changes. The engine blew a piston and I will need a new engine. Driving down the road, it just lost power and died. Local mechanic looked at it and said I needed a new engine. When I began looking for a new engine, the cost would have been $3500.00 plus labor. When looking for a used engine, the salvage person said there was a recall on the engines... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Yes, the engine (long block) is leaking coolant into the cylinder. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This is a known problem with these vehicles. Some vehicles have locked up while driving or caught on fire. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or indepen... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
6R80- Unexpected downshifting at highway speeds without driver input causing the vehicle to slow down. Harsh/rough when shifting and sounds like I'm driving on the rudders on the side of the highway. No warning lamps or messages. Occasionally downshifts hard when I'm slowing down and then potentially locking up my rear wheels.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
On December 23, 2025, a 2023 RAM ProMaster 2500 Van used as a commercial fleet delivery vehicle in [XXX] suffered an engine compartment fire. The vehicle was declared a total loss by the insurance carrier. At the time of the fire, the vehicle was subject to open Safety Recall 25V-720 / Manufacturer Recall 67C, issued by FCA US LLC for a defective cooling fan module with premature bearing wear an... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
The contact's daughter owned a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LD. The contact stated that his son was parked in a parking lot and starting the vehicle when the vehicle caught on fire. The contact stated that his son reported that the fire started under the hood. The contact stated that the fire department was called and extinguished the flames. The vehicle did not have insurance, and the fire depa... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
While driving in early morning while still dark outside, loud noise occurred with decreased acceleration on interstate. This placed my life and the lives of others at risk due to not being able to accelerate out of traffic coming behind me. Vehicle Taken to chevy dealership who advised lifter had broke and damaged camshaft. This occurred out of nowhere without any warning or lights on dash
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
High voltage system error has flagged and been fixed multiple times starting in early January of 2026. Car randomly warns and breaks in the middle of the road because it sensed something that wasn’t there. Luckily no wrecks have occurred. Both CV joints have a loud clicking noise that the Honda dealerships knows about but has no fix for. I currently have an appointment for the dealership to look... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
The plastic part on the transmission melted. I had to get my transmission rebuilt. This has been a problem for many Ford vehicles with this engine type because who makes a transmission out of plastic!?
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
Safety Complaint – 2019 Ford Edge Transmission and Engine Shutdown Issues To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint to report ongoing safety-related defects with my 2019 Ford Edge, which I purchased new. At 30,000 miles, the auto on/off stopped working and was not fixed. After approximately 50,000 miles, the vehicle began shutting off after refueling. At 68,000 miles, the tr... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
Cylinder head gaskets) replaced - Cylinder head serviced/repaired - Timing belt replaced
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
On March 11, 2026, a 2024 Ford Transit (VIN: [XXX] ) was being operated under normal driving conditions when the check engine light began intermittently activating. Shortly thereafter, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of dashboard functionality. While attempting to safely maneuver to the shoulder, the operator experienced loss of power steering and reduced braking capability. During this tim... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
after coming to a complete stop to make a turn, throttle became unresponsive and then engaged. no warning lamps or noises.
Incident date: Nov 19, 2025
I am submitting this formal complaint regarding serious mechanical and safety issues with my 2020 Buick Enclave. These issues have created ongoing financial hardship, significant safety concerns, and an urgent need for investigation and resolution. Over the past several months, my vehicle has repeatedly displayed low‑oil notifications, sometimes occurring within one month of receiving a full oil... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
My engine has failed. This is the second car I’ve had from Kia that the rod barring has failed.
Incident date: Nov 17, 2025
Urgent Escalation – Case CAS-XXX – Kia Soul 2022 VIN [XXX] – Excessive Oil Consumption Confirmed in 3 Tests – Partial Repair Unacceptable After Multiple Failures and Second Engine Intervention in Less Than six months INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2015) - ENGINE
Apr 1, 2026
Incident date: Feb 11, 2026
A little scary, it just got released from my hospital.From having cancer just wanna have my recalls repaired
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
While attempting to park my vehicle, it suddenly accelerated on its own, causing the car to move quickly toward a tree and a nearby building. I immediately attempted to stop the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal, but the car continued to accelerate. The engine was roaring, and I even tried using both feet on the brake pedal in an effort to stop the vehicle, but it did not respond. The only way ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
Second complete powertrain failure on March 14, 2026 at 13,993 miles, nine days after first repair (complete transmission replacement for bone-dry sealed transmission). Symptoms: sudden loss of power on highway (unable to exceed 20 mph with accelerator fully depressed), hollow sound, noise described as "like a rock tumbling around inside." OnStar diagnostics returned "No Error Code Found" twice (1... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2026
My oil light kept flashing on while driving until I come to complete stop. Had to take it to Genesis dealership in [XXX] Ms. They did a check on my vehicle and found the problem. I had to pay to replace these issues the sender assy-oil pressure & the harness-op sensor. The total bill was $1,012.14. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
TOYOTA
COROLLA CROSS
(2026) - ENGINE
Apr 1, 2026
Incident date: Mar 29, 2026
My oil light kept flashing on while driving until I come to complete stop. Had to take it to Genesis dealership in [XXX] Ms. They did a check on my vehicle and found the problem. I had to pay to replace these issues the sender assy-oil pressure & the harness-op sensor. The total bill was $1,012.14. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLC 300
(2019) - ENGINE
Apr 1, 2026
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
The check engine light repeatedly comes on in my vehicle and despite expensive repairs and multiple trips to the mechanic, the problem is recurring. It has now been determined that there is a coolant intrusion into the engine block and the only resolution is to replace the engine block in its entirety which will cost thousands of dollars. This is a known issue with the Ford Ecoboost engine and a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
On March 12 warning message came on saying emergency drive system not available and then numerous warning lights came on and the car started to shake violently and went into limp mode. I pulled into a parking lot and called roadside assistance. It was towed to the dealership and has been there since. I was told it showed a misfire on cylinder 4 and has a faulty injector.
MERCEDES-BENZ
SPRINTER 2500
(2021) - ENGINE
Apr 1, 2026
Incident date: Mar 21, 2026
Automatic start/stop fails to turn car on - intermittent. Taken it to Subaru detailer miltiple times and paid for services to correct the issue, but the issue persists. Fist time - replaced the battery in July 2025. 2nd time, went on a ride along for 1 hour, issue did not happen, replaced spark plugs, issue persists. 3rd time, updated TCM software, issue still persists. Subaru of America is aware ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled unexpectedly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced; however, the failure recurred. While at a stop and attempting to drive around a curve, t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the repair failed to prevent the failure. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where i... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
-The engine in my 2021 GMC Denali 1500 with the 6.2L engine failed its second engine with ~4,000 miles on the new engine. It is currently at GMC dealer waiting for a 3rd new engine. - Fortunately i was parked when the failure happened and the engine locked up. -Dealer confirmed that a valve dropped and damaged the cylinder wall. - There were no warning lamps or other indication that a failure w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a scan was completed, and diagnostic trouble codes for the Emissions, engine misfire, timing chain, and crank position sensor failure... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2022) - ENGINE
Apr 1, 2026
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
There is a recall on the 6.2 motor that is in my truck at my last oil change they performed a pico scoop diagnostic on the truck said it passed and gave it the new type of oil and oil cap that was suppose to fix it. Now a couple months later I walk out start my truck to let it warm up and after starting all of a sudden the engine started nocking bad and loss of oil pressure and on dip stick. I l... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2022) - ENGINE
Apr 1, 2026
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost automotive power; however, the vehicle maintained electrical power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local service center, where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the fai... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled while in traffic. There was an abnormal screeching sound coming from the vehicle. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The transmission was shifted into reverse(R), but the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was shifted int... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2019) - ENGINE
Apr 1, 2026
Incident date: Feb 25, 2026
Oil pan leaks. The F150 just crossed 70,000 miles. At just under 60,000 miles the truck had what the Ford Service tech described as a weap from the oil pan. He said it was a costly repair so just to watch it. At 65,000 it was a steady drip when the oil was warm. Now at 70,000 the Ford dealer is recommending a replacement. What I have learned is this is a common failure on 2015 to 2017 F150s ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 3500
(2022) - ENGINE
Apr 1, 2026
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
Driving and tried to pass a truck loss of power (dash lit up and no top-end) went to limp mode, Hard start upon starting and limp mode continues, code P0336 (crank sensor/reluctor wheel), on dash codes = service electric throttle control & service electronic stability control. Mileage = 110,000, Required service and maintenance completed at recommended intervals, regarding current codes cleaned al... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
Thermostat is having problems. Fan runs over use and Thermostat will not open