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.

2,245,377 Total Complaints

140,173 Reported Crashes

56,794 Reported Fires

8,580 Reported 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

How to Read NHTSA Consumer Complaints › How NHTSA Investigations Work › Used Car: 7 Recall Checks to Run First › The Takata Airbag Recall: Full Story › OBD-II Codes Explained › All Articles ›

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Showing 169,480 complaints - component: ENGINE

Incident date: Mar 23, 2026

The vehicle surges and revs when in park or drive. This is the similar problem that the Nissan rogue is having

Incident date: Mar 23, 2026

My 2018 Mazda CX-5 with 81,000 miles and an up to date maintenance record started leaking oil after an oil change. It started to notice smoke coming from under the hood and a puddle of oil in my garage floor. I took it to the shop where they determined it was a cracked cylinder head. I purchased this vehicle new from the dealership, and I have taken really good care of it. They need to issue a... Read more

Incident date: Mar 15, 2026

Engine was replaced couple of months ago due to a recall and today 3/30/2026 I'm pulling up to my driveway getting home from work in my car starts smoking it catches on fire

Fire

Incident date: Mar 30, 2026

While driving home, multiple alerts showed up on the dashboard about my engine and to check the manual. Smoke began to come up from the engine and smelled really bad. I heard a rattling as well. The recall work was done on this not too long ago, coming up on 1 year ago, and still have engine difficulties after they replaced the entire engine and did the recall repair.

Incident date: Mar 30, 2026

When picking up my children from daycare, my 2024 Palisade (37K miles) would not shift into park. It was stuck in the reverse position. It would not shift to any drive, park, or neutral. Even in the reverse position, the car would not move. I applied the emergency brake and had to turn the car off without placing it in park. When I restarted the car, and place it in reverse, the engine made clunki... Read more

Incident date: Mar 29, 2026

Even after regular oil changes car requires an additional 4 bottles of oil every 2 weeks. Now the car is jumping and having a misfire.

Incident date: Mar 30, 2026

On December 3, 2025, Volkswagen of XXX performed an intake manifold recall repair on our 2017 Tiguan (VIN: [XXX] ) while the vehicle was under factory warranty. Approximately six weeks later the low coolant warning light appeared and the vehicle began actively leaking coolant. No other work had been performed between the recall and the onset of the leak. Our independent mechanic discovered physica... Read more

Incident date: Jan 31, 2026

So our family of four, two adults and two kids driving down buford dr in GA on March 29 2026 apparently at 11am found ourselves in a dangerous situation. The oil light on our honda pilot came on and the vehicle shut off in the middle of a 3 lane extremely busy road. This is not safe and I am a experience automotive technician for more then 20 years of experience and have not yet found a rod beari... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2025

The vehicle has a serious transmission/drivetrain defect that repeatedly occurs when accelerating from a complete stop, especially onto an incline. The vehicle sometimes does not respond at all when the accelerator is pressed and fails to move, even though acceleration is being requested. In one recent incident, it remained stopped for about one minute before finally responding. During these event... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2023

I started driving this vehicle and all of a sudden it started slowing down, and would not go up to speed. I had it fixed, the car started skipping, making a jerking movement while driving. I made an appointment with Tameron Honda of Birmingham on 3/26/26. As soon as I pulled up to Honda dealership the engine light was on. The company was trying to bill me 6100 dollars for fixing the car. I do not ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 29, 2026

Motor spun a bearing on the crank and the vehicle is needing a new motor. 73,000 miles. Passed the GM recall inspection less than 6 months ago. Vehicle has had regular oil changes and all maintenance done on time. Engine started hard then started knocking. Made it to dealership for diagnostics.

Incident date: Mar 4, 2026

RF Module lost connection to CAN Bus and caused the vehicle to shutoff while driving. Symptoms include messages about key fob not within range and TPMS not able to communicate with sensors. RF Module was replaced however the issue returned. Other symptoms include parasitic draw caused by RF Module that in turn causes the system to report low voltage while driving. Vehicle has left me stranded on m... Read more

Incident date: Mar 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced by an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that the motor mounts were old and fractured. The independent mechanic suggested that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed that the motor mounts were fractured and that the vehicle... Read more

Incident date: Mar 30, 2026

I am a loyal Lexus owner since 1998 and have always recommended Lexus vehicles to my family and friends. In over 25 years of ownership, I have never experienced an issue like this. While driving under normal road conditions, my new 2024 RX 350’s AC condenser was punctured by small road debris, causing a refrigerant leak and loss of air conditioning. The condenser is located directly behind the f... Read more

Incident date: Mar 10, 2026

2016 Mercedes-Benz C63 S AMG, M177 4.0L twin-turbo V8. This engine is marketed under Mercedes-Benz's "One Man, One Engine" philosophy — hand-assembled by a single master technician. It failed irreparably at 67,323 miles on a properly maintained vehicle owned by a 14-year Mercedes-Benz customer who has purchased six Mercedes-Benz vehicles. All maintenance performed on schedule with genuine OEM M... Read more

Incident date: Nov 3, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly decelerated to 40 MPH and failed to properly accelerate. The check engine warning light was illuminated and there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, and the vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was towed to th... Read more

Incident date: Dec 27, 2025

Thermostat is not lasting to recommend mileage. Gm states that this part start going bad at 100,000 miles. My vehicle had 40,000 miles when my thermostat went out. I looked online and this been an ongoing problem. For Chevy Camaro owners.

Incident date: Oct 15, 2025

I was taking my kids to school and then suddenly a knocking sound started and then a boom. I found out that at 134,000 miles my engine threw a rod and punched a hole in my block. My [XXX] old was freaking out because there was smoke coming from the engine and her sisters said the car was going to catch fire. The [XXX] old was stuck in her seatbelt and couldn't get out. Then as I was calling a to... Read more

Incident date: Feb 20, 2026

Thermostat is failing under part recommend mileage. GM is not taking this under consideration. States part last up to 100,000 miles. It’s failing under 30,000 miles.

Incident date: Dec 14, 2025

Car had a weird sound and was misfiring so was taken to a shop who diagnosed with coolant intrusion issues. This has been so much headache this car has so many issues with coolant intrusion and it’s a safety issue since it is coolant IN THE ENGINE which can cause so many issues. this needs to be fixed

Incident date: Mar 30, 2026

I own a 2019 Ford F-150 equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle has developed a loud rattling noise during startup along with an illuminated check engine light. The vehicle was diagnosed by Family Ford of Enfield as having a failure in the timing system, including cam phasers, timing chain, tensioners, and guides. The estimated repair cost is approximately $5,000. This issue appears ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 2, 2026

Failing head gasket - cars stalls. Coolant reservoir goes empty. Check engine light go on.

Incident date: Mar 30, 2026

The vehicle has the L87 GM engine. It lost complete power and the engine seized up and would not start again. Fortunately I was able to roll into a neighborhood and get off the main road with no issues. The dealer has confirmed the seized engine and a replacement engine has been ordered with no ETA. There was no prior warning of the failure, besides a shuddering, like I was running out of gas, and... Read more

Incident date: Mar 23, 2026

Traveling in a 55 zone on Rt 27 and my vehicle lost power and said pull over and charge vehicle with engine on. I did this once and the battery went up to half way charge then I could start to drive again. Less than a half a mile up the road climbing a good size hill by the town’s salt shed—the same issue occurred. I had to pull over again and allow battery to recharge. This is not a compl... Read more

Incident date: Sep 19, 2024

A known Ford defect on the 2017 3.5 ecoboost engine is when the manifolds, improperly designed and installed, warp and snap off the manifold bolts holding the manifold to the engine. The result is a great deal of extremely hot exhaust fumes being emitted in the engine compartment rather than out the end of the exhaust pipe. There were NO messages, lamps or other indicators of the manifold failur... Read more

Incident date: Dec 31, 1969

On March 26, 2026 my 2019 Infiniti QX50 (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced complete loss of motive power while exiting the freeway. My blind mother and [XXX] autistic son were both passengers creating a serious safety emergency for two disabled individuals. On March 28, 2026 Les Schwab Tires (Store [XXX] ) professionally documented metal shavings in the oil pan on official invoice stating ‘SHAVING IN OI... Read more

Incident date: Mar 29, 2026

I am reporting multiple safety-related issues involving my 2016 Chrysler 200 S. On 02/06/2024, after an oil change at a dealership, the underbody skid plate bolts were not reinstalled. While driving, the skid plate fell and I lost control of the vehicle, creating a serious safety hazard. No warning indicators were present prior to this failure. The issue was identified immediately after leaving th... Read more

Incident date: Mar 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of an undisclosed recall. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was an active recall and the power... Read more

Incident date: Mar 26, 2026

Engine knocking, constantly kicking into limp mode, shaking when driving. Taken to GMC and local repair shops. Limp mode will not stop kicking on. Now other issues will mean total engine replacement needed. Mechanic says it’s not worth repairing at this point. Only 109k miles on it.

Incident date: Aug 15, 2025

Exhaust small in cabin. Exhaust manifolds leaking pulling exhaust into the cabin through the climate system. When the recirculation is turned on, then the smell is not present. When the recirculation is off then the exhaust smell is strong inside the cabin. The exhaust in the cabin is causing causing respiratory problems, fatigue, eye irritation and I am concerned of passing out when driving. I fr... Read more

Incident date: Sep 19, 2024

During on driving, engine stopped 3 or 4times since Jan/2025 Last time engine stopped yesterday around 6:30pm on 3/30/2026 at [XXX] between [XXX] and [XXX] in Los Angeles INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident date: Mar 30, 2026

The contact owned a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while unloading groceries out of her vehicle with the vehicle in park(P) and the engine on, grayish-white smoke began to emit from the vehicle without warning. The contact turned off the vehicle and checked under the hood, where she saw flames in the engine. The contact then ran to the fire department, which was nearby, and info... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Jan 4, 2025

There are 2 recalls on my 2023 Toyota Tunda, one was filed on 5/25/25 (approaching a year ago) and the other was filed on 11/6/25 and there is no remedy yet on either one of these issues. The 11/6/25 recall, on my notice they stated the remedy would be ready at the end of January or early February and there is no remedy yet. The other one from May is approaching a year from the notice. I am co... Read more

Incident date: Mar 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started driving sluggishly and failed to accelerate properly. Additionally, the contact reported excessive oil consumption, although there were no external leaks found. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was driven to a d... Read more

Incident date: Mar 4, 2026

i have a 2019 chevy traverse i bouth it 2020 /9/11 2020 i have had problems scense then i right now havb to buy a transmission GMC had me to take it to a chevy dealer and ask for some coast asistant they would not so they baclk out now i am about to sue

Incident date: Mar 27, 2026

I was driving, and my engine died in the middle of Highway 40 about 5 miles outside of [XXX] . It was extremely dangerous, and Colorado State troopers and Colorado Division of Transportation workers had to stop traffic. The car could not be put into neutral, and towing to a safe location was very difficult and dangerous. The car has less than 76K, and there was absolutely no warning before the ca... Read more

Incident date: Mar 27, 2026

The contact owned a 2007 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, occupied with her daughter, she noticed black smoke was coming from the driver and passenger side vents in the vehicle. No warning light illuminated. The contact mentioned a bystander noticed black smoke and called 911 on the scene. The contact also mentioned that after she and her daughter exited the vehicle, the... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Feb 4, 2026

Coolant leaking from the upper radiator inlet hose connection

Incident date: Mar 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, on separate occasions, the engine seized. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the... Read more

Incident date: Feb 14, 2026

I was traveling on the I70 West around the 210 mile marker. I was in the passing lane at high speed when the vehicle without warning switched itself off. The dash showed the “press start” warning, but the vehicle would not restart. I was fortunate that I was around 1/2 a mile from a rest stop area. I was able to glide the vehicle into the rest area. As I slowed close to a stop the vehicle sudd... Read more

Incident date: Feb 14, 2026

Vehicle: 2020 Subaru Outback Onyx/Limited/Touring XT (2.4L Turbo FA24) Component: Engine Lubrication / Oil Pan Sealant I am reporting a manufacturing defect involving the engine oil pan seal on the 2020 Subaru Outback 2.4L Turbo. Upon inspection of fluid accumulation at the transmission joint, a Subaru dealership diagnostic confirmed that the engine oil pan seal has failed. The dealership noted t... Read more

Incident date: Mar 30, 2026

Engine died because oil wasn't changed, even though the car wasn't due for an oil change and no indicator flashed on the dashboard warning us that maintenance was needed.

Incident date: Feb 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The dealer informed the contact that the battery charge was extremely low. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle wa... Read more

Incident date: Mar 23, 2026

The engine on my 2019 Lincoln MKC (2.0L EcoBoost) suffered a sudden internal failure without warning shortly after the factory powertrain warranty expired. The vehicle had no prior drivability issues, no warning lights, and had been maintained on schedule. While driving, the engine began running roughly and quickly lost power. The vehicle became unsafe to operate and had to be towed. The dealersh... Read more

Incident date: Feb 8, 2026

I have a Honda Accord Sport. My vehicle does not appear on the recall website. I am having so many issues with my vehicle lately. The following lights stay on continuously on my dashboard. The tire pressure light, ABS, tired skid traction, brake and steering wheel lights are on. I have tried everything to get these issues resolved and nothing seems to be working. I am thinking now that this could ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 30, 2026

I am submitting a safety complaint regarding a **2017 Kia Sorento SXL** equipped with a **3.3L Lambda V6 engine**, which experienced **sudden and catastrophic engine failure** at approximately **137,000 miles**. Prior to failure, the vehicle exhibited **progressively worsening engine knocking and vibration**, indicating internal engine damage. Despite these warning signs, the failure occurred **a... Read more

Incident date: Jan 2, 2026

I was in the middle of a 1 hr long drive and my DEF gauge went from 2/3 full to empty nearly instantly. I received a message on the dash that said my speed would be limited to 5 MPH in 200 miles. Thankfully, I was within easy driving distance to a dealer, so I dropped if off yesterday (still waiting for their assessment of the issue), but what if I was in the middle of nowhere, and couldn't get to... Read more

Incident date: Mar 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4XE. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the result was not provided. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the same dealer. The dealer refer... Read more

Incident date: Apr 22, 2025

The engine of vehicle repeatedly failed, causing the vehicle to stall while driving, which posed a serious risk to my safety and others on the road. The vehicle had approximately 65,000 miles and was maintained routinely and on schedule. The failure first occurred before November 18, 2025, when I reported stalling issues to Kia authorized service & parts. The vehicle was returned as “fixed” on... Read more

Incident date: Nov 18, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. There was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer, and the excessive oil consumption was confirmed. The contact was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campa... Read more

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Consumer Safety Complaints

What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?

How to interpret what you read

If you've experienced a defect

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