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 10, 2026

NHTSA SAFETY COMPLAINT: RECALL SC336 (CAMPAIGN 21V-301) NON-COMPLIANCE VIN: [XXX] I. PATTERN OF RECALL EVASION Vehicle (2021 Kia Soul) was towed to Classic Kia [XXX] ) on 3/13 with documented engine stalling, knocking, and codes P0014/P0017 (VVT/Timing failure). The dealership withheld this data from Kia Techline for 13 days (3/13–3/26), delaying the safety remedy until state authorities inter... Read more

Incident date: Mar 28, 2026

Summary of Incident: On March 28, 2026, while traveling at 70 MPH on the Florida Turnpike, the vehicle suffered an instantaneous loss of motive power. The engine died abruptly with no warning. Upon reaching the shoulder, the electronic transmission locked, refusing to shift into Neutral or Park. The engine cranks but will not start. 1. Component Failure & Availability: The exact component is curr... Read more

Incident date: Mar 28, 2026

Oil compsuption

Incident date: Feb 27, 2026

sold a AS IS TRADE IN vehicle that had no warning lights on dashboard or window info on safety defective emmisons and ecm and has not been very helpful with my vehicle I have not been able to drive because of safety concerns with recent discovery of codes that showed after getting a new battery for my new way of commuteing to work and live daily activity like most with a car I laid 2,050.15 and wa... Read more

Incident date: Mar 28, 2026

1. Check engine light comes on. 2. Intelligent collision system (ICS) plashing while driving

Incident date: Sep 1, 2022

1- at 71,000 miles in 2022 brake vacuum pump “exploded” broke into many small pieces in the middle of driving. Causing brakes to lock. Brake pedal was brick hard. Hard to maneuver the car out of traffic without causing a collision. Luckily car was not being driven at high speed. At time of repair costing $1,000 Mechanic informed me that the pump was made out of a non metal material and he coul... Read more

Incident date: Mar 22, 2026

While sitting at a traffic light my engine runs rough, then it dies

Incident date: Mar 28, 2026

While driving, the vehicle suddenly shut off without warning. The engine lost power and multiple dashboard warning lights illuminated. The vehicle then displayed a malfunction related to the transmission, with the park (“P”) indicator blinking, and the vehicle would not shift out of park. The failure appears to be related to an electrical or ignition system issue, possibly the ignition switch... Read more

Incident date: Dec 28, 2025

Incident Date: 12/28/2025 Location: [XXX] Related Recall: 23V905 / 23S64 On December 28, 2025, while driving at highway speeds on [XXX] , my 2020 Ford EcoSport suffered a sudden engine fire. There were no prior dashboard warnings or "Check Engine" lights until the fire began, the vehicle speed started to slow down itself, and I immediately pulled over on the side of the interstate. I turned of... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Mar 14, 2026

I was informed that many cars of my make, and model have been recall they will not take into consideration the fact that it’s a safety concern for me now even though I’ve seat didn’t ask questions in regards to this car I know that this car in particular has had over 12,000 recalls for cars between 2022 and 2024 and I’ve asked the dealership to go ahead and see if they can assure me that m... Read more

Incident date: Nov 28, 2025

Gas Motor is not engaging to assist electric drivetrain on a hybrid AWD 2025 Santa Fe. This resulted in a dangerous situation crossing a busy road from a stop sign. The Santa Fe rolled into the intersection at the drivers request, but did not accelerate normally (only to a maximum of a few miles per hour) and felt like an eternity to cross the road. Fortunately oncoming drivers from left and right... Read more

Incident date: Mar 16, 2026

The gages fall all the way down, I’m not able to accelerate, engine light, traction light, tire pressure light, crash detection light, and other lights come on and prevents me from being able to drive. This happened on the interstate and almost caused an accident.

Incident date: Mar 28, 2026

Engine is leaking alot of oil from crankshaft..I was informed there was a recall on the same type and years for the problem I am having but I do not have a recall on mine

Incident date: Mar 1, 2021

My brand-new 2025 Honda XR150L, still under Warranty, is consuming oil at a rate of 0.5 quarts, or more, per 1,000 miles. This oil-consumption problem is well documented on a number of... Public Forums. One video link is -- [XXX] My oil-consumption record to date -- Changed oil at 390 miles Changed oil at 1072 miles with oil down 0.3 quarts in 682 miles Changed oil at 1915 miles with oil down 0... Read more

Incident date: Mar 28, 2026

My vehicle constantly stalls at idle or while stopped at a traffic light or stop sign. I was so bothersome is that the vehicle rolls back during these endeavors. It usually happens 3 or 4 times a day. I've taken in to the dealer for the recall they replaced the recall parts, but it still continues to stall. It's more frustrating when i'm at a stoplight and I have people behind me honking beca... Read more

Incident date: Dec 16, 2025

When the auto start stop engages my car will shut down and then it takes a minute or two for it to restart. This has happened several times. I reported it to Acura previously and no action was taken. It’s difficult to replicate because it doesn’t happen every time. It’s unsafe and scary because it will happen at stop signs, or in traffic and with my children in the car. It just happened abou... Read more

Incident date: Feb 23, 2026

- There is a crack in the engine block; coolant is leaking into cylinder 3. I am having the car taken by carvana on 3/30 and it will no longer be available for inspection, but I have record of the mechanical issues from taking the vehicle into the dealership on 3/18. - My/others safety was not immediately at risk, but I know that my engine could have blown while driving, causing an accident or ev... Read more

Incident date: Feb 10, 2026

2019 GMC Acadia message: Action Required Steering Assist Is Reduced Drive with care Both power steering and AC affected, check engine light on, engine temperature gauge off

Incident date: Mar 28, 2026

Driving on freeway, engine starting knocking loudly and completely failed. I blew an engine on my 2023 escalade esv as well. Seems like the recall might need to be extended to the 2026 models as well.

Incident date: Mar 5, 2026

I purchased a used 2015 Jeep Wrangler from a dealership in New York. At the time of sale, the vehicle had an open urgent safety recall (19V-018) for a defective Takata passenger airbag inflator. This recall was never disclosed to me by the dealership prior to or at the time of purchase. The recall advisory was noted on the NYS inspection report conducted the same morning the vehicle was sold to me... Read more

Incident date: Aug 8, 2025

Drive to work suddenly engine show emergency issues many symbols appearing in front of screen and break is not controlled and car is stop running.

Incident date: Mar 26, 2026

My 2024 Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid (VIN [XXX] ) has twice lost accelerator response when transitioning from battery power to gasoline power. In both events, the warning message displayed was: “Drive system: malfunction! Please contact Service.” In both events, the accelerator stopped responding and normal operation was restored only after the vehicle was stopped and restarted. First incident: On 1... Read more

Incident date: Mar 28, 2026

All warning lights began going off in car as driving. No overheating and search indicated it may be due to battery needing replacement. Drove to Honda dealer/service to have vehicle inspected and was informed Turbo charger failed. Between research done and a call to our local dealer and was told this is a common issue. Diagnostic report and quote for new engine and turbo attached. Please note... Read more

Incident date: Mar 28, 2026

While driving at highway speeds, I needed to accelerate hard in order to pass another vehicle and while accelerating there was a downshift and increase in RPM. After passing, the RPM remained high even after I took foot off accelerator and it seemed the transmission did not shift back out of lower gear, keeping the car traveling at a high rate of speed, endangering myself and other traffic. Apply... Read more

Incident date: Mar 28, 2026

MY car has 39200. Miles acura mdx 2020 tech package. Has a rod knocking sound. There was a recall number 23v751000 that i was never notified about. I cant drive car under this vondition may harm engine further. Question is this recall still valid even if I was mot informed or does my cars acura/Honda warranty covers repairs or replacement

Incident date: Mar 27, 2026

Following replacement of the small block in Dec. 2025 for bad pushrod bearings. The vehicle ran for 3000 miles, before the engine seized up again while driving at 50 mph. The vehicle came to a stop in the travel lanes and could not be moved due to engine failure. Upon having the vehicle towed back to the dealership for inspection and repair, they found that the #3 cylinder had both valves broken a... Read more

Incident date: Jan 12, 2026

I filled up my gas tank on way home from work in [XXX] . Once i got on on ramp to get on freeway my 2006 dodge charger stalled. I lost all power and barely was able to get to side of on ramp. I waited a couple minutes after shutting car off. Then it started up again for me to get home. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident date: Dec 17, 2025

Engine failure resulting in new engine.

Incident date: Mar 3, 2026

Recall/Loss of Power I am filing a safety complaint regarding a 2023 Chevy Equinox. The vehicle began losing engine power and will not go over 40 mph. This creates a dangerous driving situation because the vehicle cannot maintain highway speed. The vehicle has a fuel system recall, and the issue appears to be related to the fuel system. The vehicle is currently at a Chevrolet dealership and has... Read more

Incident date: Mar 20, 2026

My vehicle is a GMC Sierra 1500 Duramax diesel. The vehicle experienced a failure of the DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) system, which was diagnosed by the dealership as a failure of the DEF tank heater. The heater is integrated into the tank assembly, requiring full replacement of the DEF tank. As a result of this failure, the vehicle became unusable and has been out of service since March 3, 2026. Th... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2025

On two separate occasions, my car has shaken violently and stopped both times while idling one in my driveway one at a stoplight and then an alert that says engine stopped steering power low came on

Incident date: Jan 1, 2025

I purchase the 2017 Santa Fe Sport in October of 2023 with just short of 80K miles. It was in great condition and had no issues. I have maintained it according to Hyundai specification and regular on schedule oil changes with recommended 5w-20 full synthetic. At approximately 100K miles, I experienced an oil pressure light on the dash, when checked, the engine was approximately 2 quarts low. F... Read more

Incident date: Nov 8, 2025

On 3/18/26 i reported a serious safety issue involving my vehicle, which currently has an open manufacturer recall with no available remedy. The vehicle has experienced multiple dangerous and malfunctioning conditions. First, the vehicle intermittently displays a dashboard message indicating that the vehicle is "not in park" even when it is clearly in the park position. When this occurs, I am unab... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2026

On March 21, 2026 my Taycan motor wire disconnected from the battery during routine city driving The car was In the Middle lane of [XXX] waiting to turn left onto [XXX] A warning light said Car not drivable , pull over But the car was not functional. Police needed to block [XXX] to allow the car in neutral to slide downhill to A safe location This is the second time this car with unde... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2026

"Continuous engine oil leak for 12 months. After 4 failed repair attempts, the dealer used liquid sealer instead of a gasket. This is a deceptive repair that creates a severe fire hazard. The leak is still active today, March 2026."

Incident date: Mar 26, 2026

I believe my emmisons had malfunctioning part # 77740-21011 called used auto sales agent 5 mins after purchasing on 3/1 because I was at gas station having unusual fuel pumping problems that made it very difficult to put gas in had a constant clicking happen and the dealer on the phone told me there was no issues with my new vehicle and after checking my warning lights to see if any were signaling... Read more

Incident date: Mar 3, 2026

I’ve owned this vehicle since March 2023, and I have experienced several electrical issues. For instance, my car displays a malfunction warning and the check engine light multiple times throughout the month. When the engine malfunction warning appears, the engine will not accelerate, and if the vehicle is idling, it will shut off. I then have to restart the car. Another issue involves the door ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 16, 2026

Coolant intrusion, motor destroyed by coolant due to faulty ford design

Incident date: Feb 21, 2026

My check engine light came on and went to dealer ship jn Oct of 2025 they stated the Egr needed to be replaced and would cost 1300 to repair but inform me they didn't have the piece to replace at that time to reschedule app. Also reservoir coolant light keeps coming on . I called several times to Lumberton Kia at one time they stated that they didn't have but 1 mechanic that worked on hybrids and ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 26, 2026

I have had so many problems with this car And now I cannot drive it. There is coolant in the engine. My car only has 69000 miles on it, great condition other than the engine. I took it to my mechanic I started having problems with it overheating and going right back to normal. Water pump replaced, spark plugs replaced, fuel injector replaced. Spent so much money on it and than started seeing wh... Read more

Incident date: Mar 26, 2026

MIL activated, reported misfire in cylinder 2. Attempted to replace spark plugs but they had seized. Took to dealership: was told coolant leaked into cylinder and entire engine needed to be replaced. Technician said this was common with Ecoboost engines for this model year, but not enough to merit a recall. Cost to replace engine more than the vehicle is worth

Incident date: Mar 23, 2026

Took my car in for oil piston recall. H&H KIA advised my oil level was low. I advised oil change just done 1/16/2026 and under the 6 month/7500 mile oil change recommendation. I provided screenshot that show it could indicate problem related to recall. Dealership did inspection and did advise no oil leak. When I asked about this they advised I had to pay for an engine clean and also an oil test. I... Read more

Incident date: Mar 23, 2026

Approximately 7 months ago, my 2015 Honda Odyssey experienced an engine misfire with code P0302 (cylinder 2). All spark plugs were replaced at that time and the issue appeared resolved. However, the misfire has now returned with the check engine light on, again indicating cylinder misfire. The vehicle only has 71,000 miles on it, which makes this recurring issue particularly concerning. Based on m... Read more

Incident date: Feb 9, 2026

August 1, 2025 I was trying to get to [XXX] from [XXX] to see my mother, before Kansas City, Mo. Before getting to KC while cruise was engaged car RPM’s began amping but car did not speed up. I put it park and turned motor off and tried to drive again, but did the same thing. I called my mechanic in XXX and he suggested I try to come back but I couldn’t go over 30mph driving on the should... Read more

Incident date: Nov 15, 2025

1) The engine failed and lost propulsion while driving. It is currently at the dealership where I purchased the vehicle new, so it may be available for inspection upon request. 2) My safety was put at risk because the vehicle lost propulsion while driving. This is a dangerous situation in general. In my case I was able to pull over safely and have it towed to the dealership. 3) The problem is t... Read more

Incident date: Mar 27, 2026

Unknown what actually occurs but the entire car shuts off while driving. It has happened to me twice in traffic. Once no warnings, the second time the tire pressure sensor fault flashed went away and then the entire car just shut down while I was driving. I had my child with me and was a scary moment could’ve cause a serious accident or potential death. Car was stuck in the road for over 30min b... Read more

Incident date: Mar 17, 2026

I purchased a 2023 Suburban on March 6, 2026 with 52,980 miles. I drove it home to my house and parked it. On March 7, 2026 about 6pm, I started the vehicle and heard a loud engine noise. I called the dealership and let them know about the noise. On March 9, 2026 I towed it back to the dealership. The vehicle has been in service since then and was told it needs an engine. Metal spun threw the engi... Read more

Incident date: Mar 21, 2026

My leased 2020 Ford EcoSport is at Merchant Ford of Selma, AL for three safety recalls: airbag system, engine oil pump failure, and rearview camera failure. The dealership told me they do not know how to fix the recalls, installed wrong parts, and the vehicle has been sitting for weeks without repair and without a loaner vehicle. They have stopped returning my calls. Ford has had years to remedy t... Read more

Incident date: Mar 8, 2026

On 3/26/2026 a symbol of an engine appeared on my dash. Then several minutes later the car began running very rough and numerous warnings signs came on including Check Engine, Check AWD System, Check Power Steering System, Check Uphill Assist system and others. I took the car to my mechanic this morning and after checking various systems he determined the Cylinder Deactivation system was not perfo... Read more

Incident date: Mar 21, 2026

I own a 2019 Ford Escape with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle began experiencing engine misfires and a powertrain malfunction warning. Diagnostic code P0302 appeared for cylinder 2 misfire. The coolant reservoir level began dropping without any visible external leaks. A mechanic performed a pressure test and confirmed there were no external coolant leaks, indicating coolant intrusion into the ... 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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