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: Aug 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the infotainment center intermittently went black, and there was water leaking into the vehicle through the top and lower center of the front windshield and the rear windshield. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the rear windshield was replaced without a diagnostic being performed; however, the failures persisted. Add... Read more

Incident date: Aug 28, 2026

My 2025 Honda Odyssey shut off in Auto Idle Stop while at a busy intersection. The car was unresponsive and would not engage the motor. After five minutes of trying to turn the car off and on, it eventually restarted and the motor came back to life. This issue put me at great risk of bodily harm. Given the fact the car was unresponsive in such a surprising way, I was very lucky not to have c... Read more

Incident date: Aug 13, 2026

The thermostat quit working. I've researched this issue and have seen this is a very common issue usually occurring when the vehicle has somewhere between 45000 to 55000 miles.

Incident date: Aug 27, 2026

Vehicle has issues with sputtering and stalling out when at idle and while reversing after warming up. The first time that the vehicle actually stalled while reversing, it had to be put into park and restarted. I took it to the dealership and they replaced the in tank fuel pump. When I got the car back it was still acting a little strange but I thought it was just the computer relearning process. ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 25, 2026

On August 25, 2026, my 2018 Jeep Compass equipped with the 2.4L engine became inoperable approximately five months after I purchased it. The vehicle had approximately 68,000 miles. An independent repair shop initially found no fuel pressure and replaced the fuel pump and spark plugs. The vehicle remained mechanically compromised, and testing showed only 99 PSI compression in cylinder 3. The shop r... Read more

Incident date: Jun 29, 2026

I am writing about a mechanical failure on my 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Recently, I took my vehicle in for 2 recalls associated with this model. Recall #: 66B, pertaining to the rearview camera & 52D, which corresponds to the high voltage battery. Recall #: 52D could not be completed at the certified Chrysler dealership due to the failure of the Electric Coolant Heater, throwing diagnostic ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 17, 2026

Total engine failure . While driving on the highway car started shaking violently and rattling. Car completely shut down was towed to Chevy dealership and was told it needed a full engine replacement. They said there was a hole in the engine the size of a tennis ball and said it was not user error but a defect . They also indicated we were lucky it didn’t blow up. Car is still being repaired... Read more

Incident date: Aug 28, 2026

Coolant intrusion the engine is ruined by a design flaw

Incident date: Aug 19, 2026

The car has stalled numerous times on the roadway while driving. The issue has been identified as an oil consumption issue. There was no low pressure warning light or other warning indicating that there is an oil pressure issue or any other early warning of an engine stall. The dealer has indicated that a complete engine replacement is required to correct the problem. Based upon research, there... Read more

Incident date: Aug 27, 2026

When traveling home from work 8/27/26, my cruise control shut off and my car immediately went into “limp” mode. This almost caused me to get into an accident with a tractor trailer, in which, I may not have survived. Immediately pulled over and tried to find out what had caused this and how to get it fixed. Nothing worked to get it out of “limp” mode. There were no warning lights or messag... Read more

Incident date: Aug 28, 2026

I own a 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan with approximately 72,441 miles. While traveling on the interstate, the vehicle displayed a “Check Oil Level” warning. I stopped and checked the engine oil dipstick, which came out completely dry. The vehicle’s previous oil change had been performed by Walmart, and the service sticker stated that the next oil change was due at 72,240 miles, meaning I was only ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 20, 2026

COMPONENT THAT FAILED & AVAILABILITY: The vehicle's primary electrical architecture and data communications network (CAN bus) failed during a safety recall service for the SRS ECU and rearview camera. After attempting to complete the recall work, the vehicle is no longer able to start. SAFETY RISK: The manufacturer's federally mandated safety recall remedy compromised the vehicle's critical safet... Read more

Incident date: Aug 28, 2026

the water pump failed on my 2020 Audi SQ 8 at approximately 42K miles. before diagnosis the engine temperate gauge repeatedly fluctuated while driving. An Audi specialist shop diagnosed the issue as a failed water pump. A failure at this mileage is premature and presents a safety concern as this could result in a catastrophic engine failure. I am requesting that NTHSA evaluate whether similar ... Read more

Incident date: May 6, 2026

Vehicle demonstrates an intermittent lag during acceleration, particularly during throttle position changes. Typical throttle response is appx 0.5s as measured by stopwatch. When the issue is replicated the delay can exceed 1 second. This is most concerning during situations where moderate to brisk acceleration is needed at a specific time such as turning across traffic at an intersection or me... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2026

The water pump failed on this engine. Prior to failure, there were no warning signs or alarms. . The only warning we received was a low oil level warning and once received, the engine was immediately shut off and towed to a mechanic. The mechanic stated the engine has metal shaving in the oil and he recommends replacing the engine. It had 144,000 miles on it and was routinely maintained. Ford n... Read more

Incident date: May 15, 2023

05/15/23 - AFM Lifter failure - Complete Top End Rebuild under extended warranty purchased when i bought the Tahoe - Preowned certified. Cost $2,000.00 Out Of Pocket ( Days Chevrolet Repaired 86,350 miles) 09/06/23 - Transmission failed - Warranty paid except $2,000.00 (94,000 Miles) 02/02/26 - Broken Driver Side Motor Mount Replaced $350.00 (159,000 Miles) 02/28/26 - Rear end Failure 03/20/26 - ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 23, 2021

In XXX, my 2014 Kia Sedona suffered a catastrophic internal engine failure matching the known 3.3L Lambda V6 factory defect. The engine block threads stripped out, destroying the head gasket and causing extreme, immediate loss of radiator fluid and over-pressurization of the coolant expansion tank. A professional mechanic provided an engine replacement estimate of $16,000, which exceeded the vehic... Read more

Incident date: Aug 5, 2025

I have filed a reimbursement twice now for recall 26V290000 (FCA Recall 40D). I had this repaired in August of 2025. Both times I have submitted the claim it has been denied because of no remedy available. I am just asking for a reimbursement and I think they are just using this as an excuse not to pay the bill. My reference claim number is 97934186.

Incident date: Jan 3, 2026

I purchased a new 2024 GMC Sierra. I brought it to the dealer for the engine recall on the 6.2liter. It passed the inspection and the oil was changed to a heavier weight. After the recall was satisfied and the oil was changed to the heavier weight, around 45,000 miles, the engine failed at highway speeds while pulling a trailer and left my entire family stranded on the side of the highway; late... Read more

Incident date: Aug 22, 2026

Loud Knocking from engine, CEL illuminated flashing, loss in power and had an active misfire in cyl #2. Upon inspection cyl #2 Spark plug electrode broke off/melted into the cylinder causing a gauge in the cylinder. Vehicle is being dropped off to the dealer for most likely an engine replacement.

Incident date: Jul 14, 2026

Car stalled July 14th car has been at Kia of Bowie and they are stalling g me and dont want to do the sarter recal and are asking me for $550 for a diagnostic that I should not pay for do to this safety recall ive been telling them from the start that there was a very strong gas smell coming from theoil dipstick and they have been avoiding it till yesterday now the gas has evaperated and they are... Read more

Incident date: Aug 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine, radiator, and an unknown belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. While driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning ligh... Read more

Incident date: Jul 25, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle began to shake uncontrollably. A knocking sound was heard from the engine, and the vehicle entered limp mode. No warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and need... Read more

Incident date: Aug 27, 2026

The vehicle disengages and loses power, feels like it shifts to park and won’t go.

Incident date: Aug 10, 2026

The vehicle was recalled and when they reprogrammed the ECM, a code P11a9 appeared which led to the VCR actuator. They had to perform a VCR base position learning procedure. Initially, the service tech and service manager told us we needed a new engine.also, the ADAS and lane departure parts needed to be replaced as the crash malfunction light came on at about 65 miles.

Incident date: Aug 23, 2026

This complaint is in relation to the investigation into the GM L87 (6.2L engine) investigation. I own a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado with the L87 engine. I had my truck inspected through the recall a few months ago and the engine passed at that time. The engine oil was changed by the dealer per the recall at that time. On August 23, 2026, I was traveling at highway speeds on an interstate highwa... Read more

Incident date: Jul 16, 2026

I was told that my vehicle has a bent exhaust valve, which has caused irreparable damage to the engine and requires a complete engine replacement. The dealership could not determine what caused the valve to bend, but they indicated that it could potentially be a manufacturing defect, although they could not confirm that. My vehicle has now been at the Chevy dealership for more than 30 days, and I ... Read more

Incident date: May 30, 2026

During a short drive between [XXX] and [XXX] roughly 27 miles, the red battery light on the dash display illuminated just as we were turning into the Holiday/Circle K gas station in [XXX]. No other warnings or messages appeared on the dash, and upon restart after returning to the vehicle, the red battery light did not reappear. However from that point on my return drive to [XXX], the Hybrid Elec... Read more

Incident date: Aug 17, 2026

Driving down highway the engine made a squeeling noise. The engine shuttered and kept making noise then said to reduce speed. Then quit running all together.

Incident date: Apr 1, 2026

The lifter rod associated with the DoD/AFM system failed, causing catastrophic failure in the engine. This isn't an age issue, this isn't a part that wore out and failed. This car would still be running and driving if that system was never installed. The lifters for these systems are known weakpoints that'll eventually fail. Because of this we lost immediate power in the vehicle and had to immedi... Read more

Incident date: Aug 3, 2026

Had the recall service done , where they change the oil weight, to the 6.2 L engine and just a few months later the engine died while driving on the highway . It just stopped running. The car is only 3.5 years old and the engine died. They took it apart and said it was a non effected part that failed but i find that crazy. No warning just complete shut down. I was luck and only going about 30 ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 14, 2026

On XXX im driving my 2021 Kia Sorento sx it stalled while driving in the mist of traffic engine light comes on and I had my car towed contacted Kia of Bowie they are giving me a hassle contacted them because this is a safety issue from the beginning I have mentioned gas smell coming from the oil dipstick now the car has say and the gas has evaperated and they are saying no gas smell contacted corp... Read more

Incident date: Aug 27, 2026

Yukon would not idle without turning off on its own. Check engine light came on. Took it to my mechanic. Check engine light was flashing which indicated an active misfire. A running compression test found little to no compression from cylinder 6. Further investigation found that cylinder 5 had been repaired in 2022. Mechanic recommends engine replacement.

Incident date: Mar 24, 2026

The vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of motive power due to an internal engine failure while stopped at an idle in active traffic. The engine stalled completely and would not restart, creating an immediate safety hazard as the vehicle was stranded in the roadway. This failure is directly related to the known issue where the 1.0L EcoBoost wet timing belt degrades, shedding debris that... Read more

Incident date: Jun 20, 2026

My Second motor blew up while towing my camper with my entire family in the vehicle, leaving us stranded 1 foot from interstate traffic for over an hour as we waited for a tow truck—this was GM's 3rd attempt to fix the problem. There were no warning signs. The motor had roughly 4 thousand miles on it. I have since gotten rid of this truck (and suffered financial loss) before it gets me or som... Read more

Incident date: Aug 28, 2026

I am the owner of a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8, VIN [XXX], currently at 177,271 miles. On [ADD DATE] while driving 40-45 mph westbound on [XXX] near XXX in [XXX], in a school zone, the engine suffered sudden catastrophic internal failure with complete loss of propulsion and would not restart. No prior warning lights or low oil pressure warning. Vehicle required tow from... Read more

Incident date: Jun 19, 2026

I had the L87 recall completed, and the vehicle passed inspection. The dealership completed the required protocol and replaced the engine oil with 0W-40. Approximately 6,000 miles later, while traveling at about 75 mph and six hours from home, I experienced a brief loss of power followed by an immediate return of power. My wife and I noticed it but, with no warning lights or alerts, continued dri... Read more

Incident date: Feb 23, 2026

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 equipped with 6.2L L87 engine. At approximately 97,000 miles, the engine developed a significant knocking noise. I immediately took the vehicle to an authorized GMC dealership for diagnosis. The dealer determined that the engine required replacement but advised that my VIN was not included in GM Recall 25V-274. The dealer quoted approximately $15,000 for replacement. I subsequ... Read more

Incident date: May 5, 2022

while under warrantee the dealer quirk Chevy in Manchester NH, intentionally misdiagnosed the engine failure symptoms. The Service director did this three times all while under warrantee. now out of warrantee. my engine has completely failed. Silverado 1500 High-country with 6.2 L Gas engine with AFM. the service director in a private off site conversation admitted the intentional misdiagnose.

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

At 9,000 miles the engine on my 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV started knocking and the dealership replaced it. They did not provide a loaner or a rental vehicle for the time the vehicle was at the shop. After the replacement, the new engine sounds the same and will probably needs replacing as well. After the fix I started getting electrical issues my rear right signal and taillight started acting up.... Read more

Incident date: Aug 6, 2026

While driving through city traffic at approximately 35 mph the truck engine made a quick loud noise and then immediately shutoff. The power steering went out and then I was unable to pull off the road completely as the engine would not start back up. This truck is a 2026 with 9,000 miles, 6.2L motor. After being towed to a GM Service facility it was determined that the motor had blown up on the... Read more

Incident date: Mar 25, 2026

My vehicle is on a recall list. Took it to the dealership for engine vibration test. They changed oil and put on a new cap. My engine blew up a couple weeks later. They replaced my motor. It blew up on the mechanics test drive. I'm now waiting on my 3rd motor. They have had it for over 5 months now.

Incident date: Feb 20, 2026

I purchased my 2018 Honda Accord Sport from CarMax on January 16, 2026, and I have had several serious problems with the vehicle since purchasing it. Every warning light on the dashboard has come on, my radar system will not stay calibrated, and I have been told that my fuel injectors need to be replaced. In addition, the relay module was already broken when I received the vehicle, which causes th... Read more

Incident date: May 13, 2024

I purchased this vehicle brand new in December of 2023 - It has an oil consumption issue which started on May 13, 2024 - I have had the vehicle to the dealership for repairs to resolve the issue 13 times so far - Vehicle is currently at the dealership and has been for 7 days and they have not done anything to rectify the issue - Dealership says they are waiting on Hyundai to give them the approval... Read more

Incident date: Aug 28, 2026

This vehicle had the recall engine replacement and now hearing engine tick

Incident date: Aug 27, 2026

Vehicle was using an off ramp and shutdown in the middle of a lane. It was 10:00pm and all systems were shutdown, including lights. Vehicle refused to restart and could not be placed in neutral, the vehicle could not be removed from the interstate off ramp. This issue has been brought to the attention of Honda, the started assembly was replaced on March 5, 2026. This vehicle has been delivered to ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 2, 2025

I had an engine rebuilt completed on my L86 2017 GMC 6.2. After the repair, the engine failed due to the crank shaft on the engine being oversized which is the same problem that GM is having with the L87 engines. When the crank was ordered from the dealer for my L86, the only part number for the crank that was available was the new part number that was being used in the L87. Seems the same cran... Read more

Incident date: Aug 27, 2026

I was driving on the Northeast extension at roughly 70 mph in the passing lane and my car lost forward power and went into reduced acceleration mode. The check engine light is on, violently shakes when parked, with additional dashboard notifications saying Service ESC, service traction control, and forward collision system unavailable. I had my engine replaced in September due to the recall.

Incident date: Aug 18, 2026

The motor blew——It is confirmed by a Chevrolet Dealership and they are now getting a reman engine as a replacement—There was a loud noise then it went dead—-Was able to start it and there was this gawd awful noise coming from the motor—Had it towed to the dealership where we were just told it was a motor failure

Incident date: Aug 8, 2026

My engine was initially part of the 6.2L v8 engine recall. The dealer cleared my engine after inspecting it and told me my engine was not affected, but that I had to use corvette engine oil. After my 3rd corvette engine oil change, and two days after having it serviced and getting an all clear inspection from Chevy, the engine blew while going 70 mph on the highway. No warning lights. I looked dow... 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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