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 ›

Clear

Showing 169,480 complaints - component: ENGINE

Incident date: Oct 23, 2025

It was smoking from the engine, I immediately stopped the vehicle. My safety was put at risk immediately while being in the vehicle when the air bags deployed hitting me in the face and causing my face to swell. The safety of others was put at risk due to others being right next to me and putting others at risk of engine blowing up. Yes, the vehicle has been inspected by police. There were no warn... Read more

Fire 1 injured

Incident date: Oct 7, 2024

Currently in the 22-23 Tiguans they are experiencing an oil consumption issue. Where the engine is consuming oil at a fast rate. I am having to add oil to the car every 800-1000 miles. There’s several class action lawsuits against VW for this exact issue yet they refuse to fix the issue in our car even though it is still under warranty. In writing they told me it’s not consuming ENOUGH oil for... Read more

Incident date: Feb 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving 78 MPH on the highway, the vehicle unintentionally decelerated and stalled. The vehicle was turned off, restarted, and driven as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. On another occasion, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not d... Read more

Incident date: Mar 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle shook abnormally with the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that while ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 12, 2026

While driving the car is unable to switch gears from D to L gear and has no power to accerlerate up hill.

Incident date: Mar 12, 2026

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving at 80 MPH, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly. The vehicle was jump-started. The battery was replaced. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V435000 (Electrical System) in 200... Read more

Incident date: Feb 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and determined that several repairs were needed, and there was an issue with the battery. The dealer replaced two batteries, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 29, 2025

Mileage: 90,406 2015 Cadillac Escalade Engine: 6.2L V8 EcoTec3 has experienced lifter and camshaft failure, and the vehicle is now stalling while driving, creating a serious safety risk. I transport my disabled child daily, and the stalls are unpredictable, putting us and other drivers at risk. This issue is consistent with the pending class action Harrison v. General Motors LLC, which alleges ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2025

Similar to the issues that were on the gas version of this engine and the recall associated with it. The engine seized on the expressway. When it was towed to the dealership, they said it was catastrophic engine failure. They found a lot metal shavings in the oil pan. They did not diagnose any further due to cost. At the time it happened, there were no warning lights or check engine lights on.

Incident date: Mar 1, 2025

At approximately 46,000 miles our 2018 Ford Escape experienced coolant intrusion in cylinders 2 and 3. The car has the 2.0 Liter EcoBoost engine. The car was out of warranty, requiring us to pay for the majority of the nearly $9,000 engine replacement. Additionally, we did not have the use of the car for over three months. We found that this a common problem with these engines throughout the For... Read more

Incident date: Mar 14, 2026

The vehicle developed an exhaust leak caused by both weld points on the front exhaust pipe breaking. A dealership inspected the vehicle and confirmed that the exhaust welds had failed, creating a hole in the exhaust pipe and triggering a P0420 catalyst efficiency code. The failure occurred at approximately 31,500 miles. The exhaust leak caused increased exhaust noise and emissions warning codes. ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 14, 2026

My coolant control valve has failed, the dealership is saying the radiator is now leaking at a weld. They said this is a know issue, but are refusing to repair it. It is caused by the know failing ccv, causing the radiator to overheat.

Incident date: Mar 13, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights unexpectedly flashed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failu... Read more

Incident date: Mar 16, 2026

While driving my 2022 GMC Yukon with approximately 150,000 miles, the engine suddenly began running rough and I immediately pulled over. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealership. The dealer diagnosed a collapsed lifter and camshaft damage and recommended full engine replacement at a cost of about $9,450. The vehicle had no prior engine issues and most miles are highway miles. Sudden engine fa... Read more

Incident date: Feb 2, 2026

My 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Bison ZR2 (VIN [XXX] ) suddenly lost all power steering, acceleration, and propulsion while driving my children to school at approximately 8:00 AM on March 16, 2026. The truck came to a complete stop with no warning lights or prior indication. This matches the exact ‘critical issue with the engine and transmission system’ alert I received from OnStar Advanced... Read more

Incident date: Mar 3, 2026

1. The issue involved the engine and emissions system, specifically a cylinder 3 misfire, accompanied by illumination of the check engine light and white smoke emitted from the exhaust. The vehicle was evaluated by an authorized Jeep dealership, which confirmed the cylinder misfire through diagnostic testing. At that time, per the diagnosis, coil 3 and all spark plugs were exchanged. This did not ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 13, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, there was white smoke coming from the engine, before the engine caught on fire. After the failure, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to pull over safely. The fire was extinguished independently. There were no reported injuries. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Feb 16, 2026

Here is a quick description of the issue from our Volkswagon of Huntington service report. We have had this ongoing issue for a few months now. the check engine light will come on. We get it checked, we replace a sensor, and all is good for a day or week. Then we do it again, replacing a different sensor. Now the dealer is saying the oil separator is leaking and requires repairs starting at $... Read more

Incident date: Mar 12, 2026

I am writing to outline my urgent concerns regarding the 78C recall affecting the 2023–2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe and 2024–2025 Wrangler 4xe SUVs. This recall was initiated due to a manufacturing defect where casting sand remains in the 2.0L engine, presenting a risk of catastrophic engine failure, sudden power loss, or fire. The potential for engine fire or unexpected power loss represents... Read more

Incident date: Mar 10, 2026

First incident: January, 2026 “service hybrid electrical system” dash light activated, in addition to prior notification of recall 78C. Vehicle brought to Merrick Chrysler Jeep in Wantagh NY for repair and recall. Hybrid system repaired but recall unable to be performed. Second incident: March 12, 2026 Vehicle is unable to start in driveway. Towed to Merrick Jeep Chrysler. Stellantis states... Read more

Incident date: Mar 12, 2026

Vacuum pump exploded into camshaft and engine area, causing me to lose brakes completely on the highway. Costly repairs to clear out metal shrapnel and replace camshaft.

Incident date: Mar 16, 2026

Was doing 55-60 mph in left lane of highway. Suddenly and without warning the car is decelerating, cannot accelerate any more, all warning lights suddenly flashing on dashboard. I was able to get over to the far right emergency lane, turn car off and put on hazards and started calling Subaru roadside assistance. While doing so I suddenly saw smoke coming out from under the hood. I got out of the c... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Mar 11, 2026

With auto start stop system turned off the engine will die when coming to a stop. The truck then shifts into park and brakes auto apply. No check engine lights no failure indications. Starts up and runs everything fine afterwards. Happens at first 3 stops and then will not happen again unless truck sits for more then 2 hours. Dealers unable to fix cause no check engine lights and nothing recorded ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 16, 2026

The vehicle has no power going up hills or accelerating and just stops and doesn't move. To get the car to move again you have to turn the car off and back on. Even if you put the car in L it can still just go back in regular drive on its own an cut out with no acceleration.

Incident date: Mar 9, 2026

I was driving on 8 east freeway when all of a sudden my car lost complete power. Engine light flashing, and couldn't pick up any speed. The truck in back of me almost hit me cause my car wouldn't go. Prior to this incident, my car was and has been working perfectly. . My mom had it towed back home and got a mechanic to check the code and it gave a P1326 code which is exact code for a previous re... Read more

Incident date: Mar 13, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal, with a misfire coming from the engine. During the failure, the message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, and the contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The co... Read more

Incident date: Mar 16, 2026

Vehicle has 28,000 miles and auto shop states that the engine is blow, it's knocking and vibrating throughout the engine.

Incident date: Feb 14, 2026

The engine system in the 2021 Ford F-150 is malfunctioning due to excessive oil consumption, in the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine. This is leading to no oil registering on the dipstick; the vehicle and its engine remain available for inspection upon request as they are in the owner's possession and have not been disassembled or repaired. This issue puts the safety of the driver, passengers, and other ro... Read more

Incident date: Nov 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2008 Acura TL. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate, and the vehicle lost automotive power and shifted into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and drove as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The message “System too Lean” was displayed on the instrument panel associated with Bank... Read more

Incident date: Jan 15, 2026

Description of Defect: My 2020 Kia Telluride experienced catastrophic engine failure and excessive oil consumption, which is a known issue for this model year (to the point that I had to sell it just 1 year after I bought it). The vehicle consumes oil at an alarming rate without any dashboard warning lights, or low oil pressure indicators, leading to sudden loss of engine power and potential stall... Read more

Incident date: Mar 9, 2026

Catastrophic engine failure. Sudden. Started my car in the morning. Engine was running rough. Drove about 1/2 mile, engine continued to get worse. Returned home. decided to get engine codes checked. Check engine lights did not come on until this incident. Couldn't keep engine running. Kept trying to restart. Heard weird noise in engine and engine seized. Car had 62,800 miles on it, just over the 5... Read more

Incident date: Mar 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from underneath the hood. The check engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a blown engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repair... Read more

Incident date: Mar 2, 2026

Engine failure due to bad head gasket.i lost power to the vehicle. The problem was confirmed by independent shop. The vehicle was inspected by independent shop. The engine light came on when the engine failed.

Incident date: Mar 2, 2026

Incident date: Jan 14, 2026

Our 2018 Honda Odyssey (Elite) has been diagnosed by our local Honda dealer with engine failure due to rod knock (rod bearing failure). This vehicle is well maintained with only 72,500 miles when the issue became noticeable. The dealer has verbally quoted $8,800 to replace the engine with another used engine, which I refuse to pay given the relatively low mileage and age of this vehicle (and histo... Read more

Incident date: Mar 15, 2026

Check engine light came on. Car starts to shutter upon acceleration as well when its idling. Changed spark plugs 3 times since Jan 2025 and coils twice. Code for engine misfire in cylinder 3. Also have to add oil every 2 weeks.

Incident date: Mar 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The Service Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning light, Parking Brake warning light, a wrench warning symbol, and the check engine warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2025

I am filing this complaint regarding the service department at Vaden Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram. My complaint concerns a failure to properly diagnose a mechanical issue with my vehicle, misleading statements about the condition of the vehicle after repairs, and poor communication during the repair process. The vehicle is a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan. Before bringing it to the dealership, the vehicle wa... Read more

Incident date: Jan 19, 2024

The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked for nine hours unattended in the middle of the night; it caught fire. No warning lights were illuminated before the fire. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer two weeks prior for a recall repair and oil change. While her husband was extinguishing the fire, he sustained burns to his arms and face, b... Read more

Fire 1 injured

Incident date: Jan 19, 2024

Engine light is on with the code reading the clutch and the transmission is overheating with sticking gears as I drive

Incident date: Mar 11, 2026

The engine decided to make some noise and all I heard was Ching Ching Ching, and it just died and I was unable to start it again

Incident date: Mar 9, 2026

The studs that connect the front exhaust to the rear exhaust and muffler rusted and the exhaust fell down and crumpled up. Basically tore the exhaust off of the car when this happened.

Incident date: Jan 5, 2026

VIN: [XXX] 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Touring L Plus 3.6L Mileage at first failure: 52,930 On November 7, 2024 my 2018 Pacifica began losing coolant (I had to refill it multiple times) and exhibited morning engine shuddering/stuttering. I took it to Century Chrysler Jeep Ram in Mt. Airy, MD (Repair Order #XXX). They performed a 5-hour cooling-system pressure test and borescoped all 6 cylinders. Their... Read more

Incident date: Mar 12, 2026

This vehicle qualified for the Volkswagen Emissions Recall, yet from the start of the recall through 2018 settlement lawsuit dates , no correspondence was sent (by Porsche nor VW). According to all recall regulations, my vehicle should have among the ‘recall’ with the 85K plus others, yet no correspondence was sent (by Porsche nor VW) & now the local Porsche dealership is denying in, Accordin... Read more

Incident date: Sep 9, 2025

TRAUMATIC CRITICAL FAILURE At [XXX] (XXX), in p/u spot, put car in P, got out, reached in to grab wallet when car lunged into R, as if being driven. Ran over & drug me until it hit another car to stop it. serious pain in L ribs (previously broken & healed 5 yrs prior), felt like sternum re-broken from accident prior year, broken & healed. Back pain. Onlookers horrified & called 911. Taken by amb... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Sep 9, 2025

1. Component or System Malfunction Engine (internal piston/piston ring system) is malfunctioning. The vehicle exhibits clanking noises (“marbles in a can”) and cuts off or stalls unexpectedly while driving. The car is available for inspection by a Kia dealer or independent mechanic. 2. Safety Risk Vehicle loses power while driving, which is extremely dangerous, particularly on highways or in t... Read more

Incident date: Mar 15, 2026

On Friday evening, while driving my new Ram 1500 Tungsten on a freeway, the engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle suddenly lost power. I was traveling at highway speed at the time. Almost immediately after the loss of power, gasoline began pooling underneath the truck. Because of the visible fuel leak and strong gasoline odor, my wife and I exited the vehicle and stood well away from i... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2025

The engine is making a noise underneath—I think it's a connecting rod bearing. We replaced the entire timing belt assembly because of that sound, but now I don't know what to do; when driving on narrow streets, it displays a "Collision Brake Warning" every time another car approaches.

Incident date: Sep 23, 2025

Loss of engine oil pressure. Just had engine replaced with used 6 months ago for the same issue. This new to me motor had 40k miles on it. So two motors under 121k miles oil pressure failure. Causing total engine replacement

Incident date: Nov 11, 2025

Since March of 2025 I have identified a critical safety defect with my vehicle. When driving and without warning, the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, experiences a loss of propulsion, and the engine shuts off. This has occurred multiple times in which I narrowly escaped collisions with other vehicles or objects. If this would occur at a high rate of speed, it would certainly result in se... Read more

Previous 1 2 3 4 5 ... 181 182 183 ... 3389 3390 Next

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

Consumer Safety Complaints

What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?

How to interpret what you read

If you've experienced a defect

Read more from our blog