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 4, 2026
Head Gasket Failure at 121,000. It has also affected the spark plugs. We were quoted a $4300+ repair at the Honda Dealership in Carlsbad. Engine displayed all lights and went on power loss mode and suddenly couldn't go more than 5-10 MPH, so we had to tow it. Was dangerous getting such a slow car into a parking lot safely.
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
On my 2016 Honda pilot The engine started to fail and make a knocking noise when started, took it to Honda, they said i will need a new engine, i pushed for a goodwill repair, and they told me No. the car has been sitting ever since.
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
Excessive Oil Burning and Oil Consumption. Oil turns black abnormally quickly (within the first 500-1000 miles) even though recommended Full-Synthetic Oil is used. Engine has intermittent rough idle once engine is warm. Occasionally engine experiences "near-stall" and "misfire event", causing the battery light to flash on dashboard. >>>Oil consumption rate is approximately 3-4 quarts per 1,000 mi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
ICCU failure within three (3) days of buying vehicle. Only 300 miles on it. Failed to charge with known working Level 1 charger on day 1, successfully charged with Level 3 charger on day 2, and then failed to charge at same Level 3 charger on day 3. Simply connecting the Level 3 charger on day 3 had the car emitting "charger errors", and then followed that up with an "On board charger" fault. Vehi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2025
Took it to dealer for engine sound said nothing was wrong 4 days later rod bearing went out while driving. Truck no longer able to drive
Incident date: Feb 2, 2025
These cars have a known issue for burning oil the motor thats in my car was recalled for same issue but they are not trying fix my car under that recall of the bad motor that they did recall
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
Blown turbo with propeller broken off lodged into the pre-catalytic converter, which caused damage to the catalytic converter/exhaust requiring a new turbo and a complete new catalytic converter and exhaust system. They also found major oil leaking from the upper timing cover gaskets, which I later found documented on the accounting service record as not repaired at that time few months from my pu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
I purchased this vehicle new in June 2025. About a month after the dealer service inspection, the vehicle suddenly would not start at all. The key fob sometimes cannot unlock the door, and I have to use the backup key to open it. After entering the vehicle, the engine will not start. I previously brought the car to the dealer for inspection, but they said no issue was found. Now the problem has ha... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2020
2019 Mazda CX5 has a cracked cylinder head. This is causing oil to leak out. The oil is leaking out onto the exhaust manifold which is causing the manifold to smoke and has the possibility to catch fire. Mazda is aware of this issue and issued CSP 11( customer service program). This does not cover the oil leak, only coolant leak. Several Class Action Lawsuits have been filed. Local Mazda dealershi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed or making a turn, the vehicle stalled. In addition, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine. There was an unknown code displayed on the instrument panel. Most recently, the engine started consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was adding oil every other week to the vehic... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
My 2017 Honda CRV VIN [XXX] AC compressor has completely seized/locked up. This has caused: (1) loss of engine power while driving with AC on, (2) burning smell from engine compartment, (3) loud grinding noise. A seized AC compressor risks snapping the serpentine belt while driving, which causes sudden loss of power steering — a direct safety hazard at highway speeds. This is a known Honda defe... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLS 450 4MATIC
(2025) - ENGINE
Mar 9, 2026
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
I am reporting a serious safety concern involving my 2021 Honda Accord Sport SE. The issue began at approximately 78,000 miles when multiple warning lights suddenly appeared on the dashboard while driving. At the same time, the vehicle began shaking and had difficulty accelerating. The engine felt unstable and the car struggled to gain speed. I immediately took the vehicle to a mechanic where it ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Issue with fuel injection for Benz E350 2014 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350 fuel injection issues often stem from faulty injectors causing misfires, often on Cylinder 5, or a recalled fuel feed line. Symptoms include rough idling, reduced gas mileage, stalling, and check engine lights (P0300-P0306 codes).
Incident date: Mar 8, 2026
About every 45 days the car will not turn off. Safety items like the rear view camera will not work. The main viewing screen will go dead. I called the dealership. They said this was a common problem with my car. The only fix is to attempt a full system reboot with a paper clip. This has now happened three times to me. Once the car started without me pushing the start button. Twice while I was dr... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
National Highway Traffic Safety Admin March 9, 2026 I am submitted a vehicle safety complaint regarding a 2011 Subaru that I recently purchased on [XXX]. I purchased a used 2011 Subaru Impreza from Clear Cut Auto {241 S Dupont Hghwy – New Castle, DE 1920 (302-322-2050) on [XXX] for $5,147.04. The dealership person name was Erika Fernandez which reported the car was recently dropped of by a femal... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 20, 2019
While driving several times smelt gas and car cut out engine came on and car stopped mid driving multiple times. Says they replaced fuel pump reset car etc
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
The engine leaked coolant into the cylinder. Bad cylinder #2 per mechanic. Engine needs replacement. This is a know problem with 2017-2109 ford 1.5L eco boost engines.
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
First trip (12/9) to mechanic for regular maintenance...technician discovered empty coolant reservoir, found leaking auxiliary water pump...repairs made. Two weeks later (12/23), engine light comes on...technician found faulty ignition coil in cylinder two...removed and replaced all ignitions coils and spark plugs. Took car on the highway, but couldn't get above 35 mph without lurching, car wouldn... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
Engine completely seized while driving.
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, a warning light for the exhaust system illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, but the vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was contacted a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
Car electrical dash lights up, powertrain, strange noises, electrical glitches, engine stalling, carbon monoxide or gasoline smell, makes me dizzy when turn on the ac
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
The iccu failed on this car rendering the whole vehicle useless. This part is currently a recall and I was using a new ICCU with the software update per their recall solution. My second ICCU failed at approximately 40k miles.
VOLKSWAGEN
ARTEON
(2021) - ENGINE
Mar 9, 2026
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
I have a 2015 dodge ram 1500 slt 3.6 vvt I purchased the vehicle.I paid full price $18,768 when I first got the truck it has being ticking noise and in has a faulty oil pump also the truck was infected with roaches. I got the truck from dodge ram dealership in morrow ga they just vacuum out the roaches.I bring having problems with this truck since I got it.Any solution y’all going to fix this pr... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
The car stopped several times and had to be towed! One day the car just wouldn't start! My brother took it to the dealership and they said it needed a new engine!
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2020) - ENGINE
Mar 9, 2026
Incident date: Feb 27, 2026
One week ago, I was driving on a highway, accelerating to the 65 MPH speed limit on that road, my van's accelerator completely stopped responding. Despite pumping the pedal repeatedly, I was unable to control my speed at all, and the car continued to lose speed. I had my three children in the car at the time, and given that people regularly go in excess of 70 MPH on that road, I was in danger of n... Read more
JEEP
WRANGLER 4XE
(2024) - ENGINE
Mar 9, 2026
Incident date: Dec 25, 2025
While driving, my vehicle experienced a sudden and complete engine failure without any prior warning. There were no warning lights, dashboard alerts, or performance issues that would have indicated an impending mechanical problem. The failure occurred unexpectedly while I was actively driving on a public roadway. After the incident, the vehicle was inspected and diagnosed by a licensed mechanic. ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4XE. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V710000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) and 25V766000 (ENGINE). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the infotainment screen displayed a black screen. Additionally, the rearview camera displayed a bla... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
1. Component: The engine head gasket and the combustion system (specifically Cylinder 2). Specifics: A leak-down test confirmed a failure in Cylinder 2, leading to coolant intrusion. This was initially masked by a water pump code, but after the water pump was replaced and the code returned, a borescope confirmed "clean" pistons (steam-cleaned by coolant) and tap scarring. Availability: Yes, the ve... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
My Ford EcoSport had safety recall 23S64 performed at Diamond Ford in Lancaster, California. The recall involved the oil pump drive belt system. After the recall repair was completed, the vehicle began displaying a low oil pressure warning and the engine started shaking. These symptoms involve the same oil system addressed in the recall. Because the vehicle is now experiencing low oil pressure a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
Complaint Description: This complaint involves a 2014 Ford Focus with VIN [XXX] . The vehicle experiences severe transmission shuddering, slipping, delayed acceleration, and hesitation when attempting to accelerate from a stop. The vehicle sometimes struggles to move forward normally when entering traffic or crossing intersections. These symptoms appear consistent with the widely documented PowerS... Read more
B.F.GOODRICH
BF GOODRICH
(9999) - ENGINE
Mar 9, 2026
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled. A passerby helped the contact to push the vehicle into a parking lot. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact left the vehicle in the parking lot. The following day, the v... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the oil pressure warning light was illuminated, and the message to “See Owner's Manual” was displayed. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a faulty battery, and the b... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
1. Total transmission failure. Kept up with maintenance, but I changed the transmission fluid and suddenly it just died. Transmission just gave out and it's been a fancy lawn ornament for the last 6 months. 2. God forbid I was anywhere that wasn't inside my neighborhood. If I was anywhere else the car suddenly decelerating and not being able to accelerate would be a death sentence. 3. It's an 6F3... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
My 2022 Nissan Rogue VC-Turbo has progressively worsening engine knocking and vibration since ~30,000 miles. Dealer documented: “Found variable compression ratio actuator to be making noise” (see repair order). Symptoms persist at idle, acceleration, and when warm. Recall 25V-437 is marked complete, but the actuator continues to make noise, indicating the defect is not fully remedied. Nissan ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
On July 3rd I was driving on the highway, and the Jeep went into limp mode. When it ran out of the electric charge, it didn’t switch over to the gas engine and became un-drivable. I brought it to a Jeep service center and they kept it until July 7th. They were not able to figure out why that happened, but obviously it is part of the recall.
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
A MANUFACTURER RECALL NOTICE NEEDS TO BE ISSUED ASAP. Exhaust is leaking into passenger cab due to a defective exhaust mounting bracket. Was replaced 1 year ago at the dealer at considerable cost to vehicle owner. Now this defective part has failed a second time. A MANUFACTURER RECALL NOTICE NEEDS TO BE ISSUED ASAP. This presents a health hazard as well as financial loss due to defective manuf... Read more
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2024) - ENGINE
Mar 9, 2026
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine was vibrating abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the passenger’s side engine mount needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the passenger’s side engine mount had been replaced fi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
Vehicle was on highway when alerts started going off and a weird noise started. It scared the occupants as they were going 70mph on the highway when it happened. Luckily they were able to maneuver off the road in time and parked at a convenient store. Towed vehicle to dealership and metal was in the oil as a part failed in the engine. New engine was ordered by the dealership and installed. Th... Read more
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2013) - ENGINE
Mar 9, 2026
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
my 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe High Altitude and a serious safety concern related to the ongoing battery fire recall associated with this vehicle. I have leased this vehicle since new and it currently has only approximately 8,200 miles. The vehicle is in excellent, like-new condition and has been very carefully maintained. However, due to the fire safety concerns related to the hybrid battery system, ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
The MDS is wearing down the 6 lobe on the cam shaft due to changing from 6 to 8 cylinder this has to be a serious issue
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
When I am parking the truck, I press and hold the brake pedal, While the truck shifter in in "Drive", I press the start/stop button to shut truck down, the shifter gets stuck in "drive" and doesn't automatically shift in to park. The truck locks down and will NOT operate as the shifter locks in "drive" and won't shift. This happened to me while travelling and was stuck in middle of no where for ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
the car will shut off at stop lights and randomly not start back up when the light turns green, then it will take a few minutes to start back up using the push button, this ONLY occurs with the automatic start stop feature of the car my wife drives the car with our two young children and being stuck in intersections randomly is not safe for anyone ,. we have told the dealer about the issue an... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2026
Oil leak caused engine to fail.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle. The odor was more prominent while the vehicle was idling. The RPM fluctuated while idling, causing the vehicle to stall. The contact would depress the brake pedal, place the vehicle in neutral, turn off, and restart the vehicle to accelerate and continue driv... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
The vehicle is a 2025 Ford Maverick. The engine experienced a major internal failure that was later diagnosed by the dealership as a gouge in the #4 cylinder wall. This defect caused significant engine malfunction and required major repair/replacement. This issue which triggered a CEL created a serious safety concern because a failure of this type can result in sudden loss of engine power while ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
This car keeps burning excessive oil. I am on my 3rd oil consumption test each time it burns 0.75q in 1000 miles. The dealer states that that is not enough oil. My mile 3000, there is no longer oil on the dip stick, and we start the process all over again. This car has been burning oil that doesn’t even meet a standard oil changer interval since the cars had 70,000 miles on it. It now has 9... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
The contact's boyfriend owns a 2019 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while her boyfriend was driving at highway speeds, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle entered LIMP Mode with the check engine and emissions warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was pulled off to the shoulder of the highway and was later towed to the dealer. Upon inspecting the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
The car engine autorestart causes all sorts of problems. We have repeatedly had the warning come on and the engine stop while at a light or paused in moving traffic. We have replaced the battery and other parts. The safety issue is that the car totally stops while in traffic and we have almost been hit multiple times as we try to restart the car. You have to put the car in park and restart the e... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
Engine Knocking - Car enters limp mode and has a known recall. KSDS was updated in prior recall and engine has failed at 118k Miles. Car has been well maintained. Kia asks for maintenance records, records were provided and they will not take action. KIA avoided fixing the engine and just updated software to tell you when this happens and now that the engine is failing will not honor their warra... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
Coolant leak caused by known manufacture defect in upper hose assembly causes coolant to drain and engine to overheat. CEL only comes on when coolant is almost gone. GMC refuses to cover the known issue after 36k miles.