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: Aug 9, 2026

I own a 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali equipped with the 6.2L V8 L87 engine, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle had approximately 35,000 miles when the engine experienced a catastrophic engine failure. Prior to/during the failure, the vehicle experienced abnormal engine noise and a loss of power. Multiple warning/alarm lights appeared on the dashboard, including the Check Engine and Traction Control warning lig... Read more

Incident date: Dec 7, 2025

2020 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SEL WITH 2.4L THETA II ENGINE EXPERIENCES SEVERE OIL CONSUMPTION AND REPEATED ENGINE STALLING DURING NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE HAS A DOCUMENTED HISTORY OF REPEATED LOW-OIL CONDITIONS DESPITE REGULAR OIL SERVICE. THE PROBLEM PROGRESSED TO THE ENGINE REPEATEDLY STALLING WHEN RETURNING TO IDLE. WHEN BRAKING TO A STOP OR WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, THE EN... Read more

Incident date: Aug 20, 2026

While driving to work last Thursday morning suddenly my 2023 Trailblazer let out a sorta growl and then a dragging noise thankfully I was able to get over and stop on the shoulder only to discover that my tail pipe was dragging from just after the catalytic converter as the bolts apparently sheared off leaving only the head of the bolts intact. Lucky for me I there wasn’t major damage. I did how... Read more

Incident date: Apr 18, 2025

I am reporting severe vehicle safety defects and merchant safety non-compliance regarding a 2014 Audi A4. The vehicle was financed with severe, undisclosed engine defects, specifically extreme oil consumption and catastrophic coolant leaks. When I requested warranty repairs, a dealership representative named Stephen explicitly instructed me in writing via text message to intentionally operate the ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 25, 2026

Battery light came on and showed low voltage while driving down the highway along with a loud sound. Also the icon with a red A and a circle around it came on, the lights and icons starting signaling. The steering wheel instantly became difficult to turn and control. I started to pull off the road the best I could and the parking break engaged before I could come to a complete stop. I wasn’t eve... Read more

Incident date: Jul 6, 2026

In 2025, one if the pistons misfired. It was repaired and the same issue occurred a year later causing the cam shaft to break as well. Not to mention we had an electrical failure where the dashboard didn’t work and the water pump failed right after it was in for the first piston misfiring. It was repaired at Ciocca Chevrolet in [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 20, 2026

Vehicle: 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4x4 LT (5.3L V8 Engine) Component: Engine (Piston Rings, Lifters, and Motor Assembly) / Powertrain Component Availability: Yes, the failed components/vehicle are available for inspection upon request. What Happened and Safety Risk: While operating the vehicle on Prince Street in Clovis, NM, the engine suddenly began knocking violently without any prior warnin... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2026

Bad motor

Incident date: Aug 16, 2026

While driving, my 2022 Ford F-150 equipped with the 2.7L EcoBoost experienced abnormal engine operation, a check-engine light, and reduced engine power. The unexpected reduction in available engine power created a safety concern because loss of acceleration or propulsion can be dangerous when merging, crossing traffic, passing, or traveling at highway speeds. The vehicle was inspected and diagnose... Read more

Incident date: Aug 27, 2026

Our 2025 Honda Odyssey Touring has repeatedly stalled or nearly stalled while driving. Of at least three dealer visits, the stalling issue was first formally documented on XXX, when we reported the engine shutting off twice while driving and the brake warning light activating twice. DTC 15477 ("failing starter") was recorded, and the starter was replaced. XXX, my [XXX] daughter was driving alone w... Read more

Incident date: Aug 25, 2026

Air bag light on. Needed temp start

Incident date: Jun 12, 2026

Engine started making clicking noises at highway speed.the vehicle lost power and was difficult to start. The 2024 gmc sierra was driven three blocks the a GM dealership and it was determined that the engine had failed. It took two months to complete the repair by replacing the engine with a rebuilt one

Incident date: Aug 26, 2026

the problem only happens after driving for more than 30 minutes. when I stop at a light, the engine starts shaking and stalls. the starter seems cranking normally, but it takes about 3 attempts and about 40 seconds to restart. One day, the engine stopped while I was driving. There is no Check Engine Light. I took it to Honda dealer. but they keep saying they cannot replicate the problem. It is so ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 9, 2026

Just had to replace a radiator that was leaking all across the top. Also have gotten the steering assist warning for thermostat and temperature sensor. Seems to be cery common problems rhat gm ahould fix

Incident date: Aug 6, 2026

My engine locked up with only 9k miles on it. Left me stranded in 109 degree heat. Had it towed to local dealer over 3 weeks ago they determined engine was bad and ordered new engine from GM but the engine is on back order. I need GM to buy my vehicle back so I can replace it I have nothing to drive.

Incident date: Mar 5, 2026

While driving at 65 mph on the highway, the coolant system failed catastrophically without warning. This sprayed boiling coolant onto the hot engine block, filling the cabin with smoke, blinding visibility, and causing the engine to shut down suddenly in active traffic.

Incident date: Aug 26, 2026

Driving the vehicle a strong smell of fuel vapor is noticeable coming from rear driver side of vehicle by rear door and fuel cap area. This happens when car is driven for long periods of time or on hot days. I drive my car daily and it happens every day. Smell gets so bad it gets in to the cabin area. Causing me to get headaches or light headed feeling making it unsafe to drive. I have taken vehic... Read more

Incident date: Jul 27, 2026

My vehicle is making a knocking sound and has the L87 6.2 V8 engine that is under recall for catastrophic failure. It has been evaluated by 2 mechanics that say it needs a new engine. Yes it is available for inspection upon request. Although it has not shutdown yet, both mechanics have said it is eventually going to be a catastrophic failure. My safety and families safety is at risk of it shuts do... Read more

Incident date: Aug 26, 2026

Writing to get some relief and a recall for my expenses due to a failed catalytic converter. The same issue was reported and recalled on the 1.6l engine in 2019. 19V120.Mine is 2014 kia soul 2.0l engine. I am showing multiple other reports on this site which had the same issues as well. 11736089 and 1700997. Catalytic converter failure. No codes. Sluggish acceleration, rotten egg smell, high fuel... Read more

Incident date: Feb 6, 2026

The a/c condenser was damaged due to impact of road debris. This caused loss of proper system operation. The cost to repair was $1100+. The debris entered thru the front grill, which has nothing in place to prevent debris from entering the engine compartment.

Incident date: Aug 10, 2026

My 2020 Lexus NX 300 caught fire overnight while parked and unattended outside my residence. I discovered the fire the next morning. The Seattle Fire Department responded (incident #SFD-26-0112715) and their report states the fire originated in the engine compartment, with the cause of ignition listed as 'failure of equipment or heat source.' There was no collision, no theft, and no visible extern... Read more

Fire

Incident date: May 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving at 69 MPH when the vehicle experienced a total loss of automotive power and all of the warning lights were illuminated; a message was displayed on the instrument panel "Reduce Acceleration, Drive with Care" and the vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and the contact was advised that engine had... Read more

Incident date: Aug 14, 2026

At a red light, the truck flashed all lights then refused to move. I tried to put the truck in park and turn it off and back on again but it didn't ever turn on again. The truck was towed to the dealer 13 days ago now. They fixed all safety recalls but it didn't resolve the issue and the truck still will not drive. The manufacturer is refusing to repair what the dealer believes to be the issue.

Incident date: Aug 26, 2026

A stick that fell off of a truck pierced the grill then radiator and pcu radiator. Now both need to be replaced on a 2026 Honda Civic Hybrid that was purchased in May. There was a service bulletin posted for them to be fixed and it isn’t one of the vin numbers for it but it’s obviously unsafe and not protected enough. A stick should not go through a grill and pierce a radiator and cause $4,000... Read more

Incident date: Aug 26, 2026

This engine does not run smoothly, it jerks coming out of a stop so there is delayed acceleration and it jerks every time you change gears. So I am almost rear ended at every stop light and stop sign. It also can lose acceleration or fail to accelerate on highways.

Incident date: Jun 1, 2025

Once we learned about the 6.2L Engine Failure we took the vehicle to Mckinney GMC in [XXX], test were run and were told the engine needed to be replaced, but would take several months to repair. We could not wait months for the vehicle so we had the vehicle towed to Sewell GMC in [XXX] (we bought the vehicle CPO from there) they ran test and said we didn't need a new engine but that they would jus... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that upon start the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and the contact was advised that the engine was faulty due to coolant intrusion and that the engine would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failu... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2026

My 2021 Honda Pilot has repeatedly failed to restart after the Auto Idle Stop system shuts the engine off while the vehicle is stopped. When the system activates, the engine can fail to restart when I need to move, leaving the vehicle stalled in active traffic. This has happened multiple times and creates a serious safety risk, particularly at busy intersections. Honda previously performed the so... Read more

Incident date: Jul 10, 2026

I experienced rough idle and smell of coolant at start up. Engine light came on. Took car to dealership for diagnosis. Dealer verified my concern ran pcm self test, p0300, p0302 p0303 p0316 present, found coolant intrusion into cylinders. Dealer replaced long block per wsm 303-01. Cost to me $8,036.29. My 2017 Edge had 72,177 miles.

Incident date: Jun 12, 2026

All of my services lights are on in th dashboard.

Incident date: Jul 17, 2026

This vehicle has been towed into GMC service 3 times to date. #1. 2/2024 (mil 22,662) would not start, low voltage msg, replaced battery. #2. 4/2026 (mil 57,854) vehicle went into N on its own while I was driving down the road, msg on dash "function not available", I stopped and the engine died & would not restart, no engagement from starter motor, found P0615 present, found blown fuse on battery ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2025

I am reporting an authorized manufacturer franchise dealer for actively refusing to remedy a federal safety recall and unlawfully withholding my vehicle. My vehicle is a 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio (VIN: [Insert VIN]), which is subject to the active Fuel Pump Safety Recall (NHTSA Campaign 25V586000 / Manufacturer Recall Code 93C). The vehicle has been physically located at Southern Alfa Romeo of Nor... Read more

Incident date: May 20, 2022

24th February 2020 - Bought the car from Subaru dealer. Couple of service records prior to May 24, 2022. - May 24, 2022 (9,037 miles) | RO# 806326: The lower oil pan leaked prematurely and had to be completely replaced under warranty. During the same visit, explained LONG BRAKE PEDAL issue, and was given an estimate. - - June 1, 2022 (9,039 miles) | RO# 806767: Just 2 miles after that repair, the ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 17, 2025

My 2023 GMC Yukon AT4 with the 6.2L V8 has experienced multiple serious engine-related failures. The original engine previously was making a whining / knocking noise, then seized and required complete engine replacement under a GM recall/campaign involving 6.2L engine failures. The replacement engine later developed a lifter/valvetrain failure and required lifter replacement. The vehicle is now ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 12, 2025

My vehicle has experienced a serious and extremely dangerous loss-of-propulsion condition on three separate occasions. The first time this happened, my RAM only had 4,513 miles on the odometer. I addressed this issue with my Carl Burger Dodge advisor in writing when I dropped it off and asked him to call me about it, but he never did. He also did not add anything I mentioned on my departure paperw... Read more

Incident date: Jun 26, 2026

After the recall was done on my truck, it now makes a ticking noise that wasn't there before. When I bring this to the attention of the service department at the dealership where I purchased it, they say that noise is completely normal and sent me on my way.

Incident date: Aug 12, 2026

Not sure if I can file an issue for this, but I wanted to let you know that a Ford Safety recall caused other issues after it was applied. In late July 2026, my son received a Ford safety recall notice (Recall #26S28) for his 2017 F 150 requiring a PCM software update. I brought the truck to Crown Motors in Redding on August 11th for the recall service. Before this appointment, the truck had no ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 10, 2025

I own a 2020 Kia Optima and have been experiencing multiple ongoing problems with the vehicle. The vehicle is leaking and/or losing engine oil at an excessive rate. I have had to add oil multiple times within a short period of time because the oil level continues to drop. I am concerned that the continued loss of oil could result in engine damage or engine failure while the vehicle is being driven... Read more

Incident date: Aug 27, 2026

My van will stall at red-lights. It started three weeks ago. The car is a year and a half old. The auto- idle stop system is activated. We stop at a red light. Car stops. When we go to start car dings and thankfully has started 3 times. This time, the car made a ding and did not re-start. I was stuck at a now green light and couldn't move. The dash flashed hit the brake to re-start. I did numerou... Read more

Incident date: Jul 23, 2026

Engine fails to restart after auto off.

Incident date: Aug 1, 2026

Component/System: The intake camshaft positioner/adjuster on cylinder bank 2 of the M276 V6 engine has failed, along with associated timing components. The vehicle (2018 Mercedes-Benz E400, VIN [XXX]) remains unrepaired and is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: The engine produces a loud metallic rattle on cold starts, indicating loss of proper camshaft timing control. If unaddre... Read more

Incident date: Aug 25, 2026

I recently bought a 2019 Ford Escape from Superior Mazda in Bentonville, Arkansas for my daughter going off to college. Soon after purchasing the vehicle a giant puff of smoke started coming out the exhaust when starting. We took it to a Ford dealership and they said the coolant is leaking into the engine block and apparently this is a known issue with 2017-2019 ford escapes. Superior Mazda sai... Read more

Incident date: Aug 26, 2026

My 2017 Toyota Highlander, VIN [XXX], has just under 85,000 miles. I was notified at the dealership (Stevinson Toyota in Lakewood Colorado) who inspected the vehicle yesterday that the vehicle has developed a timing cover oil leak on the passenger side. After further research I learned this is caused by premature failure of the factory applied FIPG sealant at the timing cover’s T junction. This ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 31, 1969

car has been overheating run while i take the keys out doors will lock with keys in the ignition lots of lights will come on car will slow way down constantly adding antifreeze in it heat and air will stop working i have had trouble ever since i bought this a year ago

Incident date: May 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH on Interstate 10, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull the vehicle over; however, the vehicle failed to restart. A battery warning message and a no-start message were displayed. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine was locked due to bearing failu... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2025

My 2021 Mercedes-Benz A220 (M260 2.0L engine) triggered diagnostic fault code P052E, indicating a failure of the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) regulator valve / intake line assembly. Failure of this valve disrupts crankcase pressure, causing unmetered air intake, lean-running conditions, and engine hesitation/stalling risks. Mercedes-Benz issued a 15-year/150,000-mile extended warranty camp... Read more

Incident date: Jun 22, 2026

On 6/22/2026, my vehicle was towed due to loss of power, excessive oil consumption, and excessive vibration, and unable to start. These issues have been ongoing since October 2025. Nissan dealership informed me that I needed a new throttle body and an oil change. Against my better judgement, I paid $1374.02 to replace the part. Two weeks later, My engine started making knocking noises, excessive v... Read more

Incident date: Aug 21, 2026

Engine coolant thermostat failed open. Resulting in reduced steering capabilities, and no AC.

Incident date: Jun 6, 2026

The engine failed at 69,000 at highway speeds. GM inspected it at 30,000 and said it wouldn’t happen.

Incident date: Aug 20, 2026

While driving the vehicle after a bump in a pot-hole there was loud clunking noise from the engine compartment and car stopped suddenly. There was a risk of getting hit by the car from behind. Car was towed to Audi Service Center and found to have a Connecting Rod Bearing Failure damaging the whole engine. The act is still at the repair shop and should be available for inspection. It was inspect... Read more

Previous 1 2 3 4 5 ... 18 19 20 ... 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