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
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a misfire coming from the engine, and there was a backfire coming from the exhaust system. Additionally, there was a coolant intrusion in cylinder #3 and a burning in the head gasket. The contact stated that the engine overheated and the vehicle failed to restart after it was turned off.... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2015) - ENGINE
Mar 4, 2026
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was an abnormally strong burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. On another occasion, while the vehicle was parked, there was condensation underneath the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired; however, the contact inspected the vehicle and ob... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the injection pump needed to be replaced, and that the vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
There are many warming lamps on in the car. My car won't pick up speed it in limp mode once I crank up. I have to turn it off and restart any order for it to go and pick up speed. My number 3 plug keep showing something wrong it has been replaced multiple times but still having the same issue. I had it checked out it's saying the same problem fuel. I have had my fuel pump change and still having p... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
Fault P003A00 (Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor). Vehicle suffered a catastrophic power failure (Limp Mode) on Day 2 of ownership. Total loss of acceleration while in traffic. Manufacturer admits it is a 'known software issue' with no current fix, creating an extreme collision risk for the driver." Vehicle is at dealership since Feb 4th, 2026
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
The Incident: While traveling at highway speeds on a public freeway, the engine suffered a catastrophic failure and stalled without warning. This caused an immediate loss of propulsion, power steering, and power braking. I was forced to navigate the vehicle across multiple lanes of high-speed traffic with no engine power, nearly resulting in a fatal collision. Background and Safety Risk: This is ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
While driving, the engine suddenly shut off without warning. The vehicle lost power in traffic, creating a safety risk. There were no warning signs before the failure. The oil level was properly maintained and oil changes were performed regularly. The dealership diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the engine needs to be replaced. The exact mechanical cause was not clearly explained to me.
Incident date: May 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the infotainment screen failed to turn off. The contact became aware that the Bluetooth had failed to remain connected. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the infotainment center had failed and needed to be replaced. The infotainment center was replaced. After having the repair completed, the contact bec... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal burning odor in the interior of the vehicle. In addition, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, where a valve replacement was performed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
Transmission randomly stopped driving at highway speeds rpm spiked and no movement was in fast lane at 75 mph. Transmission is toast now in for 4-6 thousand dollars to replace also ford did the recall on the emissions reprogram a few months before this issue then tells me it needs a catalytic converter another costly repair car is unsafe. I’m thankful I was driving and not a family with kids.
Incident date: Sep 19, 2025
On a rainy day after driving on the interstate, I pulled into a drive thru. Once there and idling for a few minutes, I tried moving forward and the car rough idled, shows message on dash "Engine Stopped, Power Stering Low" and had reduced engine power and no power steering and then stalls out. I tried turning it back on and it stays on for less than 3 seconds and shuts off. I had it towed to the d... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2019) - ENGINE
Mar 4, 2026
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
My car is giving me various problems with a gear box(a) and accelerations(b). a. It shift from one gear to another on its own. The gear can be put in Reverse, but the light would indicate Park, and the car would not move. Sometime I put the car into Drive and the Parking Break would come up and wont let me release it until I put the car back into Park mode. I've already had multiple"glitches" lik... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2026
The hybrid propulsion system on my 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid has repeatedly failed, resulting in sudden and complete loss of power while driving at highway speeds. The vehicle enters full limp mode, displays a red turtle warning light, and the motor cuts out entirely, creating a serious collision risk. The failure occurs without warning and has happened on multiple occasions. The root ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
I have had this vehicle for 5 years and even replaced the engine in this vehicle for it to end up with the same issue. I take very good care of it and get its maintenance done. But the car is slow to get up to speed and misfires really bad. I replaced the spark plugs in it and they were coated in oil. The airbag sensor will come on indicating it’s not operating properly. Overall a very unreliabl... Read more
POLESTAR
POLESTAR 3
(2025) - ENGINE
Mar 4, 2026
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
2020 KIA Telluride failed oil consumption test. Available for inspection upon request. A vehicle running on no oil will cause an engine to seize putting myself and others at risk. Confirmed problem by KIA. I have documentation of 3 oil consumption tests performed on my 2020 KIA Telluride at the dealership. Inspected at dealership by service department. No warning light to indicate low oil or to c... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
Two separate times, driving at highway speed, the truck shifted into first gear and I had to pull over. A wrench symbol also popped up where the speed is usually displayed.
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
2024 1500 Denali 3.0 Duramax Diesel engine failed at 57,000 miles. Engine is out of spec per dealer inspection, has an audible ticking noise, an additional audible metal on metal noise, and loss of power. New 3.0 engine is on back order due to a large volume of engine failures and has no ETA on when it will arrive.
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
While driving on the highway, my Jeep completely shut off and I lost control of everything the staring and I have no clue why it just shut off. I’m worried if I drive it I could do this while I’m on the highway and the third lane and I may end up in a collision.
Incident date: Dec 30, 2024
I was driving on the highway and the engine shut off but everything else remained on. I drifted to the breakdown lane and turned the car off. It would not start again and the car began acting up by turning lights on and off, telling me to check the tire pressure, and not unlocking the doors. I then saw some very light smoke from the engine compartment. I popped the hood and looked and saw a glow o... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-35 MPH and exiting the interstate with a speed limit of 55 MPH, the instrument panel, check engine, stability control, and several other warning lights illuminated. The vehicle felt like there was a misfire coming from the engine. The contact pulled into the nearest parking lot and turned off the ve... Read more
BLUE BIRD
VISION SCHOOL BUS
(2024) - ENGINE
Mar 4, 2026
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle shut off with the check engine, transmission, battery and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact and her husband shifted into neutral(N) and pushed the vehicle off to the shoulder of the roadway. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was purchased, and a diagn... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
The engine will shut off at random times without warning causing the vehicle to stop suddenly
SUZUKI
GRAND VITARA
(2008) - ENGINE
Mar 4, 2026
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
I was driving on the highway with the cruise control engaged. An instruction came on the information center telling me to push the start button, while I was driving at highway speeds. Then the transmission downshifted numerous times violently the last few times. By the tachometer the engine was doing 6000 rpm. I pulled over and the start button would not shut down the engine until about the third ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2023) - ENGINE
Mar 4, 2026
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
While stopped at traffic light at idle, I can hear a knocking noise in the engine compartment. Took it to my mechanic, and believe it is coming from the lower engine. He removed the oil pan and found that the rod and crankshaft bearing has movement. The car is 2008 and only has 36,000 miles.
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Genesis G70. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to maintain automotive power while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the vehicle failed to exceed 45 MPH occasionally and went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was restarted as a temporary fix. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4XE. The contact stated that there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle while driving at slow speeds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The engine warning light was blinking, and the driver restarted the vehicle, and the engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V766... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
On Friday my car wouldn’t start. I put in a request for AAA to come out and do a battery test. The technician comes out and hooks up my battery to the portable box and it still didn’t have the power to crank the car. The car turned on and was clicking it didn’t have enough power to actually start the car. My dad came and gave me a jump saturday morning, and said he thinks I needed a new batt... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
All dash lights are on and the Honda dealership told me I have a blown head gasket, need a turbo replacement & fuel pump in which I wasn’t able to drive the car for 7 months at 112,276 miles..This seems like a known issue for this make and model vehicle after 100,000 miles
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
2025 Acura MDX failed to restart after an auto-idle stop at a light in heavy traffic. Second time this has happened and dealer has not resolved
Incident date: Feb 27, 2026
Car has had multiple issues with check engine light coming on for the last 2 years and stays on especially during the winter months. The purge pump has failed multiple times. The cooling fan has run after engine shutting off for multiple years now. The thermostat has been failing for the last 6 months. Now yesterday low power protection suddenly turned on driving on the expressway limiting pow... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
We were on a funeral procession when suddenly the car accelerated at a very high speed and hit the end of guard rail head on. My wife on the passenger side and two people at the back were all taken to the emergency room. I got pinned on the steering column and taken out via the roof. I had severe abrasions on both legs, wife has 3 broken ribs,the 2 passengers suffered whiplash and complains of che... Read more
Crash
4 injured
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
I was driving on the highway and my car starts sputtering, I figured I pull over and turn my car off and on. My car seemed fine and I continued to drive home from work. As soon as I got off the highway my car completely shut off mid ride, stalls out and my steering wheel locked up. I was able to get my car turned back on and get back home. Filled with anxiety at least. Luckily I have a code reader... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2026
Having the same ICCU Failure that all other Ioniq 5 owners have. On February 26th, I was heading to work when I heard a pop and car displayed warning lights saying check EV system and stop safely. Car was limped home and towed to dealer. Was told fix will take a month.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
My vehicle is currently suffering a failed head gasket. I was alerted about this issue from local mechanics and friends way before it actually happened. I took it to services and regular maintenance even more frequently after that. However, it still failed no matter what. I took it to the dealership, they even admitted that this is a known problem for this generation of vehicle. They still proceed... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Failed/failing hydraulic timing chain tensionors. Common issue for this engine said to be caused by poor oiling. After speaking to many shops, this is just one of the many, very common issues that occurs in this vehicle. Started on February 20th, 2026. There are no warning or check engine lights on for this issue. People who are unfamiliar with the symptoms may be driving a vehicle that may sudden... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
While driving the dashboard suddenly showed a message saying Battery Charging Fault error” a few minutes later the car stopped driving while I was on a busy freeway. It had no power and it displayed several messages saying suspension system is disabled, battery issue, cameras disabled. I had try to navigate my rolling car to a side lane to call roadside assistance. It was a very dangerous incide... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
RECALL OMISSION & SAFETY DISPUTE (Case #10683843): I am reporting two documented safety defects in my 2008 BMW 328i (N51 engine) that are identical to existing Federal Safety Recalls but have been omitted from the recall VIN list for this model year. 1. AIRBAG SYSTEM FAILURE (Recall 17V-428): The vehicle has a confirmed Fault Code 93C3 (Passenger Seat Occupancy Mat). This is the exact failure mo... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
The head on the 2.4L engine of the 2019 Mazda CX5 has shown a manufacturing defect that Mazda has addressed in certain models, but not all of the models with this engine. This leaves a large amount of vehicle owners with the financial liability to pay out of pocket for Mazda's engineering and manufacturing defect that they know about. The oil leaks onto the exhaust manifold creating a fire hazard.... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
P0471 code before 55k miles even after repair is made
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
Vehicle info: 2019 Silverado 1500 6.2L engine with 66,xxx miles. On 3/1/26 While towing my small snowmobile trailer I was driving on I-90 with cruise control set at 65 mph. Very suddenly and shockingly I heard an extremely loud knocking noise from the engine. I then witnessed several driver info messages stating things like "low oil pressure" "engine power reduced" among others and a check en... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
Our vehicle passed their inspection required test for the engine recall and then at an intersection just died with absolutely no warning and wouldn’t even start again. Warning light for low engine oil came on. We were stuck and couldn’t even put the vehicle in neutral to be towed out of the intersection. Had to call a flat bed tow truck to load it and take to dealership where it was confirmed ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
Coolant leaking into cylinders on my 2019 Ford Fusion 1.5L EcoBoost—white smoke, rough idle, and wont start now. Ford's 21N12 program expired before I could get it fixed. Tons of owners report the same; it's a safety hazard.
Incident date: Nov 26, 2025
Car is under a recall-no level 3 charging due to risk of fire since October of 2025 with no remedy in place. The car is not able to be used as advertized-cannot travel outside of 200 miles from my home as level 3 charging is not possible and level 2 charging not feasible for travelling. Of note-the battery in my car is a NEW battery -it was replaced in December of 2025 due to repeated prior fail... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
Vehicle WITHOUT WARNING will start to jerk then go into “limp” mode. Pressing on gas pedal makes the revving noise but with not physical movement made. This has happened on MULTIPLE occasions (13 times in 4 months) including in the snow and on the interstate while driving at 70mph where no shoulder is available to pull over. Car was taken to dealership 3 different times with no actual diagnosi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
Engine oil light doesn’t work. Oil light flashed a couple of times in separate instances. Checking oil dip stick which smells like burning oil and dip stick hardly showed any oil left.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2018) - ENGINE
Mar 3, 2026
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
A coolant hose located on the top of the engine developed a leak that caused the engine to overheat. It was necessary to remove several components of the engine to reach and replace the leaking hose. This repair cost over 5000 dollars with the associated labor cost. Vehicle had less than 6000 miles on it at the time of the incident. It took several weeks to get the needed parts.
Incident date: Nov 26, 2025
Engine light came on, along with 'Service ESC' and 'Service Parking Brake' I drove it to my local GMC and it continued smoking and they told me that if I drove it like that it could blow up the engine. They mentioned a recall on these types of trucks but they said the warranty on my vehicle had expired at 60000 miles. Yes, I took it to Rogers GMC in Hermiston and the diagnostic is, "Mechanical: ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) - ENGINE
Mar 3, 2026
Incident date: Oct 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a whining sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The dealer stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. After the vehicle was parke... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
The engine shut off and immediately turned on