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 27, 2025
While driving on I-95 at 60mph the car began to jump as it attempted to shift gears and the speed stalled to where it slowed down to 20mph and would not go any faster. The car slowed while I was in the fast lanes of the highway and I had to work my way to the right to the slower lanes to avoid abusing traffic congestion or any accidents. It was scary. Separately, my engine light has been on for th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
Oil pump in B58 BMW engines 2019-2022 has been a major safety concern that results in catastrophic failure while driving the vehicle. All because of BMW using a plastic component and quietly changed it, meanwhile hundreds of people had a major oil leak and engine seizures on hwy and $5k+ repairs.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2026
My vehicle has this issue and is not in the recall notice. Due to the on going issue we parked the vehicle and have not drove it. The affected cars have an engine block heater that may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short-circuit when the block heater is plugged in, increasing the risk of fire. Customers with affected vehicle may notice coolant spots on the driveway or garage f... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
Nothing has malfunctioned yet, but this recall has been outstanding since November, 2025, and today is the last day of February, 2026. No remedy is available and its been four months.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2026
This vehicle is still using the defective style piston rings causing oil consumption of 1.5qts in 1000miles, With only 100,000miles. This has been ongoing since we purchased the vehicle with 94,000 miles. This needs to be issued as a recall to replace piston rings or the engine entirely. My valuemax level 4 extended warranty is refusing to repair the issue stating hyundai/kia has carbon buildup on... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
The vehicle while parked and not running on our driveway burst into flames and had large fire and explosions that burned the vehicle front half completely. the whole engine compartment burned and melted and destroyed the vehicle. No warning lights, no issues. Just burst into flames and destroyed the vehicle.
Fire
Incident date: Feb 27, 2026
I am submitting this correspondence as a formal notification of a potential safety-related defect affecting BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine platform, most commonly model years 2019–2021. The purpose of this communication is to request immediate review under BMW’s vehicle safety defect evaluation process due to an increasing number of oil pump failures capabl... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2025
I have had many issues with this vehicle. The engine leaks oil onto the exhaust causing the engine to smoke, the engine uses antifreeze, the transmission will downshift at highway speeds to such a low gear that I need to put the van into neutral so that the engine doesn't blow up. It uses brakes quickly, (New brakes every 10,000 miles or so). Gas milage is less then 12MPG as well.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
My Honda ridgeline had 7,590 miles when it started failing all the dash board lights turned on the engine decelerated I then tried to accelerate it rapidly accelerated my steering wheel vibrated I could not turn or slow down witch caused for me to crash
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
I was out of town and driving on the highway around 75 MPH, when the motor suddenly lost all power. I was driving in the far left lane approaching an overpass. The sudden loss made it next to impossible to make it off the overpass on a very busy freeway safely while trying to navigate many cars trying to pass me . The truck came to a complete halt on the white shoulder line, 50' off of overpass ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
Complete engine failure. Car was burning oil, wasn't aware. Since I am an on the road salesman I travel alot and get oil changes consistently. Then recently the engine oil light keeps coming on when rounding bends or stopping on a hill. I checked the dip stick and see oil is Half gone in between oil changes. The car stalled as I was approaching a dangerous intersection. Thankfully I was able to st... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
My son is a mechanic and realized there was an issue. He found this issue: The engine loss compression on number four-cylinder severe power loss inspected; found damage to top of number four piston, most likely due to valve failure. He took to Ford dealership in Tuscaloosa, AL. They agreed with the assessment. Ford Motor Co.would not repair, stating this issue was not caused by recall.
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2025) - ENGINE
Feb 27, 2026
Incident date: Oct 7, 2025
I took it to the Ford dealership and they diagnosed it as having a parasitic draw from the 12 V battery when the car is shut down so when you go to get into the car if the battery is dead, they will fix it for $425 however, this problem was a recall in 2013 and my car did have a recall done to it. However, the issue is still going on therefore I feel as though the customer should not be charged. M... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
I'm reporting a safety issue with BMW vehicles equipped with the B58TU engine, primarily 2019-2021 models. These vehicles have an oil pump with an internal plastic component that regulates oil pressure, and this part is fracturing in the field, causing sudden loss of oil pressure. The failure typically occurs during cold starts in low temperatures. When it fails, oil pressure becomes erratic or is... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
Oil Pump Failed its common issue on them but no recall
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
While stopped at a traffic signal, the vehicle failed to restart when the light turned green. On another occasion, the vehicle stalled during operation and would not start. The engine would crank but there was no ignition. This created a safety risk because the vehicle was disabled in traffic and unable to move out of the roadway, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision or other crash. The ve... Read more
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
(2023) - ENGINE
Feb 27, 2026
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
I am reporting a Sudden Unintended Deceleration event in my Subaru. The vehicle grinded to a halt without driver input. The car stopped in the left lane of a major highway. We put on our hazards and called the state police for help. They were unable to get to us in time. We were hit from the rear. The car's failure created a stationary hazard that led to a high-speed rear-end collision by a ... Read more
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
Excessive oil consumption. Consumes more than 1 quart of oil every 5k miles
Incident date: Feb 22, 2026
Vehicle accelerated while driving. The RPMs gage turned red; however, the vehicle stopped in the middle of the road with other cars coming. After the vehicle came to a full stop it would not move. Finally it started moving slowly and I was able to get off the road. When the tow truck arrived the vehicle would only go forward. No reverse. Error message on dashboard picture attached
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
White smoke from vehicle exhaust. Vehicle misfires and jumps when trying to engage gears. Then vehicle goes limp after running for a while.
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
Failed cam phaser. Brought truck to dealership regarding loud rattling noise on cold starts. Prior to inspection, service technician mentioned it could be the cam phaser because they have had reported problems. Ford did not issue a formal recall but issued a Customer satisfaction program 21B10 to extend warranty coverage due to the known issue but only extended through 2022. I did not have a ratt... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
Oil pum with plastic internals. Repeat hot and cold cycles cause premature failure of the plastic components and cause loss of oil pressure along with the pump grenading itself.
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
My 2019 Honda CRV just recently reached 120000 miles and turned on the check engine light, after doing a diagnostic at the dealer it turned out to be a blown head gasket which the 1.5 engine is notorious for and Honda hasn’t put out a recall out for this costly repair. It’s a very common issue that needs to be addressed by Honda before more owners have to spend their hard earned money on repai... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
ON 2/22/2026 WE WERE DRIVING BACK FROM WEST, TEXAS ON FM 2311 WE WERE TRAVELING AT ABOUT 60 MPH POSTED SPEED LIMIT WHILE WE WERE ENTERING TH ECONSTURCTION ZONE THE VEHICLE SAID START THE CAR WE WERE DRIVING IN THEN I NOTICED WE LOST PROPULSION AND STEERING AND BRAKES WERE VERY DIFFICULT TO HANDLE MY WIFE AND 10 YEAR CHILD WERE IN THE VEHICLE WITH ME. THIS ROAD HAD NO SHOULDERS AND A VERY STEEP DEE... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint regarding a 2012 Hyundai Elantra equipped with the 1.8L Nu engine, which is experiencing premature internal engine damage that presents a potential safety risk. Vehicle details: Year/Make/Model: 2012 Hyundai Elantra Mileage: Approximately 134,500 miles Issue description: The engine produces a persistent ticking/knocking noise, most pronounced... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
Head gasket leaked coolant into the engine and now the engine is not working and needs replaced.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
My 2016 Kia Sorento with 2.4L GDI Theta II engine began consuming excessive oil despite regular documented oil changes. At approximately 86,000 miles, the engine failed and requires full long block replacement. The vehicle has been at a Kia dealership for 5 months while I went back and forth with Kia Corporate. I was quoted over $8,000 for replacement. Kia has declined assistance. This appears con... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
Upper radiator hose connection to radiator is faulty causing leak of coolant. Yes it is available for inspection upon request. Truck began to run cooling fan at full speed in the middle of winter with no warnings of high heat or low coolant. After two weeks, check engine light finally cut on to indicate low coolant flow. Coolant reservoir was subsequently checked and found to be completely empty.... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2026
I am reporting a safety concern involving BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine, commonly found in model years 2019–2021. These vehicles utilize a variable-displacement engine oil pump containing an internal thermoplastic adjusting component responsible for regulating oil pressure. Field failures are increasingly being reported in which this internal component fractu... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2026
The vehicle was had a lower engine knock. When I took the vehicle in I was informed that there is an open recall for Honda Pilots for engine knocking and failure but my vin number was not included. Because of the knocking I was informed that I needed to replace the engine. The vehicle is approximately 2400 miles over the 100k power train warranty. The engine has been serviced regularly and has... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
The slave cylinder failed l3aving me stranded in a parking lot. Luckily I wasnt driving down the highway as the slave cylinder is also part of the brake system they use the shared brake fluid reservoir. This is a very common problem and is a 4k plus cost to fix. Not including the time that has to go into fighting the warranty companies and dealers.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the engine seized. In addition, when the gear shift lever was shifted to reverse(R), the vehicle failed to move as intended. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Engine Overheated" was d... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2025
BMW installed a part that is failing quite a number of vehicles including this vehicle. The oil filter housing was not properly constructed at the factory. Fails.
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
I am reporting a safety concern involving BMW and Toyota Supra vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine, commonly found in model years 2019–2021. These vehicles utilize a variable-displacement engine oil pump containing an internal thermoplastic adjusting component responsible for regulating oil pressure. Field failures are increasingly being reported in which this interna... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) - ENGINE
Feb 27, 2026
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
No oil in engine can cause fire. Meineke in walkertown inspects the vehicle. No lights or warnings. Vehicle just started running funny. Problem confirmed by Meineke in walkertown. They claim it is a consumption issue because there are no leaks.
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2019) - ENGINE
Feb 27, 2026
Incident date: Jan 29, 2026
I am reporting a potential safety concern with my engine. The oil pumps are known to fail due to plastic internal components. BMW has issued a new pump with metal parts, but existing engines are not being helped and if oil pressure drops the car can suddenly stop in traffic, creating a safety hazard.
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2019) - ENGINE
Feb 27, 2026
Incident date: Jan 29, 2026
Oil pump failure due to plastic brittle materials failing prematurely. It is a common problem that is well documented across the owners that have this vehicle.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2023) - ENGINE
Feb 27, 2026
Incident date: Feb 21, 2026
On January 12, 2026, the vehicle shut off twice during the same trip while driving in traffic. All dashboard warning lights illuminated, the tachometer spiked, RPM readings did not correspond, the gear selector became unresponsive, and the vehicle lost propulsion while in motion. On February 15, 2026, the vehicle shut off again while driving under similar conditions. The vehicle was taken to a H... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2026
Oil pump failures have been reported across multiple production years, and affected vehicle population boundaries remain unclear. Because this condition can result in sudden vehicle disablement without adequate warning especially in the cold, I believe this issue warrants investigation as a potential safety-related defect. Loss of lubrication can cause the vehicle to become disabled without warn... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2026
On Saturday at approximately 5:30 p.m., while driving on a two-lane city street with vehicles around me, my GMC Sierra began malfunctioning. The gauges flickered, warning lights appeared, and a transmission warning activated. As I attempted to safely pull over, the vehicle began stuttering and then completely stalled in the middle of traffic. Cars swerved and honked to avoid hitting me. Fortunatel... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
I'm reporting a safety issue with BMW vehicles equipped with the B58TU engine, primarily 2019-2021 models. These vehicles have an oil pump with an internal plastic component that regulates oil pressure, and this part is fracturing in the field, causing sudden loss of oil pressure. The failure typically occurs during cold starts in low temperatures. When it fails, oil pressure becomes erratic or is... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
We have been in Hyundai’s “oil consumption” protocol for the past 8-10 months. We’ve had 6 oil changes in that time. Each oil change was right a 1,000 miles. My engine is burning between 1.5 - 2.5 quarts of oil EVERY 1,000 MILES. They have been trying to drag this out not having to take ownership of the issue. After reading online, clearly there is an issue with 2021 Palisades and a recall... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
I bought my vehicle used, in May 2025. Then, in October (if not earlier), a safety recall was issued relating to the fast charging of the EV battery. This recall tells me that I’m not to use the CHAdeMO charging port due to battery fire risk. Now, almost 6 months later, there still isn’t a remedy available. Not being able to fast charge puts a huge restriction on where I’m able to go in my ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2026
Around October/November 2025, the vehicle began having intermittent steering issues that have progressively worsened. The steering wheel becomes stiff or feels stuck, and at times it jerks on its own before correcting. Other times I must pull harder to get it to respond, causing over‑correction and difficulty maintaining my lane. This has happened at various speeds, including 65–70 mph on the ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2026
I am reporting a safety concern involving BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine, commonly found in model years 2019–2021. These vehicles utilize a variable-displacement engine oil pump containing an internal thermoplastic adjusting component responsible for regulating oil pressure. Field failures are increasingly being reported in which this internal component fract... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2026
Suspension failed at 50,000 miles. At 56,000 miles one of the valve components inside the engine (a lifter) has collapsed. This part controls the opening of the engine valve, and because it is no longer moving, that cylinder cannot build compression and is causing the misfire. This is an internal mechanical failure inside the engine and cannot be caused by body work, fuel quality, or anything ext... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
[XXX] Kia Seltos engine stalled and then stopped running. Driver attempted to turn engine over with no success. [XXX] The 2021 Seltos was towed to Kia in Jacksonville Nc. Kia Jacksonville stated engine seized, performed a compression test of cylinders with failure. cylinder 1 had a 135 psi, cylinder 3 had a 105 psi. It was stated that cylinder 1 and 3 had excessive scoring on the walls. P... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
My Tundra Truck is having throttle lag. I pull out into traffic and there is no power. I put the throttle all the way to the floor and still nothing. After 2 to 3 seconds the engine starts to slowly throttling up, but very slow and no turbo. This has happened at least 15 times now since I owed it in July of 2025. That scared me so bad I now have it at the dealer for diagnostics. They had better fi... Read more
AUDI
SQ6 E-TRON
(2025) - ENGINE
Feb 27, 2026
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
The crankshaft position sensor and tone wheel failed which is the recall for 66A, was driving truck 45mph down heavily traffic roadway, truck died and stopped in the middle of road. took truck to dealership and dealer charged diagnostic fee explained to them that issue sounded like a crankshaft issue and was showing crankshaft codes. They refused to look into this and do the recall. Went and picke... Read more