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 ›

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Showing 169,480 complaints - component: ENGINE

Incident date: Nov 8, 2025

I am reporting a suspected head gasket/engine defect involving my 2018 Honda Accord Sport. My vehicle experienced multiple engine-related problems before ultimately requiring head gasket replacement and cylinder head repair. On July 27, 2024, at approximately 161,480 miles, the turbocharger was replaced. In September 2025, at 207,539 miles, my vehicle was serviced at Joe Morgan Honda, an author... Read more

Incident date: Sep 24, 2025

The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message to “Turn off Engine and Restart Engine” was displayed and the engine seized. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving on a busy highway. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle started. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; h... Read more

Incident date: Feb 25, 2026

My turbo actuator failed and was replaced in February of 2026. This is the same part, manufactured the same year as the recall: LOP#09440301 Both the manufacturer and NHTSA knew of this problem for years, but only fixed a small portion of the impacted vehicles. Please make me whole and refund my expenses for this known faulty actuator and repair work. Let me know if there is anything more you ne... Read more

Incident date: Jul 6, 2026

I am a senior citizen who bought a brand new 2021 Honda CRV hybrid in 2022. I used the vehicle mainly for driving around town in city driving. I ensured that my vehicle received all the necessary scheduled maintenance at either the dealership I bought the vehicle,(Pacific Honda, [XXX];phone [XXX]) or a certified Honda dealership. I have complete maintenance records at the Honda dealership for t... Read more

Incident date: Jul 31, 2026

My vehicle randomly slows it self down while driving. I would be pressing the gas and the car would voluntarily slow down on its own with no warning. This problem can lead to plenty of accidents due to me or any other driver around me being unaware when my vehicle will brake on its own. The problem has been confirmed by Hyundai Patterson of Tyler, Texas and they have worked on my car twice to fix ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 21, 2026

The 6.2 GMC engine has been replaced. I took my Yukon in for a oil change, on the second engine, the tech said that it now has a new oil synthetic 0-40, and I have to have the oil changed every 3 thousand miles. I checked with a couple of mechanics and they all said, synthetic is good for at least 5 thousand miles, and just thicker oil will not solve the engine problems that have plagued GM. I am... Read more

Incident date: Jul 30, 2026

I was on the highway i90 and the motor failed. Had to get it towed the the nearby GM dealership.

Incident date: Jun 19, 2026

Incident Overview & Vehicle Record Vehicle: 2016 Kia Soul Purchase Date: June 30, 2024 (Purchased from AutoNation Plano as 2nd owner) Incident Date: June 19, 2025 (Stalled on road at 113,000 miles) Current Location: Group1 Kia South Austin (Towed on July 8, 2025) Diagnosis: Severe internal engine failure (rod bearing defect) Current Status: Warranty extension claim denied by dealership due to mis... Read more

Incident date: Aug 3, 2026

On August 3rd the vehicle began making a loud clicking/knocking noise from the engine area of the car. Took the car to Richard Bailey Automotive on August 4th for diagnosis. Was informed a week later the engine needed replacement. Have owned the car for 3 months. No warning lights except to clean the backup camera. All maintenance has been performed on the vehicle.

Incident date: Oct 10, 2025

In 2019, vehicle had a recall for output speed sensor in the transmission. Initial Ford dealership in Indiana (Don Hinds), reprogrammed. They did not test drive vehicle or follow additional instruction to replace the molded leadframe. Vehicle has continued to demonstrate OSS sensor failure. Every time we drive it, the vehicle downshifts from 6th gear to 1st gear with malfunction indicator light an... Read more

Incident date: Mar 12, 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was tak... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

road debris entered into front grill though the holes in grill adn damaged condensor fins causing vehicle to loose propulsion. Vehicle would not travel over 25 mph after the incidnet. This is safety issue as vehicle slowed from 55MPH to 25MPH rather abruptly on highway. Multiple lamps came on dash at time of incident and were reatained untill fixed (non warranty repair)

Incident date: Aug 22, 2026

Lifters are failing. Engine is making horrible engine noise. Mechanics said it was lifters.

Incident date: Apr 3, 2026

This car was subject to the GM Recall N2524940000 – This is related to engine failure in the vehicle. My Yukon Denali received the recall service on XXX at Liberty Buick GMC in XXX. It was determined that my engine would not fail and the car needed the heavier oil and a new oil filter. The car also received a 10 year warranty on the engine as part of the recall. XXX We were traveling down XXX S... Read more

Incident date: Aug 22, 2026

On multiple occasions, my 2023 Kia Sorento has experienced an intermittent failure where numerous dashboard warning lights and alerts illuminate and the engine will not start. During the failure, the brake pedal becomes very stiff and the vehicle cannot be shifted out of Park. The problem is unpredictable and has left the vehicle disabled. The vehicle was taken to a Kia dealership for diagnosis. ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 22, 2026

I'm driving and all of a sudden - while I'm on the highway - a service engine pops up on the dashboard, and my car looses all power and drive ability. I immediately loose any gas/drive ability to accelerate or maintain legal speeds. I read about the recent recall with the fuel system and it's exactly what my car is experiencing, but somehow my VIN is both telling me that my car has a recall at on... Read more

Incident date: Aug 14, 2026

My 2015 KIA optima experienced a catastrophic engine fire while I was driving. There was no warning, I just heard a boom in the engine bay the breaks stopped working and all electrical cut out. As I'm coasting, because I'm unable to stop, flames started to come in through under the dash. I couldn't turn the car off, nor put it in park so the doors stayed locked. The driver window was opened just e... Read more

Fire

Incident date: May 11, 2026

I am reporting a serious safety concern involving my 2017 Audi Q3 Premium Plus, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle is experiencing excessive engine oil consumption requiring frequent addition of oil. I reported the oil-consumption problem shortly after purchasing the vehicle. Audi Coral Springs recently diagnosed the vehicle and recommended substantial repairs. The dealership identified a crankcase breather/P... Read more

Incident date: Apr 21, 2026

Total engine failure on the I-95 Express Lane in Miami.

Incident date: Jan 9, 2026

While driving my Ford Fusion, I experienced a serious transmission-related loss of propulsion. Leading up to the failure, I noticed that the engine RPM would fluctuate considerably and the vehicle appeared to have difficulty maintaining engagement in a gear. On the day of the failure, I was traveling approximately 50 mph when the vehicle suddenly stopped responding normally to the accelerator. W... Read more

Incident date: Jul 21, 2026

The engine in my truck had a catastrophic failure (6.2 litre), same as the thousands with the same problem / failure. It had to be towed to the dealership where it underwent a complete engine replacement... it had 8,906 miles on it at the time of the engine failure. It died after making horrendous and loud noise, I was able to coast for a short distance but it came to a stop in the middle of a res... Read more

Incident date: Aug 21, 2026

I was driving on 35 mph road and first got a notification to service charging system, vehicle may stall, with the battery light on. Less than a mile after an alarm went off non stop stating engine overheating shut vehicle down immediately. Roadside mechanic came and discovered the serpentine belt failed. I have 1,100 miles on this car.

Incident date: Jul 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,460.

Incident date: Jul 20, 2026

2023 Yukon XL AT4 with 67k miles suddenly had lifters fail. GM service said cam scored & metal debris all the way through to the pan, requiring total engine replacement. Vehicle was very well maintained with premium fluids and parts.

Incident date: Jun 28, 2026

My 2023 Toyota Tundra iForceMAX truck has been out of commission for 56 days (Since June 29, 2026). I have experienced a "shroud rub" issue which is a widely documented design flaw in 2022–2025 Tundras. It happens when pressure from the transmission lines warps the passenger-side plastic fan shroud, pushing it straight into the radiator fins until it rubs a hole right through them. The dealer... Read more

Incident date: Aug 8, 2026

The contact's daughter owns a 2014 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormal sounds, failed to accelerate while turning, and shuddered abnormally. The RPM remained steady with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and it was determined that the wheel bearing and continuously variabl... Read more

Incident date: Aug 12, 2026

My vehicle was taken in as part of the 25v-274 recall. It passed and was given the new oil. It underwent a second oil change using the new oil and before the third oil change at around 46,000 miles the engine was having trouble. I took it in for the oil change and the engine issue. I have barely been told anything but from what I understand I have a camshaft issue and need new lifters. I haven'... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH and depressing the brake, the vehicle slid in the rain. The ABS, traction control, and engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed, and it was dete... Read more

Incident date: Aug 22, 2026

Vehicle had large puddle of antifreeze under drivers front of vehicle. Antifreeze reservoir was completely empty upon opening the hood. There is an active drip of antifreeze under the car as displayed by placing a clean piece of cardboard under the vehicle. There were no indicator lights displaying a problem on the dashboard. Upon using an endoscopic camera, there is an active leak at the hose on ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 29, 2026

On July 29th 2024 (two weeks after regular oil change) i noticed the engine temperature rise to the halfway mark. I stopped at Sheetz and waited for it to cool down. I opened the coolant cap and only a few drops remained in the reservoir. I added coolant and called Timbrook Nissan to complain they didn't top off the coolant. I was advised that "those Rogues are known to leak coolant out of the bac... Read more

Incident date: Aug 11, 2026

My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe, purchased new from Lynnes Hyundai in February 2017, has approximately 93,000 miles. The vehicle previously developed a significant oil-consumption/engine problem that was diagnosed by Hyundai, and Hyundai replaced the engine with a remanufactured engine. Approximately two weeks after the engine replacement, the check-engine light illuminated and DTC P1326 was identified. ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 14, 2026

Franchise dealer Preson Hyundai is actively obstructing a court-ordered settlement tracking test for an engine burning 2.0 qts internally, forcing a young driver with child to operate an oil starving vehicle at risk of highway engine seizure and fire.

Incident date: Aug 18, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service Electronic Steering Control", "Service Transmission", and the "Continue to Drive - Do not Shift or Turn off Engine" messages were displayed on the instrument panel, before the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the message "Shift to Park and Back to Drive", "Rear Braking Assist Unavailable", a... Read more

Incident date: Jul 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly shut off. The contact was able to immediately restart the vehicle and continued driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and DTC: P032S was retrieved (insufficient torque produced by the engine). The dealer was unable to repair the vehicle ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 21, 2026

On XXX, I picked up my 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV, VIN [XXX], from Open Road Cadillac after a replacement 6.2L V8 engine had been installed following failure of the original engine. Approximately one mile after leaving the dealership, the engine temperature rose to approximately 297°F. The vehicle displayed a critical oil-pressure/no-oil warning, coolant leaked from the vehicle, and the replaceme... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2024

commonly experiences battery drain, the radio is making Popping or crackling sounds from speakers

Incident date: Feb 20, 2025

This vehicle is subject to Safety Recall N252494000 / NHTSA Campaign 25V274 for a known L87 6.2L V8 engine defect. Prior to the June 2025 recall notice, I incurred repair costs for the same defect at Schumacher Chevrolet, [XXX], on XXX ($405.63) and XXX ($2,755.76), neither of which resolved the issue. On XXX and again on 02/14/2025, the vehicle suffered total loss of propulsion on [XXX], once cau... Read more

Incident date: Aug 23, 2026

After the car was started, I drove 3 houses over when there was a loud knocking sound and the car just shut off. When trying to restart it wouldn't and the check engine, battery, and oil lights came on. After pushing it out of the road we checked the oil and it was empty. The oil has just been changed less than 2 months ago. Now the engine is seized.

Incident date: Apr 8, 2026

I went in a few months ago for a routine oil change. My car has had zero operating issues since I had the engine replaced around 5 years ago. They told me that I need to have a voluntary emissions update performed, so I gave consent. (The letter I received a few days later referred to it as "Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign.")On the way home, it seemed to drive rougher. I figured it was relear... Read more

Incident date: Jul 31, 2026

Yes, cracked cylinder wall. Coolant into engine. Known problem -The 2018 Ford Edge with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine is known for a critical design defect where coolant leaks into the cylinders due to a cracked cylinder wall or head gasket failure. This typically requires a full short-block or long-block engine replacement,

Incident date: Jul 12, 2026

On my 2017 Acura MDX SH-AWD with approximately 112,000 miles, the engine experienced a sudden catastrophic failure while I was traveling at highway speed. The vehicle abruptly lost power, the accelerator became unresponsive, smoke came from the vehicle hood and exhaust area, and multiple warning lights illuminated. The failure occurred with no advance warning and created a serious safety risk beca... Read more

Incident date: Aug 23, 2026

Complete engine failure at 75MPH. Vehicle only has 5000 miles on it.

Incident date: May 6, 2026

It just started happening. Sweet smelling white fumes emitting from exhaust pipes and engine. Mechanic said not to drive it. It was a head gasket issue. Repair cost estimate at $10,000. I needed a car . Fix or buy?? No time to fix. Sold to car yard for $3,800. Car was pristine. Garaged, about 50,000 miles. Caused a financial hardship and I was stranded 200 miles from home.

Incident date: Jul 21, 2026

I bought this car new in 2015, when I was at 97000 miles they had to replace the motor and turbo, I am now at 155844 and they are telling me that basically all 4 cylinders have low compression, cylinder 3 is the worst. They are telling me that this car has to have a new motor. I have not done anything to this vehicle to cause no compression. They want me to pay around 8800.00 to get this fixed.

Incident date: Aug 19, 2026

Approximately 3 miles from my residence my car display flashed "Reduced Engine Power" and slowed down. When I reached a stop sign and tried to stop, my brakes were stiff and I was unable to stop. I went through the stop sign. I continued to my residence at 10mph and backed into a parking space with a curb to help stop my vehicle. I turned the car off and called a mechanic to come look at my car. I... Read more

Incident date: Aug 5, 2026

My 2021 Chevrolet Blazer RS equipped with the 3.6L LGX V6 experienced catastrophic engine failure at approximately 90,200 miles. The vehicle had no prior warning. The dealer diagnosed the timing chain / lift/ cam damage. I am requesting investigation into whether this represents a safety or durability defect affecting other vehicles

Incident date: Jul 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed a cylinder misfire and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware... Read more

Incident date: Jul 11, 2026

The engine blew

Incident date: Aug 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to immediately start. The vehicle started later. The engine and a yellow warning light flashed on the instrument panel. Upon research, the contact located the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt), for KBA Reference Number: 16131R, which was associated with the starter motor. The contact stated tha... Read more

Incident date: Aug 11, 2026

Was driving vehicle and all of a sudden engine light pops up with no driver codes and the left side of engine starts knocking. I pull into the closest shop. They test a vehicle misfire in cylinder 5 and propose vehicle gets towed to dealership to look at codes. I tow vehicle to dealership for them to tell me rod bearings, crankshaft are bad and need a new engine. Engine was 99k and well maintained... Read more

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Consumer Safety Complaints

What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?

How to interpret what you read

If you've experienced a defect

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