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: Jul 9, 2026

Turbo has gone out and it's several thousand dollars to get fixed and will eventually affect the overall lifespan and performance of the engine if not repaired in a timely enough fashion. There is no recall for this specific issues even though thousands of Honda Accord owners are dealing with the same failure/repair and there are no offers of goodwill assistance from the dealership or manufacturer... Read more

Incident date: Aug 14, 2026

6.2L engine failure. Camshaft and lifters. My [XXX] wife ([XXX]) was driving and it shut off going down the highway. It is at my local Chevrolet dealer getting repaired. No warnings. No engine light. Vehicle has 88,000 miles on it, I purchased it April 22, 2026 with 84,700 miles on it. My Chevrolet App says there are no issues with the vehicle..it’s in pieces at the dealership. I had higher stan... Read more

Incident date: Aug 19, 2026

While traveling northbound on the I 10 freeway my vehicle wouldn’t accelerate once pulled over to the shoulder the vehicle completely lost all acceleration and shut off. The vehicle smelled like burning plastic and would not restart. The dealership’s reporting engine fail.

Incident date: Mar 25, 2026

While driving my son to school we were driving 45 mph and the entire engine shut off and lost all power. Engine would not restart. Took it to the dealer and was told the engine was dead.

Incident date: Jun 6, 2021

Recall caused full engine failure which caused 75mph to abrupt stop on Highway. Violently shaking and leaked gas inside vehicle. I was confused because I had no collision and liberty mutual denied my claims, but I was hurt from a recall - dealer frequently recorded as fixed during a scam that caused me to lose my full savings and be stuck with a unfixed covered car. (Dealer tried to say they were... Read more

Crash Fire 1 injured

Incident date: Feb 3, 2026

Failure brake suspension

Incident date: Aug 14, 2026

2024 Wagoneer was shifting weird, throwing itself in parking mode. Shutting off and making you stop while driving to shift in desired gear. Throwing itself in park going down the highway and about had us in a head on collision. Motor has loss of lower and overheating. Multiple misfires on multiple cylinders on all 3 occasions when returned to the dealership. Unable to fix on multiple attempts. Car... Read more

Incident date: Aug 22, 2026

On the day I was driving my 2021 Escalade had completely stopped in the middle of traffic , the vehicle was looked over by a certified mechanic and stated that it was at the full level of oil 0w-20 as stated to be put in by gm on the oil cap he stated that the motor L87 which is in my vehicle is under recall for this reason it the motor has put I and my child in complete danger in the middle of a ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 16, 2026

On the freeway in the middle of nowhere Denali jerked, went into neutral, and stopped completely. Needed to get towed and it was complete engine failure. Dealership needed to completely replace engine and radiator

Incident date: Jul 15, 2026

The engine stalls randomly while in motion. When this happens, an error gets presented on the dashboard asking the driver to restart it manually. This has occurred when driving forward and backing up. This car was purchased at CarMax and serviced through the extended warranty. However, a few weeks later the problem started happening again.

Incident date: Aug 15, 2026

On two separate occasions in the past two months June 6 and Aug. 15, this vehicle experienced a severe unintended engine surge / unintended acceleration event while at a complete stop with my foot firmly on the brake. On both occasions, the engine RPMs spiked above 1,000 RPM, forcing the vehicle to pull heavily against the brakes as if trying to race forward into the intersection. On the most rece... Read more

Incident date: Aug 20, 2026

I am reporting repeated premature failures of the factory charge air cooler (turbo intercooler) hoses on my 2022 Jeep Wrangler EcoDiesel (3.0L V6). Within 73,000 miles, both the primary and secondary turbo charge hoses have hardened, cracked, and failed under standard boost pressure. Safety Risk: When these turbo charge hoses split, the engine experiences an immediate and complete loss of boost p... Read more

Incident date: Mar 18, 2024

The 2.0L Turbo engine suffers from premature failures. Jeep issued a TSB over leaking around the water pump, but did not notify owners. My engine overheated due to low coolant (there's no low coolant warning), and the temperature gauge proves to be unreliable. My engine suffered a head gasket failure due to overheating, while within the factory warranty period, and Jeep would not honor their wa... Read more

Incident date: Aug 20, 2026

On Thursday, August 20th at approxmately 5:30PM my 2026 Mercedes Benz suffered a catastrophic transfer case failure and driveshhaft failure at highways speeds, causing a complete loss of propulsion. Putting me in immediate danger of on coming traffic. After the got to the shoulder I waited about 3 plus hours in pouring rain waiting for Mercedes Benz roadside assistance. The safety of this vehicle... Read more

Incident date: Aug 20, 2026

I own a 2019 Genesis G70 3.3T Twin-Turbo V6, VIN [XXX], with approximately 122,000 miles. Twice within approximately two weeks, the vehicle has suddenly and unexpectedly experienced a near-total loss of propulsion while being driven. Without warning, the engine begins shaking and sputtering severely, the Check Engine Light illuminates, and the vehicle provides almost no usable acceleration. The e... Read more

Incident date: Jun 21, 2026

We are submitting this vehicle safety complaint regarding a dealer-confirmed coolant-intrusion failure in our 2017 Lincoln MKZ equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle had approximately 60,063 miles when presented to Parks Lincoln of Longwood. The vehicle developed a check engine light, rough running, shaking, and recurring misfire symptoms. Two ignition coils had recently been replaced... Read more

Incident date: Aug 9, 2026

We were driving back from vacation in a 2022 Yukon Denali with less than 40,000 miles on it when our engine completely seized. We were going highway speeds in a remote area. 4 kids were in our car, one of them only 1 month old. We were stranded for 10 hours. Engine needs to be completely replaced. GM is not providing any assistance.

Incident date: Jun 29, 2026

Coolant intrusion into the cylinder and requires a replacement of the long block engine assembly which was a known issue by Ford/Lincoln with no recalls issued. The problem has been confirmed by authorized Ford/Lincoln dealer and independent service center. Warning lights illuminated when car was brought to dealer for inspection. It poses significant safety risk that actively endanger me and pa... Read more

Incident date: Aug 20, 2026

On July 30, 2026, while driving my 2022 Volkswagen Taos out of my apartment parking lot, the EPC and check engine lights illuminated. The vehicle shook, lagged, stalled, and could not accelerate normally. I parked and turned it off. An authorized Volkswagen dealer diagnosed a faulty spark plug. On August 12, the same failure recurred. The EPC and check engine lights illuminated, the vehicle shook... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2026

There is a known issue with auto idle feature. If you do not manually turn off every time it stays on and occasionally will cause car issue when stopping. I have had it happen in vehicle about a dozen times. When you fully depress brake engine is suppose to i gel to save gas however on occasion the vehicle will completely stall out. I have had this issue happen when approaching stop signs or in tr... Read more

Incident date: Jun 8, 2026

I am reporting an ongoing cooling-system/water-pump issue with my 2020 Audi Q8, approximately 75,000 miles. The problem began when the vehicle repeatedly displayed a low-coolant warning. Inspection confirmed the coolant level was very low and a significant problem involving the coolant pump/vacuum system was diagnosed. The water pump was subsequently replaced. After the repair, the vehicle initia... Read more

Incident date: Aug 21, 2026

Absolutely terrible gasoline vapor filling the inside cabin of the vehicle causing burning eyes, nausea and feeing ill. Checked for fuel, leak, leakage recall, while there was one it wasn’t including our VIN, however, after inspection and repair, it is the exact same damage as what was indicated in the recall. Looking for a full refund for repair and compensation for danger, discomfort, safety a... Read more

Incident date: Aug 7, 2026

In August of 2025 my escalade went t the dealership to perform the engine recall test. It passed the test and the oil change fix was completed. However, within weeks or so the engine began to experience some issues. It was taken back to the dealership and a full engine replacement was performed. Fast forward to the beginning of August 2026. The new engine is experience the same symptoms as before... Read more

Incident date: May 19, 2025

I am filing this complaint regarding repeated catastrophic engine failures in my 2021 GMC Yukon Denali equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8. I purchased this vehicle as a GM Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. At approximately 7,000 miles, the engine developed a knocking noise and was determined to require complete replacement. I brought the vehicle to the dealership on May 19, 2025, and it remained there until... Read more

Incident date: Aug 4, 2026

While driving home, I experienced an extreme amount of white smoke coming from my exhaust. The smoke was so severe that I could barely see vehicles behind me. Because I was on the freeway and concerned about my safety and the safety of others, I pulled over when safe and had the vehicle towed home and then to an Infiniti dealership for diagnostics. I had previously researched Infiniti’s extended... Read more

Incident date: May 18, 2026

This is a follow-up to my previous complaint - 11716917. My second engine, which was installed after my first engine failed after approximately 5,000 miles, also failed. It failed after approximately 5,200 miles on it. I picked up the vehicle after the first engine replacement on 2/19/26 and the second engine failed on 5/18/26. It failed as I was driving to work - I was able to exit the highway... Read more

Incident date: Jun 10, 2026

My 2023 GMC Yukon Denali XL, used as a commercial vehicle for my business, experienced sudden and complete engine failure at approximately 70,000 miles with no prior warning. No check engine light, no unusual noise, and no other symptoms. The vehicle had previously been inspected/serviced under GM Safety Recall 25V-274 (L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion) and had been deemed safe prior to this failure.... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2026

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine oil consumption system/engine is experiencing excessive oil consumption. My 2021 GMC Sierra is equipped with the 6.2L engine, and the engine is consuming oil at a rate that I believe is abnormally high. The vehicle and engine are available for inspection upon request. I am also concerne... Read more

Incident date: Aug 18, 2026

It’s now in the shop being torn down for further inspection but it looks to be a cracked cylinder head leak .

Incident date: Jul 25, 2026

While traveling on [XXX] from Houston back to San Antonio, my truck engine just blew up without any warning whatsoever. We purchased the truck with 3 miles on it, and we have only put 5,000 miles on it. New cars that cost early $100K shouldn’t be having engine failures like this. I’m lost for words now! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident date: Aug 17, 2026

“Before purchasing the vehicle new, I specifically asked the selling dealership about the known engine-related stop-sale concerns affecting Toyota Tundras. I was advised that the applicable issue involving this vehicle had been addressed and that the truck had been cleared for sale. The vehicle was subsequently sold to me as new. At approximately 5,141 miles, an independent repair facility docum... Read more

Incident date: Aug 22, 2026

The vehicle’s keyless access/security and body control system malfunctioned. An authorized Acura dealer previously diagnosed water intrusion from blocked panoramic sunroof drains, including water reaching the Body Control Module (BCM) Multiplex Control Unit. The dealer reported that this was causing false security alarm activation and battery drainage and recommended BCM replacement. The vehicle... Read more

Incident date: Aug 5, 2026

Engine failure of the 6.2L L87. Was 12 hours from home with my family on vacation in Colorado cruising up a 4 lane mountain highway about 700 yards from entering [XXX] thru the mountain and the engine started screaming and knocking. Thank the lord there was a way I could quickly steer my vehicle and family off the 65 mph hwy. Engine had recently passed the recall inspection test. “3,000ish miles... Read more

Incident date: Jul 23, 2026

The engine/powertrain malfunctioned on my 2023 Cadillac Escalade at approximately 29,434 miles, ultimately requiring complete engine replacement. During the engine repair, the Cadillac technician also discovered that the transmission cooler lines were leaking fluid. The dealership replaced all of the affected transmission cooler lines as part of the repair.The original failed engine was removed by... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2026

6.2L LT1 GEN V AFM 138880 miles. Driving at highway speed no warning engine CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. Simotanious reaction first check engine light,no oil pressure,limp mode, piston connectioning rod thru side of block in 2seconds.Took to home town dealer. They reported to GM suposeabley. Dealer found lifter,valve spring,valve missing on right bank pulled oil pan found missing parts in little pieces.... Read more

Incident date: Jun 9, 2026

Engine failure from bearings and lower rod from lifters. This is the second engine failure in vehicle for the same exact reason per dealership report. Entire engine replacement both times and all lights on dash were on.

Incident date: Jul 17, 2026

I own a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine. The vehicle previously experienced an engine failure that resulted in the complete replacement of the 6.2L engine by an authorized GMC dealership. The replacement engine was installed at approximately 76,316 miles. After approximately 1,000 miles of driving with the replacement engine, at approximately 77,354 mile... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

No warning the car made a loud clunk that shook the car. The engine began a severe knock with almost compete loss of power. The dealer confirmed the entire engine had to be replaced. I was told my car passed the PICO test recall and only required an oil viscosity change. There is something very wrong here. These engines are not right. I have handicapped twins and have zero confidence it won't leav... Read more

Incident date: Aug 21, 2026

Reduce power and break power malfunction

Incident date: Jul 26, 2026

engine was replaced by Classic GMC in Katy/Houston, TX in dec 2025 under L87 recall. My wife was driving and was stopped on an off-ramp but still in the traffic lane. It started with a light knock that i thought i heard the day before, but then died on freeway within maybe 15 miles of her driving. Unknown if it knocked louder, but wife says she never heard anything until it died and check engine l... Read more

Incident date: Apr 30, 2026

L87 Engine failed 6 months after replacement. Had to get 2nd full engine replacement. The car is currently on its 3rd engine. 1st replacement 10/16/25. Engine failed on 4/30/26. 2nd replacement 6/1/26.

Incident date: May 2, 2026

While driving at highway speeds on the freeway in San Diego, the engine of my 2016 Kia Optima catastrophically seized without warning. I instantly lost all power steering, brake assist, and electrical power, creating an immediate life-threatening emergency. The vehicle was towed to a Kia dealer. Corporate Techline and the dealership are refusing to perform the mandated settlement rod bearing test ... Read more

Incident date: May 23, 2026

After having the original '25 6.2L GM L87 engine experience crankshaft bearing failure at approx. 5,700 mi, (previously reported to the NHTSA), the (brand new) replacement engine failed approx. 14,000 mi. later for the exact same reason, crankshaft bearing failure. In both incidents, the failure came 100% without warning, and the transmission LOCKED itself into park, leaving the vehicle and myself... Read more

Incident date: Aug 13, 2026

Total Engine failure Was traveling at approximately 45 miles an hour and locked up. Thankfully on a 2 lane road with minimal traffic, highway could have been a totally different story. Problem has been confirmed by dealer I am unaware of inspection besides by dealer. No warning lamps or other symptoms until right before failure.

Incident date: Jul 19, 2026

I purchased this truck from a used car dealer. It had received the fix in January this year. They sold it to me I put 15,000.00 down and financed 15,000.00. I had the truck two weeks and was driving down the road to pick up some tools from a friends. I pulled from a drive way I heard a pop likei hit something In The road nothing was in the drive or road I could have hit. I made it two stop signs ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 27, 2026

The engine began to make a metallic screeching sound and began to loose power. Stopped on side of road and was towed to dealer. Dealer indicated there was metal in the oil filter. Engine was replaced.

Incident date: Jul 25, 2026

On July 25, 2026 when starting my vehicle, it began to shake violently and I receive numerous errors, including a check engine light and displays in the infotainment, indicating there were engine and transmission errors with the vehicle. I received a text message notification and in app notification from GMC indicating that there was a critical error and provided error code P0352. This appears to ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 17, 2026

2023 Hyundai Elantra SEL. Car has been slow to start this week. When I depress the brake pedal and push to start, it will start then shut off in the middle of starting then I have to try again or it will sputter then fully start but every safety alert and electrical alarm will go off in my car and nothing clears it until I drive for about 5 minutes then they all clear. I went to AutoZone and they ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 25, 2026

6.2L engine stopped working on the highway.

Incident date: Aug 1, 2023

Engine burning oil Failed oil consumption test done by dealership - had to get engine replaced Still noticing stuttering and fluctuating power at times. Failure of Snow White Pearl paint delamination issue causing the top-coat to lift off of underlying primer. Rust has started in some of the spots

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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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