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: Aug 14, 2026
My Ac went out and upon taking it to the dealership, it was determined that my clutch and coil are melted into my compressor. They ordered the part but there were over 1,000 other dealerships that put in an order for the same part so I was told it could take over two months to get this sort in. They also said this was highly abnormal and it normal wear and tear so it definitely feels like a malfun... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wagoneer. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH on the interstate, the vehicle stalled. While the contact’s husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shut down, and the driver was able to coast off the roadway. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The check engine warning light turned on and off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where... Read more
NISSAN
ROGUE SPORT
(2019) - ENGINE
Aug 19, 2026
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
The check engine light, thermostat, or sensor affliated with the engine overheating. An engine overheating without warning lights or a dashboard indicator leaves you entirely blind to critical, fast-moving mechanical failures.Without an indicator, you cannot pull over before extreme heat causes severe metal distortion. Yes, the vehicle has been inspected by service department. Three times it has b... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2026
Engine revs or surges while in park, possibly faulty throttle box
Incident date: Apr 5, 2026
The car is experiencing turbo failure that lines up with the recall for the same model vehicle produced within the same 2016-2017 date. But for some reason this vin isnt included in the recall
Incident date: Aug 19, 2026
Car lost power and wouldn’t go over 55mph
Incident date: Aug 19, 2026
While driving, I suddenly smelled something burning. Immediately after, a warning popped up stating 'Engine power is reducing,' the check engine light came on, and I experienced a sudden, near-total loss of power braking assist, making the brake pedal extremely hard to press. I had to use intense force to bring the vehicle to a stop. A scan of the vehicle's OBD-II codes revealed codes P0556 (Brake... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2026
Multiple P029900 codes and check engine lights, coolant loss, coolant leaking and burning smell, loss of power. On the most recent trip to the dealership this problem was diagnosed, and the invoice states recommend replacing vacuum lines, actuators and all affected parts. The dealership will not send in the warranty claim stating there's not enough evidence. This is a known issue with leaking wate... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
At approximately 30,000 miles on this Nissan Rogue 2024 the vehicle flashed a 'low power mode - engine malfunction' code. The vehicle was brought to the dealer and they were unable to reproduce or find the code in the vehicle on board computer's memory. The same happened 2 or 3 more time over the next few weeks. Each time the vehicle cleared the code after being turned off and back on a few hours ... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2019) - ENGINE
Aug 19, 2026
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
Component Failure & Inspection: The engine water pump assembly failed. This specific failure is a documented factory defect explicitly covered under manufacturer Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) #9100212 and tracked under NHTSA ID #10244344. The failed component was replaced by an authorized dealership; the physical part is not available, but full diagnostic logs and proof of failure are stored in... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
The engine mounts on this vehicle failed. Dealership and many others online have stated that this seems to be a reoccurring issue with the 2021-2023 generation of Hyundai elantras. The vibrations of these failed motor mounts become so severe that they can dislodge the brakes making it very unsafe to drive. Hyundai should be doing a recall for this to avoid safety issues for their customers
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2019) - ENGINE
Aug 19, 2026
Incident date: Aug 9, 2026
My vehicle is having a catalytic converter problem. I see that there was a recall on my exact make model and year but my vehicle is not on the list. This part is failing long before it should. There is a 0420 code.
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2023) - ENGINE
Aug 19, 2026
Incident date: Aug 19, 2026
Engine was replaced at 70,000 miles by warranty by GM and now at 110,000 miles as in the new engine has the engine is given the same issue again
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
I had a connecting rod bearing failure. Thjs failure is exactly the same as the issue being investigated by NHTSA currently for modek year 2020 Honda Pilots. My car had 93k miles on it at the time of failure although I complained to my dealer as far back as September 2022 of hearing engine knock occasionally. The repair cost me $8700 not to mention the loss of my car for 10 days. The incident happ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2026
My car currently has displayed all lights on panel. Went to auto zone to have codes read, shows powertrain-description is code PO299 suggests turbocharger assembly. Safety is put at risk because all of the safety features are now disabled.
Incident date: Aug 9, 2026
I am requesting NHTSA investigate the handling of Safety Recall 78C on my Jeep Wrangler 4xe. My vehicle has entered a dangerous highway limp mode multiple times, including at approximately 75 mph, with sudden loss of power and an ACC! warning. This is especially dangerous on California highways and steep grades where losing propulsion can make it impossible to maintain traffic speed or safely reac... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
Horn not functioning. Engine mount needs replacement.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2026
<67,000 miles Engine needs rebuilt. Available for inspection. Safety - possible cause of accident or at least having one. Has been confirmed by 2 local mechanics but has not been inspected by manufacturer. In October 2025, the check engine light came on, we took it to our mechanic; he replaced the coil pack and spark plugs ($342.89 see enclosed). It was good for a few months. Then approxima... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2025
While I was driving on Highway 459, the vehicle suddenly experienced a complete engine failure and lost power in the middle of the roadway. The vehicle could no longer accelerate or maintain its speed, leaving me stranded in an active traffic lane. This sudden failure placed me and other motorists at serious risk of a collision. Vehicles approaching from behind had to slow down, stop or change la... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2026
I bought my 2012 Hyundai Tucson from a used car dealership back in November of 2024 . When I bought the vehicle it only had 55,000 miles on it and came with a 2 year unlimited mile warranty on the drive train and a full Carfax history in which everything came back clean , regular oil changes with synthetic oil every 4,000 miles and for my warranty through the used car dealership requirements I hav... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2026
Air bag failure at 35 to 45 mph. All sensors on front end should have been activated to deploy. I am reporting this due to this vehical having prior mvc and has been serviced. I am wondering if air bag system was not repaired from prior incidents
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
While driving our 2022 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 (VIN: [XXX]) through an active roadway intersection at approximately midnight, the vehicle experienced a sudden, uncommanded complete loss of motive power and stalled without advance warning. Our teenage daughter was driving, making the abrupt loss of power, steering assist, and vehicle control in live traffic especially dangerous for an inexperienced ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
My 2019 Ford Mustang equipped with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine developed a check-engine light, rough startups, engine misfires/rough running, and some engine knocking. The vehicle had approximately 87,453 miles. I took the vehicle to an authorized Ford dealership for diagnosis. The dealer brought the engine to operating temperature, pressurized the cooling system to 21 PSI, removed the ignition coils... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
The welding that holds the exhaust together has failed. They offer a Special Warranty to cover only the passenger side, however it has failed and exhaust is super loud. Also reading 4 codes from check engine alert. All are P0420 (cat convertor). The smell of exhaust and cat convertor is super disgusting
Incident date: Apr 11, 2026
Purchased this vehicle in April of this year for my granddaughter. Check engine light came during test drive. Was told it needed some oil added and that took care of the issue. Soon after the check engine light continued so I made an appointment with auto mechanic. Code reads a misfire on 3rd cylinder with coolant leaking into cylinder. Extended warranty will not cover the $8k cost to replace engi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2026
Thermostat went bad at 47,500 miles. Temp gauge stopped working, Engine light came on and alert stating steering assist is reduced
Incident date: May 20, 2026
If i do not run my car for atleast 10 minutes before driving, my gas tank will start making a loud horn sound, and when this happens and i go to slow down, the car will shut off. Mechanics say there’s an issue with the purge valve and the charcoal filter. I’ve already had this issue fixed three times and it comes back less than a week prior to service
Incident date: Aug 18, 2026
2021 Hyundai Kona, VIN [XXX], 45,575 miles. Engine unexpectedly stalled while driving on 45 mph road and stopped at a light. Oil-pressure warning appeared when the engine stalled. Upon checking afterward, the oil level was below the measurable dipstick range with only droplets visible. Approximately 3.5 quarts were added. Vehicle restarted and was driven home. While idling at home, pressing the ac... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2026
Battery pack replacement twice and engine replacement this jeep had problems right after I got it new been in the shop 12 times over and over again they can not get it right
Incident date: Aug 18, 2026
When the vehicle is at a stop, with the car in drive, the vehicle will shut off. The vehicle needs to be put back into Park and restarted. It then sometimes shuts off again and I have to repeat the sequence. This happens when it is in idle load reduction.... For gas saving.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH the vehicle experienced a complete loss of automotive power, the steering wheel locked up, and all of the warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle came to a complete stop and was restarted. The contact continued to drive the vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and the contact was advised ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2026
The 4th cylinder started misfiring due to a coolant leak, which is being caused due to the known engine design flaw with the Ford EcoBoost engines. My local mechanic diagnosed the problem and said that the car needs a new engine.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2026
The head gasket is leaking coolant into cylinder #2. The car has misfired and has not been operable. The problem has been confirmed and diagnosed through the dealer. there were no prior warning lights to the issue until the car completely became inoperable from one day to the next.
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
In October 2025, the Anti-lock Breaking System (ABS) Brake, traction control, downhill control indicators all illuminated. This also impacts cruise control and acceleration from a stopped position. My repair technician placed an order for the necessary ABS control module with MOPAR. The expected delivery date was August 2026. In August 2026, MOPAR informed them the part was on a nationwide back or... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
The contact owns 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH the vehicle lost automotive power, and the transmission shifted into a lower gear. No warning lights were illuminated, however a message appeared on the instrument panel "Service Shifter". The contact veered off onto the side of the road in order to restart the vehicle. The contact continued to drive the vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2026
2025 Kia Telluride, rental vehicle, 29,450 miles at failure. Driving XXX W toward the [XXX] exit with my wife and two children (ages [XXX] and [XXX]), the cluster lit with simultaneous failures: electric power steering, electronic parking brake, ABS, stability control disabled, tire pressure monitoring, forward collision-avoidance, lane keeping, master warning. I photographed it. Nothing about h... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
2012 Toyota Camry LE developed severe transmission shudder/vibration during normal driving, especially around 25–35 mph and 45–60 mph. The vehicle also experienced noticeable vibration when shifting into Reverse and Drive. An OBD scan previously detected diagnostic trouble code P2716 related to transmission pressure control. The transmission fluid was serviced, but the shudder continued. While... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on several occasions, the vehicle was idling roughly, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that two vacuum fittings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred in less than a wee... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2026
The vehicle has metallic noises in the engine and drastic loss of power, compromising safety on the road. The problem in the VCR actuator was verified by Infiniti Taverna ([XXX]) and denied the repair by the extended warranty by them of up to 120k miles (currently my car is at 98k). There is an injection light on the dashboard. It was reported to Infiniti USA and they also denied the repair. The v... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2013) - ENGINE
Aug 18, 2026
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
My 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee equipped with the 3.6L Pentastar v6 has a persistent cylinder 2 misfire (P0302). The cylinder 2 spark plug, ignition coil, and fuel injector have already been replaced, but the misfire continues. Diagnostic testing with a scan tool confirmed that cylinder 2 accumulated 61 misfires during a single test while cylinders 1,3, 4, 5, and 6 recorded zero, and the misfire monit... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2026
On July 20, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure resulting in a total engine seizure while operating. The failure caused an immediate, sudden loss of motive power, forcing the vehicle to become completely immobilized on the Interstate highway. This unexpected loss of propulsion created an immediate and severe highway crash hazard for myself and surrounding traffic. The vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2026
As I was driving, the vehicle's air conditioning suddenly began blowing warm/hot air. Moments later, the check engine light and all electronic service stability lights illuminated on the dashboard. Simultaneously, the vehicle suffered a complete loss of electronic brake assist, resulting in an extremely hard brake pedal and a severe reduction in braking power. The vehicle also displayed a "No Driv... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
The check engine light came on, indicating a misfire in cylinder one and later cylinder two. The local Ford service center states that Coolant has been leaking into cylinder 2 and that a full engine block replacement is required due to complete failure. The vehicle overheated a couple of times while driving before this diagnosis.
Incident date: Aug 17, 2026
I moved my vehicle from driveway to park on the street so my husband could park in the driveway. I then turned my vehicle off and roughly 2 hours later, a lady came screaming "fire fire fire!" I went to see where she was talking about and my truck was smoking under the hood, I then called the fire department and they came to extinguish the fire. I was unaware of any recalls as I am the 3rd owner o... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
The vehicle suffered an internal connecting rod bearing failure, a known manufacturing defect affecting the Theta II GDI engine. The failure was explicitly diagnosed via the manufacturer - specific OBD-II fault code p1326 Knock Sensor Detector System. This defect causes sudden engine stalling poses an immediate risk of catastrophic engine failure or fire while driving. Hyundai Motor America has de... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2026
The light comes on due to an emission system warning, shaking, and a lack of power; the engine is severely misfiring. This is the second time I have complained about this to the NHTSA
Incident date: Aug 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 Honda Insight. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, there was a loud clunking sound coming from the vehicle while depressing the accelerator pedal. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the motor mounts had failed and needed to be replaced. The motor mounts were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2024) - ENGINE
Aug 18, 2026
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
I purchased a new 2024 Ford Bronco Sport on XXX from Sayville Ford in [XXX]. They failed to disclose an unremedied safety recall (24V-267) on the vehicle that was issued on XXX and still sold me the vehicle. When I went back to them after seeing that there was a recall on the car, they denied the existence of the recall despite me showing them the recall notice on both the NHTSA and Ford websites.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
The contact's daughter owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 40 MPH, smoke started coming from under the hood. The vehicle lost power and came to a stop in front of a convenience store, blocking the entrance. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The driver called the Fire Department, and it was confirmed that the engine compartment displayed s... Read more