Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 164,804 complaints — component: ENGINE
Incident date: Aug 30, 2025
Car has airbag light on. The car keeps leaking which then caused damage to my spark plugs and coil pack. It then led to the O2 sensors being burned. It has been at the dealership multiple times within a 3-week time frame. The low fuel light comes on when it is on a full tank, then it begins to hesitate and the car lunges forward when at a complete stop. Tires act like they cannot keep traction whe... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2026) — ENGINE
May 9, 2026
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
Fuel injector failed without warning. A lot of fuel leaked into the engine destroying a spark plug in one cylinder and ultimately ruining the catalytic converter when fuel got into it. Independent mechanic and Mazda dealership diagnosed. Car cannot be driven.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
Was driving down the interstate and the engine lost some power and the engine blew and parts of the connecting rod was on the outside of motor which blew a hole in the block and oil went into the intake manifold and pieces of the piston ring was in there and engine shut off, and seen that this has been a problem with these cars
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
While driving on the freeway, the truck suddenly displayed a flashing check engine light along with multiple warning/error messages. I was able to limp the vehicle to the nearest mechanic, where they inspected it and confirmed catastrophic internal engine failure. Upon removing the oil pan, they found large copper-colored metal chunks and metallic glitter throughout the engine oil, indicating seve... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The vehicle is experiencing sudden engine stalling while in motion, a known safety hazard. Despite a documented maintenance history with no issues, the dealer (Bayside Kia) is attempting to deny a Theta II Settlement claim by shifting the narrative to 'engine sludge,' which only appeared as a symptom in June 2025( Walmart oil change) alongside engine performance issues. The vehicle has active code... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2025
Engine would not restart after the idle stop at a traffic light. I needed to put the car in park and turn the engine off and restart it. Shortly after this, at another traffic light, the idle stop caused a delayed restart of the engine and caused the vehicle to lurch forward suddenly. This has happened once before as well.
Incident date: May 5, 2026
While driving my Tesla, Autopilot was engaged and navigating with the destination entered. At the time of the incident, my hand was on the steering wheel when the vehicle suddenly attempted to make a hard right turn toward a divider. This was not an exit or intended route, which raises serious concerns about what caused the vehicle to react that way. In addition, I have experienced multiple batte... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
While driving, the vehicle suddenly began knocking severely, smoking, leaking oil, and then shut off unexpectedly without adequate warning. This created a serious safety hazard and near fire risk. The engine assembly failed catastrophically. Dealership inspection documented: connecting rod punctured engine block bearing material found in oil pan broken piston components in oil pan oil leakage... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
I passed the recall inspection on 12/17/2025 and the higher viscosity oil was put into my vehicle. On 12/25/2025 my vehicle's engine shut off while I was traveling on the highway (I-25). The vehicle went into to neutral and I had to pull over to the side of the highway without power. The vehicle started again and as I was merging onto the highway it shut down again. The truck started again and I w... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
my car is a 2018 we bought it used in 2020 we had to had the transmission flushed and coils replaced . that didn't work . we had drum issues and gear slippage . now i. have to put a new transmission in the car
MERCEDES-BENZ
E 350
(2021) — ENGINE
May 8, 2026
Incident date: May 2, 2026
My car has an issue officially diagnosed by a reputable mechanic that matches the claim of the former TSB SA-058/20 that was changed and clarified through the now existing TSB SA-031/21. My car has a cracked cylinder head. This is the non turbo engine but it does have cylinder deactivation which his believed to be a culprit. The cracking is known to be caused by a manufacturing defect. There i... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2026
The car started sticking when driving then a knocking in the engine. Upon investigation/ diagnostics we found that the engine is blown and needs replacing. I have owned this car for 3 years to date and have keep up on all maintenance which you can find on carfax there is no reason at 136,000 an engine should blow. I would like this fixed asap
MERCEDES-BENZ
EQS SUV 580 4MATIC
(2024) — ENGINE
May 8, 2026
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
While driving my 2016 Cadillac Escalade, the vehicle experienced a sudden mechanical failure associated with the engine and charging system. Upon failure, the vehicle displayed warning indicators including a “low battery” warning and emitted a burnt smell. The engine subsequently failed completely. Diagnostic findings stated: engine would not crank, oil contained metal contamination, crankshaf... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2021) — ENGINE
May 8, 2026
Incident date: May 3, 2026
There is a rod knocking in the engine now. Car has always been properly maintained. There are no oil leaks or anything. The car now will not shift, loses power while going up hill, and is burning oil like crazy. Had the car looked at and was told the engine now needs to be replaced.
Incident date: May 8, 2026
Engine coolant intrusion. I was told by the service department at my Ford dealership this is a common and known issue solely due to how it was made and the parts used. This should 100% be recalled and fixed. It literally makes the car unsafe and unusable.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2026
The contact stated that when taking the vehicle to complete recall repairs for NHTSA Campaign Number 20V750 (Engine) The contact was informed that due to the milage on the vehicle that the repaired did not have to be completed. The contact stated they have experienced knocking and oil leakage that is related to the mentioned recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approxim... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the fuel failed to go into the tank. The seat failed to move. The engine light illuminated. The vehicle stalled. While driving, the fuel gauge went from full to empty. The contact received the NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V796000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) after the failure. The vehicle was towed to the local where it was diagnosed that the ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) — ENGINE
May 8, 2026
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
My car is a 2019 Audi Q8 3.0L V6 with only 41,831 miles. My emergency light went on and I brought it my locat Audi Dealer. The inspection revealed that the coolant pump was leaking internally, contaminating the entire vacuum system with coolant. This is not a maintenance failure or the result of owner neglect. It is a well-documented, inherent design defect in the EA839 3.0T engine platform that... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 RAM 3500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle lost power and did not accelerate as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that her husband hooked the vehicle up to a handheld diagnostic machine where codes: P003A, P006a, P0046 populated. The manufacturer was notified of th... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
The head gaskets and turbo supercharger goes out at a certain amount of miles
Incident date: May 8, 2026
My 2020 Ford F-150 5.0L Coyote V8 had its engine replaced under factory warranty on 4/30/25 by an authorized Ford dealer. The replacement engine was installed with my original 50,000 mile fuel injectors reinstalled by Ford's technician — I was not informed new injectors were not included. The vehicle is now diagnosed with a failed direct fuel injector causing a cylinder 3 misfire at approximatel... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) — ENGINE
May 8, 2026
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
The truck acts like it running out of fuel when entering the hiway. One time it just died and restarted. Then several days later when pulling out onto the hiway the same thing happens. Last time was May 6. Acts like it’s running out of fuel. Keep pumping the petal and it takes off.
Incident date: May 8, 2026
I purchased a Kia Optima 2016, in December of 2025. At the time the car wouldn't go over 60 mph. I hauled the car to Kia to have it inspected. The Kia dealership informed me that there is a recall on that particular car for an engine replacement. They tested the car and later informed me that they believed I purchased the car knowing it had a recall and wanted the engine replaced for free so I cou... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
The 2019 vehicle experienced a significant engine failure consistent with widely reported issues involving GM 6.2L V8 engines in GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado platforms. Prior to failure, the vehicle developed abnormal engine noise including ticking/knocking sounds, followed by loss of engine performance and mechanical failure. Vehicle diagnosis indicated internal engine damage requiring maj... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2026
After driving about 300 miles the car started showing red engine light and lost power. When I took for diagnosis at Ford Dealer in [XXX] I was told there is known defect where coolant is getting leaked into the engine causing engine to fail and need engine replacement. there was no support provided from ford for this issue till date and recall is long due INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREE... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
Weeks before the vehicle completely shut down, my car began stalling and shutting off in traffic without warning while driving. I was usually able to turn the vehicle off and restart it, and it would come back on temporarily. At red lights and stop signs, the vehicle would power down, stall, jerk forward, and then begin moving again when I pressed the accelerator. On 05/01/2026, while stopped at ... Read more
TOYOTA
FJ CRUISER
(2013) — ENGINE
May 8, 2026
Incident date: May 8, 2026
Safety recall issued in November 2025 for the engine cover. The dealership removed the faulty engine cover for safety reasons. VW customer care informed me that the part is not in production. Under federal recall law, manufacturers must provide a remedy within a "reasonable time". Seven months with no production date for the repair is my complaint. The engine cover is designed to reduce engine noi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2025
Hello: I own a 2007 Lexus IS250. My vehicle has had an ongoing engine misfire issue and has run extremely rough. In addition, my SRS light and there is an issue with the driver's side knee air bag inflator connector. Finally, my dashboard, front and rear door panels have been sticky and melted over time when it is hot and there is no reason why this is occurring. The dashboard and door panels be... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Auto start stop not working. This is happening quite a lot where there auto stop in activated and then the car wont start back. Resulting in the car having to be completely restarted.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
We've been experiencing issues with the Auto Idle Stop feature (the auto restart in particular). On multiple occasions, the vehicle will automatically turn off the engine while stopped in traffic, but will fail to start back up, requiring the driverto manually turn the vehicle off and back on via push button starter (sometimes multiple restarts is necessary to get it moving again). This seems VERY... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted immediately, but the failure persisted twice, causing the contact to wait for the vehicle to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the engine had failed and... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
The idle stop system frequently fails to restart the car after shutting down the engine at a stop light. In some cases the car is difficult to restart using the starter button. In other instances the car restarts and then dangerously lurches forward.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) — ENGINE
May 8, 2026
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
My 2016 RAM 1500 has had an issue with the Anti-lock Brakes since August 2025 that is under the manufacturer extended warranty. I am the original owner. The ABS module and other sensors have been replaced and the problem persist. In the last few weeks, the traction control light energizes intermittently (flashes) and the engine loses power-does not stall out, but does not accelerate. The light ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2024
The component/system that failed or malfunctioned is the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) NOx Catalyst Efficiency system, triggering DTC P20EE – SCR NOx Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1). This issue began immediately after Ford Recall 24S78 (PCM software update) was performed on April 29, 2026 at Ferman Ford of Countryside. The truck had zero emissions or check-engine issues prior ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
I have had an incident where my 2023 gmc 3500 hd was had left me stranded earler this week. i towed the new truck to a certified dealer and i haven't heard anything since then. they mentioned my transmission will need to be fully replaced because valve body issues of solenoid a,e,f, are stuck open and closed codes on the 10 speed transmission upon researching my trucks history it was manufactured ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 8, 2026
The vehicle lost acceleration and the check engine light came on. I took the vehicle to Mercedes dealership. They quoted that the Camtronic actuator has failed and needs to be replaced. Cost $9000. I have now seen online a recall for 2021 mercedes s580's for CAMTRONIC actuator failure issue. However- my VIN is not included in the recall. Please advise what I should do.
Incident date: May 6, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? INTERNAL WATER PUMP/ TIMING CHAINS/ VVT SOLENOIDS/ CAM PHASERS/ CAM SENSORS/ RELATED SEALS How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? ENGINE FAILURE - SUDDEN STOP OF VEHICLE Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? YES, IS AWARE AND HAS ... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
Premature and unexpected internal engine failure. Single owner with 82k miles - Rod bearing came apart and spread metal shavings everywhere in the engine causing irreversible damage. Honda dealer confirmed engine failure. Our safety was at risk with the potential of unexpected engine failure while driving with a loud knock from the engine potentially leaving all passengers in dangerous situatio... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2026
I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding my 2022 Kia Sorento, which is experiencing a dangerous and recurring loss of engine power during acceleration. This issue presents a significant safety hazard, particularly during situations requiring immediate acceleration such as highway merging, crossing intersections, and passing traffic.
Incident date: May 7, 2026
I am a long time Corvette owner and have purchased many through the years. I recently purchased a 2008 Corvette Coupe with only 30k miles, one owner vehicle. Unbelievable to me, I have had to spend over $4,000 the past month replacing the ECM and most notably the Fuel Pump, to relieve the constant Fuel Smell, not to mention the rack and pinion steering gear needs to be replaced, with again, only 3... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2026
I was on the highway driving about 70 mph, when the engine suddenly turned off. The lights on the dashboard stated that I needed to pull over immediately. The truck was towed to a dealership who confirmed the engine was "destroyed" due to safety recall 25TA14.
Incident date: May 7, 2026
The vehicle started stalling out randomly on the highway even with it being automatic, after getting home and parking it , it would not back up or drive . Took it to Toyota dealership and they said it’s an internal failure of the transmission which is a UA80 model , it only has 92,000 miles on it they can’t figure out what caused it . There are lawsuits with this vehicle already from other peo... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
The "shift tower" typically refers to the external mechanism on top of the transmission where the shifter cables connect. Problems with this part, which is a broken internal pin, result in a shifter that moves freely without engaging any gears. The gear become in operatable when driving down the highway, which is a hazard on the road. There were no warning light just not ale to change gears.
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) — ENGINE
May 8, 2026
Incident date: Apr 29, 2026
Vehicle has active safety recall A0C/NHTSA 25V-674 for transmission shift cable, but the manufacture states remedy is not yet available. recall notice was recived in October 2025, and no repair has been offered. Vehicle is now experiencing worsening symptoms including transmission slipping/skipping gears and shutting off while driving. Most recently vehicle begun overheating and heater started blo... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2020) — ENGINE
May 8, 2026
Incident date: May 4, 2026
I went into the dealorship for an oil change and was told that I had to replace the whole oil pan because it's plastic and breaks. I should not have to worry about replacing the whole oil pan every time I get an oil change or be stranded (since it leaves me no option but to remain at the location until they replace it). This is horrible nissan design and the manufacturer should replace with a met... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2020) — ENGINE
May 8, 2026
Incident date: May 4, 2026
Vehicle is at 83,000 miles and the engine was diagnosed with a need to replace TSB 22-2322 (Intrusion of coolant into engine Cylinder) This issue could cause the vehicle to stop running or break down in transit. The only fix is to replace the entire engine which was designed with a flaw. Ford Service center quoted me $15,000 to replace engine. Miller vs. Ford motor company class action lawsuit cla... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
The check engine light came on. I took the jar to Kia and also requested for the piston recall to be repaired. I was denied due to an expired warranty. The engine stalled and stopped suddenly while driving in the street. Soon the care was no longer drivable.
Incident date: Dec 24, 2024
The 2.0L engine catastrophically failed during normal highway driving, consistent with a thrown connecting rod. The vehicle suddenly lost power on a roadway with tractor-trailer traffic. The driver and a child passenger narrowly avoided being struck by a semi-truck before the vehicle could be brought to a safe stop. No prior warning lamps, no check engine light, no abnormal noises, and no indicati... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2023) — ENGINE
May 8, 2026
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
Vehicle was driven for 5 minutes before alerting that it was overheating. While attempting to pull into a safe location off of a main road, the vehicle would not allow me to accelerate. This left our family stranded in the turn lane. I was unable to restart the engine or shift into drive.