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
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2021) — ENGINE
May 7, 2026
Incident date: May 6, 2026
“Required Engine Maintenance- Visit Your Dealer” message came on the dash. After doing some research and troubleshooting; it appeared to be the coolant bypass valve that everyone has had issues with. The problem was then confirmed with a local provider who instructed us to contact the dealer to see if they’d cover the repair. Otherwise the repair by them would be $700. Toyota customer serv... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed the vehilce intermediately misfired due to oil leak. No warning lights were illuminated The vehicle was taken to the local where it was diagnosed the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure milea... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2026
Complete engine failure. Car stalled out at highway speeds and nearly caused collision. Would not turn over to be moved off freeway.
Incident date: May 15, 2024
I would welcome making my vehicle available for inspection on this issue. Year/Make/Model: 2023 Kia Sportage EX HEV AWD 4-Door SUV Color: Black Powertrain: Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Number of occupants: 2 (driver and passenger) Injuries: None, but fatalities could have occurred. Vehicle turned off completely – no power, no hazard lights, and although driver miraculously made it to the sh... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2026
I was driving down the freeway at 75 miles an hour. All of a sudden the press start popped up pulled over. On the shoulder and the motor would not start.
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
Complete engine failure with 62,500 miles. Truck appears to have the same problem as the 21-2024 which is currently recalled and engines are being exchanged.
Incident date: May 1, 2026
I own a 2017 Ford Escape SE with approximately 96,665 miles. The vehicle developed coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, resulting in coolant loss, misfires, rough running, and risk of engine failure. The dealership diagnosed the vehicle as requiring a full engine replacement. Ford has acknowledged similar coolant intrusion defects in certain 2017 Ford Escape vehicles through Customer Sati... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
I have a 2019 Chevrolet High Country, have always kept it serviced and maintained. Driving down the road it randomly lost power, wouldn't let me (driver) give gas, started shaking and making loud clanking noise from the engine. Was able to pull over to the side of the road, recorded the noise it was making. Called a tow company to get it towed to the nearest Chevrolet Dealer ship and they confirme... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Sierra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light illuminated. The contact stated that every 2,300 miles, the oil reservoir was refilled with 2 quarts of oil. In addition, the contact stated the failure occurred after the first oil change was performed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, the contact was informed that the oil u... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed as needing transmission fluid. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was taken to another independent mecha... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
Vehicle developed engine ticking/tapping noise followed by rough running and misfire condition. Independent repair facility performed engine teardown and found cylinder 4 exhaust camshaft lobe severely worn/damaged. Repair facility stated the exhaust roller follower/lifter needle bearings failed and fell out, causing the roller to seize and come off position, resulting in improper valve operation ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Sierra Denali 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 73 MPH the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over safely. The driver was unaware of any warning lights being illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not avai... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2025
Document attached that includes dates.
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2025) — ENGINE
May 7, 2026
Incident date: May 7, 2026
Zero warning lights, dash clusters only allowing two options to show, oil temperature reading 200degrees Fahrenheit or higher, floor board feels like the firewall is almost in the interior of the vehicle and not engine port. Upon performing a thorough investigation of my own, the manifold, intake valve and wires are visibly damaged and BURNT, coil two is visibly damaged and was smoking. The batter... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
We bought a 2017 crv rand new. with 1.5 engine and turbo, ALL WARNING LIGHTS ARE ON .Obd keeps on giving ing medifferent codes and multiple..I have watch car repairs in YOUTUBE and there's a lot of the same vehicle as mine with the same problem.
Incident date: May 3, 2026
I am reaching out regarding the cam carrier leak on my 2019 Subaru Outback. After researching this issue, I discovered that cam carrier leaks are extremely common among Subaru vehicles equipped with the boxer engine, especially Outbacks from this generation. Many owners have reported the same exact issue, often at relatively low mileage, with repair costs commonly ranging between $3000 - 5000 Wha... Read more
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) — ENGINE
May 7, 2026
Incident date: May 7, 2026
Check engine light came on, car lost power on highway. Car continues to have the same issue after repairs have been made. Ford App says engine misfire, after every repair. Ford mechanics fix spark plugs, coils, electrical. None of which has fixed the issue of stalling on the highway which poses risk of me the driver and others driving on the highway. The only light that comes on is engine light.
Incident date: Dec 31, 2024
Transmission shifts eradicate, jumps into gear (hard) Motor rpm raises high as transmission actually jumping , not smooth shifting into gear .
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
Bought the acadia in june of 2021, in december of 2022 had to have the radiator replaced due to it leaking. This was found on routine maintenance and was not having any issues whatsoever. I received no alerts on my dash such as a check engine light. Fast Forward to March 2026, I received a message of "steering assist reduced. drive with care." The engine seemed like it was still running despite th... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
The vehicle experiences sudden loss of motive power during acceleration. Between 30–60 mph, the transmission fails to upshift correctly, causing the engine RPMs to spike to 5000 while the vehicle fails to gain speed. This creates a severe safety hazard when merging into high-speed traffic. Additionally, the infotainment system frequently blackouts and reboots while driving, and there are intermi... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
About a year ago, right after the warranty period was over, the water pump and related had to be replaced and car would not run right. This water pump is a well known issue with audi and had a recall already. My car was the year after but it happens to almost everyone at around 50-55k miles. This 2022 Audi SQ8 should be part of the recall process. It is a danger, it is well documented as a problem... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
I have Coolant intrusion in cylinder #2 91000 miles this should be a recall it's a problem that's well documented There's a recall for the back up camera hope the camera can see through the white smoke!
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Vehicle started up on its own and continued to run. Key fob was laying on a night stand. No messages were displayed in car. I was able to turn it off.
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
My 2023 GMC Hummer EV 3X has experienced repeated thermal-protection failures in the high-voltage battery and drive-motor cooling system, causing the vehicle to enter limp mode and drop to as low as 12 mph without warning. Stored fault codes: P0C12, P0C13, P2EE0, P2EE1 (battery and drive-unit overheating). A sudden, unannounced drop to 12 mph in a 9,000-lb EV is a serious safety hazard — on hig... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2024) — ENGINE
May 6, 2026
Incident date: May 6, 2026
For the past year, the vehicle's Auto Idle Stop system has intermittently failed to restart the engine after coming to a complete stop at traffic lights. This creates a dangerous situation where the vehicle is immobilized in active traffic, posing a significant risk of rear-end collisions or other accidents. I have taken the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealership for service; however, they wer... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2017
I am submitting this complaint to report a serious and ongoing safety defect involving the engine of my 2018 Hyundai Sonata Sport equipped with the 2.4L Theta II engine. The vehicle has been officially tested and documented by Hyundai as consuming more than two (2) quarts of engine oil per 1,000 miles, which Hyundai has acknowledged following completion of its oil consumption test procedure. Despi... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
I was driving on the Highway, and went to accelerate and my car went into Limp Mode in the middle of the highway and I was almost not able to get to the emergency lane due to not being able to accelerate. I took it to the nearest auto mechanic shop, and they informed they could not work on it or diagnose due to it being a Volkswagen. I then took it to the nearest Volkswagen dealership, and they sa... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
2.0 liter engines suffer from excessive oil consumption due to defective piston rings which can lead to engine failure. This is a class action lawsuit in other states. We now need a new engine at the cost of $6,500
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
I am reporting a recurring safety issue following the Acura rod bearing recall repair on my 2019 Acura MDX SH-AWD. The original recall resulted in catastrophic engine failure and Acura replaced the long block assembly. Since that repair, the vehicle has repeatedly failed and returned to the dealership multiple times for the same issue pattern. Symptoms include: * “Emissions System Problem” ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2024
I am submitting this complaint regarding Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. and my 2023 Toyota Tundra, which is currently subject to Safety Recall 25V767 involving catastrophic engine failure risk due to crankshaft bearing contamination within the V35A engine. Toyota has acknowledged that my vehicle is included in the recall and has further acknowledged that the engine will require replacement. However, d... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2026
I own a 2019 Mazda CX-5 with approximately 36,000 miles. The vehicle developed a strong burning oil smell while driving, particularly through the HVAC/vent system. I initially reported the odor to a Mazda dealership, but no issue was identified. Approximately two months later, the smell returned and worsened. The vehicle was later diagnosed by a Mazda dealership with an oil leak originating from t... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2026
Recently my vehicle was serviced under recall N252494000 at an authorized GM dealership. Following completion of the recall remedy, which included an inspection and oil change to OW-40. As a result of this recall remedy, I have experienced the following adverse effects: •Significant increase in oil change costs from approximately $80.50 to $171.21 •Noticeable decrease in fuel economy (previo... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
Following sustained highway operation and varied elevations in tropical conditions, the vehicle’s Auto Start-Stop system may activate during traffic congestion. In certain instances, the battery warning light illuminates upon engine automatic restart. If the auto start stop is activated once more on the engine restart the battery warning light will turn off. I went to the dealership and they wan... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
I am reporting that authorized dealer Audi Knoxville (Harper Auto Square) is KNOWINGLY AND WILLINGLY attempting to force me to operate an unsafe vehicle. Following an intake manifold repair, the dealership’s service staff identified carbon buildup and fouled spark plugs as a necessary repair, while the manufacturer (Audi of America) has reclassified it as 'maintenance' to avoid coverage. Because... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C450
(2016) — ENGINE
May 6, 2026
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was illuminated and there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle needed an oil consumption cleaning. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The manufacture... Read more
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER
(2025) — ENGINE
May 6, 2026
Incident date: Apr 29, 2026
Truck will not release the key consistently upon shutting down the truck. The interlock will not allow it to turn fully off and pull out despite being placed in park.
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
My vehicle I’ve had for 3 months and now it won’t start and it’s from a coolant leak flooding my engine. As they called it a coolant intrusion into my engine and will cost 12k to get this fixed as I need a whole new engine.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 2500
(2023) — ENGINE
May 6, 2026
Incident date: May 6, 2026
Engine is burning a tremendous amount of motor oil. Dealer does acknowledge engine is burning oil. No warning lights on. Told burning motor oil is normal for a hyundai engine. Engine can seize during driving with no warning and is a safety issue. Front struts are also failing. No warning and is a safety issue: Currently trying to get dealer to cover defective components under warranty. Nothing has... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2025
The cars speedometer screen and radio screen go black and sometimes flicker on and off. This makes it impossible to see the speed. Also the car stalls sometimes when this happens in traffic. The autonomous braking applies the brakes even when there is a large distance from other cars and objects to the point where it has almost caused me to get into an accident on numerous occasions. The driver at... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Yesterday evening we were driving and the orange check engine light came on. Followed by a red battery light, the red turtle and an exclamation point with a car and a speedometer symbol. It would not let me switch to electric e-save and kept me in hybrid mode. Regenerative braking would not work either. Once safely parked it was making a loud high pitched whining noise. It would also drop RPMs whi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
Coolant intrusion kill the engine at start up. Warning light temp high and prevent start. Ford dealer report as coolant intrusion and cannot provide simple repair i.e change gasket. So changed used engined to repair with mechanical shop
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
A connecting rod bearing is failing in my 2014 Acura MDX which could have led to complete engine failure while driving my family. Absolute Auto Center of Berlin, CT confirmed the issue and noted that Acura has recalled 2016-2020 MDX models due to connecting rod bearing defects but have not expanded the recall to include earlier model years that are also impacted. There were no warning lamps or mes... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
* The 2.0 Ecoboost engine has failed due to coolant puddling on top of the piston of cylinder 1 * The safety of any driver and others on the roads is at risk due to the potential of the vehicle overheating and engine seizing while driving * The symptoms (rough engine operation, check engine light) were reported and reproduced by a local Ford dealer, and inspected by the same dealer who cited Techn... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
Dealership found metal contamination in oil pan from engine. They diagnosed as car needing a new engine due to engine failure. The car only has 90,000 miles and it’s a 2021.
Incident date: May 6, 2026
The primary component involved is the high-voltage charging system, specifically the charging port and connector interface. The vehicle previously experienced a confirmed failure involving a scorched charging port and a melted pin, which required replacement. The same symptoms have since returned, including heat at the charging interface and a burning odor. The vehicle is currently located at an a... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
The engine consumes oil and requires repeat oil changes or refilling the engine oil prior to expected or recommended service date. This causes a severe emissions issue.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Engine started knocking luckily I was right by my mechanics place. They said needs new engine. Not to drive as a rod might go right through the engine. Only 98000 miles on it. Maintenance always done on time.
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
The vehicle shudders and it very slow to shift from park to drive.
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Koa. The contact stated that while the daughter was driving the vehicle began to sputter and jerk before stalling. During the failure the oil warning light flashed off and on. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine had failed due to carbon buildup. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet... Read more