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: Jan 12, 2026

Date: XXX Time: 10:30 am approx. Location: [XXX] Vehicle: Cadillac Escalade VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 25,572 While driving normally, the vehicle experienced sudden engine failure. No prior warning lights provided adequate notice. Vehicle became disabled and required towing. This vehicle is equipped with an engine subject to a known recall. A recall mitigation involving higher-viscosity oil was previou... Read more

Incident date: Aug 19, 2026

I'm in [XXX] and just bought this 2019 honda accord unaware all Hondas 2018-2022 are lemon specially accord turbo 1.5 I was fully scammed. [XXX] rains everyday, so every time the car gets wet all safety warning lights, all sensor lights turn on and the vehicle stalls leaving me in the middle of the street and unable to drive. This situation start happening since they updated ADAS SW PUD software s... Read more

Incident date: Jun 16, 2026

The check engine light was on. A Ford dealership diagnosed the issue as a coolant intrusion manufacturer defect. There are a number of safety concerns associated with this issue. The primary danger of the coolant intrusion defect is catastrophic engine failure. Severe overheating, internal damage, misfires, fire hazard and oil contamination. There are no active recalls\campaigns\TSB for 2022 For... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

2020 Toyota Camry XSE, VIN [XXX], 2.5L 4-cylinder A25A-FKS engine, built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) during the production window covered by NHTSA Recall 20V-064 (Toyota campaign 20TA04), which addresses porosity in engine castings that can cause internal and external coolant leaks, engine overheating, and possible engine failure. Toyota’s VIN lookup returns this vehicle as not... Read more

Incident date: Sep 8, 2026

Full electrical power system failure. Heard a loud pop noise emanating from under the rear seats of the car. The power. Failure lights came on and the car lost power. We were able to get the car to slowly drive back to the garage where it completely shut down and was inoperable from that point on. Car has been towed to the local dealer for diagnostics and repair.

Incident date: Jun 14, 2026

Engine failior. Engine lost power on highway and lhad to limp to safety in traffic. With my children in the vehicle.

Incident date: Sep 3, 2026

We were pulling camper to Nashville TN. We pulled off I24 toward I65 North. I noticed the engine was raving and it felt like I was missing gears on the transmission. I was roughly 4 miles from my destination when I noticed smoke coming from under the hood on passenger side and flames coming from under hood on passenger side of the hood. I stopped the truck/ camper. Three of us had extinguishers tr... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Aug 17, 2026

On August 17, 2026, at approximately 96,685 miles, my 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine lost motive power while I was driving on Highway 101 in California. The vehicle stalled, I pulled over, and I was unable to restart it. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed a seized engine that would not rotate, with metal contamination in the oil system and in... Read more

Incident date: Aug 26, 2026

The engine in my 2023 Silverado ZR2 (6.2L L87 V8) failed. It is available for inspection at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet ([XXX]). On XXX at about 67,000 miles, and the days leading up to it, the truck repeatedly struggled to start due to metal on metal contact, almost leaving me and my family stranded multiple times. Driving the vehicle produced a loud rattling noise at 2200 to 2700 rpm, and felt unsa... Read more

Incident date: Sep 2, 2024

Year/Make/Model: 2015 Ford Fusion Engine Type: 1.5L EcoBoost 4-Cylinder Description of Safety Flaw and Incident: My vehicle is experiencing severe overheating and internal engine fluid loss due to the widely documented Ford EcoBoost coolant intrusion defect. The vehicle routinely runs hot, losing coolant rapidly with no external signs of a visible hose or radiator leak as well as failure of ... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Mar 1, 2025

Fraud and gross negligence by General Motors, Orr GMC and Sewell Buick GMC.

Incident date: Apr 15, 2023

I had my engine replaced due to coolant intrusion on my 2018 ford edge in 2023 at Serra Ford in Sylacauga, Alabama.

Incident date: Sep 3, 2026

My vehicle experienced a serious engine failure after exhibiting symptoms that included loss of coolant, sputtering/rough running, a check-engine light, loss of power, and the vehicle shutting down. I have since been advised that the engine has failed and requires significant repair or replacement.

Incident date: May 6, 2026

The lifters got stuck not even a month after I purchased the car and then I had them replaced and now its caused further issues in the engine. Its cost me thousands of dollars and I havent even had the car for 5 months.

Incident date: Jun 22, 2026

My 2017 Ford Edge Titanium 2.0L EcoBoost (~76,500 miles) has experienced the coolant-intrusion engine failure being evaluated under NHTSA Defect Petition DP26008. Symptoms began with an intermittent check-engine light and cylinder 2 misfire. On 8/24/2026, Irvine Auto Care documented codes P0302 and P0316 and performed a block test, concluding the head gasket had failed and was causing the misfire.... Read more

Incident date: Sep 7, 2026

The check engine light came on in the car and within a few minutes while looking for a safe place the pull over there was a foul smell coming from the engine, followed by many error lights on the dash and the car losing the ability to accelerate and drive. The car had to be towed to a local repair shop who inspected the car and found that the engine a thrown a rod through the engine block.

Incident date: Sep 5, 2026

On Saturday at approximately 8:25 p.m., my 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid SEL abruptly entered limp mode while traveling on a major highway. The vehicle's speed rapidly dropped from approximately 60-65mph to 20 mph in heavy, high-speed (many driving over 70mph)traffic. I immediately activated my hazard lights and exited the highway at the first opportunity, narrowly avoiding a serious fatal collision. T... Read more

Incident date: Aug 15, 2026

I experienced a sudden loss of power and steering while driving my vehicle. The screen advised me to pull over because the engine would shut off soon, but I already had lost steering and power. I turned the car off and was able to restart it and drive it 1 mile home, and the check engine light was on. I had it towed to the dealer. After 2 weeks of testing, the dealer reported, “When your vehicle... Read more

Incident date: Aug 7, 2026

The 6.2 engine in my truck failed while driving and it has been determine that I need a new motor. This motor was on the recall list. I brought it in for the PICO recall test in October we 2025 and it passed. They then changed the oil for a much more expensive 0w40. The engine failed in August leaving me stranded on side of the highway. It has been at the dealership since August 7th. There is no e... Read more

Incident date: Aug 24, 2026

My 2021 Kia Telluride has developed progressively worsening engine problems without any warning lights ever appearing that may present a serious safety concern. Approximately two months ago, the vehicle began experiencing significant engine shaking and rocking. Maintenance and repairs were performed, and the symptoms temporarily improved. The engine symptoms later returned. The vehicle began maki... Read more

Incident date: Aug 31, 2026

The vehicle intermittently experiences a loss of engine power or significant hesitation when accelerating from a stop or from a slow speed. This has occurred multiple times, including when accelerating from a complete stop and after making a low-speed turn. This creates a safety risk when pulling into traffic, crossing an intersection, turning into traffic, or accelerating from a stop or slow spe... Read more

Incident date: Jul 25, 2026

The engine was running rough and the check engine light on. It first happened on XXX. One engine coil was replaced but the engine light came back on and was running rough and misfiring at the end of XXX. At another independent auto repair shop Diagnostic trouble codes detected that coolant intrusion was made into Cylinder #2 due to a known engine block issue, causing the seal between the top and ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 10, 2026

Total engine failure at 120k miles, no warning signs.

Incident date: Aug 12, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was coolant in the engine and that the knock sensor detection system needed to be replaced. The dealer made the contact aware of Manufacturer Campaign Number... Read more

Incident date: Aug 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the check engine warning illuminated and DTC: PC03 was displayed. The contact pulled over to the emergency lane on the highway, and while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to operate as intended. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that... Read more

Incident date: Sep 4, 2026

Coolant leaks internally into the engine cylinders. This is resulting in needing a full engine replacement for $15,000. It has been confirmed by the dealership. The check engine light came on.

Incident date: Sep 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle lost automotive power, and the battery, oil, and information warning lights remained illuminated. Several minutes later, the vehicle was restarted, and the contact continued driving. Another failure occurred while attempting to accelerate from a stop, and the transmission shifted into neutral, ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The failure persisted while driving, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure persisted while driving. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be repaired under an unknown recall for an engine software update and key fob repl... Read more

Incident date: Aug 19, 2026

The L87 engine seized and receiving a full engine replacement now

Incident date: Jun 4, 2026

-The primary mechanical failure is a burned exhaust valve in Cylinder 2, which has resulted in 0 PSI compression and a persistent engine misfire. This severe top-end valve degradation occurred as a direct consequential result of a chronic, underlying defect in the engine's internal oil-delivery and consumption systems. The vehicle is currently fully assembled, intact, and available for immediate i... Read more

Incident date: Aug 14, 2026

Engine failed for 3rd time

Incident date: Sep 8, 2026

We were told by Salem County Volkswagent that there is an issue with the hood latch on our 2022 Volkswagent Atlas which may render it impossible to open the hood. The cable/latch/other part(s) is/are nearing failure and will render it impossible to open hood of vehicle.

Incident date: Sep 4, 2026

I am writing to formally submit an urgent safety escalation and Lemon Law notice regarding my 2026 GLA 250, purchased brand new on February 26, 2026, as a replacement vehicle following the severe operational disruptions associated with the EQB 300 recall. As a parent of a family member with a disability, reliable and secure transportation is an absolute necessity. I selected the Mercedes-Benz bran... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle shut off unexpectedly. The vehicle was restarted, and moments later there were two popping sounds coming from underneath the vehicle before the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated and was parked. The contact exited the vehicle to inspect the vehicle and disco... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Sep 2, 2026

My 2020 Ford F-150 (5.0L V8) experienced a sudden loss of engine power and stalled completely while I was driving. In the days leading up to this, the check engine light had illuminated, and I later discovered the vehicle had consumed a severe amount of engine oil — the dipstick read below the "add" line. Critically, no low oil pressure warning light or audible chime alerted me to the oil loss b... Read more

Incident date: Sep 4, 2026

Engine failure and replaced. Received vehicle back and placed under 2k miles on the new engine and 3 times now it has shut off while in motion and required a restart.

Incident date: Sep 8, 2026

I am writing to report a severe, inherently dangerous engineering defect regarding the internal water pump design on the 2016 Ford Explorer equipped with the 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 engine.On September 8, 2026, my vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic primary seal failure of the internal water pump while operating. The vehicle immediately began dumping large quantities of engine coolant o... Read more

Incident date: Feb 15, 2024

Purchased car used from CarMax late 2024. Soon after 90 day Carmax warranty expired, the check engine light can on. Errors indicated engine missing on cyl #2 and that the O2 sensor was underperforming. Also, white smoke (steam) coming out of exhaust pipe. And, coolant fluid was all of a sudden low. I determined that there was a head gasket leak. As a repair was out of the question at the estimat... Read more

Incident date: Sep 7, 2026

I was driving on the highway at 70mph when out of no where my truck stopped running and I received a message warning to put the truck in neutral and restart the engine. It was very alarming being on the highway and this happening. I was unable to restart the vehicle so I had to coast and navigate us at high speed to the should of the highway. Since it was Labor day I had to sit for over 4 hours... Read more

Incident date: Sep 8, 2026

On September 8, 2026, while driving a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Limited at highway speed, the check-engine light began flashing and the vehicle suddenly lost power. The vehicle slowed to approximately 40 mph, then approximately 20 mph, before the engine completely shut off. I had to maneuver the vehicle to the side of the highway while surrounding traffic continued traveling at highway speeds. This crea... Read more

Incident date: Sep 6, 2026

Under normal driving conditions, coolant rapidly started leaking from the engine, and vehicle started overheating. UNKNOWN component failure, vehicle is currently at an independent service station. No warnings prior to overheating.

Incident date: Aug 21, 2026

I purchased the 2023 Honda Passport used with 47,500ish miles. It came with a factory 60,000 5-year powertrain warranty. The ONLY reason i paid cash for this vehicle. At 49,900 miles, the engine developed a subtle engine knock. At 50,460 miles, engine has clearly audible knock at idle - 2,000 RPM in gear (under load). 9/1/26 Antrim Honda, [XXX] denied hearing obvious noise. They did not collec... Read more

Incident date: Jul 3, 2026

Head gasket and coolant intrusion issue, requiring complete replacement of engine costing over $7,000.00

Incident date: Sep 8, 2026

I am having transmission issues with my 2019 Honda pilot. There is an extended warranty service bulletin out, Honda USA claims my vehicle does not fall under that extended warranty based on the VIN. I am experiencing all of the symptoms of the fuel injector issues that they report in the bulletin. I am unable to get anybody at Honda to help me.

Incident date: Sep 6, 2026

While driving, my vehicle suddenly began shuddering and shaking. The vehicle lost power and would not accelerate properly. I had to press the brake pedal unusually hard. After parking, the vehicle would not move properly in reverse or drive. I turned the vehicle off and restarted it, and it moved only a short distance before shuddering again and losing power. The engine was making a loud buzzing o... Read more

Incident date: Sep 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE. The contact stated that while out of town, the vehicle was parked at the residence; however, neighbors informed the contact that the vehicle had caught fire overnight. The local fire department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire. A fire department report was filed. The vehicle was completely burned; however, the vehicle had not yet bee... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Dec 17, 2021

Having the start stop issue on my terrain and recently over the last few months, it has been using oil everything that sounds exactly like the recall but mine is not included. My start stop is not working and I have to get him since it had only 60,000 miles on it years ago, but nothing was done.

Incident date: Aug 30, 2026

I am filing this complaint regarding a 2016 Kia Sorento, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle suddenly broke down while my [XXX] daughter was driving in [XXX] and was taken to Sooner Kia in [XXX]. The dealership diagnosed the engine as seized and stated that it failed because there was no oil, requiring engine replacement. We dispute that conclusion. Within approximately five minutes of the breakdown, my daug... Read more

Incident date: Sep 7, 2026

[XXX]. at about [XXX] I put the vehicle on Drive mode after releasing the electronic parking brake. Suddenly the vehicle engine stopped running all power was not available to include power windows and doors. I was trapped inside my vehicle for about 20 minutes. I made a call to the manufacture's roadside assistance at 8667264636 since the vehicle has only 3,000 miles on it. The script reading thir... Read more

Incident date: Sep 4, 2026

Cylinder head

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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

Read more from our blog