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 ›

Clear

Showing 169,480 complaints - component: ENGINE

Incident date: Jul 3, 2026

GMC should be haulted from selling trucks with the 6.2L engine. My brand new 2026 GMC Yukon Denali engine imploded on the Interstate going 75mph that nearly killed my entire family. No warning, just out of no where died on the highway, with 4K miles on it. This is sadly going to get someone critically injured and when is enough going to be enough? GMC has some explaining to do, when they charge... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2026

Unknown brought my car in on July 24, 2026. They reported they do not know what is wrong with the engine, but stated GM is not letting them take it apart and told them to replace the engine. While the car was parked and during acceleration, my car was making a weird noise that got louder during acceleration. A few days prior to this happening, while driving on the highway, my car's emergency l... Read more

Incident date: Aug 2, 2026

My 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV with the 6.2L L87 engine received the remedy for Safety Recall 25V-274 (GM recall number N252494001) on July 30, 2025. The dealer inspected the engine, passed it, and performed the higher viscosity oil remedy. The engine was not repaired or replaced. On [DATE], while driving, the vehicle hesitated and lost power under acceleration. Engine noise then increased progres... Read more

Incident date: Apr 21, 2026

On two occasions, immediately after re-fueling the vehicle, the engine auto idle stop failed to restart the vehicle. Both times this happened at busy intersections. A series of messages appeared on the display. I was flustered because cars behind me were honking as I was blocking traffic so I don’t exactly remember the error messages. One message said to put the transmission in park. Another sa... Read more

Incident date: Jul 21, 2026

On the 26th of April 2026, the transfer Case on my 2020 Grand Cherokee (with less 114,000 miles) failed during highway travel. This resulted in a sudden downshift and temporary deceleration followed by illumination of “Service 4wd” display. A short time after, the “Service Electronic Stability Control” indicator displayed followed by another downshift and the unattended transition of t... Read more

Incident date: Aug 25, 2025

For the last 17,000 miles, the engine light has been on. We got it checked out and there is coolant and cylinder three we change the cylinder thought it was a misfire, but the problem keeps occurring and we found out information that those engines are bad.

Incident date: Apr 26, 2026

At 105,000 MI. My car stalled out and the engine stopped. It needs a new cam shaft, timing chain set, cam phaser and timing cover. We also had to replace the Variable valve timing solenoids as the metal melted.

Incident date: Apr 26, 2026

Lifter failure at 20000 miles

Incident date: Jan 5, 2026

Hood latch release cable broke after using under normal circumstances.

Incident date: Apr 1, 2026

While driving my 2019 GMC Terrain on local roads, the vehicle suffered a sudden and complete failure of the braking system. The brake pedal became extremely hard to press, and the dashboard displayed a critical error message stating 'Engine Power is Reduced.' during this frightening safety incident i felt lucky to bring the car to a stop without an accident. The vehicle had to be flatbed towed to ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 8, 2026

RECALL REMEDY FAILURE-DEALER DENIED SAFETY REPAIR On 7/31 vehicle would shut off after cranking up. Eventually got a check engine light. I was out of town at the time and it was 630pm. I was able to take vehicle to a Advanced Auto so they could do a quick diagnostic check. Codes P0505--Idle Air Control System DTC Severity 2 of 3 and P0507--Idle Control System RPM Higher than expected also showed. ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 6, 2026

I am submitting this complaint to report a serious safety concern involving my 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. At approximately 44,000–45,000 miles, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic engine failure. This was extremely alarming considering the relatively low mileage of the vehicle. The most serious concern occurred while I was attempting to drive the vehicle to the service center. The condition of ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 7, 2026

My 2021 Honda Pilot Touring intermittently fails to restart after the Auto Idle Stop system shuts off the engine at a stop. This occurs about 10% of the time. When I release the brake, the engine does not restart, creating a risk of being stranded in traffic. I must shift to Park and press the Start button to restart it. No warning lights or messages were observed. The problem has not yet been ins... Read more

Incident date: Aug 9, 2026

When the vehicle is running and the gear is in "Park," a rattling noise comes from the front after about 15–16 minutes; this occurs the moment the engine switches back to hybrid mode following the initial warm-up phase. This happens every day; I sit inside the vehicle for an hour during my break at work. This is not normal. Please investigate this issue. I purchased the vehicle four months ago. ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 8, 2026

I purchased my 2018 Audi SQ5 on September 12, 2025, from Audi Denver (McDonald Automotive Group). On XXX, at 114,145 miles, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic engine failure while driving on the highway near [XXX], caused by defective rocker arm needle bearings in the 3.0T EA839 V6 engine. The early-design needle bearings disintegrated within the cylinder head, scattering loose metal r... Read more

Incident date: Aug 3, 2026

My 2018 Ford Escape SEL has experienced coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, a known issue affecting this model year. The vehicle began misfiring and consuming coolant without external leaks.

Incident date: Aug 3, 2026

Appx 73000 Miles truck developed shudder (felt like transmission jumping gears) under moderate acceleration. Gently Drove home, no other shudder. Called dealer who said to drive it in. Noted a missfire warning on phone app, also stated to gently drive to dealer. On way dealer up hill at ~60 mph (on 70mph freeway) shudder returned, slowed to 55mph, heard spark plug(s) eject and much louder noises.... Read more

Incident date: Jul 24, 2026

Purchased vehicle in question on 9/11/25 as a lease through the local Jeep dealership near my residence. Sometime around 4/26 to 5/26 my vehicle started to display odd operational patterns which were brought to my local dealerships attention. The first event where I was able to record any type of documentation was around 5/25/26. While driving, the vehicle would suddenly go into "limp mode" and ra... Read more

Incident date: May 25, 2026

I came to a complete stop at a red light. The car went into neutral and shut off completely. In order to restart the car, I had to put it in park to completely restart it in traffic. This same thing has now happened multiple times and each time it does, it comes shortly before the battery fails and will not start the car at all. I have been through 3 AGM Platinum batteries in the past year. S... Read more

Incident date: Jul 10, 2026

I took my 2003 Saturn ion to my local Chevrolet dealership in Lincoln Illinois and they refused to complete the recall issues (2) both are to do with the ignition and keys.thwy told me it was not fixable it needed a whole steering column that would cost me they said around $800.so it has now been 2 weeks my car has been there at Graue Chevrolet Dealership unfixed and they refused to fix please hel... Read more

Incident date: Aug 8, 2026

2026 Denali, 6.2, failed after getting off express way while on my way for a fishing get away and pulling my boat. NO warning lights, noises, nothing. Came to a stop sign and at the last second slammed into park. Dash went black, 10 seconds later would come back on and try to start, then the dash goes black. Sheriff pulled up 20 or so minutes later and told my wife to get back into the vehicle as ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 5, 2026

While driving, car alerted “Engine Off! Shift to P or N, then start engine”. I had to immediately pull to the side of the road and follow instructions. Due to previous unresolved issues car has had I recorded the message car was giving.

Incident date: Jun 5, 2026

Engine failed 6k miles after inspection and oil type changed to 0w40 from GM dealer Roger Dean Chevy Cape Coral FL

Incident date: Aug 2, 2026

Driving on the highway near Rockport, WA, when vehicle suddenly loss propulsion, engine light appeared, and vehicle went into transport mode enabled. Without causing an accident, I was able to pull to the side of the road. Once I put vehicle in park, it shut off and displayed, “Tranport Mode On. Vehicle would not start and was towed home. My son-in-law was able to disable transport mode, but... Read more

Incident date: Aug 8, 2026

Incident date: Jul 20, 2026

VEHICLE & INCIDENT: 2019 Jeep Wrangler JL 2.0L Turbo. While climbing an extended grade on Hwy 87, vehicle experienced a sudden sluggish throttle anomaly and rapid coolant temperature spike from ~215F to 255F under load. Vehicle was pulled off and shut down within ~20 seconds. SUSPECTED FAILURE MODE & UNDERHOOD FIRE: Upon opening the hood, pressurized coolant had sprayed across the engine bay from... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Aug 8, 2026

My vehicle is currently being recalled for the recall 52D, I have reached out twice in a thirty day span asking about a fix and been told both times there are no parts for this fix. The risk of this recall includes fire, while charging or while parked and off.

Incident date: Apr 19, 2026

Auto Idle Restart failed three times in traffic at red light. Have to shift to Park and push Start button. Nothing happens for several seconds, then engine starts.

Incident date: Jul 25, 2026

Having two issues major issues that’s causing me a $10,000 bill. The timing cover is leaking and there is a coolant bypass hose that is leaking. I have spend a lot of maintenance on this truck on maintaining it to have to remove the engine. As for the forward collision warning ive had it go off multiple times witout a vehicle there. While in cruise control ive had it unexpectedly break on me whe... Read more

Incident date: Aug 3, 2026

I purchased a 2026 Chevrolet 1500 Duramax Deisel truck. At 9500 miles the truck started making popping and loud grinding noises and would shake while driving it. I barely made it to the dealership on August 6th 2026 I took it to Group 1 Chevrolet where I bought it in Houston,Texas and on August 8th was told that they need to replace the engine and do not have an estimated time for repair.

Incident date: Jul 27, 2026

The Engine stalled completely at highway speeds. It was then towed to the dealership and was diagnosed with engine rod bearing failure. Hyundai is denying the warranty extension for this engine failure based on an incomplete 'Service Campaign 966' that does not appear on the NHTSA public recall database, leaving consumers unnotified of safety-critical software updates."

Incident date: Jul 27, 2026

Driving down the highway and checkengine light came on when I was headed to work. The vehicle lost power due to misfire with engine. I check the spark plugs and there is oil all over sparkplugs and the coil packs. This is a serious issue and needs to be addressed by ford immediately, they need to put a new engine in or pay me to get this fixed.

Incident date: Aug 7, 2026

While driving, the vehicle began to sputter and the check engine light illuminated. A scan at a franchised dealership showed a stored code for a cylinder 4 misfire. Further diagnosis found coolant intrusion into cylinder 4, indicating internal failure of the left cylinder head and/or head gasket, allowing coolant into the combustion chamber. Upon removing the left valve cover and camshafts, the te... Read more

Incident date: Jul 10, 2026

Ive had about 5 times my car Honda pilot 2021 stall at a stop light, a stop sign. The first it took a minute to go and the light was green. I was honked at and yelled at. It finally kicked on and we went, the next time it went into accessory mode at a stop sign, then into N then off…. All while in drive to start. The rest were times I was in auto start stop and it just wouldn’t start. Each 5 t... Read more

Incident date: Aug 8, 2026

MAP hose/sensor failure. Issue causes motorcycle to repeatedly stall while in motion. Dealer has confirmed this is a repeat issue, even after initial MAP hose recall has been performed. Had been inspected by the dealer multiple times. Vehicle is at the dealership now for this issue again. They are working manufacturer to determine why the repeated issue. Symptoms are rough uneven idle, and rep... Read more

Incident date: Jul 24, 2026

I am reporting a serious safety concern with my 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. On multiple occasions, while driving and needing to slow down quickly behind another vehicle, the vehicle has emitted an audible warning, the engine has shut off while the vehicle was still moving, and the "D" drive indicator began flashing. When this occurs, the vehicle loses propulsion and I am only able to coast to a ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 8, 2026

There were no warning lights prior to driving and the vehicle stopping on the highway 2 times. Now the warning lights is constant and referencing the recall from 09/2025. Still no remedy for the recall. Mopar and the Alfa Romeo dealership have not contacted me regarding fixing the problem. A class action lawsuit needs to be filed

Incident date: Aug 7, 2026

My 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 (17,700 total miles) suffered a catastrophic structural engine block failure and an explosive loss of propulsion while driving at highway speeds. This occurred exactly 6 days and 183 miles after a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealership performed the official fuel pump impeller safety recall (NHTSA Campaign 23V-445).The dealership's official repair invoice documents that ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 22, 2026

I received the recall, brought the Kona in had the software download. Now the engine code indicates engine issues with the safety code. Hyundai customer service representatives stars because the issue wasn't found and the software download completed this doesn't fall under the recall. I do have an appointment to bring the Kona into the dealership but because Hyundai states it is no longer under th... Read more

Incident date: Jul 22, 2026

The lifters collapsed on cylinder 3 causing the camshaft to shed metal into the oil leading to bearing failure. Leaving us stranded 210 miles away from home. Motor has 85,909 miles. This is the same problem that the 2021 model year trucks have that has a recall. The 2019 model years have the exact same problems. I personally know 6 people who have had this happen. Check out the Facebook page. GM 6... Read more

Incident date: Aug 4, 2026

I was driving home from work and may car started overheating out of nowhere. I was stuck in traffic and white smoke was exiting my exhaust. I pulled over and all of my coolant leaked out of my car. Took it the shop and they said I had a cracked head and need a whole new engine. I seen that there was a warranty sent out for a problem with an exhaust manifold issue leaking coolant and that is exactl... Read more

Incident date: Aug 5, 2024

I am reporting a serious safety incident involving my 2024 Chevrolet Traverse RS AWD, with approximately 34,378 miles. On or about [XXX], while the vehicle was being driven near Sarasota Florida at approximately 25 mph, it suddenly lost propulsion and all electrical power. The instrument panel, displays and vehicle electrical systems went completely dark. The vehicle was completely dead and would... Read more

Incident date: Jun 8, 2026

I am reporting a serious safety incident involving my 2024 Nissan Rogue, which caught fire after a history of shuddering, hesitation, and problems during acceleration. Prior to the fire, I brought the vehicle to a Nissan dealership multiple times because it had a recall and was shuddering during acceleration and at times felt as though it might stall. During these visits, the dealership performed ... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Aug 5, 2026

NHTSA Complaint Narrative — Draft On July 9, 2026, in the evening, my leased 2026 Subaru Outback Touring caught fire while we were driving home. We were stopped in a left-turn lane waiting on a left-turn signal. When the light turned, the vehicle in front of us moved forward — which, in hindsight, was fortunate, because molten metal was sprayed across that exact spot moments later. The engine... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Aug 8, 2026

Component/system failure. Engine shut off while driving @ 70 mph. The car first shifted into neutral all on its own, system shows AT MALFUNCTION. Vehicle was towed to nearest dealership so it is available for inspection. Safety concern is that the vehicle died in 2nd left hand side of road my had my husband not been able to essentially coast and cross 2 lanes of traffic to get to shoulder the v... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

Loss of acceleration due to cracked turbo boost. I guess you need a special 2019 vin # to be included in a recall. Recall for 2017 2018 and a select few 2019 very disappointed with this big repair job that is a known problem. I'm done with Buick.

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

Vehicle: 2015 Hyundai Sonata VIN: [XXX] Mileage: ~85,000 Description of the Problem: While driving, the vehicle suddenly began producing thick smoke from under the hood without warning. I safely maneuvered to the shoulder to avoid an accident. The engine subsequently seized completely and became inoperable. My mechanic diagnosed this as a known internal manufacturing defect in the Theta II engine ... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Aug 6, 2026

We have a 2015 Hyundai Tucson that we bought brand new. It has 80k miles on it. The car started using oil about three years ago. The dealer recommended replacement of the catalytic converter, which we did. The car continued to use oil, and the dealership had us replace the catalytic converter two more times, so three times total. Now the problem is occurring again and they are recommending replace... Read more

Incident date: May 6, 2026

Driving along I-15 in vegas. Ambient temp was 112 degrees F. Engine stopped, check engine light came on and a 'stop safely' indicator appeared. Had to have the truck towed from the interstate to a Ford dealership.

Incident date: Jul 14, 2026

While driving normally, I was in the middle of a busy highway/intersection when the vehicle suddenly lost power and came to a complete stop. The vehicle shut itself off without warning, leaving the Corvette disabled in the roadway and causing a complete blockage of the road/intersection. Traffic was actively traveling around me, creating a serious safety hazard and putting both myself and other mo... Read more

Previous 1 2 3 4 5 ... 39 40 41 ... 3389 3390 Next

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

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