Consumer Safety Complaints

Search 2,192,899 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 137,559 crashes, 55,854 fires, and 8,555 deaths.

2,192,899 Total Complaints

137,559 Reported Crashes

55,854 Reported Fires

8,555 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 2,192,899 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 161,337 complaints — component: ENGINE

Incident date: Aug 25, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V586000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). Additionally, the contact was unable to renew the registration due to the open recall. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts for the recall repair were on back order. The ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 20, 2026

Engine locked up going 75mph on highway. The vehicle's 6.2L V8 engine was recalled in 2025. Result of recall inspection was to change oil type to 0w-40. The vehicle is in the process of being inspected by dealer.

Incident date: Feb 20, 2026

Cooling fans running continuously after the car is turned off, which drains the battery. The dealership has identified that this is due to a faulty fan relay that will need to be completely replaced. The battery has been replaced once and the issue continued indicating that it was not a battery issue. The car ran out of battery in a busy location and caused risk to the passengers that were then e... Read more

Incident date: Jan 31, 2026

"Emissions system problem" engine warning light has been on for quite some time. I know there is a service bulletin related to this issue, but my VIN is not covered. There are also several other warning lights that occasionally pop up, and my Honda dealer believes these are all related to the initial warning light. They mentioned that sometimes these systems start shutting down so the vehicle runs... Read more

Incident date: Nov 3, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to respond intermittently upon depression of the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the contact stated that the gear shifter failed to respond or responded slowly when releasing the gear shifter button intermittently. The gear shifter was easily moved to a different gear from unint... Read more

Incident date: Feb 16, 2026

The engine failed and had to be replaced with less than 70,000 miles on it. There has already been a recall associated with these vehicles where a part is either replaced or special oil has to be used. It does not seem that the fix prevents the engine from failing.

Incident date: Jun 24, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 - 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started to decelerate. During the most recent failure, the contact was able to drive to the dealer before the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that water was leaking into the engine, causing a s... Read more

Incident date: Jan 29, 2026

During normal driving in temperatures below approximately 20–27°F, the vehicle began losing electrical charge as indicated by the malfunction indicator light (MIL) and battery warning message. While my wife was attempting to return home, multiple vehicle systems progressively shut down, including electric power steering, ABS, auto-leveling suspension, and lane departure assistance. As she was ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 16, 2026

When driving, the car has stopped 4 times in the last 3 years. Last week the car came to a red light and the inside lights started flashing. There was a warning that read "transmission not in park." The car's power steering and brakes went out and the car went through the red light. Three other times the car was on the expressway and it died with the same warning. Fortunately, the car was in the s... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2025

A manufacturer recall was issued for a defect involving the fuel system (fuel injectors), but no remedy or repair timeline has been provided. Due to the safety risk (potential fuel leakage and/or fire), I cannot reasonably use the vehicle without concern for liability if harm were to occur. Additionally, the recall must be marked as resolved in the NHTSA database before the vehicle can be returne... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2025

Incident date: Feb 16, 2026

The AC compressor failed in traffic causing the engine to lock up and not restart.

Incident date: Feb 24, 2026

i bought this van brand new for over $53000 and it has been hesitating to start for months. i had the battery tested and came back good. The van hesitates to start and sometimes i have to redo the push button because it fails to start the first time. Yesterday, 02/23/2026 the van left myself and the kids stranded at walmart. it would not start for anything yet the lights and radio work and acted l... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 70-75 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. Upon research, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V524000 (Electrical System). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The ma... Read more

Incident date: Jun 11, 2024

The vehicle has had recurring drivability problems since at least June 2024, including repeated check engine light illumination and severe loss of acceleration. On 06/19/2024, dealership service records document that the check engine light was on and the vehicle would not accelerate past 40 mph, and the check engine light was flashing. More recently, while driving on the interstate at highway spee... Read more

Incident date: Oct 6, 2025

The vehicle started making a loud knocking/tapping noise while driving. The vehicle has randomly acted as if it was going to stall while driving prior to the knocking. Instantly the car was brought home and parked. A mechanic has assessed the vehicle and states the noise we are hearing is the rods. We also contacted another mechanic and they advised us to look up the VIN due to a recall for 201... Read more

Incident date: Feb 24, 2026

2021 Genesis G70 engine shutting off at stops, often linked to the Idle Stop and Go (ISG) system or, in some cases, unexpected stalls. Possibly the automatic transmission's calibration leading to rough stops, or needing to restart the car if the ISG fails to restart the engine upon releasing the brake. 2.24.26:The vehicle stopped running and would not restart a busy intersection which involves my ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2021

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving in the fast lane at 70 MPH on the interstate and attempting to move over to the emergency lane, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine); after the failure. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was determined that... Read more

Incident date: Feb 24, 2026

GM issued a special coverage in bulletin N252508341 for the coolant control valve in my vehicle. This issue happened to my vehicle exactly as the symptoms are stated in the bulletin: check engine light, P1098 code, fan running at high speed with the engine on and off, and reduced acceleration. I took the vehicle to the dealer to be covered, and they say my vehicle is not covered by the bulletin. ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 23, 2026

I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding a severe design defect in the 3.5L V6 engine of my 2013 Ford Explorer. The vehicle is equipped with an internal, chain-driven water pump that is currently failing at 100000 miles, as evidenced by coolant actively draining from the factory weep hole. Because this pump is located inside the engine block and driven by the timing chain, a complete s... Read more

Incident date: Feb 2, 2026

My truck experienced a P0302 misfire on the freeway, which caused it to shake immediately and made it very difficult to drive. I had it towed to the dealership, and they told me there was water in the spark‑plug wells, which was surprising since I live in Las Vegas, NV, where it rarely rains. My spark plugs were rusted as well as the cylinder head. After looking into it online, I discovered th... Read more

Incident date: Feb 21, 2026

On February 21st at approximately 9:30 AM, I was driving my brand-new 2026 Chevy Suburban High Country when I began hearing an unusual noise from the engine. There were zero dashboard warnings — no check engine light, no alerts, nothing indicating a failure. Out of caution, I immediately headed to the dealership so they could inspect it. I was driving slowly and carefully when, without any warn... Read more

Incident date: Jan 2, 2026

Have not had my truck in over a month while it’s getting repaired had engine failure sure to faulty hydraulic lifters and camshaft failure due to the Dynamic fuel management system purchased warranty for my vehicle but this needs to be looked into it is unfair as a consumer that they are not doing anything about 2020 models and earlier they are just focusing on 2021 and up. They almost had me ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 17, 2026

City street driving speed < 35-40 mph, engine began rough idling at stop light after traveling just 1/8 mile. After driving less than 1 mile on level ground, engine slowed and would not accelerate above 20 mph. After another mile or so, increasing uphill grade caused speed to slow to 12-14 mph. Stepping on gas caused car to slow down even more, with shaking and jerky stop-start of vehicle. Maintai... Read more

Incident date: Feb 20, 2026

Oil light keep coming on when the car is stopped or at the light and turns off when it's running mechanic says it's an oil pressure switch which is a common problem with this car. I read a lot of complaints about this but Hyundai is not doing anything.

Incident date: Aug 8, 2024

Auto dealer fraud 8/3 2024 dealership sold me a title washed lemon with major safety hazards Defective unrepairable components Discovered later after purchase P0885 limp mode Fire hazard the vehicle may catch on fire when parked Went back to the dealership that I purchased from for a P0885 on December 4 2024 Returned Back to me march 18 2025 with a blown motor I asked the tow truck driver to ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 16, 2026

Car was going 50 mph and suddenly lost capacity to accelerate due to transmission issue

Incident date: Feb 23, 2026

Exhaust fumes and carbon monoxide are entering my cabin. I have replaced Exhaust manifold gaskets (both sides), Exhaust manifolds, Exhaust manifold donut seals to the y-pipe and i still get carbon monoxide entering cabin giving my headaches. Please help

1 injured

Incident date: Jul 24, 2025

Belt tensioner/idler pulley began chirping during warm up after starting engine. Noticed serpentine belt was beginning to fray on edges. Dealership confirmed the pulley failed prematurely and caused the serpentine belt to be damaged. Dealership replaced pulley and belt. It was just after warranty expired. The belt is supposed to be replaced at 100,000 miles as routine maintenance, but the failure ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 23, 2026

After strong fuel odor in interior of car, inspected the engine and discovered fuel in the top of the engine this is a serious safety concern due possible car fire. The leak appear to be due failure of a top engine gasoline hose due low quality. The car barely has 30k miles .

Incident date: Feb 20, 2025

The rear main seal has gone out in two 2017 chevy equinox right around 100,000 for both vehicles costing over 1000$ plus to fix.

Incident date: Feb 22, 2026

6.2 engine had the recall fix done to it. It did not work because the engine seized up yesterday

Incident date: Feb 16, 2026

My 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe engine seized while I was driving on the highway. All I heard was a loud clunk then there was a sudden power loss while I was driving before I could even get to the side of the road. I had to pay, out of pocket, to get a tow because the vehicle failed to crank or start. I had the vehicle towed to the Chevy dealership in Paramus, NJ just to find that this is a known recalled... Read more

Incident date: May 9, 2024

Very slowly a noise started on the passenger side of the engine and kept getting louder, didn’t know if it was a vacuum hose leak or something else. Finally the noise was very loud especially when accelerating, I took to my local Ford dealership to have them find the noise and let me know. 3 days later, I get a call from the service writer and he tells what the problem was, so I told I would be ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 4, 2026

Our vehicle has encountered a catastrophic engine failure (burnt valves) due to a known and ongoing issue with the piston rings install in this engine.

Incident date: Feb 15, 2026

The Smart Brake Support system malfunctioned while driving. The vehicle began shaking and lost power, requiring excessive throttle to move. The car hesitates and may not accelerate normally, creating a dangerous situation in traffic. Warning lights appeared on the dashboard and the vehicle became unsafe to operate. The issue occurred shortly after purchase and was reproduced multiple times. The d... Read more

Incident date: May 5, 2025

I have had a coolant leak but haven't been able to find it until now. It is below the thermostat housing, between the manifolds and the metal tube that hooks the bottom of the thermostat to the manifold. I know there is a recall issued for this but it doesn't seem to come up on my truck. In my opinion it should.

Incident date: Feb 2, 2026

Year: 2019 Make: GMC Model: Suburban Mileage: Approximately 125,000 miles (purchased under 90,000 miles) 1. Transmission Failure My vehicle is experiencing clear signs of transmission failure, including: •Hard downshifting/clunking •RPM fluctuations while cruising •Shuddering between approximately 30–50 mph •Vibrations while idling •Hesitation and irregular shifting These symptoms hav... Read more

Incident date: Feb 3, 2026

Cooling systems failed caused the engine to blow without warning

Incident date: Feb 6, 2026

Over a period of the last several months when the auto idle stop engages at intersections (red lights, stop signs, etc) the vehicle will intermittently fail to restart. The vehicle stalls entirely and goes into a state where you are unable to restart the vehicle for anywhere from 30 seconds to several minutes. This is a very dangerous situation and each time have had other motorists honking a... Read more

Incident date: Nov 23, 2023

The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the vehicle had consistently experienced a throttle lag while driving from a complete stop and while decelerating. Additionally, the contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop at an intersection, the vehicle hesitated to respond and then lurched forward while responding. There was no warning light illuminated. The fail... Read more

Incident date: Feb 12, 2025

Vehicle burns excessive oil. Have to put in a quart weekly. Check engine light comes on for camshaft sensor, they’ve already been replaced 3 times and the light won’t go off.

Incident date: Dec 22, 2025

After 5000 miles between oil changes, the engine had burned enough oil to have no oil in the dipstick. This equals at least 3 quarts oil if a 7 quart capacity. The dealership states this truck burns a quart to quart and a half every 2000 miles. This seems like an excess amount of oil consumption.

Incident date: Nov 12, 2025

While I was driving, my vehicle suddenly lost all power I encountered a misfire with the engine light flashing, and diagnostic codes P0353 and P0300 indicated a misfire on cylinder three. The coil pack and spark plugs for that cylinder were replaced, yet issues persist and problems continue. There is a strange popping and cracking noise coming from my dash. My brakes are also making it loud sound... Read more

Incident date: Feb 16, 2026

I have experienced two near-fatal incidents involving a sudden, uncommanded loss of motive power while traveling at highway speeds (approx. 70 MPH). On February 11, 2026, the vehicle entered "Limp Home Mode" without warning, dropping speed to 60 MPH and 2000 RPM in heavy traffic. This caused an immediate and dangerous speed differential, nearly resulting in a high-speed rear-end collision. Simulta... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2025

I experienced complete engine failure at around 76000 miles similar to a current engine recall for 2021 to 2024 6.2L V8 engines. However, my engine isn't included in the current recall. I also experienced the fuel pump control module problem requiring replacement. Again there is a recall for 2021 to 2024 6.2L V8 engines and again my engine wasn't included in this recall.

Incident date: Feb 23, 2026

I have read reports online of the two thousand sixteen chevy suburban turning off completely while driving.I have experienced this not once not twice.But three times now, with my chevy, suburban. This is a severe safety issue and can lead to death or major financial loss

Incident date: Feb 16, 2026

The engine in my Honda Civic Si failed prematurely at 28,677 miles while the vehicle was still within Honda’s 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Honda and the dealership denied warranty coverage based on a recorded engine overspeed event of 6,900 RPM that occurred earlier at 19,259 miles. The engine’s rev limiter is 6,600 RPM, meaning the recorded event exceeded the limiter by only 300 R... Read more

Incident date: Jul 14, 2025

engine hesitation, or loss of power, normally in 3rd or 4th gear under light acceleration Jeep dealer has no interest in trying to correct issue, said it's normal with a standard shift transmission, was in dealership on first service 2-16-26, mileage was app 1225 noticed hesitation immediately upon taking ownership but in speaking with service advisor we decided to wait for first service Any l... Read more

Incident date: Feb 23, 2026

I was told there was a leak in my coolant system that has happened to many other with the 22 and 23 taos. If out of warranty the claim would be almost 5k even though my car is only 2 years old. The work needed to be done is labor intensive and also a issues with the cylinder head gasket.

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