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.
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
Showing 169,480 complaints - component: ENGINE
Incident date: Aug 6, 2026
Vehicle experienced a complete electrical failure while driving. The vehicle is a 2012 Range Rover Sport. At approximately 25 mph, the engine shut off, all exterior and interior lights went out, and the steering wheel locked in the straight‑ahead position. I temporarily lost control of the vehicle and was only able to stop safely because I was traveling at low speed. This incident created an ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
We took in our Yukon for the recall letters we’ve received in the mail and to check a suspension light the popped up. Our Yukon was given back to us with the ac not working properly anymore and it started to turn off on us out of nowhere. now we need an engine replacement. What’s more aggravating is that the Yukon was checked out the week of july27 -31 according to service advisor the engine ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
Engine fail with less than106000 miles. Replace brand new engine November 2025. Steering rack has intermittent power issues. It started having steering issue around July 2026. It makes the steering hard to turn during highway speeds.
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
Coolant intrusion. A known 2017 escape issue in the motor block that is not being addressed. This repair costs $8,000+ and is a manufacturing defect.
Incident date: Jul 18, 2026
Vehicle developed a pattern of misfires (cylinders 1, 2, and random/multiple) beginning within the last month. On 8/7/2026, a dealer inspection confirmed coolant intrusion into cylinders 1 and 2 via overnight pressure test, with block deformation. This is the identical defect addressed by Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12. Prerequisite service 19B37 (PCM reprogram) was completed 2/8/2020. M... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
I have a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 with the 6.2L engine. I purchased it on [XXX]. On [XXX] with 13,000 miles on the truck the engine started making a bad noise from the lower end of the motor. I immediately took it to the dealer Randy Wise Buick GMC in Fenton Michigan. They diagnosed it as a spun bearing and had to replace the engine. I just got it back today August 7th 2026 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSU... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
I am requesting urgent assistance regarding my 2017 Kia Optima EX, which is experiencing a serious oil consumption/burning issue. The vehicle is burning oil into the engine, causing the oil level to continually decrease and creating a significant concern for engine failure, overheating, or a potential vehicle fire. I am extremely concerned about my safety and the safety of others because I depend... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
While driving my vehicle, I have noticed a significant decrease in power and a corresponding slowdown, particularly in traffic conditions. This has resulted in a near-miss collision with another vehicle in the rear. Furthermore, attempting to accelerate the vehicle has proven futile. ps. The dealer where I brought the vehicle is kinda giving me a hard time & I fear for my family safety. honestly... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
I leased that car Mazda cx-90 from Mazda of [XXX] [XXX] Since i got the car i had feeling the steering wheel its not normal, also the water its under normal level when i did the oil change and the maintenance i mentioned all the issues i have but they didn’t do anything till the last time when they did the oul change the inform me that i have to replace the steering wheel gear and the RADIATO... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
Vehicles turns off when the brake is pressed and does not turn back on. The van has to be put into park and the start button has to be hit 2-3 times before it will restart. This has happened 3 distinctive times where it was difficult to restart. We try to disable the start/stop system each time we drive. It has left us stranded at traffic lights for up to 20 seconds trying to restart the van, impe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2026
I was driving on the highway to work. All of a sudden my car lost control and started spinning in circles. I attempted to steer and break but it would not stop. All the lights came on on the dash with an engine warning. I lost total control and slammed into a guardrail. I did call 911 because I was in part of the road facing the wrong direction. They sent the fire department. I was able to event... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
"Ford Emissions Recall 24E10 addresses defective factory PCM software parameters. This software defect caused unbalanced air-fuel ratios to ruin both catalytic converters on my 2016 Ford Edge (Bank 2 at 128k miles and Bank 1 at 157,552 miles). The dealership, [XXX] of [XXX], completed the 24E10 software flash under Repair Order #XXX, but Ford Corporate's SSSC portal (Contact ID: [XXX]) officially ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
The person driving this car was driving aggressively and was following me.
TOYOTA
FJ CRUISER
(2012) - ENGINE
Aug 7, 2026
Incident date: Jul 18, 2026
Camshaft had to be replaced a couple years ago, followed by cam shaft sensor. Then another $6,300 of "critical" issu3s to be fixed. The vehicle is 5 1/2 y/o. Absolutely ridiculous that this amount of money is required for such a young vehicle.
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
Throughout my ownership, I have adhered to BMW’s recommended maintenance schedule, including routine oil changes and inspections. At no point was I advised of any engine issues, oil leaks, or conditions that could potentially lead to catastrophic engine failure. Most recently, the vehicle had change oil svc. at BMW of White Plains on June 25, 2026, at 69,456 miles. On July 17, 2026, while drivin... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2020
The vehicle veers towards the right, even though a wheel alignment was completed on 7/1/26. On 7/28/26 when driving the vehicle, it wouldn’t accelerate properly, it felt sluggish and although the gas pedal was depressed it was struggling to pick up speed. As the vehicle was attempting to shift between 2nd and 3rd gears the car jolted forward and the traction control and collision lights came on.... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
While I was driving to drop my kids to school My Chrysler Pacifica PHEV dashboard chimed, the check engine light made an appearance, and the screen in my gauge cluster showed a large warning message. “Stop Safely, Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon.” I kept my foot in it and guided the Pacifica Hybrid through the off-ramp and into the rest stop’s parking lot And turned off the ignition and engine fo... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
In May 2026 while driving home from her job in downtown St. Louis, my daughter was driving my equinox. While traveling on the highway at the speed limit of 55 miles an hour her brakes failed and she came within a few feet of rear ending a full gas tanker truck. She was able to maneuver to the shoulder of the highway and avoid an accident. After a few moments of the engine, idling the engine comple... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
My van is subject to NHTSA recall 25V-720 (manufacturer recall 67C): a cooling fan module susceptible to premature bearing wear combined with inadequate fuse protection on the 400W fan circuit, which the manufacturer states may lead to a engiine fire. I rent this vehicle out on Outdoorsy, my van is used commercially as a rental and part of their terms and conditions state this vehicle cannot go o... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2026
The car only has 70k miles on it. The engine started smoking under the hood. Immediately stopped to look. There was oil leaking but I could not see from where. I took it across the street to the Toyota dealership and had them look at it. They explained to me that there was a crack in the cylinder head and oil was leaking everywhere. Potentially causing a fire or even an explosion. The old was leak... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2026
While sitting in traffic with my 2025 Honda Ridgeline, with the engine stopped as the brake had been fully applied, when I released pressure off the brake, my vehicle would not restart as it normally would in this situation, thereby stranding me in a serious traffic situation. I notified the police and my vehicle was eventually towed to the nearest Honda dealer to try to determine what the issue ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2026
RE investigation EA25004. We have had two instances of the van failing to restart after it shut off automatically at a red light. This caused a dangerous traffic situation where the van would not start up while traffic was approaching. The battery is in good condition and the van has just over 10,000 miles on it.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
The auto idle engine system was on. I came to complete stop at a stoplight, the engine turned off. Then when I released my foot off the break, the car shut down and flashed a bunch of lights. The engine then shifts itself to neutral and then park. I have to press the start button several times to get the engine to turn on again. This has happened numerous times to myself and family members driving... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
Cracked engine block due to coolant intrusion, which seems to be a known problem as engine blocks were redesigned for 2019 models. Could lead to overheating, engine damage, and even fires from my understanding. In Ford dealer service center at the moment, they confirmed diagnosis. White smoke from exhaust, rough idle and sensor lights also.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
The check engine light came on and the repair shop used a scope to verify that there is coolant leaking into the engine. The only repair offered is to replace the engine. We did not notice any warning signs prior to the check engine light illuminating.
MERCEDES-BENZ
AMG GLE63 S
(2022) - ENGINE
Aug 7, 2026
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
2018 Ford Escape equipped with EcoBoost engine suffering catastrophic engine failure due to the manufacturing defect known as open-deck coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders (per Ford TSB 22-2322). The vehicle has only 25,233 miles. This defect causes loss of power while operating the vehicle, creating an immediate traffic hazard and risk of a collision. The manufacturing flaw allows coolant... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2026
I am writing to formally express my serious concern and disappointment regarding my Kia Carnival Hybrid. Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, with only approximately 6,000 miles on the odometer, the vehicle suddenly stopped operating while I was driving on the freeway. This created a dangerous situation for my family and other motorists. The vehicle had to be towed to an authorized Kia dealershi... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2023) - ENGINE
Aug 7, 2026
Incident date: Aug 2, 2026
On XXX my son picked up his 2018 Kia Stinger (VIN [XXX]) from Ken Garff Honda Riverdale, UT after a routine oil change, filter change, and tire rotation (RO# 5026743). About 3 hours later, while driving on [XXX] near [XXX], he noticed a burning smell, then saw smoke coming from the front of the vehicle, followed by flames from the engine compartment. He pulled over and exited safely before the veh... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
Fuel Leak: I can smell heavy gas fumes inside the vehicle cabin. Fire Hazard: The vehicle is unsafe to drive due to an imminent risk of a fuel fire. Corporate Refusal: Kia Corporate refused to generate a case number and my local dealership refused to service the vehicle leaving a dangerous safety defect unrepaired on public roads. Mechanical Symptoms: The car is experiencing slow cranking, engine... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while reversing out of the driveway, the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure recurred while driving 65 MPH. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where DTCs P0024 and P0014 were retrieved, indicating exhaust camshaft position system performance issues for Bank 2 and Bank 1. The contact associated the failure with GM S... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the engine made a knocking sound while being started and while driving. The knocking sound became louder while driving to the residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the timing belt, timing belt tensioner, idler pulley, and water pump, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and i... Read more
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2026) - ENGINE
Aug 7, 2026
Incident date: May 30, 2026
Manufacturer Dealer Diagnostic confirmed that Head Gasket is leaking on cylinder 1 and that this is a known issue. Vehicle just 3 months and barely 2000 miles out of new car warranty. Manufacturer fails to cover repair at 100% Power Loss while driving on the freeway on 2 separate occasions. Engine did not provide power in response to accelerator pedal, car slows down w/o control. Incident 1 travel... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
ENGINE SHUTS OFF TOTALLY IN AUTO IDLE AND MUST BE RESTARTED.
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
Car started shaking roughly when started, check engine light came on for cylinder misfire. Known engine problem where coolant leaks in to the engine block due to a known defect from Ford for these 2.0L engines. There is a TSB 22-2229 ([XXX]) already issued for this. Dealer inspected and confirmed the problem. Now the entire engine long block needs to be replaced resulting in $10,000 repair. INFO... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2026
I was driving to work on 7/20/26 and my vehicle loss engine propulsion , engine failure and unable to restart vehicle and shift gears.
Incident date: Jul 31, 2026
2026 Chevy Silverado High Country with 13,193 miles 6.2 engine locked up on 7/29/26 and is currently at my dealer waiting on engine replacment. GM has not fixed the 6.2 liter engine failure issue's!
Incident date: Jun 23, 2026
I was pulling out of a parking spot and my X3 completely stalled and lost power. I got infomation on my screen to take my car to my dealer as soon as possible. I was able to start and drive it home. The following week I took it to the dealer for the problem. My local BMW dealer has had my X3 since July 27th over 2 weeks. They said they waiting for a code or fix for what happened. I don’t know if... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
The vehicle says it’s overheating and will go into limp mode it has also been reported that other 2026 Jettas have had the same issue
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Lexus NX 250. The contact stated that while driving at various highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly decelerated. During the failure, there was no warning light illuminated or messages displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 14,000.
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2026) - ENGINE
Aug 7, 2026
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
The car, a 2019 VW Tiguan, had a “check engine” light come on, and the resulting diagnosis and repairs - using VW’s specific engine fault codes - led to the replacement of both water pumps at 72,000 miles. An investigation of the water pump problem on such cars revealed that Volkswagon previously settled a major nationwide class-action lawsuit (apparently kept secret) covering certain 2014... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) - ENGINE
Aug 7, 2026
Incident date: Nov 11, 2024
After the "9C9" emissions recall update the vehicle randomly fails to respond to appropriately throttle input when attempting to accelerate into traffic. The issue is very intermittent - it may occur twice in 10 minutes or drive fine for hours. It has demonstrated both a "bucking" / stuttering / misfire feeling as well as a complete lack of any throttle response. After a few seconds of bucking, th... Read more
FORD
F-150 HYBRID
(2026) - ENGINE
Aug 7, 2026
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
I own a 2023 Hyundai Sonata SEL. Over approximately three years, the vehicle experienced four separate incidents involving sudden loss of engine power and recurring fuel injector/powertrain problems. Three of these incidents occurred while the vehicle was being driven on interstate highways, creating serious safety concerns. The first incident occurred on XXX, on [XXX] [XXX]. My daughter was driv... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2023
2022 Chevy Tahoe went into limp mode at 62,500 miles out of the blue and check engine light came on. At the certified Chevy dealership I was told it was the transmission control valve, Code P2732, which is a known widespread factory issue in these models. Upon further inspection, was told my transmission fluid was completely black and burned and it ruined the transmission and therefore it needs ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
When driving down the highway the vehicle downshifted abruptly and the engine started shuddering and shaking at a high speed. I was forced to pull over on the side of a busy highway in a 70mph section. A Ford dealership in the area inspected the issue and stated that the engine was blown after only ~150,000 miles. The transmission wrench and engine light came on prior to the incident but would tur... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz C 300. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment while accelerating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the spawn rod was fractured, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
My Honda Ridgeline has experienced a dangerous malfunction involving the Auto Idle Stop system. When the vehicle comes to a stop, the system automatically shuts off the engine as designed to conserve fuel. Normally, the engine should restart when the brake pedal is released. On multiple occasions, however, the engine has failed to restart when the brake pedal is released. A warning appears on the... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
On multiple occasions while pulling across/into traffic the vehicle had a delayed acceleration response with a 1-2 second hesitation causing close calls with unpredictable acceleration coming from a complete stop.
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
On April 7, 2026, at 5:00 PM, while driving, I noticed something unusual with my car, and it broke down on the side of the road, leaving me panicked and frightened. After the car stopped, I got out and looked at the engine from underneath; I saw engine oil spraying out of the engine. I then had the car towed to a safe location, and a few days later, I took it to the Toyota dealership.
Incident date: Aug 5, 2026
I had started my car drove out of my parking lot as I approached the highway the first intersection everything went dead no lights, snow warning lights just completely shut down and rumble as if the engine was gonna fall out a police man passed me. I was stuck in the middle of the highway. Help me push my vehicle off the road and sat with me while I called AAA. He could not get the car started. It... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
- vehicle started misfiring, ECM, valve timing code, throttle system code, data system, gateway, module,. Vehicle is available and currently at the GMC dealership for continued diagnostic. -this happened on the freeway and out of nowhere the vehicle started shaking, rough, losing power and acceleration, I had to cut someone off on the freeway just to get over to the right shoulder and turned off ... Read more