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.

2,215,138 Total Complaints

138,663 Reported Crashes

56,255 Reported Fires

8,561 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 2,215,138 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

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 164,804 complaints — component: ENGINE

Incident date: Jan 7, 2026

While driving, on approach to a stop signal, at an intersection the car stopped moving. The display said engine malfunction, have inspected. The electronics and engine continued to operate, but the car would not move when gas pedal was depressed. I shut off and restarted my vehicle numerous times, with no effect on the problem, the car still would not move. The vehicle behind me had to brake unexp... Read more

Incident date: Jun 26, 2025

I am reporting a serious safety defect involving my 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport equipped with a Theta II engine While driving and exiting the freeway with my wife as a passenger, the engine suddenly failed after knocking symptoms and completely seized/locked while the vehicle was still in motion. The vehicle immediately lost motive power and came to a stop, creating an immediate and dangerous tra... Read more

Incident date: Apr 28, 2026

I took my vehicle for an oil change to the Tracy Chevrolet dealership. I was informed that they detected a leak. I returned my vehicle on 4/28/26 for an inspection. My vehicle on has 59,297 miles. I was just informed that my timing cover located at the front of the engine has a leak and possibly the oil pan. After doing research, this seems to be a common issue.

Incident date: Apr 15, 2026

The engine cooling system and engine block failed due to coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders. This is a known issue in certain 2017 Ford Escape vehicles with the 1.5L or 2.0L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle experienced a loss of power and an engine malfunction while my daughter was driving it, which created a dangerous driving situation for her. The issue has been diagnosed by a mechanic.... Read more

Incident date: Apr 27, 2026

The car is available upon inspection, the car caught on fire after being driven for about 45 mins. Smoke started to come from under the car hood, fire starting dropping from underneath the vehicle and then fire started coming from under the hood of the car. The car started smoking while being inside vehicle and the fire could've spread. The fire was put out by the fire department, the vehicle has ... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Apr 29, 2026

Re: Vehicle Safety Defect Complaint – 2023 Chevrolet Blazer To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting a formal safety defect complaint regarding my 2023 Chevrolet Blazer. This vehicle has exhibited multiple system failures that present a serious risk to driver safety and public roadway safety. The vehicle was purchased new on July 20, 2023. Beginning on April 21, 2025, at approximately 27,610 mile... Read more

Incident date: Apr 27, 2026

Blown head gasket

Incident date: Apr 14, 2026

The engine has been burning oil since last May and Hyundai has been putting me through the ringer of hoops to get it fixed. After 11 months and almost 30 visits to the dealership, they are finally replacing the engine. The dealership has told me this is a known issue and I know of others who have the same car and are having the same issue. Someone needs to hold them responsible.

Incident date: Feb 9, 2026

My vehicle recently idled roughly and shut off at low speeds and while stopped at intersections on my way to work. I brought it to an authorized Kia dealership the very next day. After researching my VIN, I discovered Kia Safety Recall #SC336 (NHTSA Campaign 25V099), which identifies a piston oil ring defect known to cause excessive oil consumption and internal engine damage. I promptly brought my... Read more

Incident date: Nov 11, 2025

While operating my vehicle under normal driving conditions, I experienced a sudden and complete loss of engine power without warning. The engine shut off abruptly in active traffic, creating an immediate safety hazard and increasing the risk of a collision for myself and surrounding motorists. Following the stall, the vehicle would not restart. The engine cranks but does not start (a “dry crank... Read more

Incident date: Apr 9, 2026

It’s started at 80,000 miles when my check engine light came on and it give a code P0302 So I change the spark plugs but when I replace it with the new one the code came but the code came off and after a few days later it came back on and it throw the same code. I believe that my head gasket is not good.

Incident date: Apr 28, 2026

This vehicle has under 90,000 miles and is only used to transport my grandchildren to and from the local elementary school. We got in the vehicle, and it would not accelerate. The vehicle is currently at the Chevy dealership getting diagnosed, but the error message was for the transmission. We do not feel that this should happen on a vehicle with this low mileage and completely without any warnin... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2025

The vehicle is designed to shut off at a stoplight and restart when your foot leaves the brake, or the steering wheel is moved. On multiple occasions, the vehicle turns itself off (typically at a red traffic light) only to not restart. Driver must manually put the vehicle into park, and try to restart it using the traditional push button (IN TRAFFIC). This is horribly dangerous even if it takes j... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2026

While driving, I noticed that the vehicle seemed sluggish. Shortly after, I experienced grinding and knocking. The engine then stalled when I came to a traffic light. Fearing for my safety, I was able to get the engine to re-start to be able to pull off the road into a parking lot. At this point, the engine was barely running and making a ton of noise. There were no warning lights prior or after t... Read more

Incident date: Feb 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated to 30 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the timing belt needed to be replaced. The part was on back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the vehicle ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 29, 2026

My car just stopped and turned off. On the screen it says service electronic stability control. And power steering unavailable and service immediately. I serviced the car on April 24th. I received the car April 29th and they said they had to flash the computers and it would take 1.5 hours. I paid 330 dollars. I drove the car off and 15-20 min later the car cut off. I called the dealership and told... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2026

I had the thermostat and water pump replaced at 57k miles. At 125k it needs to be replaced again. Costing me another $1700. I have read about numerous complaints about this issue.

Incident date: Jan 23, 2026

Driving on highway, engine light came on with many warning lights. Was just starting on a trip to SC then OH to help father for a surgery. Lifters went bad within fist 5-6k miles on the truck (6.2L) causing other damage to the engine such as bent rods (etc). Dealer repaired all DFM Lifters as there were failures on both sides of the engine, but it still sounds like there are issues internally. ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 29, 2026

I am reporting a safety-related engine defect involving sudden internal engine failure, excessive oil consumption, persistent bearing knock, and overheating of the catalytic converter. The vehicle repeatedly triggered Bank 1&2O2 sensor fault codes due to oil blow-by and thermal overload. A certified mechanic documented the engine is failing internally and that the cat. converter has been damaged a... Read more

Incident date: Oct 29, 2025

Went to park car in a park to drop daughter off and it sputtered out and stalled out of nowhere with no warning. I had received a lamp warning very sporadically prior to this and on occasion that stated 'reduced steering assist drive with care' this resulted in heavy steering for that drive until car was shut off and then it would go away and be fine again, fixed the car through Knudtsen Chevy due... Read more

Incident date: Apr 25, 2026

The vehicle will randomly shut off while driving. A message will appear stating "Check the Starting System" Attempts to restart the engine are unsuccessful. The engine will start, stall after about 2 seconds and the message "Check Starting System" will display. The first time it happened, I was turning a corner at a rather dangerous intersection and the vehicle stalled. It took about three attempt... Read more

Incident date: Apr 28, 2026

The vehicle's auto idle stop system is malfunctioning, resulting in the engine failing to restart from a complete stop. This total failure has occurred on five separate occasions, including while stopped in active traffic intersections. Prior to these total restart failures, the vehicle showed the following symptoms: 1) Initially, the vehicle experienced rough engine idling, abnormal vibrations, ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 17, 2026

I am seeing warning lights on my screen and using OBD-II scnner shows code P0302 (misfires). Vehicle bought 2020 August and gas about 90K miles. Is this vehicle under recall for this issue

Incident date: Apr 29, 2026

Subject: Request for Buyback or Trade Assistance – 2020 Ford Escape SE To Whom It May Concern, I am writing regarding my 2020 Ford Escape equipped with the 1.5L engine, which is currently subject to multiple open safety recalls. Of particular concern is the active fuel injector recall involving a risk of engine compartment fire. I understand that the current remedy does not fully address the ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 24, 2026

Dealership replaced all 16 lifters and replaced camshaft. Dealerships repair took 28 days. Repair cost $4k out of my pocket and Chevrolet Corporate covered $4700 due to the know lifter issue with their engines. Within 24 hours & less than 100 miles, vehicle started making new abnormal noise, and the engine shut off and would not start back up. There were no warning lamps, messages or symptoms prio... Read more

Incident date: Apr 24, 2026

While traveling at highway speed on I-75 northbound, the vehicle experienced a complete and total loss of electrical power. and propulsion. The following conditions were present simultaneously: - Complete loss of propulsion - Inability to shift transmission to neutral — vehicle could not be moved out of the active traffic lane - Complete loss of hazard lights — no ability to warn approaching... Read more

Incident date: Apr 25, 2026

When acceleration hot air blows through dashboard fogging front driver windows. Weather strips in doors are coming apart.

Incident date: Apr 6, 2026

Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0720 stands for “Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction.” It is stored when the ECM/PCM/TCM perceives a problem with the output speed sensor or its circuit. If, for example, the engine speed and input shaft speed are at a certain RPM but the output shaft speed is erratic or not what the computer expects, P0720 will be stored. There may also be a P0500 code store... Read more

Incident date: Apr 28, 2026

Vehicle has an "Engine Hot" warning and coolant loss, which creates a safety risk of stalling in traffic.

Incident date: Mar 20, 2026

In march 2036 my car just completely stopped in 5pm traffic and I was almost hit over a dozen times car wouldn’t albe to be moved because it completed died out. When I took it to JLR had to have it towed twice . They said it was the battery and that it needed to be calibrated, sent me home and same day car stalled again in a busy traffic, this time they said it was my alternator and that my own... Read more

Incident date: Apr 26, 2026

Vehicle randomly shuts off in EV or ICE mode usually when driving on highway at 60-70 mph; warning comes of “vehicle will shut off soon” check engine light and limp mode; eventually power goes off and steering also stiffens ; this happed multiple times, but the check engine like didn’t stay on long enough for the dealership to be able to read it! So I was give the vehicle back then the same ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 31, 2025

Getting 2 cylinder missfire. Possibly connected to head gasket. Radiator fluid dissolved quickly.

Incident date: Apr 28, 2026

Hello. We purchased this 2018 Honda CR-V new in 2018 from the local Honda dealer, Honda of Lake Jackson, TX. In the Spring of 2025 the A/C stopped working. We took it to a local shop and they had to replaced the following: Blower motor replaced, blower motor replaced, A/C evaporator replaced, A/C expansion/orifice valve replaced, Heater core replaced. This was around a $3,000 repair. A month or ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 28, 2026

This vehicle has a known design flaw which causes the cylinder gasket to leak and require replacement. VW has only issued a Technical Service Notice which was no provided to owners regarding the part that needed replacement. They are correcting the problem with a differently designed part in order to try to cure the design flaw. This can cause catastrophic engine failure. It should have been a rec... Read more

Incident date: Sep 19, 2025

Engine failure with the 6.2 engine. My engine failed the Pico test in July of 2025 with 66k miles. The entire engine was replaced and I was told this would “fix” the engine issue. On April 25, 2026, my engine failed while I was driving at highway speeds. The engine was knocking and I pulled over as I could not accelerate it. I had it towed and was told by the dealership that the rod bearings f... Read more

Incident date: Apr 28, 2026

Oil consumption is at an all time high. At last oil change I had Milage 71847 on 3/8/26. I checked my oil on 4/26/26 with 73182 miles, oil was at the add mark on the dipstick which means 2 quarts was gone from my engine at about 1500 miles put on my car since the oil change. Upon reading up on this issue, it is a wide spread issue with several Hyundai models. I bought it used at a car dealship wh... Read more

Incident date: Apr 28, 2026

Hair line creak in oil pan. Creak has caused excessive oil consumption and leaks on pavement. Issue was confirmed by Antwerpen Hyundai and oil pan was replaced on 4/28/2026 at a cost of $520.00. As above reported to dealer. Problem started, 1st. noticed about 9 to 12 months.

Incident date: Feb 2, 2026

Both camshaft carriers failed due to a manufacturing defect. According to NHTSA bulletins 21-NA-240 and PIP5755, the oil leak from the cam carrier is caused by improper sealant application during manufacturing. Although the dealer addressed the issue, it was clearly not a problem that arose from normal use. The leak had the potential to worsen and lead to a fire hazard. Chevy of Montebello confirm... Read more

Incident date: Apr 27, 2026

Front exhaust pipe bellows cracked, allowing exhaust gases including carbon monoxide to enter the passenger cabin. This is the same defect Subaru acknowledged in Service Program WUJ-95R (2015-2016 models) and Warranty Extension WI22-013 (2017-2018 Foresters). The failure pattern extends to 2019 model year vehicles and should be investigated for a recall expansion. This is a design flaw, consistent... Read more

Incident date: Apr 23, 2026

While on the highway, the vehicle felt sudden loss of power and a burning smell. Immediately took the next exit and entered a gas station where large volume of oil leaking under the vehicle. Exited the vehicle and called for a tow truck to bring the vehicle to the nearest auto shop who informed me that the engine was damaged internally similar to what’s described in the recall and informed me to... Read more

Incident date: Sep 19, 2025

Engine failure at 9052 miles on 3/2/2024 miles hike driving 50 mph. Car shut down completely with no warning. I was able to get it to side of road without wrecking. Towed to Lafayette Indiana blown motor had to be replaced. Repaired and returned on 3/27/2024. Failed engine recall at my routine maintenance at 33680 miles on 12/26/2025. Engine ordered. I was told it could still be driven I feel this... Read more

Incident date: Apr 24, 2026

Vehicle is having the same issues it had before with soot and sludge build up in the engine that caused the EGR to fail and melt into the engine... I have all the parts that were replaced from the 1st time this happened and was not repaired properly and is now causing a catastrophic failure....

Incident date: Jul 28, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shaking abnormally before unintendedly decelerating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with excessive oil consumption; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

Incident date: Feb 5, 2025

While driving my 2005 Nissan Altima in active traffic with my [XXX] child, the vehicle suddenly stalled without any warning. The engine completely shut off while in motion, creating an immediately safety hazard in live traffic conditions. Immediately after the stall, I observed oil leakage and smoke entering the cabin. The vehicle became inoperable and we were stranded roadside. This failure is... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Apr 28, 2026

I was driving on the highway when suddenly the car lost power and the engine light started flashing. I was able to coast into a gas station. The car would no longer start and I was stranded. The next day, we drove back to where the car was stranded and attempted to get it started again, but we were unsuccessful. We had the car towed to a mechanic shop where we were told that the entire engine ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 28, 2026

Car has shut off while driving. Check engine light, traction control light, hill assist light, power steering light, and vehicle stability light have all come on causing me to have to pull over on the side of the road.

Incident date: Mar 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65-70 MPH, the engine seized and made an abnormal sound, nearly causing a semi-truck to jackknife and crash into the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was left stranded in the west desert of Utah, where a wildfire had started, and the contact did not have phone service. Additiona... Read more

Incident date: Apr 14, 2026

The vehicle hesitates and does not accelerate immediately from a complete stop. This occurs more frequently when the car is on a slight incline. The delay in acceleration creates a safety concern, especially when attempting to merge into traffic or pull out onto a roadway. I have reported this issue to the dealership multiple times, but they have not taken action because they have been unable to r... Read more

Incident date: Jan 26, 2026

The EV portion of the PHEV is often not providing power to the motors, even though, there are still plenty of battery power available. The vehicle sometimes gave "Power Reduced" warning that usually went away after 30 minutes, and the vehicle cannot go into EV mode. When in EV mode and just cruising on the highway, it barely has power to keep up with traffic and sometimes it is losing speed ju... Read more

Incident date: Apr 28, 2026

On 04/28/2026, when diagnosing a reoccurring check engine light on the vehicle at a Chevy Certified Service, the mechanic "Borescoped cylinder 4 and found significant scuffs on the cylinder wall which along with the misfires indicate a cracked piston. The big picture appears to be the piston cracked which caused excessive oil consumption and misfires. The excess oil and unburned fuel overloaded th... Read more

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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