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: Nov 10, 2025

AFM system failed resulting in engine replacement.

Incident date: Feb 23, 2020

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the vehicle was initially repaired under warranty for a bent push rod in cylinder #4; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was repaired another time at the expense of the contact's son, who previously owned the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while idling and while driving, the engine was misfiring an... Read more

Incident date: Dec 5, 2025

The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that during cold starts, the vehicle was jerking and vibrating abnormally. After the engine had warmed up, the jerking and vibration were self-corrected, but the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer on several occasions, but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was... Read more

Incident date: Oct 27, 2025

Loss of Use due to unavailability of safety recall parts I am writing to formally express my extreme dissatisfaction and concern regarding the ongoing mechanical failures of our 2020 Ford Expedition Max. To date, this vehicle has undergone two major transmission interventions, yet it remains in an unsafe, undrivable condition due to a recurring powertrain defect and a high-risk safety recall. Our ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 9, 2026

L87 Catastrophic Engine Failure on second engine after 6300 miles. This is the second issue with the 6.2L engine in my Sierra 1500. The first engine passed the L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion field action and then suffered Catastrophic Engine Failure a month later. The replacement engine procedure took over 3 weeks to perform and no rental or loaner vehicle was provided by GM or the servicing dea... Read more

Incident date: Jan 6, 2026

ICCU failed after 14k miles. Car suddenly went into "turtle" mode (displayed on dash), car could only go 10 mph and my wife had to pull the car off the street asap and was a very scary experience. Dealer has confirmed the ICCU failure and given me a loaner vehicle. No eta on when the part can be fixed, just that it's current status is back order.

Incident date: Feb 6, 2026

My truck started knock and losing power as I drove it. I took it to get serviced put the machine same is was a recall on the engine. I took it to the Hyundai dealership with in 2 weeks he said it was rejected by Hyundai to replace my motor. I service my car but they said I didn't. If it's a recall and not my fault.

Incident date: Feb 23, 2026

Summary of Reported Behaviors Lurching: Commonly reported, often deemed a software/adaptive issue. Brake Issues: Commonly reported, often attributed to pad-to-rotor deposits, or in some cases, the recalled ABS module. I started my car in my work parking lot. When I put into Drive the car lurched forward aggressively. I immediately applied the brakes and they pulsated but did not stop the car. My ... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Apr 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, before the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. After several attempts, the vehicle restarted. A mechanic friend replaced the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors. The conta... Read more

Incident date: Feb 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while at a stop sign, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. A dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched and became aware of an undisclosed recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not notif... Read more

Incident date: Feb 20, 2026

On the morning of February 20 2026 at around 6:35am. I was on my way to work when the engine light started flashing and the speed started to decrease. I was traveling on a major highway in heavy rain with a lot of traffic. I had to put on my hazard lights and quickly pull off the road. The code given is P1326 which has to do with the engine and wiring harness. I just purchased the vehicle on ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 18, 2025

My Pilot only had 46,942 miles when it failed due to a camshaft thrust cover surface roughness being out of spec causing excessive camshaft movement. This was confirmed by the mechanic at Honda that worked on my Pilot. The pilot was checked for the engine light concern and the technician reported the following: CONFIRMED DTC P0369 CMP SENSOR INTERMITTENT INTERRUPTION. FOUND CMP SENSOR TO HAVE WEA... Read more

Incident date: Feb 18, 2026

I cold started the motorcycle and while waiting for a security gate to open the engine suddenly quit. I hit the starter and it immediately restarted. Then after I pulled out into traffic the engine died again. Fortunately I was in the right hand lane and again hit the starter and the engine again immediately restarted. By this time I knew I had a serious problem. Trying to get to a traffic lig... Read more

Incident date: Dec 14, 2025

The vehicle is experiencing deterioration of the main engine wiring harness insulation, resulting in exposed wires contacting each other. This condition has caused intermittent check engine lights and electrical fault codes. The dealership has confirmed that the wiring insulation has degraded, allowing wires to contact each other. The issue appears related to material durability of the harness ra... Read more

Incident date: Jan 7, 2026

While driving in suburban traffic vehicle engine began running rough and lost most power with about 58000 mi on the vehicle. Received check engine light and vehicle entered 'limp mode' with Turtle Icon displayed on screen. Brought to dealer and it was diagnosed with a P0304 Cylinder #4 Misfire and leaking head gasket causing coolant contamination to engine oil. Dealer repaired the head gasket und... Read more

Incident date: Feb 9, 2026

While driving my 2019 GMC Sierra with approximately 119,000 miles the engine suddenly made a loud bang, started shaking violently, backfiring, and missing out. Took it to dealer. They diagnosed the problem as a rod failure with camshaft damage. Quoted repair cost $12,000. After repair, they were doing a 25 mile test drive before returning the truck to me. After only 20 miles, the engine comple... Read more

Incident date: Feb 18, 2026

2025 GMC Sierra 6.2 L V8 engine failed by locking up or seizing. Heard pinging / knocking sounds while driving 3 miles from my home to the dealer. Engine shut off without warning, vehicle shifted to Neutral. Coasted to a stop, attempted to restart the engine, would only crank. Dealer diagnosis is that the engine will need to be replaced. Sounds just like the 2021 - 2024 GM recall for this sam... Read more

Incident date: May 31, 2025

The 6.2 L engine on my 2017 Cadillac Escalade failed at around 97,000 miles. I took it to Heritage Cadillac dealership for a diagnostic check and had it repaired. The engine had a broken engine rod and lifters damage to the engine. I had the engine repaired at the dealership but a few weeks later I heard rattling noise coming from the engine. I took it back and told I would need a another engine d... Read more

Incident date: Dec 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528i. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under an unknown recall, and after the recall repair, while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal oil-burning odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local Midas, where it was discovered that oil was leaking onto the engine. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. Th... Read more

Incident date: Feb 13, 2026

When shutting off the car, the fan continued to run. I started the car up again to see if this would allow the fan to turn off. No luck. The steering assist was dis-enabled on the dash. I took my car to the dealer to find out that it has a bad thermostat and that my radiator was leaking. The thermostat was covered but I had to use my extended warranty to pay the additional repair. My deduc... Read more

Incident date: Dec 16, 2025

The component that failed appears to be the hybrid propulsion and charging system, including the high-voltage battery management system and/or integrated charging electronics. The vehicle will not accept a charge from any home or public charging source. The high-voltage battery was replaced approximately one year ago; however, the charging failure persists. The vehicle is available for inspection ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 22, 2025

Beginning in late October 2025, my 2016 Jeep Cherokee North Edition began experiencing a recurring electronic shifter and transmission malfunction. The vehicle displays a “Service Shifter” warning (with an A! with a circle arrow and the check engine light is on) and shakes violently upon shifting; it's straight up psychologically unnerving. This issue creates a significant safety hazard beca... Read more

Incident date: Jan 20, 2026

My 2014 Ford Fusion caught fire on January 19, 2026, while parked and stationary inside my residential garage. The vehicle could not be shifted out of park during the incident. Emergency services responded, and an official fire department report was generated. I had owned the vehicle for less than one year and performed no mechanical, electrical, or aftermarket modifications. The vehicle had unde... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Feb 1, 2026

Vin # [XXX] Evap system hose-canister parts regulator valve. Check engine light stays on and this started in June 2025. Gorman McCracken Volkswagen Longview Texas diagnosed. February 1,2025 Low engine cool... Read more

Incident date: Jan 10, 2026

Purchased a brand new 2025 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Line on May 19, 2025. On or about December 20, 2025, my husband was driving (I was the passenger) in stop/start traffic when the engine shut off and the panel displayed “Put vehicle in Park or Neutral and Restart the Engine.” Since traffic was stopped, he put the vehicle in Park and restarted the engine. The vehicle started right up an... Read more

Incident date: Feb 19, 2026

Brakes were hard to engage or press when stopping due to Vacuum pump stop working. Had to replace the vacuum pump

Incident date: Dec 8, 2025

In April 2025 my vehicle had a recall (1: SC336 or 25V099), I brought it into a Kia dealership, they said it failed the test, and needed a new engine (i was without a vehicle for weeks, dealership said they did not have any loaners until after 14 days). They then call back weeks later saying the test was faulty, and i could have my car back. They said to keep an eye on it if there are any issues r... Read more

Incident date: Feb 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated with an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The Ford App indicated a timing failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact believed that the failure was associated with an undisclosed recall. The manufacturer was not not... Read more

Incident date: Feb 14, 2026

Truck shift irratically and engine revved high and engine oil too hot message came up. Truck started to shut down on highway at 65mph pulling trailer and side by side in traffic. Once stopped truck would not restart. Engine oil temp was pegged too hot. Had to have truck towed.

Incident date: Feb 4, 2026

"Vehicle is experiencing symptoms consistent with the 6.2L L87 engine bearing failure investigation (NHTSA Probe January 2026). Despite two repair attempts, the dealer claims 'operating as designed.' I have experienced persistent engine stumble,hesitation, erratic tachometer needle flutter and significant vibrations felt through the floorboard and seats during operation. These defects substantial... Read more

Incident date: Feb 19, 2026

I have noticed on more than one occasion the dashboard panel suddenly pops up these RED BRACKET LINES SHOWING AROUND VEHICLE OF COURSE AND BIG STOP FLASHING AND CAR SUDDENLY BRACES then back to normal scary ass f it happens randomly slow speeds between 35-40mph.

Incident date: Jan 9, 2026

The vehicle has suffered four (4) catastrophic engine failures due to "coolant intrusion" into the engine cylinders, a known defect in this model year. Despite the vehicle’s VIN showing that Ford Recall 17S09 (NHTSA 17V209) was previously "repaired" by a previous owner, the engine continues to overheat, crack the cylinder head, and fail. The cooling system and engine block are currently availabl... Read more

Incident date: Feb 21, 2026

All the lights on the dashboard went off when there was not any previously. With that issue the gas pedal was struggling to go over 20 mph, it was jolting when gas pedal is used.

Incident date: Jan 30, 2026

Vehicle began displaying check engine light. Diagnostic code P219B (Bank 2 air-fuel ratio imbalance) was identified. Vehicle was serviced and a valve-related repair was performed. Shortly after, engine performance worsened and further inspection revealed metal shavings in engine oil and confirmed internal lifter/valvetrain failure. Oil levels were normal and maintenance records are available. No ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 13, 2024

I have a 2017 hyundai sonata sport,it started using a lot of oil,one day I was driving and it just lost speed and the car just started jerking. I checked the spark plugs and oil had gotten on them. I changed the spark plugs,drove it for about 2 weeks and it did it again. I was constantly having to put oil it and changing the spark plugs every 2 weeks. The check engine light would come on every tim... Read more

Incident date: Feb 14, 2026

2019 jeep compass, 65k miles Car started having misfires while accelerating and decreasing speeds.It stayed pretty consistent at all speeds! Shortly after the car overheated and stated coolant temperature too high. Had it diagnosed and it was confirmed oil is mixing in with the coolant meaning blown head gasket and more than likely engine rebuild/new engine. All regular maintenance has ALWAYS been... Read more

Incident date: Feb 12, 2026

Check

Incident date: Jan 14, 2026

My 2025 Honda Odyssey features a standard Auto Idle Stop system designed to improve fuel efficiency by shutting off the engine when braking to a stop. While intended to restart upon releasing the brake, my 2025 models have reported issues with failing to restart or stalling.

Incident date: Feb 18, 2026

Incident date: Dec 31, 2025

I had my car in the shop for electrical problems. Place took it too couldnt fix the problem. When my cross patern snd blind spot light comes on makes me not have defrost or heat. . They replaced the heater module worked for 15 minutes then stopped working. Have a catalic converter error smoke error and also now misfire errors. Took to a shop they told me these errors probably my motor or head gask... Read more

Incident date: Dec 15, 2025

Early December I was driving and attempting to make a left-hand turn across traffic. I press the gas slowly in preparation to cross traffic. Once a car passed I pressed the gas to get across the traffic lanes before other cars got to me and when I pressed the gas, the car completely stopped moving. I sat there, pushing harder & pumping for what felt like forever, but was probably three to five se... Read more

Incident date: Feb 13, 2026

Per Mazda inspection, the back side of cylinder head #3 has an oil leak which is leaking onto the exhaust manifold. This creates a direct fire hazard as Mazda said they highly recommend not driving it for that reason. The Mazda dealership inspected and confirmed the issue, it in February 2026, with only 74,000 miles on the vehicle.

Incident date: Jan 7, 2026

Engine seized and won’t turn at all

Incident date: Feb 21, 2026

oil leak the oil leak has be too the dealer twice for repair each time they said it was fixed it has now has happend again for the third time in less than 306 miles could cause engine failure at highway speed and engine lockup at such speed first time it was found by dealer after third oil change approx. 15000 miles second 12000 miles later and now 306 miles latter with this time the leak was larg... Read more

Incident date: Nov 8, 2025

I am the original owner of a 2017 Honda Pilot and bought the car new. It has 142,549 miles and been well maintained and adult driven. The engine started making a knocking noise. I took the car to the Honda dealer and they told me the engine needs to be replaced. Needless to say, they told me it would cost around 10 thousand dollars and was not covered under warranty. I opened a case with Hon... Read more

Incident date: Sep 10, 2025

Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Summary: The turbocharger on my 2019 Audi Q5 failed prematurely. The initial check engine light and loss of performance began at approximately 48,000 miles, which is within Audi’s 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty. The condition progressively worsened and the vehicle became difficult to drive safely in traffic due to reduced power and hesitation durin... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2026

Engine issue crankshaft problem

Incident date: Feb 22, 2026

The vehicle shows a Driver Assistance System Warning randomly. Then the vehicle is unable to accelerate past ~30MPH. We almost got hit when this happened. The warning does not show up in notifications nor does it show up in diagnostics. It gets reverts back to normal when the vehicle is turned off then turned back on. It seems to reset.

Incident date: Oct 1, 2024

Recall 162 engine died no reason Hyundai refused to replace engine 2nd submission

Incident date: Feb 20, 2026

My 2024 grand jeep Cherokee 4xe was purchased brand new in 2025. Since then it was been in the shop on numerous occasions. Recalls with no remedies. The car lost power on the interstate with my child in the car. This is going to cause death or serious injury. This car needs to be purchased back by Jeep. I am paying on a loan for an undriveable car at no fault of my own. I was told by the car sales... Read more

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