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: Jul 18, 2026
On four different occasions the car starts flashing red saying to immediately put in park. We lose all control of the car, have to slowly coast to the side of the highway and turn the car off. When we turn it back on, drive again, it will happen shortly after. It has happened two different days about a month apart, two times each day. Our car has been at the dealership for two months and since the... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2026
The contact owned a 2014 BMW 328I. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle stalled after overheating the previous day. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the valvetronic system needed to be replaced; while the vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting repairs, the contact was notified t... Read more
Fire
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2023) - ENGINE
Jul 30, 2026
Incident date: Jul 25, 2026
The car at high revs at hard acceleration suddenly loses power, causing it to upshift and stop accelerating. Manufacturer said on heavy acceleration, that the intake pipe to the engine collapse upon heavy acceleration, as they are plastic and can compress and expand. They then re-attach when under less load. This is only common if accelerating hard.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
My engine has failed at less than 40,000 miles due to coolant leaking into the engine.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
The torque converter on my 2019 Nissan Titan PRO-4X failed at approximately 60,000 miles. Symptoms began as cold-start shudder lasting several minutes, progressing to pronounced shudder under light throttle acceleration between 25–50 MPH, erratic shifting at the 3-4 and 4-5 gear transitions, and TCC (torque converter clutch) slip. These symptoms created unpredictable drivetrain behavior at highw... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that on March 13, 2026, the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine); however; the spark plugs were not replaced when the vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a misfire in the engine associated with the spark plug. The dealer stated that the failure was not associate... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
My car began to not turn on. Took it to the dealership, was told it was the turbocharge being loose. They saw coolant leaking. Paid for the fix. Few days later, car lost power and entered lint mode. Took it back and with simple camera work they check the gasket was leaking. Told that since the turbo before wasn’t working as intended, the gasket became thin. Repairs are above 6k, had no warning l... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2026) - ENGINE
Jul 30, 2026
Incident date: May 18, 2026
My vehicle got the "knock" trouble code for a faulty crankshaft. This is a widely spread, well documented engine default in the 2016 honda pilot. There are many other pilots that have a recall but mine does not. This doesnt make sense to me. I have not been able to drive this vehicle for two years because of this problem. There is nothing else wrong with this vehicle. It honestly looks brand new.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
I haven’t even owned my truck for2years
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
My 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is subject to Hyundai Recall 162 / NHTSA Recall 17V-226, concerning premature connecting-rod-bearing wear that can cause engine knocking, engine failure, and loss of motive power. My vehicle developed engine knocking and a flashing check-engine light while I was driving. The vehicle is now at an authorized Hyundai dealership. Hyundai initially denied an engine repl... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
As I was driving down road car began to lose power, check engine light came on and car went into limp mode. Car was towed to nearest repair shop where analysis was made. I was advised to take to dealership for repair. Advised that there was a service campaign issued by the manufacturer on GLB class with M260 motors. See attached report. Took car to MB dealer and informed that an update to the ECU ... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2013) - ENGINE
Jul 30, 2026
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
I bought my car in April, it is now July. My SUV has been in the shop twice for engine failures. My car will die while I’m driving, and will not restart. The check engine light, oil light and battery light come on. The brake locks up and I am unable to restart until after anywhere from 5-20 minutes. It has happened a total of 7 times, the first time being one week after purchase. I have been tra... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle with the engine warning light illuminated. The contact used a diagnostic machine to retrieve DTC: P0136, P0172 system, to the rich bank, and P1326 control module which indicated that the knock sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, and the contact was in... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
*Brake system failure, complete shut down of vehicle. *Vehicle unable to start. *Vehicle was taken directly to Peoria Ford ( 9130 W Bell Rd, Peoria, AZ 85382) via tow truck on XXX Confirmed when dropped off of brake system failure and vehicle not functioning. *Vehicle was inspected on XXX which we were originally told it was the battery. Although the vehicle was in for trailer software recall on ... Read more
FOREST RIVER
WILDWOOD
(2025) - ENGINE
Jul 30, 2026
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start while attempting to start it. There were no warning lights illuminated. A tow truck company successfully jump-started the vehicle, and the vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact returned to retrieve the vehicle, and the key fob failed to operate, a... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the transmission was slipping and there was a delay while the transmission was shifting gears. The vehicle was sputtering and jerking while driving. While turning out of a driveway and driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
While traveling at highway speeds, my 2017 GMC Yukon SLE suffered a sudden, catastrophic Active Fuel Management (AFM) valvetrain lifter and camshaft collapse. This caused an immediate and highly dangerous loss of vehicle propulsion in live moving traffic on I-95, creating an extreme physical safety hazard for my family. General Motors has extensive, documented internal corporate knowledge of this ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2023) - ENGINE
Jul 30, 2026
Incident date: Jul 15, 2026
The contact owned a 2007 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, there was an area where the pavement was incomplete and caused the vehicle to go off-road and into the woods, and the vehicle crashed into the trees, where it came to a stop. The ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was deemed a total loss. The steering wh... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
I have needed to replace my spark plugs multiple times because of an issue where, apparently when in eco mode, the pistons in the third cylinder flood with oil that causes the spark plugs to misfire. I was informed this is an issue common to Honda Odysseys on or about May 19th, when I was experiencing a misfiring engine and brought it to AAA Reynoldsburg on E Broad Street in Reynoldsburg, OH. Hond... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the fuel pump and fuel pump control module. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V013000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recal... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
Error code P052E71 on a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC means the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Regulator Valve Performance has a malfunction, specifically that the partial-load ventilation valve actuator is blocked. By research, i found that this is a very common problem on those engines, and no recalls from the company to fix their fault.
Incident date: Jul 19, 2026
My 2023 Tahoe HC 6.2L VIN Passed the Catastrophic Engine Safety Recall stating my Engine was SAFE. The dealership performed a change in oil velocity per GM's directives. Then the engine seized upon accelerating. No warnings, just dead, yet able to coast through a large intersection on a -20F day where NOTHING worked on the vehicle. Even though the engine would not turn over when hitting the S... Read more
DEXTERO
TOURING DTR1
(9999) - ENGINE
Jul 30, 2026
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
I was at a red light, I went to drive as the light turned green and my car stopped and wouldn’t drive, I could go into neutral to get out of way but anything the car would stop. There is no codes or lights turned on my dash though.
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
Cylinder #2 misfire code repeatedly appearing even after changing spark plug and ignition coil. Took to the Ford dealer and it was determined it is an issue of coolant leakage in cylinder number 2. Ford dealer has diagnosed and performing engine replacement. Seems like this is a known problem that Ford refuses to issue an actual recall for and instead puts onto the customer.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally, and the engine was making abnormal sounds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and an oil change was performed as associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V727000 (Engine); however, the... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
The check-engine light came on my 2nd day of ownership (less than 100 miles driven by me, but 2032 miles on it when purchased new - RV conversion from Entegra Coach through LaMesa RV), on October 5, 2025. After diagnosis at a Ram dealership (Larry Miller Dodge Ram in Tucson AZ), they identified the code was misfire on cylinder 6, which caused low compression, with a root cause of the intake valve... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
The vehicle experienced a catastrophic internal engine failure caused by connecting rod bearing failure. Prior to the failure, the engine developed abnormal internal knocking/noise, indicating bearing deterioration. The engine is currently available for inspection. While traveling approximately 55 mph on [XXX], the check engine warning light illuminated. Within about one mile, the engine rapidly ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the lights on the instrument panel became dark and the vehicle stalled. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken back to the residence; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was appro... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
I was practicing backing up while turning my new approximately 3,000 lb equipment trailer for safety & maneuvering skill purposes. There was no payload in my trailer that I was towing. While slowly maneuvering & turning my equipment trailer in reverse at 1–3 mph, our 2023 Ford F-150 XLT suffered a commanded, abrupt, unexpected sudden acceleration while in reverse, which was not via the gas pe... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
I am submitting this complaint because I believe my Volvo electric vehicle has a serious and recurring safety-related defect that has not been permanently repaired despite multiple repair attempts. Since purchasing the vehicle new, it has repeatedly failed to operate as intended, left me stranded multiple times, and continues to display warning messages while driving. I purchased the vehicle new ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
Engine lifter failure and bent push rod
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
The engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at traffic light, following the release the brake pedal (Auto Start - Stop). The vehicle will turn off in Drive while idling at the traffic intersection stopped for traffic light. This is a safety concern, that the safety sensor allowing for the vehicle to turn off while vehicle is in drive, could this also happen while driving.
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
Car caught fire in engine, near transmission
Fire
Incident date: May 5, 2026
Our 2019 Ford Escape began shaking upon starting the vehicle. We took it in for diagnostics to the Ford Dealership. This car has less than 40k miles on it after 7 years of ownership. We were told we would need to completely replace the engine due to a coolant leak. Upon further research, a recall for our exact make and model was identified that described the exact same issue that was identifi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2007 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while his son was in the driveway about to drive off, the vehicle started smoking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V088000 (Electrical System, Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact would replace the parts. The contact stated that the manufacturer was delaying the... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
While driving on the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost power and would not accelerate beyond approximately 60 mph. This created a safety risk because I could not maintain normal highway traffic speed. I brought the vehicle to an authorized dealership, where a recall repair was performed. However, the same loss-of-power issue occurred again. After further inspection, the dealership informed me th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
Driving on the interstate at high speed, when check engine light comes on, warning message - Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off - and red turtle warning indicator (limp mode). After a short time, vehicle will no longer accelerate. I pulled over to the shoulder, stopped and shut off engine. Restarted after a few minutes and everything appeared to work fine, with check engine light on. About 15 m... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
WATER PUMP, THERMOSTAT, COOLANT TEMP SENSORS, HEATER CORE VEHICLE OVER HEATS CAUSING VEHICLE TO SMOKE AND MAKE LOUD NOISE. AFTER FIXING, VEHICLE STILL CAUSE CHECK ENGINE TO COME AND VEHICLE IS SLUGGISH NOT WANTING TO SHIFT GEARS. INDEPENT SERVICE CENTER. CHECK ENGINE NO PREVIOUS WARNING.
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
2021 Harley Davidson Sierra 4WD, 6.2L L87. Started the truck in the morning and immediately heard intermittent, very loud banging noise coming from engine. Shut truck down quickly and had it towed to dealer. Diagnosis was bent pushrods & failed lifters which were replaced under warranty. Factory warranty expired only 4 months after this failure, and the recall does not include my VIN so I did not... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2024
"My 2025 Mazda CX-50 began overheating while still under the factory warranty. During one incident, the engine lost coolant and overheated. I immediately shut the engine off to prevent damage. The vehicle continues to overheat, and the air conditioning only cools properly while the vehicle is moving. When stopped or idling, the A/C stops cooling. I have reported the issue to my Mazda dealer and op... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
The vehicle randomly stalls and shuts down. This can happen while pulling out in traffic. It has happened 5 times or more.
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2026) - ENGINE
Jul 30, 2026
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
On or around XXX a my 2021 Silverado started making a rattling sound from the engine. The truck began to stall and the engine shut off three times while driving. I attached scanner the next day and the track showed P00011 and P00016 codes. Those codes are for the Camshaft Sensor and the Crankshaft Sensor. I went online and did research about the two codes and discovered there had been a couple re... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2026
Vehicle engine caught fire in April 2026! Tow company sold for parts without my permission! Immediately after gaining possession of my car. I didn't have comprehensive insurance, only basic. I had a brain bleed stroke Nov. 2022 and this is causing stress, setbacks. No attorneys want to take the case because there was no injuries! I jumped out in time. THANK GOD!
Fire
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
I was driving to work on a normal day under normal circumstances when a check engine light won my dashboard. Seconds later my car started showing car is over heating. I immediately swayed from the speed lane to the side of the road almost getting into a crash as other vehicles were at full speeds behind me. I immediately called dealership and made an appointment. My vehicle experienced a prem... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
I am reporting a catastrophic engine failure and engine-compartment fire involving my 2017 Lincoln MKZ Select, equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle had approximately 99,864 miles when the final failure occurred. Shortly after I purchased the vehicle, the original engine developed severe overheating, loss of cabin heat, white exhaust smoke, misfiring, and coolant intrusion.... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
Subject: Vehicle Safety Incident Report – Fuel Pump Disconnection and Oil Leak To: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Date: July 27, 2026 I am submitting this report to detail a recent vehicle malfunction that posed significant risks to my safety and that of others on the road. While driving to work, I experienced a situation where my vehicle was unable to shift gears properly or... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2026
I am reporting what I believe is a design defect involving the Secondary Air Injection (SAI) System on my 2014 Toyota 4Runner. My vehicle illuminated the Check Engine Light and stored Diagnostic Trouble Code P2440 (Secondary Air Injection System Switching Valve Stuck Open). During my inspection, I found that the factory-installed foam air pump filter had completely deteriorated and was missing. T... Read more
HOLIDAY RAMBLER
INVICTA
(2026) - ENGINE
Jul 29, 2026
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
I first experienced an engine misfire in February 2025. The vehicle had a P0301 misfire code, and at the time I was unaware of Honda’s extended warranty related to this issue. We had a trusted mechanic friend inspect the vehicle and replace the spark plugs and ignition coils. He noted that there was significant carbon buildup. After those repairs, the vehicle appeared to run normally, and we bel... Read more
HOLIDAY RAMBLER
INVICTA
(2026) - ENGINE
Jul 29, 2026
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
Vehicle suddenly slipped into limp mode. Vehicle was then immediately taken to have code read. Code came back P1326. Was advised due to previous recall campaign(s) to contact Hyundai of America for guidance. Was told that vehicle needed to be confirmed per the BCT at any Hyundai dealership to which the agent scheduled the appointment myself and that i should get the other 4 recalls fixed as well. ... Read more
HOLIDAY RAMBLER
INVICTA
(2026) - ENGINE
Jul 29, 2026
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
At 110644 miles had to have head gasket replaced June 2023. Then July 17 had to have head gasket replaced again at 182782 Very upsetting