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 22, 2026
My 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe RST Performance Edition equipped with the 6.2-liter V8 experienced a catastrophic engine failure at approximately 28,400 miles. The Tahoe was towed to an authorized Chevrolet dealership. The dealer confirmed an internal engine failure requiring complete engine replacement. The vehicle and failed engine are currently at the dealership in Lawrence, Kansas, and should be avai... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2026
I was driving on the highway speed limit 65, and all of the sudden it down shifted to first gear, jerking the truck almost to a complete stop, very scary and unsafe. I pulled over to recoup myself . It is now happening more frequently, wrench light on the dash . Not sure what I need to do , my truck is my life support for me and my family! Help me please! Thank you,
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
I was driving on a road around 30 mph when the engine cut off and shifted itself into park. No warning, no power, no movement. Car was dead in the road and I was unable to move it to the curb. I tried to press the drive button. Nothing. i pressed the starter button. Nothing. Parkway Honda said they could find nothing wrong other than replacing the battery. Car is brand new. Bought used at 6,000 mi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2026
I was driving to work. I noticed what I thought was some gravel dust behind me. I got to a stop light and my car started shaking. No engine or warning lights came on. I shut my car off and started it up again. It was still shaking. When I pulled away from the stop light, I notice there was white smoke coming out my tailpipe. I immediately pulled over and called the dealership I thought it from and... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2017) - ENGINE
Jul 29, 2026
Incident date: Nov 15, 2017
Drove home vehicle under 20,000 miles 2025, got to drove way parked and car stalled shaking amd stated steering power low, and shut off. Tried to re start it and did the same thing stalled shook amd shut off with the same warning. No previous issues
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
6.2 l just blew up per dealership
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
engine failure, i was driving home from work and i went to accelerate from 0 to 20 miles and the car hesitated and didn't want to move. I took the car to the dealer three days later and it was confirmed that i needed a new engine. I was told by the dealership i was outside of my warranty but i just found out that i was covered up to 120k miles. No lights came on at the time and there wasn't any pr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
While driving, the vehicle unexpectedly shut off without warning. The engine stalled while the vehicle was in motion, causing an immediate loss of acceleration and power. This created a serious safety hazard in traffic. The issue is consistent with the condition described in Safety Recall U01 for 2017 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles involving the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). However, this vehicle's... Read more
DODGE
CHARGER EV
(2025) - ENGINE
Jul 29, 2026
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
While driving, the vehicle unexpectedly shut off without warning. The engine stalled while the vehicle was in motion, causing an immediate loss of acceleration and power and creating a serious safety hazard in traffic. This vehicle previously received the Safety Recall U01 repair in January 2018, but the same engine stall condition has returned. The recall remedy does not appear to have permanentl... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2026
Ford issued 4 codes for campaign #26S28 (PCM recall). Numerous owners are being denied warranty/safety repairs due to “other codes” appearing after computer update. Same limp mode, same sudden downshifting and will cost us (and many others) thousands in repairs because Ford put out faulty repairs. We will be paying 1800 for 2 codes NOT included but for a part that is integrated with the lead ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
The engine stalled out while trying to pass someone. The car wouldn't go faster when hitting the gas and felt like I couldnt safely slow down to get back over. It felt like something slipped and lost traction, but roads were dry and not rocky or sandy. tapping breaks and letting off gas did nothing. it has happened before but usually in winter, and gettin up to speed. its like the gear shift got ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
I was with my mother in law coming home from shopping. Car jerked and went into limp mode. We pulled over and restart the car and we were still in limp mode. We could past 2k RPM. We pulled in to the autozone that was near by, had them check the code and we have p0369 which indicates a camshaft sensor. I notified the deal where I always get my service done and they couldn’t take in the Pilot. I ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
On XXX the vehicle lost motive power while my wife was accelerating to merge onto a highway with our two young children aboard. It would not accelerate and she was forced to pull over in an active merge area. Simultaneous warnings illuminated: Electronic Parking Brake, ESC, Forward Collision Avoidance, Blind Spot Detection, and hybrid system, with "Check Hybrid System" displayed. No crash or injur... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
At roughly 83,000 miles, my 2018 Honda Accord 1.5Lt experienced a major engine failure caused by a blown head gasket. At the time of the failure, I was driving on a major road. While accelerating, the vehicle had "bucked" forward, which triggered the engine light to flash at which time the vehicle had no longer responded to me pushing on the gas pedal. This caused a major safety issue as I then ha... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
Our engine failed with only 18k miles on it.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
Brake vacum pump experienced a catastrophic failure. I was unable to step on the break because the break pedal was hard. I ran thru a red light. I was told the brake vacume pump shattered & pieces of metal went into my engine
Incident date: May 23, 2026
Idle stop function error during waiting at red light. Engine failed to restart so i had to turned it off and restarted the engine at the traffic light. Happened twice already. Idle stop system is defective need to be recalled
Incident date: Jul 13, 2026
Turbo boost failed. shows recalls for this issue on 2018 and 2019 Buick Encores, but GMC states mine is not covered.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
My husband parked this car in my driveway at 8:15 pm. Our security cameras show a spark under the car at 8:35. By 8:42 the front half of the car was completely engulfed in flames. The front half of the car is totally burned.
Fire
Incident date: May 11, 2026
On two separate occasions, once in 2025 and again in July 2026, while pulling a travel trailer an emissions control fault in the EGR system caused the Cummins turbo diesel engine in the truck to lose power. At this reduced power, highway speeds could not be maintained, and even small hills were difficult to climb. This is a significant safety problem, and the dealerships could not provide a timely... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2026
I am the owner of a 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L equipped with the 2.0L Hurricane 4 Turbo engine. At approximately 3,500 miles, the vehicle experienced a spark plug failure/breakage. The vehicle was taken to Nyle Maxwell dealership in Austin, Texas, where a spark plug was found broken and was replaced under warranty on 5/15/2026 after a lengthy wait for the parts of 11 days. This same failure occur... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2026
CORRODED GROUNDING STRAP FAILED CYLINDER 5 GLOW PLUG CIRCUIT CRACKED AND SEPARATED EXHAUST BACKPRESSURE VALVE
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
I am submitting this report to notify the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of a safety‑related defect involving the BMW N20/N26 engine timing chain assembly. My vehicle experienced a sudden and complete engine failure at highway speed due to a timing chain malfunction. This failure occurred without warning and created an immediate safety hazard for my [XXX] son, who was driving at... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
i was driving my 2023 crv hybrid which is well maintained and has only 73200 miles i was only driving it for 10 min when the cylinder gas kit has blown out and vehicle went into limp mode and power has dropped luckily no one was behind and i pulled over.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
Excessive oil consumption. Oil tank empty at 3 oil changes. Car was stalling at stops. Oil was empty 5000 miles prior to next suggested oil change. No low oil indicator light alarm
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) - ENGINE
Jul 29, 2026
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
Got recalls notice but the local dealership in st george SC (family ford) told me they wont do the brake or fuel injector recall until i have issues so i guess until my car catches on fire with my kids in it then they will do something
HONDA
CR-V HYBRID
(2023) - ENGINE
Jul 29, 2026
Incident date: Jul 4, 2026
On July 3, 2026 the check engine light, check VSA warning and check emissions warning indicators all illuminated simultaneously and the vehicle began to misfire and sputter which triggered an immediate slow down of traffic behind me. My local Honda dealership acknowledged a known defect with 2013 - 2015 Pilots in which the piston rings deteriorate leading to cylinder misfires. After system diagno... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2026
Purchased new, Feb, 2020. Received piston ring defect recall notice (SC209). Serviced by dealer July, 2021. In 2025, noticed engine knocking noise. Car stalling out. No warning lights. Car 3 quarts low on oil. Consumption tests proved excessive oil used. Piston ring soak (Kia's "solution") did nothing to reduce oil use. After ring soak, oil still low at 1000 mile test. I stressed my beli... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
Wife was driving on the interstate when the vehicle revved up and then a loss of power. had to drive home while vehicle was popping and still loss of power. I took to an Independent Service Center, and they started a tune up with changing plugs. They checked vehicle and advised that it was possibly a lifter failure, but they couldn't fix it. I took to another independent service person and after a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The dealer is refusing to replace the engine under the previously completed Safety Recall Campaign SC147 (NHTSA Campaign 17V224000). The engine is currently exhibiting clear signs of connecting rod bearing failure—the exact mechanical hazard SC147 was issued to address. The dealership inspected the vehicle, confirmed internal engine failure, and verified that SC147 was completed on this VIN. How... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Coolant intrusion defect that affects other 4 cyl ecoboost Ford engines occurred on this regularly serviced per Ford recommendations vehicle as well. Engine failure at highway speeds could cause a severe accident as the engine can seize when coolant mixes with the oil. The vehicle has been inspected by a Ford dealership. The only warning sign that there was a problem was a coolant temperature thre... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE L
(2023) - ENGINE
Jul 29, 2026
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
Took my Aui Q7 in to AUDI of [XXX], on XXX for a very rough idle and surging at lights from the automatic oof/on system and the 10,000 initial service ( 8000 Mile) I was surprized when the service rep mentioned that it could be a broken motor mount as i thought it was more of a idle adjustment. They did find the driver side mount was broken and replaced it under warranty. Received the car back o... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
12 v battery has drained 3 times now
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
In December 2025, my check engine light came on. Diagnostic codes read P0128 (coolant thermostat) and U1467 (module communication). I took the vehicle to a mechanic, who diagnosed and repaired the issue. Shortly after, the check engine light returned, so the same mechanic replaced the ECM (plug and play). This repair did not resolve the check engine light. The mechanic recommended I take the vehic... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2025) - ENGINE
Jul 29, 2026
Incident date: Jun 11, 2025
About two months ago, I had to replace the camshaft on my vehicle. Then about 3 weeks ago while driving down the road I began to hear a grinding slap near the front right of the vehicle. Then the power died and the vehicle limped into a parking lot. After stopping for about 30 minutes, I was able to restart the vehicle and get it home. The same noise occurred the whole drive. I couldn't start it a... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
I am reporting a critical Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve failure on my 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. The failure resulted in an immediate loss of engine power, reduced vehicle performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and the vehicle entering limp mode while driving, creating a significant safety hazard in traffic. Diagnostic & Technical Details: Error Codes Captured: Diagnostic trouble codes i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
I am filing this complaint regarding a sudden and unexpected engine failure in my 2012 Kia Sorento LX equipped with the 2.4L Theta II engine. Vehicle Information: Year: 2012 Make/Model: Kia Sorento LX Engine: 2.4L Theta II VIN: [XXX] While driving, my vehicle experienced a sudden engine failure and lost power, leaving the vehicle inoperable. This occurred without warning. The vehicle received ro... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
This vehicle has now experienced three separate incidents of sudden loss of propulsion while traveling at highway speeds, requiring it to be towed to the dealership on all three occasions. Each incident involved the same dangerous defect, and after each repair I was assured, the vehicle had been repaired and was safe to operate. Despite those assurances, the identical defect has continued to recur... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2019) - ENGINE
Jul 29, 2026
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
Diagnosed 07/20/2026 with catastrophic oil ring failure requiring engine replacement. Engine can stall due to oil degradation/absence of causing uncontrolled vehicle handling and fire. This would put myself and others at risk. It has been diagnosed at dealership. Complaint Narrative: The subject vehicle is experiencing its third total engine failure due to an inherent manufacturing and design def... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the transmission upshifted as intended; however, the vehicle then suddenly downshifted to a lower gear. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the failure worsened and jolted the occupants inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2026
I was driving the vehicle yesterday, had no problems and then when making a right hand turn the vehicle completely locked up. The brakes and steering column locked and the vehicle completely shut done. The dashboard lit up and the windows still worked but there was not power to the engine. Attempted to JUMP the car, unsuccessful, ultimately called a AAA who used a battery box and the car started. ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2025
While traveling from [XXX] to [XXX] for vacation, I was in [XXX], and when I pulled off the interstate and came to a stop sign the vehicle quit. At first, I was unable to restart the Vehicle, but after sometime I got it started and was able to pull it off the road while the engine was making very loud clattering noise and the vehicle would not stay running. Prior to this there were no warning, lig... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
**1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?** The engine failed catastrophically and caught fire while I was driving. The vehicle was towed to the Kia dealership, where it remains available for inspection upon request. **2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?** The engine suddenly caught fire while I was driving, cre... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
Car cutoff. Started back up to get off interstate. Saw smoke under hood and got it. Within 5 min sparks under the frame and then 10-15 min later flames
Fire
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
ENGINE DIED!!,Had it towed to local dealer and was told I have L87 engine failure ,but the recall dosen't cover 2019 models. Service tech says it only covers 2021-2024 6.2 engines. Is there any action I can follow to be added to the recall. Thanks for your swift attention.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
Weber road auto service replaced the engine using county PRC and out-of-pocket funds, and the newly installed used engine has an active engine oil cooler leak, creating an immediate vehicle fire and sudden engine stalling hazard. Also there’s a leak at the ac compressor, condenser and coupler valves. This was discovered by Buckeye Auto Service. No repairs have been made as first shop keeps brush... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2026
Note: (never has any issues before ever as vehicle always maintained and taken directly to vw for maintenance.) /-/———————————————— I was driving: came to a stop: light turned Green proceeded to go through intersection YET VEHICLE. KT NOT MOVE! Put lever into park: turned off car and turned back on : put thr stick BACK INTO DRIVE - NOTHING HAPPENED I GUNNED it BY p... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
Cracked Engine Head- The vehicle is around 165,000 miles and the engine has cracked. No collisions or crashes or any fault of owner. At around 100,000 miles ALL four doors had the actuators stop working within 1 week. All doors now must be manually locked and unlocked.
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
The vehicle out of nowhere began to make a werid clacking noise (possibly the lifters so we thought) my husband immediately pulled off the freeway the car sputtered; The engine immediately SEIZED, BEGAN TO SMOKE, and CAUGHT FIRE.
Fire
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
Coolant leak into the cylinder causing engine failure and need to replace the engine, it is not possible to fix this, must replace engine.