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.

2,245,377 Total Complaints

140,173 Reported Crashes

56,794 Reported Fires

8,580 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 2,245,377 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

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 169,480 complaints - component: ENGINE

Incident date: Sep 5, 2026

Vehicle has 43,000 miles and the radiator has failed. Engine light goes off and on about high engine temperature and limits acceleration. Lost acceleration on freeway and was forced to get off on the freeway shoulder. The temperature gauge jumps from normal to high. Engine was extremely hot and potentially a burn hazard when I opened the hood. I've researched Mazda CX-90 owner's online fo... Read more

Incident date: Aug 23, 2026

My vehicle has experienced repeated and unresolved electrical system failures and unexpected loss of power steering assist. The problem involves multiple warning lights, module communication faults, drivability issues, and simultaneous malfunctions affecting systems including power steering, traction control, transmission, four-wheel drive, and other electronic controls. Repair records, diagnostic... Read more

Incident date: Aug 31, 2026

Lifter failed due to AFM system. Cyl 8 misfire due to oil fouling. The onboard computer got confused and would not release the parking brake until repeated attemtps to release it. 5.3L V8 2020 model year 115250 miles. Isn't this the same problem as the 2021 and newer engines? 8spd transmission. AFM failure. $9k repair.

Incident date: May 31, 2022

P2101 Reduced Engine Power Idle instabilitystruggling to idle correctly, hunting/surging slightly, and possibly going into reduced-power protection mode. While driving engine reducing power, struggles then surges forward. Ive taken it to GMC however the techs say they have to experience the situation themselves and are unable to diagnose

Incident date: Sep 4, 2026

I have a 2025 Honda Passport with approximately 22,776 miles. Over the past several weeks, the vehicle has developed a progressively worsening starting problem that appears to be heat-related. After the vehicle is driven normally and reaches full operating temperature, then is shut off and allowed to sit for approximately 10 to 30 minutes, the engine will sometimes crank very slowly and sound as t... Read more

Incident date: Aug 25, 2026

I own a 2011 Kia Optima, VIN [XXX]. My vehicle was taken to Rockwall Kia on August 25, 2026, for completion of NHTSA Safety Recall 23V-652 / Kia SC284TF involving the HECU fuse. The dealership replaced the HECU multi-fuse and label kit. Before the recall repair, the vehicle was operating normally. The same day I picked the vehicle up after the recall repair, the vehicle began dying while I was dr... Read more

Incident date: Sep 7, 2026

My 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is subject to NHTSA Safety Recall 25V467 / Ford Recall 25S76, issued July 16, 2025. Ford states that a fuel injector may crack, resulting in fuel accumulating on top of the engine. Ford further states that liquid fuel or fuel vapor accumulating near hot engine or exhaust components may ignite and result in an under-hood fire, increasing the risk of injury. As of Septembe... Read more

Incident date: Aug 27, 2026

Auto Idle Stop malfunction-- it happened twice during my travel (1)[XXX] , around 7pm. The car stalled and failed to restart at a local street of Hasbrouck Heights, NJ after signal turned green; (2) [XXX] around noon. The same problem happened at a [XXX] of Goshen, NY when a semi track was behind me. I reported to NHTSA immediately after the 2nd incident, but I cannot find a confirmation number b... Read more

Incident date: Jul 8, 2026

After taking the car on a short drive: Pre-collision malfunction; parking brake malf; ICS malf; chk eng reduced power; secondary collision brake malf; rough idle and driving; sometimes won't accelerate (revs only); cruise control won't work; battery drained when off (12.5 v to 10.5 in one day; battery just under 3 years old); after replacing battery: OBD 2:P0302

Incident date: Sep 1, 2026

Coolant is leaking into the combustion chamber. Car can stall causing a major issue depending on speed and location. Yes, my mechanic has confirmed. Not inspected yet by manufacturer. Yes, check engine light has come on in the past and had the spark plugs replaced twice. This time they saw coolant in the combustion chamber.

Incident date: Sep 3, 2026

The engine failed in 2024, leaving me stalled on the side of a major highway. More recently, in August 2026, my vehicle began experiencing problems shifting into reverse. A warning message stating, “Selected Gear will engage at low speed,” would appear. I contacted my local Ford dealership, and they stated that the transmission fluid was in poor condition, although they were unable to reproduc... Read more

Incident date: Sep 6, 2026

As noted in my last report that I sent to you now my truck needs an engine because of a road knock. This is the second engine. It was changed in 2011 and I’ve been complaining about this and I wanted Chevy to do a pico test they refused to do it because they’re telling me it’s too old but the truck only 111842 miles on it As prior complaint coming back from Cape May, the truck stalled I toas... Read more

Incident date: Apr 22, 2026

Piston skirt extended warranty calls for replacement of the pistons. This does NOT fix the issue if the vehicle was driven long term with damaged pistons. In my case the vehicle started knocking 1000 miles after replacement. Unsafe to drive and I now how to pay for a new engine on my own.

Incident date: Aug 30, 2026

Acura TLX 2017, with only 112,000 miles. On [XXX], while the consumer was driving, the vehicle caught on fire. The consumer saw what appeared to be smoke coming from under the hood. The consumer stopped the vehicle immediately at a 4-way intersection, put it in park, and turned it off. The hood latch was open. When the consumer opened the hood, the engine compartment was on fire, and the car was e... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Oct 27, 2024

The vehicle has blown 3 motors in 3 years. I took felivery 3/17/23. The first engine blew at 8,000 miles on 10/27/24. The second one blew 8/29/25 The 3rd one blew 4/12/26 at 52,000 miles on the vehicle.

Incident date: Sep 6, 2026

The turbo lag in this vehicle creates an unsafe condition when trying to turn onto a busy road, street or highway. It’s inconsistent and in the heavy 3 row SUV completely unpredictable. Today my wife narrowly avoided an accident.

Incident date: Aug 11, 2026

Vehicle began to randomly shut off at low speed while moving, while stopped and also in park. Has not yet happened at high speeds. All occasions are at speeds of less than 5 mph, no MIL. Took to the dealership, diag of faulted aux battery. Battery replaced. Still very randomly will die in gear, at low to no speed, and also in park on occasion. Dealership update software of the BCM, PCM, and DCM. R... Read more

Incident date: Jul 28, 2026

ANOTHER WATER PUMP GONE BAD WELL BEFORE 150K MILES! OVER $2000 TO FIX!! I AM A BREAST CANCER PATIENT AND THIS IS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION. HOW THE HECK CAN IT BE OVER 2K FOR A WATER PUMP??? THAT IS JUST UNBELIEVABLE!! HOW CAN FORD BE WELL AWARE OF A KNOWN ISSUE YET, NOT STEP UP AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY! CARS ARE GOING UP, THE COST TO FIX THEM IS GOING UP, THE LEAST THESE COMPANIES CAN DO IS ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 6, 2026

My vehicle keeps throwing a code “check hybrid system” and slowing me down to 30mph, it will not accelerate. This is extremely dangerous. I can restart the car and it’s fine but this is a major safety issue considering it keeps happening

Incident date: Sep 2, 2026

I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2021 Jeep Compass Limited due to repeated coolant loss, overheating/high-temperature warnings, and eventual engine failure. The vehicle began losing coolant and required frequent refilling. The problem progressively worsened until coolant would immediately leak out underneath the vehicle when added. I paid approximately $1,400 to have the radiator repla... Read more

Incident date: May 26, 2026

Original 6.2L engine was replaced subsequent to NHTSA Report 11724274 from Catatrophic engine failure on January 31, 2026 at 25,274 miles. Original engine was manufactured on May 30, 2024, but Silverado HC was manufactured on June 9, 2024, so it was not captured in existing NHTSA Campaign 25V‑274 and subsequent GM 6.2L Recall and is not currently included in expanded factory 10/150,000 powertrai... Read more

Incident date: Aug 7, 2026

My engine failed from burning oil, even though the car has been maintained its whole life, 14 documented oil changes, roughly every 5,000 miles. • Jiffy-lube shop found the crankcase completely bone dry, only 4,344 miles after the last oil change. No reading on the dipstick. They added 6 quarts. Engine was knocking before and after. • No oil warning light ever came on, and no low-oil warning,... Read more

Incident date: Sep 6, 2026

This is a follow-up to my NHTSA complaint tracking #11742382, filed June 5, 2026, before my recall repair. I'm filing again because the repair is now complete and it has raised two new concerns: undocumented warranty coverage on the replacement engine, and an unresolved question about whether a second, broader recall applies to that replacement engine. 1. Recall repair completed. Under NHTSA Camp... Read more

Incident date: Sep 6, 2026

VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN WHILE IN IDLE AT STOP LIGHT

Incident date: Mar 29, 2026

Vehicle 2018 Jeep compass, 2.4 l tiger shark multi-air space safety defect summary, my vehicle is experiencing a severe recurring safety hazard causing unexpected vehicle stall and loss of power while driving at high speeds on the highway while operating normally the vehicle abruptly jerks and immediately forces itself into neutral or defensive lip mode leaving me unable to accelerate and placing ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 25, 2026

On 8/25/2026, my 2024 Cadillac Escalade with the 6.2L V8 suffered a sudden loss of propulsion at approximately 49,754 miles. While my husband was driving and preparing to enter the highway, the vehicle went into Neutral and lost propulsion. He heard a loud banging noise, the low-oil warning illuminated, and the check-engine light began flashing. I later looked in the Cadillac app and saw code P001... Read more

Incident date: Sep 4, 2026

Reported EMC control issue 12/25 turned out to be a recall of Trottle contol system . Dealership took vehicle and completed repair. September 26 issue occurred again . Very dangerous situations in both circumstances as the vehicle loses power and has no acceleration. September 2026 on a major 3 lane interstate vehicles traveling over 65mph Vehicle dead in left hand lane . PSP state police ca... Read more

Incident date: Sep 5, 2026

I am reporting a serious safety concern with my 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The vehicle has emitted an audible warning, the engine has shut off while the vehicle was still moving, and the D drive indicator began flashing and automatically switches to P park. When this occurs, the vehicle loses propulsion and I am only able to coast to a stop. I then have to manually place the vehicle in Park and r... Read more

Incident date: Aug 30, 2026

My vehicle runs hot after just five minutes and steam or smoke starts emitting from engine with a strange smell. It left me stranded on a narrow and busy highway where I felt unsafe

Incident date: Mar 6, 2026

I am filing this complaint regarding a catastrophic engine failure in my 2023 GMC Yukon Denali. I purchased the vehicle on January 30, 2026. Shortly after purchasing it, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic engine failure. The failure was severe enough that the engine had to be completely replaced. My vehicle was out of service for approximately 38 days as a result. This was not a minor mechanica... Read more

Incident date: Aug 21, 2026

The check-engine light first appeared at approximately 42,000 miles. I dropped the vehicle off at the dealership on August 22 and picked it up on September 1. Within TWO MILES of leaving the dealership, the check-engine light came right back on. The dealership initially diagnosed the problem as a lifter and wiring-harness failure. They later determined that the #7 oil-lifter solenoid had an inter... Read more

Incident date: Nov 22, 2023

My engine has been replaced twice already for total failure first time was in November 2023 and the second time was May 2026.

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

2024 Silverado 3.0 Rst turbo replacement, followed by engine replacement at 80K miles. Advised the dealership about the transmission at about 85k miles. At 103,000 miles the transmission failed. GM is denying any responbility. This is already a known issue yet GM keeps denying it. Major saftey issue from the beggining of the purchase. Every complaint has been noted by the dealership.

Incident date: Jun 26, 2026

Like many others, at 55k miles, our oil separator malfunctioned causing our oil pan to crack and dump every drop of oil. We had to replace the oil pan and fortunately our mechanic friend figured out it was the new pcv valve malfunction causing too much pressure in the engine. My wife was luckily pulling onto our property when the car essentially shut itself off. When searching for the valve I ne... Read more

Incident date: Dec 23, 2023

We purchased this 2014 Ford F-150 SuperCrew (3.5L EcoBoost) used on Dec 31, 2022. Just two days after taking it home, the vehicle began experiencing sudden, violent, uncommanded downshifts from 6th to 1st gear at highway speeds. This occurred throughout our ownership. Because this was our family's only form of transportation, we had no choice but to continue driving it under these terrifying condi... Read more

Incident date: Sep 5, 2026

Spray on liners of cylinder walls absorbing oil and allowing it to pass through

Incident date: Aug 14, 2026

I own a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 V8 5.3 liter which is at 46, 433 miles. Over the past few weeks I have noticed the transmission having difficulty shifting in first gear and lurching, and making shuddering noises, and as well making a constant ticking noise. After an experienced mechanic had put a diagnostic system onto my truck, his system diagnosed a Transmission Lifter Failure, specifically 2 out o... Read more

Incident date: Sep 3, 2026

I was notified my lifters in my 6.2 L V8 would need to be inspected for any defects. When I purchased my vehicle from Car Max here in Jackson, MS, I received a notification from the dashboard that the engine oil was low and to add oil. I turned around and took it back to the dealership as soon as possible. This happened on the first day of owner ship with in 5 minutes of driving off from the lot. ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2026

The head gasket failed at 89,000 miles. The engine gave P0305 Cylinder 5 misfire codes and would run rough causing difficult to drive in standard traffic flow. There are borescope pictures of coolant in cylinder 5. We stopped using the vehicle until the repair can be completed. This appear to be a WIDESPREAD problem for 2017-2019 Chrysler Pacifica which are numerous on the road and could be haza... Read more

Incident date: Aug 31, 2026

I am reporting a serious engine failure involving my 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The vehicle's engine was previously inspected by a Hyundai dealership as part of a Hyundai engine recall. I followed Hyundai's instructions and brought the vehicle to the dealership for the required inspection. I was informed that the engine passed the inspection, and an orange marking was placed on the oil dipstick. The Hy... Read more

Incident date: Jun 18, 1993

White foggy smoke from exhaust. Backing sensor or driving sensor are off when sensing environment. Car suspension not fully stable sorta drift to left or right.

Incident date: Sep 1, 2026

Car stalls when it shouldn't i.e. when stopped at traffic light Transmission Control Module (TCM) Software Issue

Incident date: Aug 30, 2026

REPEATED CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE / FAILED RECALL REMEDY. My 2022 Toyota Tundra suffered a complete engine seizure and sudden loss of motive power August 30, 2026, creating an immediate traffic hazard. This is the SECOND time this vehicle has experienced a catastrophic main bearing failure of its twin-turbo V6 engine. The original factory engine was replaced by an authorized Toyota dealership u... Read more

Incident date: Aug 29, 2026

On [XXX], while driving my brand new 2027 Kia Sportage Hybrid (purchased 5 days prior on [XXX]), the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic loss of propulsion. The vehicle flashed an emergency warning and dropped into a highly restricted "limp mode" while actively in traffic, creating an immediate life-threatening collision hazard.The vehicle was towed to an authorized Kia dealership on [XXX], 20... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2025

I am experiencing a serious and recurring safety issue involving the engine unexpectedly completely shutting off while the vehicle is being driven and separately, the engine intermittently failing to start after the vehicle has been parked. 1.The engine unexpectedly and spontaneously shuts off when the vehicle is stopped or slowing down, including at stop signs, traffic lights, and during traffic ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 17, 2026

Engine failed and was replaced at 38k. Transmission shudders, have been back to dealership multiple times for transmission shudder, have been told it was tires, torque converter, and valve body. When those items didn’t fix the issue, I was told it was the engine dfm and that it was normal and not a problem, AFTER they had already acknowledged the transmission issue by trying to fix it with a tor... Read more

Incident date: Sep 5, 2026

I bought the car about 2 days ago and while driving the car caught fire and I had to call my local fire department. I never hit anyone or did anything it just caught fire randomly.

Fire

Incident date: Sep 1, 2026

Vehicle dashboard lights up with multiple warnings, power loss/limp mode in traffic and while driving. Dealership said it’s a very common problem but Honda refuses to make a recall. Technician says it is most likely caused by faulty fuel pump which is already recall that caused damage to the injectors.

Incident date: Jul 20, 2026

Diesel fuel pump failed while driving on the road. I also own a 2014 328d BMW which was recalled earlier where the diesel fuel pump was replaced by the dealership. While driving on the road, the car unexpectedly turned off in traffic. I managed to get the vehicle off the road and called a tow truck. I contacted my local BMW dealer and informed me my 2017 328d is not under a recall like my 201... Read more

Incident date: Sep 4, 2026

Persistent lifter/valvetrain tapping noise, particularly around 1,500 RPM. 2022 Yukon 88,000 miles. Engine consumes more than 2 quarts of oil in between oil changes. Was told by dealer in the past that this was in normal range.

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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

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