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: Jun 3, 2026

2022 Silverado 1500 LTZ w/6.2L 38082 total miles. First engine replacement due to seizure at approx. 17,782 miles around June/2025, The vehicle lost all propulsion and stopped running while sitting at a stop sign at a four way intersection during a really bad thunderstorm, Luckily the intersection was on a declining hill and i was able to coast it into nearby parking lot .I'm a senior citizen wi... Read more

Incident date: May 21, 2026

I am filing a complaint regarding my 2021 GMC Yukon due to a serious engine failure involving the camshaft, lifters, and crankshaft. The vehicle began exhibiting engine ticking and knocking noises, rough idle, loss of power, and reduced performance. These symptoms progressively worsened and ultimately resulted in major engine damage. The vehicle was diagnosed with failed lifters and camshaft damag... Read more

Incident date: May 24, 2026

On November 20, 2025, my 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 equipped with the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine began experiencing intermittent engine overheating conditions. Concerned about a potential safety issue, I contacted a GMC dealership and was advised that because no diagnostic trouble codes were present, there was nothing to diagnose or repair and that I should continue driving the vehicle. Over the fol... Read more

Incident date: May 28, 2026

Engine mount replace required at 37000 per dealership service inspection. Informed that it is standard for this part to fail repeatedly during life of engine. Retail price of repair at dealership estimated at $3000, offered repair for $1200. Informed that a driving hazard and cause for more engine damage if not replaced.

Incident date: Apr 22, 2026

My 2016 GMC Terrain 2.4L Ecotec first stalled while idling at a red light in Raleigh, NC. I restarted it and it sounded different, so I drove it home. The next morning it would not start. The failure occurred at approximately 69,939 miles with no meaningful warning. The dealer’s diagnostic report states there were no current relevant codes and no relevant codes in history. The dealer documented... Read more

Incident date: Mar 4, 2026

On March 04, 2026, I took my 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe to the local dealer for oil change service. As part of that service visit, they performed Hyundai recall 9C1 which was supposed to lower tailpipe emissions. The next morning, and ever since, my vehicle ran differently. The engine had several 1000rpm surges and was sluggish at other times. This behavior has continued. Particularly when I first star... Read more

Incident date: Jun 5, 2026

Three recalls have now been issued across four years Post-fix engines are still failing for the new tundra Toyota is still issuing new part numbers and design revisions for 2026 The NHTSA filing explicitly references engine configuration as a pressure driver No complete remedy exists for the second recall as of today The probability this is purely a manufacturing debris issue is effectively zero a... Read more

Incident date: May 15, 2026

Coolant breach in engine block, Cylinder 3. Causing misfire and engine fault. TSB 22-2322

Incident date: May 4, 2026

I bought a brand new 2026 1500 GMC sierra AT4X and after 1,800 miles the engine seized and failed.

Incident date: Jan 12, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 20 MPH, the Check Engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle could not be restarted. The vehicle was pushed to the residence, then towed to a dealer, who stated that the failure was related to the act... Read more

Incident date: May 13, 2025

While merging onto the interstate my vehicle suffered sudden loss of motive power. All dash lights illuminated ,engine shut off instantly with no prior knock or warning.vehicle will not crank or restart.push button start activates accessories only .This matches TSB 22-EM-003H for connecting rod bearing seizure.No crash occured because I was able to coast to shoulder but loss of power steering/brak... Read more

Incident date: Jun 5, 2026

2023 Ford Bronco Sport purchased 2 years ago with only 1 minor recall. I’ve had to replace my water pump already and it’s had a fuel injector recall (amongst others) in place for over a year and FORD is unable to remedy due to not having parts. This could cause a fire in my engine and is a major safety risk. On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, yet ANOTHER recall, making that 14 TOTAL recalls on the 20... Read more

Incident date: Feb 3, 2026

My backup camera stopped functioning not too long after the warranty was expired. It began by not coming on sometimes and then it went completely out. The entire unit is no longer functioning which prevents me from being able to use my backup camera and that is a safety issue.

Incident date: May 29, 2026

Engine temp gauge bottoms out because the thermostat is stuck open, causing the air to stop working. Also a warning that the steering assist is reduced. Eng check light comes on with a code P0208. This a known problem with an extended service # (N242484760) but only if your vin is listed. All vehicles with this problem should be covered

Incident date: Jun 3, 2026

The car is available for inspection upon request. Safety was put at risk due to the cars potential to break down, or catch fire, due to high volumes of oil consumption and leakage from the piston rings. This was part of a recall campaign (#SC336 PISTON OIL RING), where we had two authorized Kia dealers inspect and claim the car "passed" their test. Recently, we had a catastrophic engine failure du... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2026

To Whom It May Concern: I am submitting this complaint to report ongoing safety concerns involving my 2013 Hyundai Sonata. I purchased this vehicle in 2022 through financing and paid it off in 2025. Since acquiring the vehicle, I have experienced persistent mechanical issues that I believe may pose a safety risk to myself, my child, and others on the road. The most concerning issue involves the... Read more

Incident date: Jun 3, 2026

I returned home from shopping at local store 15 miles away. Arrived home around 11:30pm on June 3. Unloaded groceries and sat down. Around 11:45pm-11:50pm heard yelling from outside that our car was on fire. My husband ran out and and seen flames coming from under hood of car. I called 911 and within a couple mins middle of hood was completely starting to melt and components were spraying fluid an... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

My vehicle is at the Genesis dealership with what they even consider a common problem. Road debris putting a hole in the unprotected Turbo Intercooler Radiator. This is a safety issue because the loss of power in the vehicle once you lose your turbo. The radiator is very unprotected down at the bottom of the front of the vehicle and Genesis needs to do something about this. This is going to co... Read more

Incident date: Aug 15, 2025

The engine light came on and started making noise. We drove it to a mechanic shop, and they said the code stated camshaft and other component issues, but the engine ended up failing completely and was rebuilt. We initially checked for recalls and our VIN did not show any; however, we recently became aware that our engine (6.2L) might be part of the ongoing current problems associated with a recall... Read more

Incident date: Jun 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2024 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the instrument cluster lights illuminated. The message “Emissions System Power Reduced – See Dealer” was displayed. An unknown transmission message was displayed. The engine was not working properly. The message "Pull Over and Turn off Vehicle" was displayed. The contact pulled over for 10 minutes, restarted ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 3, 2026

On June 3, 2026, my 2019 Ford Edge (2.0L EcoBoost) experienced a sudden loss of motive power and stalled in the middle of a busy, high-traffic intersection. Before stalling, the vehicle emitted thick white smoke from the exhaust. This was a life-threatening situation as I was stranded in moving traffic. The vehicle was towed to Mike Burkart Ford, where it was diagnosed with an internal EGR cooler ... Read more

Incident date: May 5, 2021

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The v... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

The 6.2 liter engine has been recalled. The problem is if you pass inspection you are now required to use a higher grade of oil. This results in an additional cost of about $50 per change. The reimbursement of the difference should have been covered by the recall as this was not an intended cost when I purchased the truck.

Incident date: Jun 4, 2026

My 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4L (VIN: [XXX]) is experiencing a severe safety defect involving rapid engine oil starvation. The vehicle recently failed an official oil consumption test conducted by Fred Beans Hyundai of Abington, where it was documented that the engine consumed 1 quart of oil in just 881 miles (PA Request #XXX). This vehicle is equipped with the Theta II engine, which currently has ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 4, 2026

Just seen notice that there is a recall notice about the engine and part of the front suspension, just wondering if it affects my vehicle.

Incident date: May 31, 2026

Total engine failure on 5/31/26. Truck lost engine power while on highway and had to be towed to dealership where they found the lower end of the engine failed. Engine and radiator replacement needed, both are backordered with no eta.

Incident date: Jun 5, 2026

I am filing a formal complaint against BMW Seattle for violating federal recall remedy mandates under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301. The vehicle was delivered for mandatory safety recall 23V-707 after an on-road mechanical shear of the covered VANOS bolts. The dealer has created illegal commercial barriers and failed to fully execute the federal remedy. First, the service department issued a written estim... Read more

Incident date: Jun 4, 2026

I am a full-time power wheelchair user with Multiple Sclerosis and rely on this 2024 Chrysler Pacifica wheelchair-accessible van as my primary means of transportation. Since purchase, the vehicle has repeatedly experienced dangerous loss-of-power events while being driven. Immediately before the failure occurs, warning beeps sound and multiple warning lights illuminate, including Check Engine, ET... Read more

Incident date: May 9, 2026

My car was in shop for Smog inspection and failed. Mechanic told me that the most likely reason was that the engine has issues related to failing crankshaft position sensor which triggered the check engine light. He further explained that the engine with this condition will have abnormal oil consumption. My experience is that is exactly what I wondered. No smoke in the exhaust, no oil leaks under ... Read more

Incident date: May 28, 2026

The engine head gasket prematurely failed at 90,000 miles with excellent service / maintenance history.

Incident date: Jun 2, 2026

Air compressor and compression failed engine diagnostic test. Vehicle had high oil and gas consumption.

Incident date: Jun 5, 2026

Oil Change and Check Engine Light continuously appear. Have gotten oil changes during the prescribed timings and still after being within the timeframe of the oil change the sensor appears. The car has stalled while driving due to this and have on multiple occasions have had to buy oil to add to the vehicle even after getting a oil change at a dealership.

Incident date: Apr 29, 2026

We have been documenting a oil leak on the timing chain cam shaft cover. When the motor heats up the engine seeps/leaks oil on the top of the side of engine. This has been documented for the past few months starting at 37,099 miles when we noticed it, date of first notice was on 4/29/2026. We have pic with time stamps and have taken it to dealership to inspect and have written many times of the is... Read more

Incident date: Jun 4, 2026

Component: Drivetrain, brake, and engine management systems repeatedly fail in a coordinated pattern, with multiple warning indicators activating simultaneously and sudden unintended deceleration occurring without warning. Vehicle available for inspection. Safety risk: Most recent failure occurred at highway speed with family including passengers in the vehicle. Without warning, the vehicle decele... Read more

Incident date: May 20, 2026

My wife was driving the vehicle when the emergency lights started going off. She had to pull over because the car wouldn't run and said it was overheated. All the maintenance has been done to the car. We took it to the dealership and they said it is a cracked head and it is a known issue. They even issued a extended warranty for it. It is TSB 01-002/23. There should be a recall on this not just a ... Read more

Incident date: May 12, 2026

I own a new 2026 KIA Sportage Hybrid VIN: [XXX] Odometer reading 1,200 miles On XXX while accelerating at freeway speeds the vehicle suddenly lost power and went into “reduced power mode” which slows the vehicle to a near stop. A Check engine light came on and two messages appeared. One message read:” Follow-up check required 1” and the other read: ”There may be a problem with the engine... Read more

Incident date: Oct 10, 2020

My 2020 CR-v hybrid has suddenly lost power on the freeway a total of 4 times in the 6 years I've owned it. It is always at freeway speeds. The flashing engine light appears and the car loses power. After pulling over, turning off the car, and waiting a few minutes, the car can be turned on and driven with no more flashing engine light and no more problems for months. Each time I've taken it t... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2025

-Engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the AIS function engaged. -This issue presents a significant safety hazard for my two small children and me. On multiple occasions, we have been unable to move due to severe traffic congestion, leaving us vulnerable to aggressive and hostile behavior from other drivers. The resulting situation is... Read more

Incident date: Sep 6, 2025

I had the car for just 2 years and it's giving me a lot of problems the car smells like gas it has a gas leak the breaks don't work and the electrical system don't work properly

Incident date: May 15, 2026

2005 Chrysler Pacifica was purchased from a friend’s grandfather who kept the car garaged the car is literally like new inside and out the under carriage looks like new no rust I was impressed but had a rattling in the front end I figured it was a strut took it in to have struts and all front end parts replaced to my surprise I get a call from the shop engine cradle and it bushings rusted out tr... Read more

Incident date: May 31, 2026

Purchased 2023 Nissan Rogue March 2026 drove for 3 months never was informed of a recall. On XXX would not start but it did after removing key from FOB then saw a little gray smoke shut the car down and XXX contacted Lugoff Nissan SC was told of recall and that engine was fully covered. Tuesday called again to inquire about progress none was done. Informed me they would not replace engine unless I... Read more

Incident date: May 28, 2026

My 2023 Dodge Charger SXT with approximately 26,000 miles has experienced multiple incidents where, while turning into traffic or accelerating from a stop, the vehicle loses the ability to continue driving and displays a message instructing me to shift into Park and then Drive. The electronic shifter becomes unresponsive, steering is affected, and I am left stranded in active traffic until I can r... Read more

Incident date: Jun 4, 2026

I am submitting this complaint regarding serious safety concerns with my Volvo vehicle that may affect the safety of my family, especially young children. 1. Second-Row Center Seat Integrated Booster Seat Belt Failure The integrated booster seat belt in the second-row center seat is not functioning properly. The seat belt mechanism appears defective and does not secure the child as intended. Thi... Read more

Incident date: Apr 21, 2026

Coolant was found to be leaking in cylinder number 4. The Ford dealer told us the vehicle needed a new engine with a repair cost of $8,000.00. It is not available for inspection, since it was auctioned off by the Ford dealer. My wife and children were stopped at a stop sign and the engine started to misfire. She was trying to turn onto a busy highway and it lacked power with no acceleration ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

Coolant intrusion into the engine, coolant flowing into the cylinders. Resulting in major dangerous stuttering, jerking, and dangerous loss of power in middle of freeway with fast moving traffic around vehicle. Ford KNOWN ISSUE!

Incident date: Jun 3, 2026

While driving the vehicle sensor lights began to come on. I assumed it was a dirty outside sensor. Not long after the ABS system lit up and my car said traction even though I was just pulling into my driveway. I quickly turned around and drove to my mechanic. Showed him all the lights and he connected the computer to read the error codes. Found out that my oil pump was the main cause of the issue.... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2025

Since 2024/2025 car has been malfunctioning, I’ve had it checked out but it just got worse and nothing was fixed l, it is I driveable and very unsafe. When driving it abruptly stops like it’s crashing Messages that pop up (Multiple ones at one time flashing as well) - service “ESC” -“service power steering drive with care” -“shift to park” -“low fuel” (but car has gas in ... Read more

Incident date: May 29, 2026

I have taken my vehicle or rather had my vehicle towed back to my dealership on three different occasions for repair of a Shift Cable Replacement I can have a very bad accident in my vehicle or lose my life or injure someone else the first time I didn't understand why my vehicle shutdown while I was driving on a very busy highway I was very upset, and I had to pray that none ran into me Lucky for... Read more

Incident date: Apr 23, 2026

Driving on the highway in Dallas, all of a sudden I didn’t have any acceleration. Foot all the way down on the pedal, barely holding 60mph on a 70mph highway. Service light came on and I got an alert on my phone. I had to carefully take side roads and take an hour to get home. It ended up being recall number 23S64. This recall has been in place since January 2024 and I have called multiple times... Read more

Incident date: Jan 29, 2026

I recently purchased a 2020 Hyundai Tucson with a Nu 2.0 GDI engine. Shortly after purchase the engine completely failed and requires full replacement. When taken to a Hyundai dealership, they pulled an internal STUI report showing A95 branding, meaning Hyundai had previously denied warranty coverage blaming the prior owner for outside influence. This A95 designation does not appear on any consume... 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