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: Jul 16, 2026

I have a 2012 MDX and it burns an extreme amount of oil. We took our MDX back to the dealership where we purchased it and had the oil issue fixed. Or so we thought. The problem was supposed to be fixed 3 months ago but the car is still burning a lot of oil. We have to add oil every 2 weeks. We did not drive the car much after "getting the oil issue repaired" so we did not realize that the probl... Read more

Incident date: Jul 14, 2026

On XXX and XXX, while driving on the highway, the vehicle suffered a sudden, complete loss of motive power. Flashing warning lights appeared on the instrument cluster, accompanied by a safety warning message instructing the driver to pull over and "Check Hybrid System" immediately. This sudden, uncommanded drop in propulsion on active, high-speed roadways created an immediate safety hazard, for... Read more

Incident date: Jul 10, 2026

Connecting rod bearing noise in engine Engine has been serviced regularly Afraid engine will lock up while driving

Incident date: Jul 2, 2026

I have a coolant intrusion into my engine. It is a well known issue among the 2017-2019 ford escape 1.5L ecoboost engines. ford is refusing to assist me with financial assistance because it has fallen outside of their customer satisfaction program 21N12. they are punishing me for their faulty engine because i took care of my vehicle and it lasted longer than their program terms. i took it into a f... Read more

Incident date: May 8, 2023

2017 Ford Escape SE. 77,000 miles. Blown head gasket due to coolant leak that ford was aware of in letter TSV19-2139 but no recall. Cylinder 2 misfire code even after tune up. Today catastrophic overheating with no warning and car went into limp mode at the intersection of Hull Street and Southshore Dr. Midlothian Va 23112. I reached out to local ford dealer and to Ford Consumer affairs but they a... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2026

Breaks went out

Incident date: Jul 16, 2026

Breaks went out

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

The vehicle is a 2020 Honda Odyssey. A recurring and dangerous safety failure occurs involving the Auto Idle-Stop system. With the system enabled and the vehicle at a complete stop, the engine shuts off as designed. However, upon depressing the brake pedal to resume driving, the engine severely struggles to restart and completely fails. Simultaneously, the vehicle immediately and automatically shi... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2025

When accelerating from first to second gear, there is a power boost into second gear whether I want the power or not. Example: if I am turning I am not accelerating but my engine will continue to go up in rpm’s and make me go into second gear. Dangerous

Incident date: Jul 7, 2026

- Rod #4 failure of unknown cause, although there is speculation that current failure may be related to a major repair in oil system a year ago. - My safety along with my unborn child’s, husband’s and brother in law’s were all at risk. Another driver had to take evasive action to avoid hitting us in an active fast lane on I-70 going between 65-70 mph. There was no shoulder available to pull ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 16, 2026

On April 17, 2026, while driving my 2022 Hyundai Palisade with approximately 167,000 miles, the vehicle suddenly lost engine power and was unable to maintain normal driving speed. The sudden loss of propulsion created a safety risk because the vehicle could no longer operate normally in traffic. I was able to move the vehicle out of traffic, but it would not restart. I also observed white smoke co... Read more

Incident date: Jul 11, 2026

I am filing this complaint regarding my 2021 Kia Sorento, which has suffered a serious transmission failure. The vehicle is displaying diagnostic code P0741, indicating a torque converter clutch malfunction. The transmission slips, shifts harshly, hesitates during acceleration, loses power unexpectedly, and has become unsafe to drive. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.This defec... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

On four separate occasions while driving anywhere from 35 to 55 mph the engine light begins to flash and I lose all power. I am given just enough time to pull to the side of the road. I turn off the engine, wait a few minutes, and turn the engine back on, which seems to remedy the problem. At that point, I am able to drive off like nothing happened. I am on a CRV forum and I’m seeing more and m... Read more

Incident date: Apr 16, 2026

On or about XXX, my 2021 Acura RDX, with approximately 121,078 miles, suddenly displayed multiple dashboard warning lights and system-failure messages while I was driving. These included the check-engine light, Road Departure Mitigation System Problem, steering, stability-control, braking-assistance and other driver-assistance warnings. Earlier, the tire-pressure monitoring system had also indicat... Read more

Incident date: May 4, 2026

Over the past 6/7 months, the following: ALL warning lights on dashboard flashing whenever car in running, strong smell of gasoline detected in home garage, and 5/6 times during the past 4/5 weeks engine "rough" when starting cold accompanied by loss of power. The lack of effective warning notices and/or the sudden loss of power increases the risk of crash and injury. I understand that these ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2026

I was shocked by the failure of the oil pump on my 2019 BMW X5. Furthermore, through my research and discussions within the BMW community, it is evident that this specific oil pump associated with 2019 engine component has a documented history of premature failure and known defects (plastic). Given that this is a known vulnerability rather than standard wear-and-tear, I do not believe that I shoul... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2026

this recall has been in effect for nearly 1 year & puts my car @ risk but also doesn't allow me to charge beyond 80%, greatly effecting fuel efficiency. Ford has failed to address the issue in a timely manner or offered any compensation for my additional fuel consumption or offered a realistic deadline for repair

Incident date: Jul 15, 2026

XXX my Tiguan was serviced at Byers VW and received the recommended 80k maintenance. During this recommended service my vehicle passed the multi-point inspection except tires and brakes. On XXX I contacted your service department because as I was driving to [XXX] my check oil level came on. An appointment was scheduled for Tuesday. After the inspection was completed Tuesday it was determined th... Read more

Incident date: Jul 14, 2026

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?Multiple components across four separate manufacturer safety recalls: (1) the high-voltage battery (Recall 68C), currently being replaced by the dealer; (2) the Hybrid Control Processor / drive system (Recall A7C); (3) the electric hydraulic power steering pump (Recall 21D); and (4) the 2.0L engine (R... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

While driving my 2018 Toyota Highlander Limited, the check engine light began flashing off and on. I was near an exit and drove off the freeway. I could feel the car (near the gas pedal) start shaking, then the power went down quickly... as I was trying to find a safe place to go. The farther I drove, there was less power until the car was going about 2 miles an hour. The check light continued fla... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2026

Engine burned oil and had knocking sound, despite having regular oil changes. Stalked out while driving took to dealer initial said it was covered by the exerted coverage but ultimately denied. It had 111,000 miles on it. I believe this engine has the same issues as the others.

Incident date: May 15, 2024

Constant jerking and shuttering when accelerating/shifting gears. Oil consumption done last year as dealership thought it was engine related. Engine replaced. Problem continues. Fuel in MAP sensor. Continued shuttering at acceleration, shuttering at parked idle, shuttering at braking idle, engine stalls at red lights but car stays on. When car is started, exhaust is pushing out gusts of strong fue... Read more

Incident date: Sep 20, 2025

The vehicle suffered a sudden, severe loss of power while driving, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly. This created an immediate hazard to myself and other motorists on the road, as I was forced to navigate a dead vehicle out of active traffic without power steering or power braking assist. Prior to the total failure, the engine exhibited severe mechanical knocking, loss of acceleration, and... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2026

Engine seized up just after completing a pass on 2 lane road with oncoming traffic approaching Truck started shaking, warning lights illuminated and I lost all ability to accelerate. I was only able to crest a slight incline and safely get to the shoulder of the road due to momentum gained during passing. Toyota states hybrid models have locomotive ability after engine seizing, this is clearly n... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2025

On Sunday, July 12, 2026, the 6.2L V8 (L87) engine in my 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 seized and locked up completely, resulting in total loss of propulsion. I was driving at 65 MPH when it felt like the transmission was slipping and I lost power and coasted the truck to the side of the road. COMPONENT: Engine (6.2L V8, RPO L87) — connecting rod/crankshaft failure consistent with Safety Re... Read more

Incident date: Jul 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 to 60 MPH, the emission warning light illuminated. The contact was concerned about the vehicle stalling while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel injector, torque converter, and front and rear catalytic converters needed to be replaced. The... Read more

Incident date: Mar 15, 2026

We have dropped off our vehicle in January of 2026 for an engine recall with Toyota. We are about to go into the 8th month of no repair. We have a Toyota Brand Engagement Center Case number 260615000517. Still no engine ID'd by corporate nor any updates towards eta. We have a loaner, but our truck is sitting with brand new tires and loosing value daily.

Incident date: Jul 13, 2026

I've had consistent issues with the vehicle accelerating and shifting. These include sluggish acceleration, loss of power and sputtering when we've come to a complete stop and starting to move again. We've almost been hit by other vehicles at least over 20 times because the vehicle has failed to accelerate when pulling into a roadway. The car hesitates during acceleration regardless of how much I... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2026

Vehicle has 22000 miles and has a major/excessive oil consumption and engine failure. Exhaust camshaft (broken pin) Exhaust CVVT (broken pin) These components breaking caused the vehicle to stall and completely shut the vehicle down while driving 70 MPH on the freeway. The vehicle was inspected by a Kia certified mechanic and mentioned this is a well known concern. The only indicator that there wa... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the low oil pressure message was displayed. The engine oil cooler line had detached, and oil was leaking from the vehicle, causing the engine to seize. The contact associated the failure with General Motors Customer Satisfaction Program: N212326940. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnos... Read more

Incident date: Jun 5, 2026

Ford only showed one code P0403 tuneup with a written statement I asked for wanting 15k for a new engine and verbal;y stating I need a whole new engine. The 2019 Ford escape began to smoke heavily while driving. I put over had the car towed to Ford dealer in sandy springs. As Ford is stating that this car needs a new engine the old recall existed from years ago has expired on the VIN number 2022. ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 5, 2026

On XXX I started on a 3 hour trip with my daughter in the truck. My vehicle lost power and started knocking in the engine compartment. We were going over a very big Bridge([XXX]) from [XXX] to [XXX]. I had to coast off the highway and made it to a park. Truck would not restart and would not go into neutral. Waited 5 hours for AAA and was drug onto the flat bed truck because it would not go into ne... Read more

Incident date: Jul 14, 2023

Blown Head Gasket. This caused major cost in repairs and going without a vehicle, This was a known failure issue with Honda 2020 Accord Sport. I have requested a "goodwill claim" with my nearest Honda dealer and not have gotten a phone call nor email. I have all my repair documents and a well maintenance log on my vehicle. With this being a known issue, it should be covered in the lifetime warrant... Read more

Incident date: May 30, 2026

While coming down McClure pass in Colorado my brakes failed. The the car went to engine power reduced mode. After getting the car to an independent mechanic I was told that the vacuum pump failed and exploded the parts into the camshaft. After 2 days of repairs I was finally able to get my car back to working order. This could have been a fatal car accident coming down a mountain pass. I was able ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 14, 2026

Engine only stalls out when stopped on roadway while driving. Vehicle also does not start up after it has been driven and is parked. It takes 10 minutes or longer to get the vehicle to start again. Check engine light comes on every time when these two situations happen, which it happens periodically. Sometimes it's 2-3 times a day, sometimes, once every two days. Once it starts back up the en... Read more

Incident date: Jul 6, 2026

I noticed a loud rattle when starting my 2018 Ford Expedition, at first occasionally and then on every cold start. The Ford Dealer's service department diagnosed a cam phaser issue. There were no warning lights or messages available to me, but the service department's diagnosis showed several timing faults. I was told the cam phaser repair is $4000 - $5000 and continued use puts the engine and tra... Read more

Incident date: Jun 10, 2026

Intermittent stalling in various conditions including idling, highway driving and city driving.

Incident date: Aug 31, 2025

A strong exhaust smell comes through the cabin during acceleration at speeds higher than 35 mph. Worries us for possible co2 exposure coming through if exhaust smell can come through. But ford dealership has said it passes the recall standards. Still uneasy

Incident date: Jun 12, 2026

THE ENGINE STARTED RUNNING RUFF, AND STALLING AND WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM EXAUST LIKE IT EITHER A BLOWN HEAD GASKET OR A CRACK IN THE BLOCK. I CHECKED FOR OTHER CARS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND IT SEEMS TO BE THE SAME ISSUE. THIS SEEMS LIKE THIS WOULD BE A SAFTEY ISSUE WITH THE ENGINE STOPPING ON THE ROAD,

Incident date: Mar 25, 2026

The Coolant Control Valve (DTC Code P1098) is failing and only certain trucks are covered under GMs special coverage, being as this is a common issues why aren't all the trucks covered

Incident date: Jul 15, 2025

We're in the waiting period for our 3rd engine. 1st engine failure, while driving on interstate at 70+ MPH, engine stopped running, causing a very unsafe condition for family and surrounding vehicles. Engine failure 2 days later, towed to dealership for inspection, replacement engine was installed ~4 weeks later. 2nd engine failure, while driving on interstate at 75+ MPH, engine seemed underpower... Read more

Incident date: Jul 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that there was a misfire in the engine. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a cas... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2026

Component: Air Conditioning – A/C Hose Assembly / Refrigerant Discharge Line The air conditioning refrigerant discharge line (A/C hose assembly) appears to have been improperly designed and/or installed during manufacturing. The rubber A/C hose was routed in a manner that caused it to rest against or press against the side of the engine. Over time, the engine heat and constant contact burned a ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2026

We were driving on the highway when the Trax suddenly made a popping sound, all the electric went off, and then the engine cut off. We lost control of steering for a bit, we're able to get to the side of the road. We had the car towed to the local Chevrolet dealer for diagnostics. The service manager informed me the engine is unrepairable due to a hole in the engine block, likely where the engine... Read more

Incident date: Jun 3, 2026

At 112,000 miles, the engine in my 2024 Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid (2.0L Atkinson-cycle engine) suffered a catastrophic head gasket failure, causing severe coolant intrusion into the cylinders. All scheduled maintenance intervals in the owner's manual were followed and documented. The dealer and corporate (Case #16444920) have refused assistance. This is a widely documented mechanical defect where co... Read more

Incident date: Jul 8, 2026

On April 8, 2026, my 2020 Cadillac XT5 experienced a sudden and complete engine failure while I was driving. Prior to the failure, there were no warning lights, no overheating indications, no abnormal engine noises, and no performance issues that would have alerted me to a developing problem. Without warning, the engine failed and the vehicle immediately lost power, creating a serious safety haza... Read more

Incident date: Jul 11, 2026

I bought the 2020 equinox May the 9th 2026 the dealership concealed a lot of things going on this vehicle and I complain to them two days after purchase he told me I was stuck with it in the meanwhile as I drive the vehicle I have had repairs done but it's something going on with the acceleration it accelerates on its own sometimes and slow to pick up speed. The steering seems to get away from me ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 8, 2026

The water pump failed catastrophically at 63,100 miles, forcing a complete road-side breakdown and damaging the radiator. This is a known manufacturing defect affecting the 3.6L VR6 composite plastic pumps. Due to the failure of the pump, the radiator tank became hot causing a hole to form in the radiator and needing to be replaced. I still own this car and you may inspect it if needed. My safe... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2026

The vehicle shake while idling, and a check engine light indicating code P0302 (Cylinder 2 Misfire). After looking under the hood the engine cooling system was severely low on coolant, and a loud sloshing liquid noise could be heard behind the dashboard. The vehicle was brought to an authorized Ford dealership, where technicians confirmed internal EcoBoost coolant intrusion into Cylinder 2 as docu... Read more

Incident date: Jul 16, 2026

Truck blew up driving down the road and the the Chevy app gave me a code and it was the same code it is recalled for but I was told it wasn’t under recall

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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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