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 15, 2024
Pulling out of a parking stall, when put vehicle in drive, the engine revved up and accelerated - vehicle crashed, the brakes did not work- there was skid marks. Floor mats are factory OEM were installed properly. I did not hit the accelerator and I am in good health and mind. I have driving for over 30 years, never had and accident nor a ticket! - A county officer was at the seen and left me wit... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH in sand, the vehicle stalled, and the steering wheel seized. The contact turned off the vehicle, jiggled the steering wheel, and waited approximately 10 minutes before restarting the vehicle to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure. T... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2026
Engine failure at 90,000 miles need a whole new engine
Incident date: May 29, 2026
CRITICAL SAFETY INCIDENT / LIFE-THREATENING VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD. On January 2, 2026, I purchased a 2020 Chevrolet Trax. Within less than five months, while driving in active traffic, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic powertrain failure. The vehicle completely lost all acceleration, leaving me trapped and stranded in a highly dangerous roadway position. Immediately following the power fai... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 19, 2026
Excessive oil consumption. Check Oil Level light comes on repeatedly between oil changes. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The dealer has now looked at the issue 2x. Potential safety issue should the engine be affected while driving. The problem has not been reproduced by the dealer. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer 2x. 1st issue appeared at approx. 33k miles and a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
I am reporting a severe drivability and engine failure issue with my vehicle. The vehicle has been exclusively maintained by authorized Mercedes-Benz service centers. Immediately following a scheduled 60,000-mile (Schedule B/C) maintenance, the Check Engine Light began cycling on and off. The vehicle simultaneously developed severe drivability symptoms: the engine ran extremely rough, and accelera... Read more
FOREST RIVER
FLAGSTAFF
(2024) - ENGINE
Jul 15, 2026
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
After having the Service Campaign 9C2 ECU SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR THETA II EMISSIONS IMPROVEMENT, TSB 26-01-013H-2 done, my vehicle started having driveablity issues. On a normal, cold start the engine's RPMs go up really high, so I take my foot of the gas and the revs drop, almost stalling the car, and then the car bucks. I put my foot back on the gas pedal, and the engine revs really high again and ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2026
The engine failed, and the overheating due to it caused the head gasket to warp. I have multiple recordings from Nissan advising this is a manufacturer defect, but they refuse to fix it unless we pay $5000+. I was driving on the high way and the vehicle shut off. Luckily i was able to safely get off but I was almost struck. I have recorded conversations with the dealership where they confirm the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2026
On XXX my family and I were heading home from a family vacation. My engine burned through the oil that was put in my car on XXX. No low oil pressure light came on and there was no warning my vehicle had problems with the oil. We took our car to a Kia dealership in [XXX] and that’s when I was informed that my engine was burning oil. We had no prior knowledge that there was a problem. The service ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) - ENGINE
Jul 15, 2026
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
I purchased the car in November 2025 from Carvana. By December, all the dashboard lights came on and no one can locate the problem. The car still runs but not to its optimum performance.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
As I was merging onto the interstate I put my foot on the gas pedal to give it a little more gas then usual to get pulled out and all of a sudden all the lights on the dash board illuminated and it slowly lost all power I was able to move it out of the road ... There was no loud ,knocking or ticking noises prior to this happening there was no type of any kind of warning .. my car is the push star... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
The 10th Gen probably with the head gasket and fuel injector Dashboard be lit up like a Christmas tree every light on. This been a problem with a lot on the 2018-2022 Honda accords when driving it lose speed going real slow lose power, and you have to try get your car off the road
Incident date: May 13, 2026
2023 CR-V Sport Hybrid suffered a catastrophic cylinder 3 coolant leak/head gasket failure at 76,884 miles. Due to a lack of available Honda gasket kits and extreme dealership repair quotes, a full engine replacement was required.
Incident date: May 13, 2026
An intermittent electrical failure is affecting multiple vehicle systems. The vehicle has unexpectedly stalled while driving on the interstate, leaving it without power in moving traffic. It has also experienced repeated no-start conditions, transmission entering limp mode, the engine continuing to run after the key was removed, and random operation of the horn, windshield wipers, washer pumps, an... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
I can’t drive the car normal have to drive 60mph or under the radio went out and Honda can’t seem to figure out why so I can’t connect CarPlay. Myself and my kids are at risk due to the car randomly cutting off at any given time. I took it to Honda twice and my car has not been checked they constantly say they’re backed up but don’t have any rentals in stock. Can’t get the car inspecti... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2026
Drove 20 miles to Walmart, drove fine no lights no issues, parked went in came out to someone putting out the fire.
Fire
Incident date: May 18, 2026
The engine intermittently stalls when I press the accelerator. When this happens, the vehicle loses power, the AutoPark/electronic parking brake engages, and the battery warning light appears. This has happened more than once and creates a serious risk of a collision or being stranded if it occurs in traffic. The vehicle is a 2022 Ram 1500 Rebel with the 5.7L eTorque system. The manufacturer’s r... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
Transmission replacement needed. Truck has been at dealership going on 3 months with continued delays. It was acknowledged cooperate was covering replacement now story changed that owner/myself having to pay $4000+. Cooperate covering $000 . Current owner/myself bought 2 years ago with 13000 miles and has only put 6000 miles on it. Dealership and cooperate admitted to known problem assured covera... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2026
While driving my 2022 Jeep Wagoneer at 40-45 mph on a live public road with my four small children in the vehicle, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic electronic and powertrain shutdown without warning. The engine completely died, and the vehicle immediately and forcefully engaged the electronic emergency parking brake, bringing the vehicle to an abrupt, unexpected halt in the middle of mo... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2026
Loss of engine power while merging or passing traffic. * Reduced acceleration making it difficult to enter highways safely. * Engine overheating if the active grille shutters fail in the closed position. * Unexpected limp mode causing sudden speed reduction in traffic. * Increased risk of a rear-end collision due to loss of power or reduced speed. * Check engine light and warning messages distract... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
While driving on the highway with adaptive cruise control on, car began decelerating without any vehicle in front. Started to get off highway, check engine light began flashing and came to a full stop. Car died. Tried restarting and car died. Check engine, oil and battery lights then on. Total engine failure and no warning lights prior.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2026
The vehicle's engine oil warning light repeatedly illuminates between scheduled maintenance intervals due to excessive oil consumption. The vehicle is burning engine oil at an accelerated rate, requiring frequent manual top-offs to remain safe to drive. This represents an active, known defect in the Volkswagen EA888 engine components (piston rings/valve guides). Dealership service departments are ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2026
Since purchasing my vehicle, I have experienced numerous ongoing issues that BMW has failed to address. The problems include: A squealing and beeping noise coming from the engine. The headlights turning on by themselves. Interior lights turning on without warning. The vehicle shaking while driving. The check engine light repeatedly coming on. A recent gasoline smell that required me to take the ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
The idle restart does not always restart the car following an automatic idle engine shutdown. The result is that the car is stalled at an intersection or other areas where the brake is applied, the engine shuts off, but the car is still in drive. Only fix found is to shut off the car systems and hit the ignition to get the car started again.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
The engine in my 2022 GMC Yukon XL equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 experienced a sudden loss of power while traveling at interstate speed. The vehicle had previously received the GM L87 engine recall remedy. Despite the recall being completed, the engine failed, leaving me and my family in a dangerous situation. The vehicle is currently at a GMC dealership and is available for inspection upon reques... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) - ENGINE
Jul 14, 2026
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
On July 11, 2026, while driving, the vehicle suddenly experienced multiple system failures. The dashboard illuminated with numerous warning lights, including a flashing check engine light, indicating multiple system malfunctions. The vehicle was towed to the dealer due to the severity of the issue. It is currently at the dealership for inspection and diagnosis. I have not yet received a diagnosis ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2026
I was driving my Escape, and the vehicle quit acceleratoring. I had to have vehicle towed to a shop. I was informed that I need a new engine. The Escape only has 78,000 miles on it. I am being quoted $8,000.00. This was an unsafe situation for both myself, and my 20 year old autistic so who was with me.
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
Engine cam carrier seals are leaking. Repair cost is $5,700 plus tax. Vehicle is well cared for and well maintained with only 96,000 miles The Subaru Manufacturer was contacted and will do nothing to fix and does not admit engineer defect nor manufacturing defect. Basically, 96,000 and needs a new engine. Please put out a national recall.
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
Since December 2020, our Suburban has been in for seven extended, documented dealership repair events at Guaranty Chevrolet and Simpson Chevrolet of Garden Grove, totaling 192 cumulative days out of service and $47,560.86 in documented repair invoices — approximately 71% of what we paid for the vehicle. Those repairs have included a complete transmission replacement (58,861 miles), a recurrence ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2020
Radiator issue summer of 2025, when in back to back traffic at low speeds my vehicle overheated at a stand still took vehicle in to dealership with no real answers. The following summer 2026 same scenario but the engine was smoking. Took into dealership and they stated the connection for the radiator fan was disconnected which meant it was not colling the engine. A month later the AC is blowing ho... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
I own a 2026 Mazda CX-90 hybrid with approximately 13,000 miles. The vehicle began making a grinding noise while driving, which has progressively worsened over time. It has since developed a hard knocking noise accompanied by noticeable vibration when the vehicle shifts gears. This knocking occurs during normal in-town driving. I have taken the vehicle to the selling/authorized Mazda dealership o... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
Look at the car the car is located [XXX] first of all you start off as a passcode 2 system and then it says passcode 3 system on the thing and I just don't want to deal with this because you have the cut off switch you have the fuel cut off switch but you still have current going through the switch or the fuel they fuel I'll probably leaking into the tank it doesn't start but still sending fuel th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2026
: "I live in my car. The 2016 Equinox 2.4L burned all its oil in 2 weeks with no leaks, failed to give a dashboard warning, and the engine is now knocking, threatening to leave me unsheltered." This ties my vehicle's specific failure to the federal database for future legal payouts.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
The contact owned a 2017 Ram Promaster 3500. The contact stated that an employee parked the vehicle in front of an apartment complex, went inside the building to finish working; when the employee returned outside the building, the vehicle was on fire. No warning lights illuminated prior to the fire. The employee saw smoke and flames coming from the engine compartment. The Fire Department was conta... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 14, 2026
The car has less than 50,000 miles on it and the transmission is malfunctioning. Something about the dual clutch system losing protection. It has lost more than 70%. I knew there was a problem when the car reported transmission temp hot.
Incident date: May 19, 2026
Bought car from a used car dealership, car fax report filed 3 other owners, with a well maintenance report on file with oil change done atleast every 5K miles. Bought car in January 2026, maintenance had been done before car was taken off the lot. At 3k miles since hsving the ca on 05/15/26 I got my oil changed and cabin filters replaced. It’s only been less than 1500 miles and car engine had re... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
Technical Incident Timeline Suspected Unintended Acceleration Event 2026 Lexus RX 350h Premium+ (Approximately 96 Miles) Vehicle: 2026 Lexus RX 350h Premium+ Purchase Date: July 10, 2026 Dealer: Woodfield Lexus Incident Date: July 12, 2026 Approximate Time: 11:30 AM Vehicle Mileage at Incident: Approximately 96 miles ⸻ Event Sequence 1. Vehicle Startup * I entered the vehicle and started ... Read more
Crash
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2019) - ENGINE
Jul 14, 2026
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
I have a 2020 Nissan roque sport with under 70K miles. Started experiencing loud shaking and rattle when turning off car, seems to be the radiator cooling fan. There is a current class action lawsuit but no official recall. If i turn off A/C 2 minutes before getting to park and turn off car it does not rattle when i turn off i believe it does shake and rattle but with engine running do not feel it... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2026
My 2024 Honda Odyssey has repeatedly failed to restart after the Auto Idle Stop system shuts the engine off at a red light. When I release the brake or press the accelerator, the engine does not restart as it should. The vehicle then shifts into Park or instructs me to place it in Park, and it is difficult to restart using the start button. This has left the vehicle disabled in an active traffic l... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2026
Total engine power loss while driving 70mph on the highway in steady moving traffic causing a safety hazard, with 3 young children in the vehicle. No prior warning lamps, messages or symptoms to indicate a problem. Engine completely shut down while driving and will not turn back on. Had vehicle towed to the dealership. Certified GMC dealership did a full inspection and indicated that the engine... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2026
I was driving through a busy intersection when the vehicle stopped accelerating causing risk to myself and other drivers. I was able to get the vehicle through the intersection and pulled over. I turned the vehicle off and it would not restart. I had the vehicle towed to my local independent service center where a diagnostic was performed. It was found to be engine failure due to the connecting ro... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
I received the engine maintenance required notification on 7/11. On 7/13, I called my Toyota to make an appt to bring it in at 9 AM. The ran diagnostics for $180 and then the test results said the engine coolant valve is stuck open or closed but either is dangerous because my car could overheat. This is a $850 repair. It sounds like this same part was used on another Toyota suv and the warranty wa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
Two week Monday July 6, around 3:15pm while driving down on highway passing lane suddenly the vehicle start loosing speed and after few seconds I noticed that the engine stalled. No warning light or anything, the steering wheel turns to very heavy and the break pedal is really hard as well. Fortunately near by there was a U-turn lane for authorized vehicles only and I was able to merge to it and... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
Car overheated and losing coolant. I just purchased this car on 6/22/2026 and having issues already. The check engine light is on and giving a p0301 code. I’m having to add coolant everyday to keep the car from running hot.
Incident date: Jul 4, 2026
While driving about 70 mph in the express lanes, the vehicle suddenly lost power and drifted like it went into neutral. There were no warning symbols. The vehicle could not restart even while coasting. After stopping, it locked itself in park and would not shift out of park. My family and I were trapped on the express lanes for over an hour in a dangerous location. The vehicle stayed stuck in park... Read more
TOYOTA
COROLLA CROSS
(2022) - ENGINE
Jul 14, 2026
Incident date: Jul 13, 2026
Got to red light, auto stop idled down car, when going to move car shut off and stalled out. Also happened two times in a drive thru. All times messages popped up auto stop interruption and vehicle in accessory mode
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
In December 2021 My 2016 Odyssey experienced serious engine breakdown and could not be driven due to deterioration of piston ring functions in cylinders 1-3. That malfunction caused serious engine problems. It was diagnosed and repaired by Riverside Honda, [XXX] on 12/28/2021. The total cost paid by me for that repair, and for no other unrelated work, was $4598.10. In July 2025 I received from Hon... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
On 7/9/2026, my 2022 VW Taos was brought to the dealer for being severely underpowered, check engine lights on, and a strong raw fuel smell inside the vehicle. On 7/10/2026, the dealer stated the vehicle was ready, claiming they replaced a turbo charge pipe O-ring. The service advisor verbally stated the vehicle had been successfully test-driven for 5 miles on streets and the highway. However, off... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
My 2018 Ford Escape SE temp gauge went to the red with warning lights to pull over and get engine serviced immediately. I refilled the coolant revisor and with in a few days the same instance occurred paired with misfiring while this situation happened. I immediately stopped driving the car and it is going to get dropped off at the dealership we purchased from on thursday 7/16/26. I believe this m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
I am submitting supplemental evidence regarding my 2021 GMC Sierra (VIN [XXX]) for Recall Query RQ26001, Campaign 25V-274. Despite multiple repair attempts, my vehicle remains unsafe and non-compliant with GM Service Bulletin N252494002. The recall remedy was performed deficiently. [XXX] Northeast Buick GMC installed a remanufactured short block instead of the required complete engine, reused the... Read more