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 21, 2025

My car is violently shaking and completely stalling out in intersections when attempting to restart from an Auto-Stop.

Incident date: Jul 15, 2025

I am writing to report a severe and dangerous manufacturing defect regarding engine coolant intrusion on my 2018 Ford Escape. Engine coolant has leaked into the engine cylinders, causing immediate engine misfires, white smoke from the exhaust, a rapid loss of coolant, and severe engine overheating.This is a well-documented manufacturing flaw in Ford's EcoBoost engine blocks (specifically involving... Read more

Incident date: Jul 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Audi A7. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25-27 MPH, the vehicle stalled in the middle of the road. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the message "Engine Malfunction" was displayed. The vehicle then restarted independently, but the message remained displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet d... Read more

Incident date: Jul 3, 2026

While traveling at night on the highway at excess of 70mph the engine in my 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 6.2L L87 experienced a sudden, complete mechanical failure and loss of propulsion while driving. There were no warning lights, sounds or any other indication the motor would instantly stop working. This created an immediate crash hazard for me, my children and my dog. The vehicle is completely... Read more

Incident date: May 29, 2026

2023 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum with 6.2L L87 V8 suffered catastrophic engine failure on 6/20/2026 at approximately 38,658 miles. Vehicle had GM recall N252494000 performed at Coulter Cadillac in Phoenix, AZ on 12/3/2025. Engine reportedly passed GM recall inspection and received oil-related remedy rather than engine replacement. Approximately six months later, while driving on I-17 near Bl... Read more

Incident date: Feb 11, 2026

Power loss, engine failure. Will not start

Incident date: Jun 20, 2026

Car gave an Engine Overheat warning to pull over and turn off. Towed to Ford dealership where their diagnostics pointed to coolant intrusion - a known issue with 2018 ford escapes with similar specs to mine. I was then told that I would need to replace the engine due to the issue and Ford would not be willing to assist or cover the cost. I was told that my specific VIN was not covered by recall bu... Read more

Incident date: Jul 12, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle stalled. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy when attempting to trade in the vehicle. The Carfax report indicated there were three previous owners of the vehicle. The Carfax report indicated that the mileage was 300,020. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mile... Read more

Incident date: Jul 10, 2026

Driving on the interstate and the truck surged very hard. The truck began to surge very hard and went into decreased speed mode. We were told by the dealer there is a TSB for the PCM. This decreased power caused the truck to not be able to travel over 25 MPH in a 70 MPH zone. This caused an unsafe situation.

Incident date: Jul 9, 2026

I have replaced the water pump THREE times on this Bronco Sport. It has been every 18 months or about every 20,000 miles. I made the report in March of 2025, never heard anything. Making another report now as it is currently in the shop getting the water pump replaced for the THIRD TIME!!!

Incident date: Mar 10, 2026

“Steering Assist is Reduced” warning, P0128 code, thermostat-related symptoms, increased steering effort or other safety concerns while driving. This issue required increased steering effort and affected my wife's driving ability to respond to changing traffic conditions. This is most likely a faulty thermostat housing assembly. This has been well documented temperature gauge problems, coolin... Read more

Incident date: Jul 6, 2026

Engine light came on. I was told by the first dealership that the coolant was mixing with the engine oil. There was also a vehicle at the shop there for the same issue. after doing some research online, it appears that this is a bigger issue. I bought the car at 20,000 miles and this began happening around 52000 miles. Given the low mileage, this is something that should not be happening to a newe... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2025

dashboard light flash, airbag light on and off

Incident date: Jul 10, 2026

Coolant is leaking and overheats all the time. It has the 1.6l engine and is being grouped with the 2.0 engine.

Incident date: Jul 10, 2026

Vehicle is a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport with the 2.4L Theta II GDI engine. A Hyundai dealer documented excessive oil consumption in December 2025 (3 quarts consumed over 1,703 miles during a dealer-administered oil consumption test; repair orders on file and available for inspection). On April 19, 2026, at 160,913 miles, following a highway drive, the engine developed a pronounced knock and vibra... Read more

Incident date: Jul 11, 2026

My 2022 Chevrolet Malibu LT repeatedly and unpredictably enters a "Reduced Engine Power" state, causing sudden, dangerous drops in speed while driving in traffic. This intermittent loss of power happens constantly on and off, creating an ongoing and severe safety hazard. A diagnostic scan reveals codes P0299 (Turbocharger Underboost), P1101, and P2227. General Motors has an active Special Coverage... Read more

Incident date: Jul 13, 2026

I was merging onto the highway and the acceleration stopped working and the vehicle would not go more than 25 mph. Had to restart car in shoulder, isue seemed to self correct but then it happened 10 minutes later stranding me in between the highway and exit ramp. This was a huge safety issue and myself and others lives were at risk. I am bringing the vehicle in for inspection but this seems to ... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2026

While driving over 60 MPH the car will begin to say the engine is hot and sometimes without warning going to stop safely now however when you open the hood nothing is hot to touch and there's an extreme amount of coolant gone from the engine coolant tank have replaced coolant tank itself still having issue begin happening in March and is still continuing

Incident date: Jul 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that the following day, while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started, and the check engine warning li... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

Engine loss of power, exhaust producing white/gray smoke from tail pipe. Was stopped at stop light, pressed accelerator when light turned green. As I proceeded through the busy intersection, without warning, the engine lost power. As traffic was speeding up I was decelerating in front of a large tractor-trailer that nearly rear-ended me. Have not taken SUV to dealership or service center yet. ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, there was a loud clunking sound coming from the engine bay, followed by grinding gear sounds. The vehicle lost drive power, causing the driver to coast over to the side of the road, where the vehicle eventually stalled. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the timing belt h... Read more

Incident date: Jul 10, 2026

Car unintentionally accelerated striking a garage door and parked car.

Crash

Incident date: Jul 2, 2026

On multiple occasions while making a left or right turn and trying to accelerate, there is no input via the gas pedal. The truck will not accelerate at all. It takes a random amount of time before any throttle input is registered, which is usually followed by rapid acceleration.

Incident date: May 1, 2026

Accelerated onto a 4-lane major highway and lost most engine power and many warning lights came on. I lost most vehicle power merging onto a 4 lane highway around other vehicles. I was able to get the car stopped car safely on side of the road and cut off for one minute. There was a noticeable rattlling noise in the engine compartment and severly reduced power. No lights regarding engine were prev... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle drove over a pothole or an object on the roadway and the vehicle stalled. The failure had reoccurred on several occasions. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer... Read more

Incident date: Jun 25, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH uphill in the mountains, the transmission started slipping, followed by a loud banging sound. The contact stated that later, while fishing, there was an abnormal metallic sound like BBs hitting a tin can coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that previously, while driving at an undisclosed spe... Read more

Incident date: Jul 11, 2026

019 Ram 1500 5.7L eTorque MGU (Motor Generator Unit) failed on 08/29/2025 at 62,105 miles. Vehicle died on road and would not restart, creating a safety hazard. Dealer confirmed battery was severely discharged due to MGU failure — alternator was not putting out voltage necessary to charge battery, resulting in failed MGU. Vehicle was inoperable for 109 consecutive days (08/29/2025 through 12/16/... Read more

Incident date: Jul 7, 2026

I purchased this 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited on July 19, 2025. Since purchasing the vehicle, I have experienced repeated mechanical failures that have required multiple repairs. The most serious issue involves the engine overheating at highway speeds without any visible coolant leak or clearly identifiable cause.Despite seeking professional diagnosis, the source of the overheating could not be... Read more

Incident date: Jul 13, 2026

Front exhaust pipe separated from its mounting bracket causing a consistent rattle. This condition is exactly as described in "N222385510 - Special Coverage Front Exhaust Pipe", released in May 2023. Exhaust components in this vehicle are materially the same as the covered 2021 vehicles and thus this vehicle should be similarly covered. Issue has been confirmed by a dealer and is available for ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 20, 2026

I just got this car from a used car dealership, it has 170K miles and the engine just stopped on me today. It’s very disappointing for the car to just stop like this. While I had my family in the car with a new born. Very disappointing

Incident date: Jul 13, 2026

The part that is affected is the engine/transmission. When the temperature outside reaches approximately 45 degrees Fahrenheit, the engine seizes upon starting and it will not engage in gear until it is warmed up. That's take anywhere from 5-10 min. If its not fully warmed and you try to go in reverse or drive forward, the car does a hard jump and jerk rendering the vehicle hard to steer . The eng... Read more

Incident date: Jul 12, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving and while the vehicle was parked on several occasions, there was a tapping sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the lifters were inoperable, and the lifters and or the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not noti... Read more

Incident date: Jun 9, 2026

4th occurrence. Car fails to start. The instrument display reads: AUTO ENGINE IDLE STOP SYSTEM PROBLEM. Electrical system including radio, A/C etc were working. (Including the car alarm which begins honking the horn as soon as I open the door) Repeated attempts to start the car failed to do anything except to annoy anyone within earshot as the horn kept honking! Roadside assistance was not abl... Read more

Incident date: Jul 11, 2026

On July 7, 2026, my 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 experienced a serious engine malfunction. After stopping at a traffic light, the engine began shaking violently and idling roughly. When the traffic light turned green, the vehicle accelerated extremely slowly and had very little power, making it difficult to clear the intersection. The engine continued running roughly, and I was concerned the vehicle... Read more

Incident date: Jun 20, 2026

AFM/DOD lifter failed while driving which causes multiple systems to go offline including Traction Control, stability control, ABS just to name a few. This happened while coming off freeway which can be a safety risk as vehicle was at higher speeds. This is a known GM problem with 5.3l engines and should have been addressed years ago.

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

I own a 2022 Hyundai Palisade SEL. On XXX, while driving at the intersection of [XXX] and [XXX] in [XXX], the engine abruptly lost power, causing a sudden loss of engine power while the vehicle was in motion. This is my family's primary vehicle, and my wife and children were in the car during this incident. On XXX, I brought the vehicle to Courtesy Hyundai in [XXX]. The dealer found essentially no... Read more

Incident date: Jul 7, 2026

My 2023 Equinox RS losses power during quick acceleration for lane changes or passing. It will also lose power during some turns at normal speed. It will also accelerate and deaccelerate at a low speed making it feel like the gears are slipping. Auto stop on occasion will be a hard take off requiring a firm foot on the brake. At time it will also shift hard into 1st gear. My car has been in the de... Read more

Incident date: Jul 7, 2026

Car has 105k can get specific if need be. But has had an intermittent misfire along with consuming coolant since about 95k miles. It now has had coolant intrusion and needs a complete engine overhaul or replacement

Incident date: Dec 1, 2023

While driving vehicle the engine lost power and shut off in traffic. There were no warning signs of issues at that time. The dashboard went blank and then reappeared and the truck was in park. after that the truck would not shift gears. The truck was towed to the dealership and found to have had catastrophic engine failure.

Incident date: Dec 1, 2023

I replaced my starter prior to a recall that was issued. After the recall, I submitted a claim for reimbursement and the check was issued. Bmw of North American has not updated the recall information associated with my vin. I am this unable to list my vehicle on any rental platform as it is showing a status of an open recall for the starter. The repair was done in September, 2025 and I was reimbur... Read more

Incident date: May 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated and started blinking quickly before remaining continuously illuminated. The vehicle was jerking, and while it was in park, it vibrated excessively. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. STAR engineers later determined that t... Read more

Incident date: Jun 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and failed to accelerate above 25 MPH. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was metal in the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 12, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was a popping sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer w... Read more

Incident date: Apr 13, 2026

The check engine lights blinking, it overheats and it shuts down.

Incident date: Jul 13, 2026

1. Head gasket and turbo system 2. I was driving on the highway at 55mph and the front end of the car started to shake so I pulled over to inspect the car as best I could. 3. The Honda dealer did a diagnostic for my AC $450 and $200 for the hazard lights. I was told my AC needed to be charged and then the prices to replace my head gasket, turbo and coolant flush for a total of 10k. 4. All of t... Read more

Incident date: Jun 22, 2026

NHTSA Complaint Description — Kia Sportage Engine Stall While driving my 2020 Kia Sportage in mid‑June 2026 on I‑45 in Houston, TX, the vehicle suddenly stalled while I was driving, with no warning lights, messages, or symptoms beforehand. This created a dangerous situation because I was in active highway traffic and had to pull over immediately. My oil change was due on 06/02/2026, but ev... Read more

Incident date: Apr 30, 2026

I’ve been informed that my vehicle needs a new head gasket at 89,000 miles. Upon research this is a very common issue with this year Honda CRV. It requires a $4500 repair, which for a Honda with less than 100,000 miles is unacceptable. I asked what preventative maintenance should I have done to prevent this and I was told there was absolutely nothing we could’ve done. We contacted Honda and af... Read more

Incident date: Jul 11, 2026

I am having DEF related issues with my 2020 Ram 1500 ecodiesel that will ultimately cause the vehicle to no longer operate. Ram has an extended warranty for my exact problem but I am being told that my vehicle doesn’t meet the requirements. My vehicle is under the required year and mileage but I’m being told that it doesn’t apply.

Incident date: Jun 22, 2026

The first engine failure occurred while my vehicle remained under warranty. While driving with my children and a couple of her teammates to an AAU tournament in [XXX], the vehicle just began emitting white smoke. We pulled to a gas station and were stranded until we could arrange transportation for the 7 of us. It was a good thing that we left a day early or the girls would not have made it to the... Read more

Incident date: Jul 8, 2026

I purchased the vehicle from a private party on 8/18/21 with 38,310 miles. Almost immediately after owning the vehicle I noticed the engine oil level was low.. The owner had said she had just got an oil change so I thought maybe the shop just left it low. Then I noticed it low again a month later, and that was the start of my nearly 5 year journey of having the carrying quarts of oil in the trunk ... 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

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