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 10, 2026
My vehicle has been burning at least 1 quart of oil each month. There are no leaks on the ground.
FORD
F-150 HYBRID
(2021) - ENGINE
Jul 10, 2026
Incident date: Jul 5, 2026
My vehicle has been burning at least 1 quart of oil each month. There are no leaks on the ground.
Incident date: Jun 11, 2026
Radiator fan failure. At around 47000 miles the radiator fan gave out. Ours caused our car to overheat on the highway and start smoking. We took it to a repair shop and got it fixed for between $1000-1500. At that time, we saw plenty of users reporting the same issue around the same mileage mark. It has now been two years since that repair and our fan is starting to squeak and make noise again lik... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
I am writing regarding my 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 1LT and a very serious safety incident that occurred while driving on the Garden State Parkway. While driving at highway speed under normal conditions, my Corvette suddenly jerked and completely shut off without warning. The vehicle immediately lost power and became undrivable. Because there was no emergency shoulder available, I had no s... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2024) - ENGINE
Jul 10, 2026
Incident date: Mar 24, 2025
It was a recall oil pump tensor bar. They fixed that blew the engine.I had to wait for them to fix what they messed up with the engine.They fixed that drove forty miles away from the dealer and the engine overheated
HYUNDAI
SANTA CRUZ
(2022) - ENGINE
Jul 10, 2026
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
2012 Buick LaCrosse V6 (Fairfax Plant). The vehicle suffered a sudden, complete loss of engine power and forward propulsion while traveling at highway speed, cutting off mid-drive with no warning. This occurred alongside a persistent StabiliTrak malfunction; the dash showed repeated "Service StabiliTrak" warnings before the failure, then turned bright orange with multiple warning lights and a mess... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Accord. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. Occasionally, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked hard. Additionally, the contact stated that the message "Emissions System Failure," "Engine Overheating - Turn off Immediately," and other unknown messages were displa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
The problem on our Honda Pilot is related to the starter. We have had four instances now where the auto start/stop function has failed to restart the car after sitting at a stop light. This has happened at very busy intersections resulting in difficulty restarting the car and the car temporarily disabling the auto start/stop functions. I just had this happen for the fourth time on 7/9/26 at ap... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
When turning on the truck there is an excessive rattle in the engine and it keeps on prolonging more and more.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light illuminated. The contact added oil to the engine. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, and several oil consumption tests were performed. The contact was informed that the oil consumption test results did not indicat... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Car fire, originating under the hood. Unknown if vehicle is available for inspection. Last reported by Insurance company to be at IAA; [XXX]; PH#: [XXX]. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - Car fire began while in the car after moving through an intersection with a stop lig... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
Failing head gasket that had to be replaced. Car stationary at the time warning lights came on. Car driven to dealer for assessment and repair.
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
Starter engine failure. Car failed to start multiple times. Major safety hazard that can cause a short circuit, melt wiring harnesses, and spark an engine bay fire posing an immediate threat to life. Problem was inspected and confirmed by a dealer. Multiple waring lamps and messages appeared. Dealer report stated: STARTER MOTOR FAULTY. ENGINE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CONCERN: C/S: REPEAT START ATTEMPT IN... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
While driving my 2017 Ford Escape with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine AFTER an oil change, I noticed white smoke coming from the exhaust. Shortly afterward, the check engine light began flashing. I immediately stopped driving the vehicle and had it inspected by an independent repair shop. The shop diagnosed the vehicle with a cracked engine related to coolant intrusion, requiring an engine rebuild esti... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
This vehicle has the Hyundai 1.6L GDI engine, which has been recalled in other Hyundai models, just not the 2014 Accent. Just after passing 100,000 miles, this vehicle's check engine light came on indicating something was wrong with the camshaft timing. We brought it to a mechanic and found out the camshaft sprockets on the exhaust are faulty and it requires a new timing chain as well. If these re... Read more
FORD
F-150 LIGHTNING BEV
(2023) - ENGINE
Jul 10, 2026
Incident date: Jul 7, 2026
No restart after auto start/stop engaged. The engine failed to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light and road intersection with the auto start/stop function engaged. This occurred at a very busy intersection on a road under construction. I had passengers in the truck with outside temperatures above 100 degrees. Traffic was extremely heavy and other vehicles were honking he... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
The vehicle intermittently displays a "Stop Safely – Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon" warning message accompanied by a turtle icon while driving, most often at highway speeds above approximately 50 mph. There is no consistent pattern or condition that triggers the warning. When the warning appears, I must immediately attempt to pull off the roadway because the vehicle indicates it will shut down. Thi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
On at least 6-8 occasions car engine has shut off and car is automatically placed in emergency brake. This then requires you to place car in park, then restart vehicle. This happens while driving on interstate and when car slows down for traffic car engine without warning, will shut off, car will then automatically turn on emergency brake forcing sudden stop in interstate hwy traffic. Very dangero... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2026
While driving at highway speed on a 2-lane highway with three children under the age of [XXX] in the vehicle, my 2018 Ford Explorer experienced sudden complete engine failure with no prior warning. No warning lights, no temperature gauge change, no unusual sounds. The vehicle went from operating normally to catastrophic failure instantaneously, forcing me to sharply cross active traffic to exit th... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2026
This 2020 Telluride, like others, burns excessively through oil. I had to add 2.5 quarts recently and I had not hit 3,000 miles since my last oil change. I have to check the oil level constantly because of how fast it burns through it. It does not meet the manufacturers guidelines nor does it give any warnings that the oil level low at all. Even being THAT low.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
I own a 2024 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition with approximately 37,000 miles. On or about XXX, while driving, the vehicle displayed a “Check Engine” warning, “Reduced Engine Power” message, and the Pre-Collision System became disabled. The vehicle immediately became sluggish and lost power during acceleration. The loss of power created a safety concern because the truck was unable to accelerat... Read more
KUMHO
CRUGEN PREMIUM
(9999) - ENGINE
Jul 10, 2026
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
driving/pulling on interstate speed only went to 20 miles per hour, no more. Pulled off and turned truck off, waited and restarted. all fine. No warning was given. Short time later engine light came on. Called and got appointment at dealers.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
I am writing to formally log a safety concern regarding my vehicle’s 6.2L L87 engine, specifically in relation to the known defects under NHTSA’s ongoing Engineering Analysis EA25007 (previously Preliminary Evaluation PE24004).While my vehicle is currently running and has 52,000 miles on the odometer, it falls squarely within the manufacturing window being investigated for premature engine fai... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
While driving my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 equipped with the 5.3L V8 engine and Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM), the engine developed an internal valvetrain failure resulting in misfires, rough running, and reduced engine performance. The vehicle was diagnosed by a Chevrolet dealership as having failed lifters associated with the DFM system, requiring major engine repairs and replacement of inte... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
Dear Sir or Madam, I am submitting this complaint to request that the Federal Trade Commission investigate General Motors (Chevrolet) regarding what appears to be a known engine defect affecting the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado and the company's handling of this issue. I own a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado. In September 2025, when my truck had only 45,494 miles, I experienced an engine misfire consistent... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
The check engine light came on. It would not go above 60 mph. The vehicle was blowing hot air and shaking.
Incident date: Jan 20, 2002
While driving on the on ramp to [XXX] the car completely stopped and all systems shut off. There were two dash lights that flashed quickly with one being the check engine light but I did not see the other long enough to identify it. The dealership could not reproduce the issue but has the car now and is doing a more thorough evaluation. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is ... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2026
Oil warning light was on while driving on a highway. My vehicle was losing engine oil. I just had an oil change recently. Current odometer is at 25000 miles.
Incident date: May 13, 2026
I had the Service Campaign 9C2 and TSB 25-01-087H recall emissions update performed. I immediately noticed degraded performance with my vehicle. It's very jumpy/stuttery after I first start driving and feels less responsive. Even after driving for a bit, it feels like it drives and shifts oddly. It is not as smooth as it used to be. My car drove fine prior to the update and immediately felt differ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE 81-20 INTERNAL CIRCUIT FAILURE. CLEARED DTC. ROAD TEST VEHICLE, 81-20 DTC RETURN REPLACE VSA MODULATOR W/BRAKE FLUSH, STARTER MOTOR INTERMITTENTLY SEIZING UP, FRONT ENGINE MOUNT LEAKING, BOTH FRONT SWAY BAR END LINKS LEAKING GREASE, VALVE COVER GASKET LEAKING. HIGH MILEAGE AND NO HISTORY. RECOMMEND VALVE ADJUSTMENT, SPARKPLUGS AND VALVE COVER GASKET, RIGHT ENGINE MOUNT WOR... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
On June 15, 2026, my check engine light came on. On June 17, 2026, I took it to Auto Zone, they checked the code for the check engine light, and it indicated P0016 and P0017–crankshaft issues. On June 19, 2026, while driving down the highway, my vehicle failed to accelerate. I exited the highway, and my vehicle completely decelerated and ultimately shut down. I was unable to get my engine runnin... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Engine misfires when driving. The cause is coolant intrusion. Loss of power when driving. Rough idling. Very dangerous to drive. Diagnosed by a ford certified dealership. No symptoms prior to the problem. Vehicle is available for inspection.
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
While driving at low speed, the vehicle suddenly shut down completely without any warning. The engine lost power while I was cruising, causing the vehicle to stop responding. On separate occasions, the vehicle has also shut off while idling. This condition creates a serious safety concern because the vehicle can stall unexpectedly in traffic, increasing the risk of a collision. The issue has occur... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
I purchased my 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor in October 2017. On December 27, 2019, at 27,775 miles, the cam phasers were replaced under warranty using Ford part numbers beginning with HL3Z. In June 2026, at 74,665 miles — fewer than 47,000 miles after that repair — I began experiencing the same cam phaser symptoms (rattle/knock at cold start and idle) that led to the original repair. At no point was... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
On July 1,2026 , My 2020 Jeep wrangler jl sport died in the middle of traffic causing a safety issue. I was not able to start my jeep and move out of traffic. I was able to disable the transmission and roll out of the road. But it was very dangerous while cars were passing me and coming towards me. Also before I was able to disable to roll my steering column was locked. The cause of this safety is... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
I am reporting a severe, dangerous engine design defect in my 2018 Ford Escape Titanium (2.0L EcoBoost engine). The vehicle has suffered an internal cylinder head failure, allowing engine coolant to flood directly into the cylinders (coolant intrusion). This defect has rendered the vehicle completely disabled and undrivable. Prior to complete failure, the vehicle experienced severe hesitation, whi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
The car began making a weird noise and stalling. Then close to home if shut off, I was able to restart it and drove a short distance to home. Realized couldn't drive it like that and contacted City Kia Greater Orlando dealer. Towed the car to the indicated destination and after about four days (it was the July 4th weekend) they sent me a diagnostic of engine failure due to internal combustion and ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2021 Honda Accord because of a serious safety issue involving the turbocharger and fuel injector system. While driving on the highway, my vehicle experienced a failure related to the turbocharger and fuel injector system, which caused multiple warning sensors to activate and resulted in the vehicle suddenly losing power and becoming unable to continue dr... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
I bought vehicle used from a Honda dealership at 51,000 miles. At 55,000 my engine broke, mechanics found metal fragments in my engine. The Honda dealer nor Kia were willing to do nothing. So I had purchase new engine at 12,000.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
Vehicle makes strange sounds from the fuel fill inlet and proceeds to stall shortly after while driving and most of the times fails to restart based on my own research it looks like purge valve issues My safety was put at risk by almost being rear ended multiple times from stalling on the expressway and red lights The problem has not been reproduced yet by the dealer it will be looked at on 07/1... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
Engine lacks substantial power and has almost cause multiple collisions. Check engine light is on for a P0299 turbocharger underboost code Based off of my own research it looks like the part is the whole turbocharger assembly or the east gate solenoid I believe it’s a safety issue for merging onto expressways and not being fully up to speed and because of trying to turn onto busy highways T... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
*Initial engine startup rough idling and also after filling gas tank up, periodic stalling, Check Engine light come on, P302 Code misfire of cylinder #2, Disappearing coolant with no observable leaks, white smoke upon startups. I am bringing the car in tomorrow to Ford for an engine inspection/analysis. *The engine stalled on the Hwy. The vehicle will be inspected tomorrow to confirm long block fl... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2026
5/4/26 Truck brough in for service, I raised concerns of hesitation from a rolling stop/complete stop. This hesitation had happened to me a dozen or so times since purchasing the truck new in August of 2024. I expressed to my service advisor that I experience a 2-3 second delay in acceleration with the truck simply not responding after I have pulled out in traffic from a rolling stop. My service... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
2024 Dodge Durango, purchased brand new. AC completely stopped working at 340 miles after buying. Vehicle has had 7+ dealership visits since purchase. Vehicle has been out of service for 40+days total. Currently, vehicle has been at dealer since June 24, 2026 and is still not returned as of July 9, 2026 — 16 days ongoing with no resolution. I request NHTSA look into this. Electrical/HVAC: Con... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
The contact's friend owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked, the check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated for an extended period. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanic shops, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a deal... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
I was driving my car down the road and all the sudden I couldn't steer my car It caused me to go off the road and hit a ditch
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
Heat Management Module HMM is bad. BMW used a plastic part that is right up against the engine block. This HMM Heat Management Module resulted in STOPPING the vehicle completely in the middle of the freeway. I had no control. Then the car drove, then stopped again. I had NO CONTROL over the vehicle. Weeks later the Drivetrain Malfunction warning light appeared as i was driving home late at night f... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
The PCV valve does not last past 60k miles. Multiple forums and customers stating this. When the failure shows up as a check engine light symptom it has already caused a major oil leak in the crank shaft that leaks with the car off at about 500ml and is significantly worse while driving- Up to a quart of oil loss from driving 10miles. VW has had issues with the PCv valve design from 2012. I bought... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated. There was an abnormal odor of exhaust fumes inside the vehicle. Initially, the driver thought it emerged from other vehicles; however, a passenger smelled exhaust fumes, became sick, and vomited once the driver pulled over. The Ford mobile app failed to display any failure codes. The cont... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - ENGINE
Jul 9, 2026
Incident date: Feb 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Mazda CX-90. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, several warning messages were displayed on the instrument panel, including the electronic stability control and the check engine warning lights. Later, while driving, the power steering failed, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was driven to a local dealer... Read more