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 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The engine turned over but failed to restart. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic shop and then to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine seized; ho... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
All 3 bolts that connect my tailpipe underneath my car failed. This caused the tailpipe to disconnect from the car, meaning I was pushing the pipe as I drove. Luckily it failed when I was at an intersection, and I heard the noise. I was able to drive slowly into a parking lot and disconnect the exhaust for a repair. However, if I had been traveling down a highway when it occurred the pipe sure... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
Electrical system (Hy-bird System). Yes it's available for inspection. Yes my safety was at risk. Yes Yes No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. After the first recall was completed.
Incident date: Jul 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated and failed to exceed 35 MPH before stalling and losing power. Emergency services were contacted and assisted with pushing the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, who held the vehicle for two days but had not diagnosed the failur... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2024) - ENGINE
Jul 9, 2026
Incident date: Jun 9, 2026
I am filing this complaint regarding my Ford F-350, VIN [XXX], which caught fire on XXX. The truck had approximately 130,000 miles, which I consider low mileage for a properly maintained diesel Ford F-350. These trucks are known for long service life, and many Ford diesel trucks routinely remain in service for 20 years or more and exceed 250,000 miles when properly maintained. For that reason, I ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH with cruise control activated, the vehicle shuddered and multiple warning lights illuminated, including the check engine, check oil, fasten seatbelt, traction control, and brake warning lights. The vehicle experienced steering overcorrection and lost power. The vehicle was steered to the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a trail of fluid leaking. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a warped oil filter. The contact was informed that the warped oil filter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact late... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2018) - ENGINE
Jul 9, 2026
Incident date: May 24, 2026
Oct 2025 I took my truck into my local GMC dealer for 6.2 recall. I was told it passed the testing. 6/12/26 driving about 70mph on highway and lost all acceleration. Warning stating engine oil hot,/ pull over and idle engine. Already using 0w40 oil for approx 8momnths. Oil changed approx 3 wks before this incident. I was able to pull to the shoulder w/in 1/4 mile. While the truck was still mo... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while reversing and driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle experienced rough idling and failed to exceed 30 MPH while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
While driving, the vehicle suddenly developed a severe, loud mechanical ticking noise from the engine compartment, immediately followed by a drastic loss of engine power and violent vehicle shaking. The vehicle experienced an active cylinder misfire caused by a failure within the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system, where a cylinder deactivation lifter collapsed and became stuck.This mechanical fa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
Driving down XXX going back home was driving normal when suv shut off on freeway with no warning what so ever i was 12 hours away from home almost crashed into bridge side wall was stranded on side of freeway with my whole family n my new born baby in the heat motor locked up per dealer 74k miles had to pay tow truck n a rental to get back home INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF I... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH while making a turn, the vehicle stalled. Several warning lights illuminated but turned off after the vehicle was restarted. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The contact stated that several independent mechanics were notified of the failure; however, an appointment was den... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2023) - ENGINE
Jul 9, 2026
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
I’ve had my 2018 kia optima for round about two years.I only got this car because they refused to replace my previous engine on my 2015 Kia optima,even though I had a warranty but that’s another story(Kia on the Blvd).This car have given me problems from the start.Going through oil in less than a month,which they can never find a leak,not being able to go over a certain speed before I start to... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
The 12-volt auxiliary battery and related electrical system in my 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4XE plug-in hybrid (leased new 8/25/2025) repeatedly fail. The battery completely discharges after the vehicle sits plugged into a standard home charger, undisturbed, for several consecutive days, leaving the vehicle completely inoperable. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request and is currently at a ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
My 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee suffered a total intake manifold failure directly resulting from a secondary breakdown of Safety Recall W79 (NHTSA Campaign 20V-699). Physical teardown at an independent facility exposed a 70% engine runner restriction and seized glow plugs due to volatile exhaust sulfur, creating an active fire risk. On July 9, 2026, LaFontaine Fenton was presented with clear mechanica... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2026
The vehicle experienced engine failure due to coolant intrusion into the cylinders on the engine. I've experienced engine misfires, rough running, check engine light, and I'm worried I'm going to see an eventual engine failure requiring engine replacement. The BIGGEST issue is I've had total loss of power in my engine while on a public road more than once, before the check engine light ever came o... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2014) - ENGINE
Jul 9, 2026
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
On my way to work the car overheated causing me to be stranded in the middle of no where without cell service. When it got to the dealership to repaire the car, they stated that it was a cylinder head. The dearship had my car a little over a month for repairs, the dealership did finally give me a loaner for the last week of the repairs but I lost work and a client due to not having transportation.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
My 2018 Honda CR-V began experiencing repeated battery drain and would not reliably start. Multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle also would not shut off after the ignition was turned off, continuing to run/stay powered on. The vehicle was taken to an authorized repair facility for diagnosis, where it was determined that the Body Control Module (BCM) had failed and neede... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the timing chain snapped and fractured. All the warning lights illuminated and flashed. The vehicle was towed to a friend's residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that a similar failure had previously occurred in 2014. The manufacturer was... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) - ENGINE
Jul 9, 2026
Incident date: Apr 29, 2026
Truck has just started misfiring out of the blue, have had Ford dealerships look at it, have changed all 6 spark plugs and one ignition coil. The recall NHTSA 2025-366 may be the reason, it states there still is no remedy for this, recall was issued 1 year ago, July 2025. I need this remedy.
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that upon startup and while driving, the check engine and airbag warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the gear shifter became stuck when shifting into drive(D). The rearview camera flickered, displayed incorrect images, and the display screen intermittently froze or turned blue. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on ten occasion... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
While driving at highway speeds, the a low coolant caution light came on. We immediately pulled over before the engine overheated and added coolant and brought the vehicle in for repairs. This Taos currently has 43,000 miles and needs its head gasket replaced for the SECOND time. The first head gasket was replaced on 12/23 with 16,000 miles under a technical bulletin by VW. This is a know issue fo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
The truck exhibited the abrupt downshifting upon driving out of the parking lot, this caused great stress and possible accidents to me and family. The transmission continued to get worse and we were in fear of our lives to drive the vehicle on the highway. Once we got the vehicle home it literally would not shift into gear and has been disabled since the first week in XXX. We are plumbing and heat... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
Car went into "limp mode" while we were driving on the turnpike on a hill at 70 MPH. Speed dropped to 30 MPH in an area with a construction zone so there was little room to pull to the side of the road safely. We were lucky to be in the right lane so made it to the side next to the construction barrels.
Incident date: May 19, 2026
2016 Honda Pilot EXL. At 100,100 miles, an engine rod bearing went bad. Honda told me my VIN was not covered and it would be $8000 to replace the engine with a used engine. I sold them my car
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
driving on highway XXX -vehicle check engine light came on and started flashing, car started to shake. pulled off at closest rest area, shut it off and and called roadside assistance as i did not feel safe driving it. towed to dealership/[XXX]. awaiting inspection by dealer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
I was making a right turn at an intersection while in 3rd gear with the clutch engaged, and the motorcycle stalled. I was able to restart the motorcycle while executing the turn and completed the turn without incident. Failure to do so would have put myself at risk from oncoming vehicles through the intersection. When this has happened the low oil pressure indicator illuminates. The oil sight glas... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
Multiple times the engine has totally shut down due to the auto idle stop system power loss. I have had the battery replaced a couple times and had the Honda dealership do the software update and I'm still having issues. This is a major safety issue as the car unexpectedly shuts down and takes a minute or so to get started again causing traffice backups.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
While driving my car randomly displays a warning that I need to shift to park or neutral immediately and turn off my engine. Sometimes my car will work afterwards, other times it will not and I’m stuck for 5-7 minutes. It happens in the middle of me driving with no warning signs. I’ve tried to ignore it and the whole car shuts off and the brakes lock up. It is very frightening. I brought it in... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
2012 ACURA MDX burns extreme amounts of oil between oil changes. Typically a warning indicator comes on about 1,000 miles before oil change is due. I continue to refill oil between oil changes.
JEEP
GRAND WAGONEER
(2023) - ENGINE
Jul 8, 2026
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
My 2019 Audi A6 was diagnosed with catastrophic internal engine failure on May 9, 2026 at Audi of Newton, Newton, NJ, at 93,645 miles. The vehicle required a full engine rebuild performed by REV Auto NJ at a cost of $12,000. The failure involved metal debris found in the engine oil, consistent with the documented EA839 3.0L V6 TFSI rocker arm needle bearing failure or piston skirt failure affectin... Read more
FOREST RIVER
FORESTER
(2025) - ENGINE
Jul 8, 2026
Incident date: May 19, 2026
Early turbo failure should be extended to newer vehicles not only up to 2018. I am experiencing turbo failure and there is no extended warranty for this repair.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
Check engine light came on with significant loss of power. Poor acceleration. Lack of power resulting in slow speed which created a safety hazard for other traffic. Error code P300478 was confirmed by dealer. This is a known issue - EGR Valve Differential Pressure Sensor. This is a known (and common) issue. This should be a recall and not an extended warranty item.
MERCEDES-BENZ
SPRINTER 3500
(2019) - ENGINE
Jul 8, 2026
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
This vehicle has been a lemon ever since we purchased it new. To start the 3rd brake light would always leak during rain and ruined the headliner took it back to andy mohr ford were we purchased approx 25 times for this issue. Then we have had oil leaks about a year after purchase and it still leaks. Third the fender wells are rusting. And also all the lights on the dash are lit because the com... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
The transmission has failed twice while the vehicle was in motion, causing loss of gear control and, on one occasion, loss of parking brake function. Incident 1 — March 24, 2026: While driving on the highway, the transmission failed and the vehicle entered a "safety mode." The vehicle was in dealer service for 8 days at Findlay Land Rover. Incident 2 — July 4, 2026, approximately 9:55 AM, at 6... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
The engine on a 2022 Hyundai Sonata developed rod knock at approximately 99,460 miles. The vehicle had been serviced exclusively at an authorized Hyundai dealership for its entire life with 12 documented service visits. What failed: The engine lubrication system. Two prior events at the dealership are documented in the service records: (1) approximately 20,000 miles before the rod knock, a dealer... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
After braking to a stop, the default setting of the start stop system randomly fails at intersections and requires a complete restart of the vehicle. Has happened multiple times over the past two months. Dealer has checked all systems and can find no problems with battery or the system itself. Very hazardous when at a ramp end or a turn lane. The dealer recommended that the driver switch off the s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
Driving my car, oil light comes on. I take to a local mechanic who said he sees this often, my engine is going to seize up and confirmed via VIN my car is affected by the Sonata Engine Recall campaign XXX. Vanessa At Hyundai said to take it to a dealership immediately for further inspection as it may not be safe to drive. Took to dealership on XXX. While at the dealership, service manager said on... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2026
2.0 Ecoboost coolant intrusion in cylinder #4 issue with block defect. Ford Motor Company wont cover issue.
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2022) - ENGINE
Jul 8, 2026
Incident date: Jul 5, 2026
The engine block and cylinder head assembly failed due to a manufacturing design flaw that causes engine coolant to intrude into the cylinder bores. This defect was officially reproduced, tested, and confirmed by factory-certified technicians at AutoNation Ford Katy in Katy, Texas. The vehicle is currently parked at my residence and is fully available for inspection upon request. Prior to the fail... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
Stopped in heavy traffic in a four lane highway. Auto start/stop shut the engine down as expected. Traffic ahead cleared. I took my foot off of the brake to step on the gas. The engine didn't start up, and the radio and all lights inside went blank. Traffic behind me approached at about 45 mph. and were swerving around to avoid hitting my dead vehicle from the rear. I pushed the start button. N... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
defective engine block coolant intrusion into the cylinders engine shuts off during highway use. check engine light comes on before. i have taken it to ford dealership, it is a know defect, and they will not help with cost
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
While driving check engine suddenly illuminated following by a "warning reduced engine power" message. Car began driving sluggish and driving over 35mph caused serious trembling. After multiple diagnosis with several engine codes pointing to issues with ECM, and mass air flow sensor, and the wiring affliated . I took the vehicle to the GMC dealership to get vehicle serviced and was told the wiri... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
I have coolant intrusion into cylinder 3, pressure in the coolant tank, white smoke from the exhaust. I had code that indicated misfire in cylinder 3. I have taken it to Ford dealer and they did a diagnostic and stated the engine needs replaced. in my research I have found this is a very known issue with thousands of complaints, multiple class action lawsuits for the exact issue i have experienc... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
am writing to file a formal complaint regarding my recent experience with the service department at Audi of Cherry Hill concerning my Audi e-tron. My vehicle remained at your dealership for approximately four weeks, during which time no repairs or meaningful progress were made. Instead, I was informed that I would need to approve approximately $13,000 in diagnostic fees before the vehicle would e... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
I am the owner of a 2019 Mazda CX-5 with approximately 50,000 miles. I am experiencing an active engine oil leak accompanied by a burning smell and visible smoke from the engine compartment. This is consistent with a cracked cylinder head assembly — a known manufacturing defect in 2018–2021 Mazda CX-5 vehicles documented in Mazda's own Service Alert SA-031/21, which Mazda characterizes as a ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2025
The car stayed for 4 weeks at the dealership and he didn’t able to do the recall
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
Traction stabilization light comes on very frequently and vehicle loses power, step on gas and it sputters can’t get out of any one’s way, they throw parts at it and never fixes. From feedback off internet a big problem 2008-2017 enclaves
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2019) - ENGINE
Jul 8, 2026
Incident date: Jul 2, 2025
The front timing chain cover on the engine was leaking at 53k miles. This is a 2GR-FKS engine. We have had the car for 19k miles, and bought it as a Certified Pre-Owned. We're looking at spending over 10% of the purchase price of the car on a repair, after barely having it for three years.