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: Apr 16, 2026
I had P0128 Code with a warning message " Steering assist is reduced, drive with care". My local mechanic told I need a new thermostat. I have replaced my thermostat and it cost me 700 dollars out of pocket.
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while turning the ignition on, the "Service Parking Brake" message was displayed, and the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the engine ran rough. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine lifters needed to be replaced; however, the dealer could not diagnose if there was further en... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
I am reporting a severe vehicle safety hazard involving a sudden loss of motive power and extreme thermal failure on my 2012 Hyundai Equus Signature 5.0L. In July 2022, at 88,845 miles, an authorized Hyundai dealership replaced the transmission under a factory warranty event. Rather than replacing the transmission oil cooler assembly—which was contaminated with heavy metal shrapnel from the ori... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
2025 Honda Pilot suffered severe engine misfires while driving due to total intake valve carbon blockages at 31,000 miles. The dealer and Honda Tech Line admitted they do not know why it happened and cannot find the cause.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2026
The vehicle has been in 3 times for shaking and check engine light. First time the Honda technician diagnosed as misfire cylinder 2 issue caused by bad injector. The dealership indicated that Honda would not honor warranty fix if the car did not store the error code on the computer even though "big safety issue." Second time a 60 minute software update was authorized by Honda. Third time 3 erro... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2019
One day as I was turning at a green light the car completely stopped on me. I had to turn it off and then restart it and it worked fine. About a week later I had to drive to my cousin's house 45 minutes away and the car would not go, it acted like it was stalling and It didn't want to go over 2000RPMs and it was really sluggish like it didn't want to shift into the next gear. I finally got on the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
After a recall repair (Campaign 9C2) was performed on my vehicle, it developed a hesitation and lack of acceleration issue that did not exist before the repair. The vehicle exhibits rough or delayed gear shifting, a noticeable lack of power/acceleration, and behavior that feels like the engine is not receiving adequate fuel. This occurs both during cold start and after the vehicle has been driven ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
at 154,000 i’m forced to replace my head gasket and fuel injectors and lots of other stuff because my head gasket failed driving in the freeway and went into limp mode and several light turned on and lost all power thankfully i was able to pull over safely and shut off the vehicle for 10 minutes and start back up with no limp mode and drove to honda and informed me my head gasket failed had fail... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
2020 Kia Forte, 2.0L 14F engine, 109,000 miles: On July 3.2026 "check engine" light came on. Drove to local auto parts store to have code downloaded, P0017 cam position sensor. Car was performing fine, except for engine light. Drove car to Kia dealership. While driving, warning light for "front collision system came on and car began performing erratically. Left car at dealership for diagnostic... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
Bought this vehicle in December 2025 used from a dealership. After about a month, I started hearing a noise coming from behind the steering wheel inside the dashboard area. Being that it was a new car to us. We weren’t sure if the noise was problematic so we didn’t take it in right away. The noise started getting worse after a few months and we brought it in. The mechanic couldn’t find the ... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE HYBRID
(2025) - ENGINE
Jul 8, 2026
Incident date: Nov 8, 2025
The car is having coolant intrusion in the engine block, it’s misfiring and popping codes po301-po303. It’s shooting white smoke out the back.
Incident date: May 22, 2026
ENGINE replacement due to coolant intrusion. This is common BIG problems reported by many and Ford is not fixing it. Engine light came after visit at Ford dealer service and was told to drive the car as long as the engine light was not flashing. Inspected by Ford and told $10,000 to fix No messages or symptoms before the car was taken to Ford for a recall, fixing of brakes and oil change.
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2022) - ENGINE
Jul 8, 2026
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
I was on the highway on the way to work when my car started stalling. Every time I pressed the gas to give it some power, it would not go anyway where. after getting it towed to get looked at some of the fuel injectors failed and were misfiring. The warning message about ‘check engine’ popped up 2 minutes before it happened. this is the third time now in less than 6 months.
HYUNDAI
GENESIS COUPE
(2012) - ENGINE
Jul 8, 2026
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Starter wiring burned and caused a small, localized fire in the engine compartment of the vehicle. Replacement of the starter assembly along with related engine wiring harness is necessary for vehicle operation. After mechanic review, it was determined the vehicle will catch fire upon attempt to start the vehicle. The vehicle was parked near our home when the internal burning and subsequent small... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 28, 2026
My 2016 Hyundai Sonata 2.4L suffered an in-transit engine failure and entered emergency limp mode with an active P1326 rod bearing defect code, which is a recognized fire and safety hazard under NHTSA mandates. Service Campaign 953 was successfully completed on August 12, 2019, qualifying the vehicle for a lifetime settlement engine replacement. Walser Hyundai Brooklyn Park (RO #257457) has issued... Read more
TOYOTA
RAV4 HYBRID
(2026) - ENGINE
Jul 8, 2026
Incident date: Jul 7, 2026
I am filing a safety and compliance complaint regarding execution of Federal Recall Campaign #26V365 by Valley Stream Acura and sales fraud by Paragon Acura. I purchased this 2016 Acura MDX from Paragon Acura on May 29, 2026. I have driven it only 550 miles, placing it strictly within the statutory New York State 60-Day Used Car Lemon Law Warranty window. A certified 6-page independent ASE forensi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
Vehicle Information: 2018 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special Safety Complaint: I am filing this complaint because the excessive engine heat from my 2018 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special has caused repeated burns to my right inner thigh while riding. This is not simply an issue of rider discomfort—it is a safety concern that has resulted in physical injury. During normal riding, particularly... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an abnormal knocking sound was heard coming from under the hood, and the RPMs independently increased. The "Check Engine Oil" warning light illuminated. The contact managed to pull over to the shoulder of the road, and the vehicle was towed to a local Midas shop, where it was diagnosed with total... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
I am reporting a serious safety concern involving my 2022 Nissan Rogue equipped with the 1.5L engine. While driving in normal traffic, my vehicle suddenly displayed an "Engine Malfunction" warning with no prior indication of an engine problem. Immediately after the warning appeared, the vehicle rapidly lost power and could no longer maintain the speed of surrounding traffic. I had very limited ab... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
The crankshaft position sensor is throwing a code , and the car want turn over .
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
My 2016 Honda Pilot Touring repeatedly stalls and shuts off while driving, including at lower speeds in traffic. When it happens, the engine and all electrical power shut off; the vehicle then has to be jump-started, and it will sometimes only restart after sitting for an hour or more. This is a serious safety hazard because the vehicle can lose power unexpectedly while in motion, creating a risk ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
This vehicle has been in multiple times for major repairs and is currently in for transmission replacement and coolant replacements. Both of these have already had parts replaced. The recall on my car has been on it for a year and has yet to be addressed. I was told that my car started smoking while in ford possession and attempting repairs. When I questioned the recall I was told it wasn’t a bi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
Made a complete stop and vehicle accelerated at a high rate of speed and could not stop.
Crash
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
Just bought this from a private seller last week and was driving to work. The engine suddenly caught fire and the car essentially exploded and melted.
Fire
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
Catastrophic engine failure while traveling 40 mph. Dealership diagnosed as cylinder walls being scorched and rods blown through. No warning signs existed - just had a loud thud before the check engine light started flashing and grinding sound started coming from engine.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
The vehicle suffers from an intermittent electrical/charging and starting system failure tied to the Auto Idle-Stop feature. While driving and coming to a stop at active traffic lights, the engine stutters and completely shuts down. It then fails to automatically restart, requiring multiple manual attempts to crank the engine back over. This creates a severe safety hazard, leaving my family sudden... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2022) - ENGINE
Jul 8, 2026
Incident date: Jul 7, 2026
The dash and front and rear lights keep going on and off. And I changed all my lights on from and rear and it still happens there is a smell coming from my glove box. I can show you in person so we can see what can be done to fix this problem.
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
I got onto the free and accelerated to the speed limit. I glanced at my dash and saw the check engine light start flashing. I could feel the car start to lose power and handle differently than normal. I immediately pulled to the shoulder and had the car towed to the dealership. They diagnosed it as having a blown head gasket and that coolant had gotten into 1 of the cylinders. The adviser informed... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
Head gasket failure, coolant leaking into cylinder 1 and 3. Car stuttering when try to accelerate and has trouble getting up to speed on highway. Coolant mixing with oil, rear main seal leak. It is available for inspection currently at dealership where it was diagnosed. My safety was jeopardized because I barely can accelerate on the highway causing cars to tail gate me and potentially crash into ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2026
Engine developed a loud rod-bearing knock at approx. 107,771 miles, consistent with the Theta II GDI connecting-rod bearing defect addressed by NHTSA Recall 17V-226 (Hyundai Recall 162). The vehicle was taken out of service and delivered to Webb Hyundai, Highland, IN, on 06/13/2026, where it remains. Hyundai's own campaign records confirm Recall 162 (GDI engine inspection/replacement) was complete... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2026
1st concern- while in an intersection the van powered off after lights on dashboard said something about a system failure. I tried restarting vehicle several times as I was really nervous being in an intersection and it finally started after a few tries. This same thing happened l, to my husband, while parked in our garage about to leave. 2 nd concern- last week on XXXI drove to [XXX] for a short ... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
While driving my 2018 Hyundai Tucson Limited 1.6L Turbo with the 7-speed EcoShift dual clutch transmission (DCT), the vehicle has repeatedly failed to engage and hold gears, resulting in loss of motive power in traffic. Diagnostic scanning retrieved codes P074B (Unable to Engage Gear 3), P074B71 (Unable to Select 3rd Gear), P074B07 (Gear Dropped Out of 3rd Gear), P092177 (1st Gear System Referenci... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
My 2018 Ford Escape with the 1.5 EcoBoost has a dealer confirmed coolant intrusion failure. This is what is addressed in the 21N12 program customer satisfaction program. But my vin is not listed. But my engine has the identical engine failure. They told me I needed a new engine. I reached out to Ford and to y'all I have waited almost a year for a response. I need help please.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
This 2026 Ford Explorer has stopped, stalled, hesitated and jerks after fuel fill-ups. It stopped twice for myself in busy intersections. The dealer has had it for weeks and when driving the vehicle back to me, stalled and hesitated for Ford Service dept. twice. They told me I could not have my car back for safety reasons.
Incident date: May 24, 2026
I was driving on the freeway at 64 MPH when my Brake Assist alert appeared on my dashboard. At that time I lost assisted braking capability. I was able to steer and stop my vehicle on the shoulder of the freeway. I turned the car off and was unable to start the car again. The car was towed to the dealership where they stated “ Hi Erika, the vacuum pump on your engine seized and broke the shaft a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
Engine reached high temperature on July 2 2016 the results of which required the replacement of the radiator. Apparently there is a class action regarding coolant system issues for my vehicles 2.0L engine. The radiator failure may be the result of this issue. Engine overheated
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
The engine's cylinder head/valve train has failed internally, allowing combustion gases to enter the cooling system — confirmed via a chemical block test performed by a master automotive technician on November 29, 2024, which verified combustion gases present in the coolant. This is a widely documented defect on this engine and model year, related to valve seat erosion in the cylinder head. Sym... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
A week prior to the engine light going on, I noticed the car running rough when stopped at a traffic light. I thought it was due to the extreme heat and the A/C running high. The check engine light went on in my 2018 Ford Edge on XXX. I took it to the dealer where I purchased it and they ran a diagnostic. Then they told me it was misfiring and nothing to worry about, and they would have the servic... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, a tapping sound was heard, which gradually grew louder. The next day, the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a piston 5 failure, and the dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2026
My Kia has been stalling, shaking, and just driving extremely badly for the past year. This day, I was driving on 55, and the car just stopped and stalled in the middle of highway near Berwyn, IL. This was extremely dangerous and could have honestly been life threatening. I pulled over, turned the car off and on, and was safely able to drive it to Berwyn Kia. Unfortunately, this was not the only t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
On 7/6/26 the car started to rough idle and engine light was coming on/off/on - so we took into the local shop and check for misfiring - mechanic opened up spark plug and scoped and immediately noticed coolant inside the cylinder #1/4. Proceed to call me and note this particular engine they have seen dozens of these issues and the engine block needs to be replaced. TSB was pulled up noting that t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2026
Coolant intrusion I now need a new engine Known problem by Ford who refuses to fix it I now owe on a car that I cannot drive
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
Check engine light with message engine running at diminished capacity as speed would not go above 20mph. Safety at risk from other vehicles on highway until able to reach safe location. Dealer states SES light on P0089 and P228C. GM bulletin on both codes. Programmed ECM with latest calibration for codes listed. If codes come back must do further diagnostics. Concerned about repeat possibility.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
I have a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with a 3.0 Duramax diesel engine, Have had a check engine light intermittent a couple times. Vehicle went into limp mode. Had the diagnostic code read; P1010. Code P1010 shows an engine coolant flow control valve position sensor exceeded minimum learning limit. General Motors has issued a special warranty N252508341covering 2021-2023 Silverado 1500 for this... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
2026 SILVERADO ENGINE BLOWED UP AT 6,413 MILES. THIS IS THE 6.2 L87 ENGINE..
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 RAM 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the engine was running unusually rough and the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed engine. The contact was informed that the heater intake bolt was detached and entered into the numb... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2026
XXX around 10:30pm I was driving on the expressway about 65mph when the car lost power and turned off without any warning. It immediately shifted into neutral without me shifting gears. I was stranded in the right lane at night with cars driving by. I was extremely nervous I was going to be rear ended. I was able to pull over to the right shoulder on the expressway and then the car wouldn’t star... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
Engine rapidly burning oil. Had oil changed as Manufacturer's recommendation, but after exceeding the 100,000 mile warranty and having been 7,000 miles since the last oil change the engine threw a rod and the car stopped while i was driving it. Was told by the Kia Dealer (Fitzgerald Kia in Annapolis) that I needed a $10,000 engine replaced. I am currently working with a lawyer to address this conc... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2026
My engine has suffered a mechanical failure that makes the vehicle stall or lose power while driving, creating a massive highway safety hazard. Kia is using a software update loophole to deny fixing a physical, dangerous manufacturing defect.
Incident date: May 10, 2026
When stopped at a stop light, the car went into idle stop. Upon taking my foot off the brake to accelerate, the car stalled and required me to push the brake and ignition button to shut it off completely and then restart the car. This has happened on 8 separate occasions. It seems to happen more frequently when we have the AC on on a hot day. It's scary to be at a light with cars waiting to go aro... Read more