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: Oct 1, 2025
I was driving the vehicle, when I started to fell a " Shuddering " sensation on acceleration. I let off the gas pedal and the Shuddering went away. A few miles down the road the check engine light came on and was flashing. I immediately pulled and shut the vehicle off. After sitting for 10 minutes I restarted the vehicle and the check engine light was no longer on, but the " Shuddering " sensation... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
On occasion, the engine will lack power upon accelerating from a stop of slow speed resulting in a delay in power needed to accelerate. This creates a safety risk when accelerating from a stop or slow speed by opening up the risk of a collision when the car doesn't accelerate as needed. The car has been taken to the dealership but they say they cannot reproduce so they return it in the same condit... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Lexus NX300. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The message “Electronic Fuel System Failure” was displayed, and the vehicle stalled on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the local Auto Zone, and the contact was informed about the fuel system failure. The vehicle was later taken to the local ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2021) - ENGINE
Jul 1, 2026
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
On 07/01/2026, at approximately 8:00 AM, during steady acceleration, flashing of MIL with loss of power presented northbound after merging from 235 west bound to I-135 north bound near Park City, KS. Particularly dangerous resulting in near rear end collision. Upon taking nearest exit ramp, attached BlueDriver .OBD II reader, and fault code P0303 - Cylinder 3 Misfire and U0401-68 PGM-Fi/ECM/PCM sy... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
Engine seized after the pico test. Been 3 months waiting on an engine
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that it sounded like the lifter was banging inside the engine valve. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The man... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) - ENGINE
Jul 1, 2026
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
Vehicle is a 2018 requiring valve cover replacement due to an issue that was recalled on previous years, most recently 2016. Extended warranty was offered for these repairs. TSB Special Coverage N192291620 – Camshaft Cover Replacement (later superseded by N232395320). This should be reviewed for additional recalls.
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2006) - ENGINE
Jul 1, 2026
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
The motor in our 2023 Toyota Sequoia with around 32,000 miles failed and left me stranded on the side of a two lane highway in the middle of the night. Toyota only wants to replace the engine block and will not extend the warranty on the motor after it is repaired. This is the same motor that is in the Tundra that was recalled (NHTSA recall #25V767 for the V35A 3.4L i Force Max twin turbo V6 hybri... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
The vehicle has an Auto Idle Stop no-restart/stalling issue. While stopped at a traffic light/intersection, Auto Idle Stop engaged. When attempting to proceed, the vehicle did not resume driving normally, shifted itself into Park, dashboard warning lights flashed, and the only way to move again was to turn the vehicle completely off and restart it. This left the vehicle disabled in traffic and cre... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
A valve on the 3.0L Duramax is allegedly sticking, causing the vehicle to go into limp mode or be inoperable. This is a known issue for GM and they have issued a service bulletin on it. Unfortunately, no dealers want to address the issue and now we are left with a vehicle that if we do not pay to repair, after it being ours for only 5 days, the vehicle will be unusable. This vehicle is under warra... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
This vehicle became subject to a manufacturer safety recall requiring complete engine replacement. The engine failure has been confirmed by an authorized GMC dealer, and the vehicle has remained out of service for more than one month while awaiting the recall remedy. The dealer has advised that the repair has been escalated through GM's SPAC (Service Parts Assistance Center) process because a rep... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
While the start stop feature is active, there have been several times where the van will not restart at a stoplight. In some cases, I have had to turn off the A/C, or other electrical systems to allow the car to restart. This has happened in traffic and caused several backups while I tried to restart the car. Took this van to the dealer and while they checked the systems they did not find any i... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2023) - ENGINE
Jul 1, 2026
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
I am requesting immediate review and resolution regarding a major engine failure in my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 6.2L V8 engine. My vehicle has suffered a complete engine failure and is displaying code P0016 (crankshaft/camshaft correlation). This is a known and widely documented defect affecting GM 6.2L engines and is the basis of an existing recall and engine replacement program fo... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) - ENGINE
Jul 1, 2026
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
Back in Jan 2025 I noticed oil consumption from 2020 F150 with the 5.0 engine. There is class action lawsuit against Ford currently for this problem they know they have. I informed my local dealer, that has always serviced my tuck on time over the years, that it was smoking. I have owned this truck since new in Sep 2020. It had roughly 33K miles on it when I first noticed it. The dealership starte... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
Subject: Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2013 Ford F-150 Flex Fuel Transmission Failure I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2013 Ford F-150 Flex Fuel due to a serious and costly transmission failure that I believe warrants investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). I purchased this vehicle in 2020, and since that time it has experienced ongoing transmission... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
On June 9, 2026, my 2025 Acura MDX, with only 9,139 miles, stalled at a red traffic light after the Auto Idle Stop feature activated. The engine would not restart, leaving the vehicle disabled in an active traffic lane. I was unable to shift the vehicle out of Park and was stranded for approximately 5 to 10 minutes with my two young children in the back seat. The dashboard instructed me to fully d... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
After accelerating from a stop sign to about 60mph on a 2 lane road, the engine shut off and the vehicle changed to neutral. I had to glide the truck down the road and off to the side. Vehicle would not start and had to be towed to a Cadillac dealership on a flatbed.
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2020) - ENGINE
Jul 1, 2026
Incident date: May 27, 2026
Engine overheated, dashboard told driver stop immediately, find somewhere safe to pull over. I filled it with coolant and took it to my local Chevy dealer. They told me the long block was porous, coolant was getting into the cylinder and my engine needed to be replaced. There is no external coolant leak, it is all going into the block. I have the 2.0L Ecoboost engine.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
In the past 2 days, my vehicle engine has shut off 11 times while driving. This is happening while I am moving so it is a huge safety issue for myself and other drivers. Over the course of 3 months, the vehicle has done this over 20 times. It happens when coasting, slowing down at a stop light and people in the other lane start moving, going through roundabouts, turning when there is oncoming traf... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLC 350 E 4MATIC
(2025) - ENGINE
Jul 1, 2026
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the vehicle rolled to a stop and stalled in hot and cold temperatures. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was jump-started by Roadside Assistance. The contact purchased a trickle charger. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed, and determined that the bat... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
All of a sudden, while driving, the car was not picking up speed. I parked and noticed the car was idling very roughly. It was though the car was going to just stop when I did start driving again. The check engine light came on while I was driving in the car would not pick up speed. It was still really a rough idle to the car when I turned corners it was like the car was going to stop and it would... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) Phasers on my 2018 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost have failed, resulting in violent, un-commanded camshaft movement within the engine. The vehicle is currently in my possession, and the failed components are available for inspection upon request. This failure puts my safety and the safety of surrounding motorists at extreme risk. The internal locking pins inside the c... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
The vehicle is subject to Alfa Romeo Safety Recall 93C (NHTSA Campaign 25V586) for a defective Fuel Delivery Module. The safety defect is an active, un-remedied hazard. The vehicle is currently located at [Name of Alfa Romeo Dealership] for an official diagnosis and is available for inspection. The vehicle has an active safety recall for sudden, catastrophic engine stalling at highway speeds due t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
The vehicle burns oil. The first incident occurred when the car stopped running. Fortunately I was in a residential area and was able to pull into a parking lot. My mechanic confirmed it was lack of oil in the engine. I have taken it to the dealership and had it tested, but they said it was not enough, and then with the recall, they again said it was not the problem. It continues to burn oil and ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
Coolant leak from engine block. Crack in engine block. Per Ford its a known issue on the 2018 escape model vehi les. Required full engine replacement by Ford. Paid for out of pocket, no warranty no recall when work completed in 2022.
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
1. The engine developed a coolant intrusion failure. A Ford repair shop diagnosed coolant leaking into the engine, consistent with the known 1.5L EcoBoost coolant intrusion issue. The vehicle and failed engine are available for inspection upon request. 2.The engine misfired and requires replacement due to internal coolant intrusion. An engine failure while driving could result in sudden loss of p... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
My 2024 GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate 1500 experienced a catastrophic powertrain failure that created a serious safety hazard. On XXX, while driving at highway speeds, the truck unexpectedly shifted into neutral, causing an immediate loss of propulsion. During this event, the electrical system was also affected. The battery power dropped, power steering assistance was lost, and due to the electronic ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
I have been in my vehicle at a red light and my van will not start. The start button is pressed and the vehicle makes clicking noises or won’t make a sound at all. Finally it starts
Incident date: Jun 7, 2002
The vehicle is experiencing severe engine malfunction due to a documented manufacturing defect: coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders (per Ford Technical Service Bulletin TSB 22-2134). An authorized Ford dealership service department at Shehy Ford, Midlothian, VA, has officially inspected the vehicle and confirmed this specific failure.This defect presents a severe and immediate safety hazar... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2024) - ENGINE
Jun 30, 2026
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
Lifters (the part that opens and closes engine valves) fail prematurely. There was a loud ticking noises, rough idling. Took to dealership and they advise that yes the lifters are failing and not drivable at this time.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2024) - ENGINE
Jun 30, 2026
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
On May 20, 2026 We were in Mt Dora, FL We were approaching a red light. Cars were stopped in front of us and cars were beside me and behind me. As I slowed down the car just stalled out. It completely turned off while I was in drive. I immediately tried to start it. Then I put my foot on the brake and put it in park and turned on my hazard lights. I waited about 3 minutes and started it up. It was... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
The contact owned a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that six months after purchasing the vehicle, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally while driving, accelerating, and the vehicle was hesitating. During an oil change, the contact informed the mechanic about the excessive vibration while driving. The contact was notified of an undisclosed recall, but there was no remedy for the recall. The co... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 21, 2026
*AFTER A OIL CHANGE ONLY RUNS 2,000 MILES A MONTH AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON FOR LOW OIL. WHEN CAR TURNS IN MORNING TURNS ON FINE AFTER I WORK FOR 8HRS TURN BACK ON AND WHITE SMOKE COMES FROM THE EXHAUST. WINDOW SOMETIMES WONT WORK. *CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP BUT THEY DID NOT FIND ANYTHING.WE FIRST THOUGHT OIL WAS NOT BEEN DONE AND TOOK IT AGAIN AND THEY DID OIL CHANGE AGAIN SAME PROBLEM KE... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2024) - ENGINE
Jun 30, 2026
Incident date: May 7, 2026
Driving home from work on [XXX] (not a safe location)when my car lost power and engine light began to flash. I pulled off to the side of road and called my dad. He came with a code reader and said there was a code P1326. He cleared the code and car drove normally again. 2 days later it began to run rough. I was told about the engine recall so I called Hyundai corporate and told them this same stor... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2026
2025 Ford Maverick XL EcoBoost AWD with 2,000 lb tow package. Vehicle displays an 'Engine Coolant Over Temperature' warning recurrently at idle and upon initial startup when ambient temperature is 84°F or above. The warning has occurred multiple times under these conditions. Most recently, the warning appeared while the vehicle was stationary at 0 MPH immediately before entering a highway, creati... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
Component: Automatic transmission, 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum AWD. Available for inspection. Purchased new 11/21/2025 at zero miles. Beginning ~2000 miles (est Feb 2026), intermittent transmission malfunction during acceleration: transmission holds gears at elevated RPMs beyond expected shift point, then shifts harshly or shudders violently. Documentation began 6/1/2026; cur... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2026
Engine locked on the crank, not part of the recall apparently. Car had no lights come on. It Could have happened as I was driving just 5 minutes prior with 4 children in the car. It has 107,000 miles.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2016) - ENGINE
Jun 30, 2026
Incident date: Jun 6, 2026
While driving low speed between 1-55 mph my car feels like it’s stuttering, jerking or about to shut down.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
Contaminated coolant system
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
Driving home from work on interstate, 2 month old 2026 Buick enclave jolted and shut off completely while going 65mph. Barely pulled over safely to the left side (Oklahoma drivers). Restarted car, check engine light illuminated with messages of reduced engine power (limp mode up to 35mph) while stuck on highway, traction control and esc disabled. Was able to get off highway and limp to nearest GM ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
vehicle has engine maintenance required. took it to a shop and got code p268115 which states there is a recall for the coolant valve bypass for 2022 Camrys, but for some reason my specific VIN number does not constitute as being a recall it is putting the safety of me and family members at harm not knowing if the vehicle will overheat or stop on the side of the road lights came on this morning... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2026
My 2018 Ford Escape has experienced coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, a known issue affecting this model year. The vehicle began misfiring and consuming coolant without external leaks. This has caused me a great deal of financial stress as I still pay on the vehicle auto loan and was quoted $12,000 for an engine replacement after already paying $2,000 to repair the original misfire. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
There is oil leaking into the engine. Whole engine needs to be replaced
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
Lifter failure occurred on dangerous interstate interchange complete loss of power while towing a 14k pound mobile restroom bumper pull trailer in 6 lanes merging traffic from center lane 45 mph exit onto 60 mph interstate speeds XXX going onto XXX/[XXX] my scanner said dpf plugged stellantis mechanic claims lifter failure problem is complete loss of power happened in a dangerous area and waiting ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
We are driving on the highway and the engine just stop working but all lights are still working. I am trying to put gas but it seemed that the engine completely shuts off dangerously without warning. This put my family at risk because there were a lot of big trucks beside us. Theta II 2.0L Turbo engine just stalled I believe this has been around . Can you please help us.
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2022) - ENGINE
Jun 30, 2026
Incident date: Jun 24, 2026
Failed emission test and the car is 6 years old. I have had this car in for the death wobble and told them the engine fan stays on. It has done this for years. Dealer kept stating it just had to cool off. The Jeep vehicles that have the deal wobble should be recalled very dangerous. I have videos I can submit.
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
I bought the vehicle less than 60 days when it had a major engine failure. The spark plug broke off into the engine and bounced around causing a failure. This is a known problem with this vehicle from the factory, from which I was not aware. At first they said they were putting a new engine in and now corporate is trying to get it out the door asap so they cant be forced to buy back the vehicle as... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE L
(2025) - ENGINE
Jun 30, 2026
Incident date: Jun 24, 2026
Due to a known manufacturing issue the coil pack wiring was faulty on my motorcycle. It happened twice while I was out riding and both times the motorcycle shut down unexpectedly on me. The second time was almost catastrophic but I was able to ride in neutral to a breakdown lane. I bought the bike in July 2025 and the first issue I had was in august 2025. The issue was brought in, resolved and the... Read more