Consumer Safety Complaints

Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 deaths.

2,215,138 Total Complaints

138,663 Reported Crashes

56,255 Reported Fires

8,561 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 2,215,138 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 ›

Clear

Showing 164,804 complaints — component: ENGINE

Incident date: May 20, 2026

While driving my 2022 Honda CRV at highway speeds and at operating temperature, the steering sticks and/or pauses then releases causing the steering to jerk back in the opposite direction. This creates a major safety issue while driving on the highway and can potentially cause an accident. Additionally, when turning the vehicle left at slow speeds, we would periodically hear a clicking noise. Thes... Read more

Incident date: Jun 21, 2023

Component Failure: The vehicle is equipped with the M274 2.0L turbocharged engine, which suffered a major internal mechanical defect. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership diagnosed the vehicle at 79,504 miles with a malfunction in the crankcase ventilation system alongside severe internal defects, quoting a total repair estimate of $9,851 to perform extensive engine work. Safety Risk: This known... Read more

Incident date: May 23, 2026

My brand new 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport-L experienced sudden significant power loss while operating on highway around 300 or so miles. Dashboard displayed warning: 'Emissions system problem — power may be reduced — see your dealer.' I had to immediately get off the highway and very slowly drive back home and then took it to the dealer as soon as their service dept. opened after that. Vehicle... Read more

Incident date: May 30, 2026

Car shut off in the middle of the road while driving and auto braked. Had to get a tow. Dealership said engine is bad now.

Incident date: Jun 2, 2026

At approximately 87,000 miles, my 2021 GLE350 (M264 2.0T engine) experienced a severe engine misfire resulting in a flashing check engine light, rough idle, engine shaking, significant loss of power, and near-stall condition. The vehicle was taken to Speedhaus Automotive (Newbury Park, CA) where all four ignition coils and spark plugs were replaced. Total repair cost was approximately $635. This f... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2026

When I bought the car it stuttered it ended up being the clutch then my transmission went out The bolt in my engine mount broke and my engine was basically on the ground

Incident date: May 17, 2026

A major engineering and material design failure occurred involving internal fluid containment seals, resulting in a severe electrical safety hazard. Pressurized engine coolant breached an internal component seal and began migrating internally directly through the vehicle's engine wiring harness via capillary/siphoning action. The fluid used the sealed wiring loom as a literal pipeline, traveling ... Read more

Incident date: May 22, 2026

I was driving when the vehicle stalled while slowing down. It stalled several more times at a stop light, and then when slowing down or accelerating slowly. I then noticed the engine started making a noise. I have parked it and not been able to drive it since. No safety indicators popped up during the stalling. When the engine started making a noice the check engine light then turned on. The car h... Read more

Incident date: May 26, 2026

My 2019 Mazda CX-5 (equipped with the 2.5L naturally aspirated SkyActiv-G engine with cylinder deactivation) has experienced a severe structural failure resulting in a cracked engine cylinder head. This casting defect allows pressurized motor oil to leak continuously from the cylinder head down onto the hot engine block and nearby exhaust components. This has led to the following severe safety ris... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2026

Vehicle has been recalled for a speed sensor issue that still persists. Recall repair was NOT properly executed. Vehicle engine still randomly shuts off while in idle at stoplights and during travel. Engine won’t start at this point.

Incident date: Oct 24, 2025

What component or system failed or malfunctioned? Engine and Transission System Fuel Management system, How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While driving the vehicle it would just shut off, when you tried to restart vehicle it would not start all you could smell was gas. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? This happened on ... Read more

Incident date: May 15, 2026

The engine check appeared on dashboard then engine did not start, Vehicle towed to dealership. Where they discovered a lift pin had broke. A new engine was ordered. Details on incident: I driving on I88 at 70 mile per hour when my vehicle when from 70 to 30 with engine check flashing running rough. After pulling off to side of the HWY, turn-off the engine and calling for help. I decided to try ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 31, 2024

Initial Breakdown: July 2024, my 2021 Kia Soul (under 40,000 miles) idled roughly and stalled while in motion. It restarted, but as a precaution, I towed it to Kia Greenbrier Chesapeake while it was operable. After diagnostics, the vehicle would no longer start. Warranty Denial: The dealer blamed engine sludge from two missed oil changes in 2022 and quoted $10,000 for a new engine. In August 2024... Read more

Incident date: May 9, 2026

Check engine light came on after feeling hesitation while driving and roughness while stopped. Diagnostic eval was done at shop and Evaporation Emissions Purge Valve was found to be faulty and replaced. Mechanic stated after the repair that this was a problem with certain year Traverses (unsure of which at the time) and an extended warranty was added that include 10 years or 150,000 miles.

Incident date: Feb 15, 2026

Problem with the fuel pump control module. Car broke down in front of my neighbor’s house. Now there is a problem with the transmission. It is slipping and there’s a clunking noise.

Incident date: Jun 3, 2026

The vehicle has gone into a limp mode unexpectedly while driving on the highway at 60+ mph. The first issue was on May 13, 2026. The car immediately stopped driving and went into limp mode and cannot go over 30 mph. It was taken to a service dealer. They could not replicate the problem, therefore the vehicle was given back as undiagnosed. This next incident occurred and almost caused an accident,... Read more

Incident date: Jun 2, 2026

I just bought my Subaru outback brand new in October 2025. I’ve maintained my oil changes at the dealership. I bought it from in the last one was last may 26. I filled up my tank with a full tank of gas June 1. On June 2 when I was driving home from work on the I 94 Highway in Detroit Michigan I was going about 50 mph when my check engine light went on and within seconds the engine failed. The c... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

This make and model Honda with a 2.4L engine have several known defects which brings potential harm and high operational and repair costs to its owners. Honda is well aware of the engine problems but refuses to issue recalls to correct the problem. Two of the major problems are: 1. due to a design error, the engine burns excessive amounts of oil, and 2. Honda installed a defective VTC Actuator i... Read more

Incident date: May 6, 2026

1. The engine architecture suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure. Specifically, severe, systemic internal oil consumption/vaporization starved the hydraulic timing chain tensioner of critical hydrostatic pressure. This caused the tensioner to collapse, creating slack in the steel timing chain, which then "jumped time" (skipped a tooth on the camshaft sprockets), causing the engine to instantl... Read more

Incident date: Apr 14, 2026

Vehicle has only 48,037 miles. Diagnosed with bad cylinders 1 and 2 . Coolant also contaminated cylinders. I took vehicle to Autonation Honda Corpus Christi twice before the diagnosis. Vehicle was running rough. When first turn on engine especially when it is cold, there's a lot of engine shakes. Same as in when on idle. Technician said he could not duplicate problem but did not perform diagnostic... Read more

Incident date: Mar 18, 2026

The contact owns a . The check engine light illuminated, while driving, the vehicle shifted to a lower gear unexpectedly and the turbo began to make a noise., the RPM's rapidly increased. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

Incident date: Jun 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the doors locked after her husband exited the vehicle. The key fob failed to open the door. After two hours, the vehicle suddenly unlocked. No warning lights were illuminated. Upon starting the vehicle, it was driven to another location but failed to restart. The vehicle made an abnormal trembling sound. The vehicle was jump-started. The br... Read more

Incident date: Apr 4, 2026

My 2019 Sorento 3.3L suffered high oil consumption followed by a severe oil leak at the back of the head/engine block threads. There is an odor of coolant which smells sweet with no visible coolant leak meaning there is likely coolant seeping into the engine mixing with the oil. I believe this an ongoing engine failure caused from Kia not correcting the issues over many years.

Incident date: May 13, 2026

The Throttle response is very slow when slowing down and then trying to take back off you are half throttle or more before anything happens, i have had to pull off the road to keep other vehicles from hitting me because the vehicle would not go. There has been a few times on the interstate that the throttle would not accept throttle at all and i would have to keep mashing it to finally get it to r... Read more

Incident date: May 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that the vehicle did not start, the vehicle was , the hood was raised, the contact went back to the vehicle to try to start, the vehicle would not turn over with clicking in the engine. the vehicle began to smoke with very thick white smoke, the contact was unable to exit the vehicle of the drivers side front seat. The battery was disc... Read more

Incident date: Jun 2, 2026

Car would shut off shortly after using remote start on key fob then display a warning on digital instrument cluster for two days now. It would also show my speed going back and forth from 0 to 1mph while parked.

Incident date: May 20, 2026

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Engine Control Module (ECM) is malfunctioning, triggering persistent P0101 codes related to the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. This specific issue is addressed in Nissan Technical Service Bulletin DE97AA, which recommends an ECM reprogramming. The component is still installed in the vehicle and is a... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

While slowing to a near-complete stop and preparing to shift into Park at a low-speed private property location, the vehicle suddenly and violently accelerated without any driver input. The operator, a [XXX] experienced driver, had no time to react. The vehicle travelled approximately 200-300 meters uncontrolled, narrowly missed a grounds keeper operating a tractor on the paved road, left the pav... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: May 16, 2026

I own a 2022 Nissan Rogue with approx 71,139 miles on. While driving on the freeway at 65mph, the vehicle suddenly lost power and became disabled. Prior to the failure, the vehicle did not dispaly an overheating warning, coolant warning, or other indication the engine was overheating or experiencing coolant loss. The vehicle was being driven normally and was on the way to routine maintenance and f... Read more

Incident date: Apr 23, 2026

The contact owned a 2016 KIA OPTIMA. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH occupied with her husband the contact heard a noise coming from the rear of the vehicle and smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle as you looked in the drive side rear view mirror and while depressing the brake pedal attempting to come to a complete at the traffic light, the brakes failed to work a intended. N... Read more

Incident date: May 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the check engine and cruise control fault warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle did not accelerate about 53 MPH. In addition, the contact stated that the failure... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2026

Both my control arms are loose and wheel baring is bad, plus a cracked catalytic converter. All of these are causing my car to be loud and burning smell, causing unsafe driving conditions for me and my children. Online states that the control arms are an issue with this vehicle make and model and have been recalled, however my VIN has not been recalled and I want to report this. improperly welded ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 2, 2026

The contact owned a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the contact noticed smoking coming from the under the front vehicle. The contact mention he pulled over the right side of the road, turned the vehicle off and then exited the vehicle and opened the hood of the vehicle and noticed flames coming from the back of the engine. No injuries were sustained. No ... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Jun 1, 2022

I am submitting this complaint regarding an apparent head gasket failure involving my 2022 Honda Accord Sport 1.5T equipped with Honda's 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. At approximately 143,000 miles, I began experiencing coolant loss without any visible external leak. I also noticed rough operation and shaking during startup. Concerned about the symptoms, I consulted a Honda specialist who advised... Read more

Incident date: May 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Scion XB. The contact stated while her daughter was driving or idling, the driver noticed an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was parked at the residen... Read more

Incident date: May 29, 2026

I was travelling on the highway at approximately 72 miles an hour in the left lane trying to pass a vehicle in the right lane. while accelerating my truck was like the brakes were slammed on and all kinds of lights starting flashing. This included the check engine light, low oil pressure light and lane assist lights. The truck shifted into Neutral and I could not place back into drive. I swerv... Read more

Incident date: May 19, 2026

Engine started running extremely rough shaking vehicle. Various warning lights lit up. Took vehicle to dealer and was told that I need a new duramax engine because the cylinders are scored. Vehicle has about 58k miles It has been at the dealer for 3 weeks and they say they have no idea when they can get it fixed. It is my only work vehicle and now I have to rent another vehicle to keep working.

Incident date: May 21, 2026

This vehicle (VIN: [XXX] ) has suffered repeated catastrophic engine shutdowns and complete loss of propulsion power while in motion. The dashboard displayed "Engine off! Shift to P or N, then start engine." This has occurred so many times the owner lost count, requiring multiple tows to Kia of Beavercreek. Following one incident, Service Manager Brad personally assured the owner's wife, looking h... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road, where the contact restarted the vehicle. The contact drove to his workplace and parted the vehicle. However, the vehicle later failed to start. The vehicle was to... Read more

Incident date: Mar 3, 2026

Loosing oil putting oil in every 3 to 4 days no leaks on ground or oil pan or drain plug.oil don't smell or looks burnt happened around did 2 oil changes in a week still the same. Car will sputer hesitation on acceleration every so often

Incident date: May 21, 2026

The car engine stopped on the highway while driving. Wouldn’t turn back on all of my four children were on the car.

Incident date: Apr 13, 2026

1.5 L eco boost engine FORD- COOLANT INTRUSION, cylinder 3 misfire, check engine light at 59,800 miles - known defect by Ford- needs new engine. Some models recalled but not this one (?? Why??). Cannot safely drive this vehicle. Problem diagnosed by dealer[ as well as by independent garage] and dealer acknowledged a recall should be done but they cannot help except to replace the engine at my e... Read more

Incident date: Apr 27, 2026

2017 Ford Escape with 2.0 liter turbocharged engine. At 66,000 miles, car hesitated when moving from stop position. Dealer stated it needed a turbocharger replacement. $3,000 to replace with car just 6,000 miles over warranty. Notified Ford about this problem, not a word back. At 91,000 miles, check engine light came on. Ford dealer diagnosed and stated coolant entering into cylinder #2. Dealer st... Read more

Incident date: May 31, 2026

31 May 2026 (AM) Operating vehicle north on MD Rte 147 traveling appr. 45 MPH when vehicle started experiencing uncontrolled electrical activation of features e.g., heat, air, radio, main display. This proceed a shuddering in the drive train like one would experience with a transmission issue. Then, without warning, while at full speed, there was a complete loss of engine power i.e., it turned off... Read more

Incident date: Mar 9, 2026

My engine failed as I was driving down the highway at high speed. I was thankfully able to move over lanes and park safely on side of the rode before it came to a complete stop. It never turned back on. Lexus had to send a tow truck to pick it up and has been @ Dealership in Lubbock tx since 3/9/26

Incident date: Apr 14, 2026

My 2018 Malibu is stalling, it is covered under Recall N192221960, and the dealer is refusing to properly scan or fix the issue. They did the recall and the car is still doing the same thing but worse.

Incident date: May 31, 2026

While driving the vehicle the engine started running rough, check engine light illuminated and it would not accelerate above 40 mph. There are 29,100 miles on the vehicle, it's been serviced on schedule by Mercedes and is owned by me since new. It is especially concerning due to the acceleration topic which could have been catastrophic if I were trying to merge into traffic. Dealer service say... Read more

Incident date: May 23, 2026

Engine fails it violenty thumps and studders and drops from highway speed with no warning. This is a mfg. defect and also an EXTREME SAFETY CONCERN. The engine studders and thumps and we were almost rear ended by a truck when our truck could not go into gear properly. It is very scary! Dealership confirmed that they have many vehicles with same issue and recommended a Super Flush of transmiss... Read more

Incident date: May 27, 2026

On [XXX], my 2018 Kia Soul (VIN [XXX] ) displayed DTC P1326 with a blinking check engine light and went into limp mode. Ray’s Automotive documented P1326 in writing, added oil, and cleared the light only to allow safe transport. At Greenway Kia (Avenues), they charged $199 and refused to create a Vehicle Diagnosis Number (VDN) or perform the Bearing Clearance Test (BCT) unless they could reprodu... Read more

Incident date: May 19, 2026

I was driving down the road and came to a stop at a stop light. After accelerating again my car lost the ability to increase speed above 20 miles/hour and would not shift gears. I was heading to the turn lane to get on the interstate and quickly had to change lanes to find an area to pull over as I could not reach highway speeds. I turned the car off. I turned the car back on and the problem resol... Read more

Previous 1 2 3 4 5 ... 7 8 9 ... 3296 3297 Next

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

Consumer Safety Complaints

What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?

How to interpret what you read

If you've experienced a defect

Read more from our blog