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
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) - ENGINE
Jun 18, 2026
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
6/12/26 ( 2023 Chevy Silverado - 6.2 liter engine) While driving at approximately 40 MPH on a two lane road, the truck shut off. After multiple attempts, the engine failed to restart. The transmission locked up in park and would not release. This required the truck to be dragged up on the flat bed wrecker instead of rolling freely. Prior to this instance there have been several issues with the el... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2022) - ENGINE
Jun 18, 2026
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
Engine Failure where a replacement engine is required just after a few months of purchasing the vehicle.
Incident date: May 14, 2026
I am temporarily at [XXX]. The brake light on the dash will pop up in orange while driving and the steering wheel will turn from left to right at certain times while driving. I am not too close to another vehicle. The air bag indicator light flashes at times. The driver car seat will move forward when I unlock the vehicle at times. The trunk pops open at times after having been securely shut. I h... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact became aware of white smoke coming from the vents. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact and minor children exited the vehicle. The contact stated that while exiting the vehi... Read more
Fire
4 injured
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
Vehicle had previously undergone the GM 6.2L engine recall inspection on October 17, 2025, and was determined to have passed. On June 13, 2026, at approximately 80,390 miles, the vehicle suddenly lost propulsion while being driven with five children in the vehicle. The vehicle became inoperable and required towing. Dealer subsequently diagnosed engine failure and has ordered a replacement engine. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2026
While driving my 2016 Honda Pilot (VIN: [XXX], approximately 125K miles) on the freeway at 65 mph, the engine seized and the vehicle would no longer accelerate. The check engine light began flashing, the oil pressure light came on, and the vehicle began making loud grinding noises. After pulling over safely, the vehicle was no longer drivable and required towing. Upon inspection by Northampton Car... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated the failure was a recurring failure. The local dealer was aware of the failure and diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The fa... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2026
Accelerator lag from any speed or stop. The care will take several seconds to hunt for the correct gear before shifting to accelerate. Or it will delay acceleration for several seconds while your pressing the accelerator. No SES indicator active. Mechanics can’t find issues. Other owners on forum a report the same sluggish behavior. These 1.5 turbo cars seem to need a software fix that they a... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
Multiple misfires, dealer says blown head gasket after replacing coil and spark plugs. Quoted 6,500. Car still runs is not running hot no exhaust smoking. Told this is common issue after fuel pump was on recall and replaced. After fuel pump replaced car smelled of gas for 3 weeks.
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
1. The vehicle has experienced multiple safety-related defects and is available for inspection upon request: The Instrument Cluster Panel was subject to Safety Recall and required service. The radio system suffered an internal malfunction. The Electric Hydraulic Power Steering system was subject to a safety recall issued on June 11, 2026 and no remedy is currently available from the manufacturer.... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
Engine Stalls: the engine stalls unexpectedly while driving at highway speeds and city/street speeds. Loss Of Power: Sudden loss of motive power creates an immediate crash hazard. Starting Issues: the car struggles to start or cranks excessively after refueling. Erratic Fuel Guage: The fuel gauge fluctuates wildly and gives inaccurate readings. Malfunction Indicator: The Check Engine Light is ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2026
Blown head gasket between cylinders 2 and 3 at only 100k miles. Leaking coolant and causing overheating
Incident date: Jun 15, 2026
Vehicle is experiencing severe, dangerous transmission malfunctions matching Ford Safety Recall 26S28 / NHTSA 26V237. Multiple times while cruising at highway speeds, the vehicle has abruptly downshifted into 2nd or 3rd gear without warning, causing violent engine revving, sudden loss of forward momentum, and severe steering wheel shaking. These incidents occurred in rainy, low-visibility environm... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
While driving at multiple speeds a complete loss of power occurs from 15-30 seconds. Then will automatically re-engage at the speed when the power loss initiated. Bike does not code and does not have to be manually restarted. A huge safety issue when in traffic.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
Multiple times over the course of six months the vehicle would turn itself and all electric components off while being driven, with no warning. The car would then refuse to restart.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2026
1. The L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion failed and is available for inspection at the service department at Power Swain Chevrolet dealership, Fayetteville, NC. 2. I, other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians were at risk. That vehicle could have come down on the highway, causing a vehicle pileup, which could have caused mass casualties. 3. The problem is known; the service advisor informed me the veh... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
Car since bought either won't start or fails to come out of gear then stalls out in reverse or randomly in intersections I have small children and it's dangerous and several mechanic cant figure it out. Replaced batteries starters and issue continues
Incident date: Dec 31, 2024
We are the original owner of a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The vehicle is experiencing issues from internal engine oil consumption caused by a manufacturing defect in the GDI powertrain. In 2023, while driving under normal operating conditions, the vehicle began severely jerking, shuddering and hesitating during acceleration. This hesitation and sudden drop in power creates a severe and immediate traff... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2024
Coolant intrusion. This particular motor has caused NUMEROUS issues with 2019 & older Ford models, specifically with the 2.3L Ecoboost engines. The Ford Motor Company should recall & replace the engines of all models affected, mine included. I spent $2200 for a new timing system, tow fees, was broke down on the side of the road when my engine overheated. I bought this car brand new. Financed $27k ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
Transmission was replaced but then completely shut down as I was making a right turn. Multiple indicators on dash went off and safety errors kept scrolling across dash. Vehicle then wouldn’t shift at all. TCM was replaced but vehicle has high RPMs at low speeds. Has been at the dealership now for over 90 days.
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
COMPONENTS THAT FAILED: Multiple systems failed in a connected chain. (1) The DPF aftertreatment differential pressure sensor — a CONFIRMED manufacturing defect per Cummins recall T7186/T7187 (Jan 2026). (2) The Allison automatic transmission — catastrophic internal failure: torque converter destroyed, flexplate warped and cracked, metal fragments throughout. (3) The transmission control unit ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
Truck started loosing power And caught fire at the red light
Fire
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
Intermittent problem.The car while going forward with no warning slows down to around 20 to 30mph and cannot go faster when depressing the gas pedal. After pulling over to the side of the road, shutting down, opening the car door and restarting the car runs normally.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
When sitting at idle, the engine miss & spark knock at times. When start driving down the road the throttle seems hard to Press & takes a little time to reach up to road speed. The truck does not get good gas mileage at all. I had the spark plugs & wires changed still don't help.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
I was driving vehicle and came up to a stop sign, once I was clear to go I stepped on the gas heard a clunking sound and the car shut off.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
I have a vehicle whose refrigeration is going into the motor. It started with the check engine light came on notifying the third spark plug was damaged and showed the codes P0303, P04DB, P0316, P0339. Later a warning sign came on the dashboard with the phrase "ENGINE MALFUNCTION, SERVICE NOW". It had a recall almost immediately after it was acquired and was seen by the manufacturer about two years... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
To Whom It May Concern, I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding my 2021 Kia Seltos (VIN: [XXX]). My vehicle was previously serviced by Kia in connection with a recall in 2021. Despite the recall-related repair being completed, the issue has not been resolved. My check engine light continues to illuminate, and my vehicle has repeatedly stalled and completely shut off while stopped at red ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
On [XXX], my 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali equipped with the 6.2L engine suffered a sudden loss of power while driving. The vehicle lost propulsion and could not continue operating normally. The vehicle was taken to Orange Buick GMC in Orlando, Florida. The dealership advised that the engine is locked and unable to rotate manually, and that the engine requires replacement. The vehicle has approxima... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
WHEN YOU PRESS ON THE GAS ACCELERATOR- THE CAR ONLY MOVES AT A FEW MILES PER HOUR. THIS IS INTERMITTENT BUT MAKES THE CAR UNDRIVEABLE AND VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE IN TRAFFIC. THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED BUT NOW GENEIS SAYS IT IS ANOTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUE AND THE CAR NEEDS A NEW HARNESS- BUT GENSIS NO LONGER MAKES THIS PART (THE HARNESS) SO GENESIS EVEN UNDER MY WARRANTY CANNOT FIX THE CAR GENES... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS CROSS SPORT
(2021) - ENGINE
Jun 17, 2026
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Check Engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to O'Reily's, where a portable diagnostic machine was used; however, no fault codes were retrieved. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was an old warning light. In addition, the contact was informed that the vehi... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 7, 2026
Within the first year of purchase, I was going to the Toronto Airport on the 401 and the vehicles' engine power quickly reduced to about 5mi/hr. I had to pull off the freeway in fear of being rear ended. I slowly made it to a gas station, the vehicle running at reduced power for about 15min. I turned the vehicle off and waited for About 30min. The car started up with full power when increasing ... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
Engine light came on and off and June 10, 2026 The truck just stole and no power to go
Incident date: Sep 6, 2025
While traveling on US Highway 95 between Lewiston and Riggins, Idaho, a 2024 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro with approximately 18,000 miles experienced a sudden loss of engine power while descending a mountain grade with multiple curves. The driver reported hearing abnormal engine noises immediately before the loss of power. At the same time, the brake pedal became extremely hard to depress and the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding a cylinder head failure on my Mazda CX-5. The vehicle has approximately 53,000 miles and has been properly maintained throughout its service life. The vehicle developed a crack in the cylinder head, which was subsequently confirmed by an authorized Mazda dealership. Mazda has previously issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) addressing cylinder head cra... Read more
FORD
MUSTANG MACH E
(2021) - ENGINE
Jun 17, 2026
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
Purchased the vehicle from a local dealership with 80k miles. Less than 5 months later, we’re being told that we need a new engine due to coolant leaking into to the engine.
VOLKSWAGEN
GTI
(2022) - ENGINE
Jun 17, 2026
Incident date: Jun 16, 2026
On June 5, 2026, driver was on I25, when driver heard engine making a winding and weird noise. Vehicle immediately went from 60 mph to 40 mph. It was extremely dangerous and driver barely evaded a collusion with several other vehicles. A check oil and engine light came on. Towed back to same Hyundai dealership. They claim engine needs replaced and needs maintenance kit. Total cost $16,892.87. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2026
6/11/2026 merged onto busy highway vehicle was going approximately 45 mph sudden red warning light popped up to pull the car over safely. Vehicle will shut off. There was nowhere for me to pull over and the vehicle immediately shut off attempted to restart several times over the next 15 minutes, unable to restart nothing no power whatsoever called for a tow truck 40 minutes later due to the child... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2026
The car has a plastic part in the oil housing component that cracks under heat usually between 50000 and 70000 miles causing a major loss of coolant onto highway and disables the engine
Incident date: Jun 11, 2026
Cam phaser rattle, infamous in many ford models. The 2019 eco boost is very known for this sound and issue, ford has offered temporary resolutions and assistance before but no permanent fix. This issue affects hundreds of thousand of ford models and is quoted at a $5,500 job by many dealers. Ford Owners are aware of the issue and so are ford dealers. It is no longer a temporary issue and is long o... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2024) - ENGINE
Jun 17, 2026
Incident date: Jun 16, 2026
I am reporting a confirmed safety defect in my 2017 Ford Escape involving engine coolant intrusion into the cylinder bores. This is a sudden, random manufacturing defect that occurs without warning. I have exercised full due diligence as an owner regarding upkeep and maintenance on my vehicle. I now have a formal, written diagnosis from a Ford Service Center confirming this internal failure (consi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2026
The DC/DC converter failed and caused the vehicle to immediately lose all power at a main intersection. My wife was driving the vehicle when this happened with out two children in the vehicle as well (ages [XXX] and [XXX]. Luckily, she was able to somewhat get out of intersection of a very busy road. The vehicle had to be towed to the Land Rover dealership. The part was covered by a factory extend... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2025
Engine replaced turbo charger. Purchased the vehicle on 5/16 and a week later the engine light came on. Took the vehicle to AutoZone and received a code of P0299. Call the dealership and got no response from the salesperson so I made an appointment for 5/27. Problem was dismissed as the engine light was no longer displayed. Told to return when the light reappeared. The car stalls and the acc... Read more
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
(2023) - ENGINE
Jun 17, 2026
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
Complete engine failure Was driving when car suddenly it started to shake; gages displayed warning signs; parked vehicle at home; next day car started and drove to corner mechanic Had vehicle towed to two different mechanics; both showed engine failure & stated a problem with Ford Escape Ecoboost having sudden engine failures within my car's year (2017) There were no warnings of an issue until the... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE L
(2023) - ENGINE
Jun 17, 2026
Incident date: Jun 11, 2026
Audi number AWA-19-03 covers the crankcase ventilation valve extended warranty for 2013-2016 audi models less than 10 years old and with less than 120,000 miles. My vehicle meets the year and mileage requirements, but is a 2017 model with the same problem as the 2013-2016 models. I paid to have the dealer perform the repairs because they said there was no extended warranty. Audi USA also said the... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2015) - ENGINE
Jun 17, 2026
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
My 2025 Genesis GV70 stopped accelerating properly. There is a lag when you push on the accelerator pedal and it must be pushed about 75% before it begins to accelerate. When it does accelerate it has much less power than normal. This fault occurs constantly. The car can't accelerate normally at any time now. This is definitely a very serious safety hazard. This behavior has been reproduced b... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2025
Since purchase, this vehicle has consistently had an issue with the fuel system. When I call GMC they state only use no ethanol fuel. I wouldn’t have bought this car if that was the case. The dealership never said that when I was buying it. We replaced the entire engine for $11,000 because of a torn radiator hose, overheating and cracked a gasket. Now, the car is refusing to drive, giving engi... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
G 580 EV
(2025) - ENGINE
Jun 17, 2026
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was a loud pop coming from the engine department. The contact became aware of a severe drop in the oil level while driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that there was a misfire in cylinder #4, and that the engine needed to be rebuilt... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
Full transmission failure, resulting in a full transmission replacement required. The problem has been confirmed by more than one independent service center. The check engline light came on and off for about week before the official diagnosis. From what I've found this is a common issue that many many owners have also had and suggested filling an official complaint here so that Ford is held respo... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, failed to accelerate, and then stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was provided. The vehicle ... Read more