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.
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
Showing 164,804 complaints — component: ENGINE
Incident date: May 30, 2026
Explosion, fires while the vehicle was off and parked
Fire
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
Vehicle entered limp mode at highway speed (approximately 70 mph) on [XXX] freeway in Washington State, it felt like I had rear ended a vehicle it shut down so hard. This was due to mis diagnosed inspection and service repair from a local Subaru Dealer. Vehicle lost power rapidly, creating a dangerous safety situation. Root cause traced to TCV/PCV system defects previously documented by authoriz... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
I have owned a handful of Honda's and never had an issue with them. I own a 2018 Honda Accord Sport and when driving it all the lights on the dashboard lit up. The car left like it was stalling and wouldnt go past 2nd gear. I was almost rear ended by a car and had my 2 granddaughters ages [XXX] and [XXX] in the back seat. I took it to Honda dealership and they said the turbocharger needed replac... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
Our 2015 Kia Sedona VIN [XXX] developed CAN Bus fault codes U0001 U0100 U0101 rendering it completely undrivable following an incomplete warranty extension repair under WTY019 by Kia of Des Moines on [XXX] RO# [XXX]. The power sliding doors have been a persistent safety concern. The incomplete warranty extension repair left the sliding door not closing properly creating a safety hazard. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2022
I am filing this complaint regarding Honda's reimbursement program associated with the piston ring warranty extension related to engine misfire issues on certain vehicles. Prior to Honda issuing the warranty extension, I paid out of pocket to have the repair completed at an authorized Honda dealership. After Honda announced the warranty extension and reimbursement program, I submitted a reimburse... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2026
purchased a 2014 Chevy Equinox from Direct Auto Sales on 03/07/26, and I am currently experiencing serious issues with the vehicle after only 2 months of purchase I noticed the vehicle is making a clicking and grinding sound the vehicle powers down when driving. The problem still exists even after multiple oil changes.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2024
The 2.0L EcoBoost engine in my 2018 Ford Edge Titanium experienced head gasket failure due to Ford’s known cylinder channel design defect present in 2015–2019 EcoBoost 2.0 engines. Ford scored channels between cylinders in an attempt to improve cooling, which allows coolant to degrade the head gasket and mix with engine oil. Symptoms included white smoke from the exhaust, coolant loss, rough i... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Deconosco por que fue este en el sistema
Incident date: May 23, 2026
The car cut off on the street with no warning. Once I crank the car back up and pulled over, it was leaking fuel and coolant with no warning lights on the dash boatd
Incident date: May 20, 2026
The first time I heard the engine noise was on [XXX]. I brought the vehicle to the Schaumburg Muller Acura dealership and dropped it off on May 20. On May 21, the dealership performed an initial inspection and informed me that they needed authorization to further disassemble the engine in order to determine the cause of the problem. I provided that authorization, and by May 22 the engine had been ... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
Our truck was smoking from the exhaust and we took it to the local Ford service department. They determined the oil pan is leaking, there is a coolant leak from the engine, requiring a new engine, and also the need for turbos. These are the EXACT issues that are included in this service bulletin making dealerships aware. If this is such a widespread problem with these trucks, why is there not a re... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2026
The vehicle suffered a sudden, severe engine malfunction/misfire while in operation, presenting a serious safety hazard on the road. Following the incident, the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership service center (Repair Order #XXX), where technicians verbally confirmed that the engine requires a complete replacement due to internal mechanical failure. The catastrophic mechanical failure... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
Auto Idle Stop (AIS) system fail to restart: The engine fails to restart on its own after a complete stop at a traffic light or intersection with the Auto Start/Stop function engaged, putting the driver in dangerous and panic situation.
Incident date: Jan 11, 2026
Post-Recall Low Oil Warning + Performance Issues on 2021 GMC Yukon Denali – Campaign 25V274000 Vehicle: 2021 GMC Yukon Denali, 6.2L V8 Recall: 25V274000 Owner: One owner since new (purchased 2021) I had recall campaign 25V274000 performed on my vehicle. This was the first low oil warning I have ever received since purchasing the SUV new in 2021. I have always followed the vehicle’s oil life mo... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2026
The connecting rod is failing. Loud knocking is happening just as outlined in the recall on other 2016 Pilots. Poses a great safety risk as failure will result in total engine destruction.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
The vehicle has an unresolved electrical/propulsion failure involving sudden shutdowns while driving and CAN C bus/lost-communication faults. Since the high-voltage battery was replaced through a recall-related repair, the vehicle has had repeated shutdown/loss-of-communication events, occurring dozens of times. In the most serious incidents, while driving at speed, the dash flickered, windshield... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2022) — ENGINE
Jun 2, 2026
Incident date: May 4, 2026
My 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan (VIN: [XXX] ) is experiencing excessive engine oil consumption. The vehicle requires oil replenishment every less than 1,000 miles, which is far beyond what any reasonable consumer would expect from a properly functioning engine. I reported this issue to the Volkswagen dealership while the vehicle was still under the manufacturer’s warranty. The dealership stated that t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
I purchased this vehicle used in 2024, and since I bought it have had a variety of issues. I have already invested over 5k in repairs. I have replaced the head gasket and now the water pump twice. This vehicle will not stop overheating. Ford has a known issue with these engines and should correct these issues. They are making working families go broke and we still owed 8k on the car loan.
Incident date: May 21, 2026
The contact stated that while driving in the rain, when passing another vehicle, the vehicle began shuddering and experienced a loss of power. The check engine light illuminated and multiple other warning indicators. The vehicle pulled over to the vehicle was stopped and eventually restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer were it was diagnosed with an air intake failure. Shortly after, the ... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2026
Was issued a recall from kia for an oil piston ring that wasn't heat treated properly, kia told me the problem was fixed and the recall shouldn't affect me, my car was in an out of the shop for months after that, they replaced my timing belt and transmission under warranty, said i sould be fine between oil changes my car started knocking, i checked the oil and it was completely dry, no warning li... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2018) — ENGINE
Jun 2, 2026
Incident date: May 8, 2026
I had my engine replaced in Nov 2024 due to excessive oil consumption. I was required to do an emissions update due to a recall on my car. Once the dealer did the update, it caused my check engine light to come on and now I need a new catalytic converter, which was all due to the excessive oil consumption. Hyundai dealer knows this but they are telling me I’m responsible for replacing it. It sho... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2026
2017 Pacifica, 58,000 miles. Engine light comes on, error code is "00305 Engine misfire on cylinder 5". Replaced sensor and ignition coil and spark plugs, but error keeps coming back. The mechanic found that the head gasket is leaking anti-freeze into the cylinder. Looking online this is a common problem with Pacifica 3.6L engines, many people have had the same problem, there is a defect with the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The vehicle's original engine suffered severe oil consumption and a blown head gasket, which contaminated the exhaust system. The Kia dealership replaced the engine under warranty but refused to replace the damaged catalytic converter claiming it wasn’t a part of the warranty even though it was consequently damaged. The dealership explicitly stated the vehicle should not be started or driven due... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
In November 2019 I bought a used 2017 Ford Escape Titanium 1.5L Eco boost with 11k miles. On May 1,2026 my check engine light came on and the car started missing. Took it to my mechanic and he said I needed a coil pack. Put that on and no change. Tried to put new spark plugs in and 1 plug will not come out. I was told my car has a coolant intrusion. Ford has a recall for this motor but coincidenta... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
2019 Flex , Odometer reading 58,190. Coolant seen on lower part of engine along with low coolant level. Took to dealership who confirmed the water pump failed and was leaking. We were lucky it was caught early before coolant leaked into the engine, causing the engine to stop while driving and permanently damage engine. There are no warnings for this when it happens (coolant leaking into engine),we... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
Coolant intrusion in the engine which needs replacement. Car was misfiring and white smoke coming out took the auto shop for service. Its about $9400 to fix the car which is now more than the car is worth. Dealership never warned me that this was a potential issue.
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
As I was driving my vehicle, it stalled on me and my parking brake engaged. I had to put my vehicle in park, open my door to dis-engage the brake to restart. it has happened twice now, once on Saturday May 30th and June 2nd 2026.
Incident date: May 30, 2026
Engine began having coolant intrude into the cylinder bores. Similar to issues related to CSP 21N12.
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated while driving. The contact stated that he was a mechanic, and the contact had retrieved a diagnostic code indicating a vibration in the pistons. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 112,704.
Incident date: May 30, 2026
While operating the vehicle, I began to hear a metallic grinding noise originating from the center of the engine compartment. The sound was clearly audible within the cabin. Approximately one mile before the vehicle ultimately failed, the engine began to malfunction. As I slowed to a stoplight, the vehicle started to shake before shutting off abruptly and entering a coasting state. All electrical ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
The car that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replace Ac don’t blow any cool air To be driving with a minor child it put he’s health in a bad risky situation
Incident date: Nov 15, 2025
The vehicle experienced a thermal event that was caused by a defective fan motor. The vehicle has been inspected by stellantis and a third party investigator. Report attached
Fire
Incident date: May 29, 2026
2021 Ford F-150 Lariat, 5.0L Coyote V8, purchased new, now 65k miles. Two interrelated safety defects: OIL CONSUMPTION: On 3/21/2026 at 62k miles, I discovered the engine was critically low on oil. Only 3 quarts drained during a full oil change, against a rated 8.8 quart capacity. The engine had been running on one third of required oil. The onboard oil life monitor showed 9% remaining and gave NO... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2025
The vehicle experienced a thermal event that was caused by a defective fan motor. The vehicle has been inspected by stellantis and a third party investigator. Report attached
Fire
Incident date: May 9, 2026
The 2018 F150 I purchased started out a good vehicle like most vehicle do. The problems then began to come one after the other. Routine oil changes on the vehicle at the dealership with no hiccups turned into “Your motor is low on oil”. The tech tried to find a leak. The motor wasn’t leaking ANYTHING, so naturally the tech told me the motor was burning the missing oil. The tech told me “th... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2026
My car has started stalling and dying when i slow down, take off or when idling. No power when accelerated, and the smell of exhaust comes into my car. I was making a turn from a red light and my car spit, sputtered, and died right in the middle of the busy intersection. I was almost hit from the rear and another car had to go into on coming traffic to avoid T boning me. I took it to 2 different ... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2018) — ENGINE
Jun 2, 2026
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
Incident description: On three occasion I have had the same catastrophic Engine failure putting myself and my family along with the general public in harms way. Starting March of 2022 while driving at approximately 60 MPH on the West Shore Expressway my truck experienced a sudden and total loss of motor power. My engine stalled out and I lost my ability to safety steer and stop my vehicle. This a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
Today, my turbocharger was diagnosed as damaged and leaking coolant into the cylinders and visibly leaking throughout the undercarriage. Additionally, my cylinder 4 is misfiring. My mechanic said they've seen this problem many times and while the turbocharger can be replaced, it often fails or other parts of the engine are damaged beyond repair. I had sluggish performance, mainly with acceleration... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The engine oil pump failed internally. The vehicle is equipped with a factory-installed variable-displacement oil pump that utilizes an internal thermoplastic adjusting ring. Due to heat cycles and mechanical stress, this plastic component degrades, becomes brittle, and catastrophically shatters or cracks.The first symptom appeared when the vehicle became entirely unable to complete an electronic ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
I have a ford edge 2016, which I can see online that many vehicles like mine are having the same problems. I am having a severe coolant leak into the engine. It trembles when I start it or when I am at a red light, white smoke leaks out of my exhaust when I first start my car after adding coolant. I am constantly adding coolant, mostly every other day because it burns it so fast. My vehicle aler... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2026
Fuel injector randomly went out, I dont have the HPFP recall done on my car. Caused a massive amount of power loss while I was going down the road. Now hyundai wants to pretend like the HPFP had nothing to do with this. I keep being told its an emission part and isnt covered under powertrain warranty. Recall in question is Extension Z04 (TSB 25-FL-002H).
Incident date: May 16, 2026
I have had 2 different instances where my vehicle stops in the middle of a busy intersection or traffic and have no warning what so ever. Vehicle just shuts off and I am not able to turn back on to move out of the way. First time I got it repaired it was related to the fuel pump and now I am waiting to hear back from my mechanic to see what the issue is but so far it is an indication of the fuel p... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
This is a know issue on 2021 models. The exhaust bracket is breaking away from the muffler/catalytic converter. The weld is breaking causing the exhaust to break away and both pipes must be replaced resulting in a 1500 repair. Why if it bad in later years is there no maintenance bulletin or mandatory fix for the 2020 models? It was repaired and fixed by McClusky Chevrolet in Cincinnati OH.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2022) — ENGINE
Jun 2, 2026
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
Engine died hard to stop with no power stopped vehicle in middle of intersection .
Incident date: May 16, 2026
Went from 65 and dropped down to 40 going up grades on the freeway. Started shaking, check engine light went on and electric battery disappeared from dash. Got to top of grade, went back to normal. Problem repeated on next grades. Car had just left dealership lot an hour prior where it was safety inspected and they said all was fine. Took back to dealership for inspection and they said that the... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
Following a coolant rapid mate replacement performed by an authorized Tesla service center, the vehicle experienced a complete shutdown on a public road the same evening it was returned. The high-voltage cooling system was not properly purged of air following the service. This caused low coolant flow to the rear drive unit during a 63-mile drive in record heat. The fault cascade included a HIGH VO... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving, check engine light illuminated, with a loss of power when accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with power train failure and received diagnostic code P040100. The vehicle was repaired; however, the issue persisted. The vehicle was returned to the dealer multiple times but still ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E 450
(2023) — ENGINE
Jun 2, 2026
Incident date: May 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The contact stated that the failure occurred while making a left turn. In addition, a malfunction error message illuminated. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start with the push to start. However, the vehicle did start using the ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
There was a recall-SC209A for a faulty piston ring. This vehicle “passed” prior to my purchase. I was unaware that my vehicle was part of the recall- when the VIN is entered in the NTSB website, no active recalls show. Starting in 10/24, the vehicle began having problems accelerating, and when I brought to my local mechanic it was found to be nearly empty on oil despite a recent oil change. ... Read more