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 40,899 complaints - component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2025) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Mar 3, 2026
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, indicating a failure with the catalytic converter. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the mechanic associated the failure with NHTSA ID Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was then taken to the dealer for the ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood, and the engine overheated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road and add coolant to the coolant reservoir. The vehicle slowly started and was driven to the destination. The contact stated that the e... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Ram Promaster 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V720000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. While driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal electrical burning odor coming from the vehicle. The burning odor was also coming from the vehicle when the vehicle was turned off, and t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V617000 (SEAT BELTS), 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), and 22V903000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). The vehicle was serviced under Customer Satisfaction Program: N242436631. However, the failure occurred. The contact stated that after the serial data gateway module was updated, the check engine warning l... Read more
WAYMO
5TH GENERATION ADS
(9999) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Mar 2, 2026
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the oil pump solenoid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but after the repair was performed, the engine seized. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated. Approximately three weeks later, while stopped at a light, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. The gear shifter was shifted to park(P) to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the vehicle was left at the independent mechanic for the oil change. While riding the bus, on the way home they mechanic called the contact to inform them that the vehicle had caught fire and the engine had burned while in their parking lot. The fire possibly originated from the battery, per the mechanic center however the contact mentio... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V767000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact ha... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. The contact received notification of TSB: 3505H (Non-Methane Organic Gas (NMOG) levels exceeding standards. The contact recently purchased the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the remedy was not yet available. The contact was informed that parts were no longer being manufactured to repair the vehicle. The manufact... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 65 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated and jerked abnormally. The driver pulled over to the shoulder of the road and inspected the vehicle. The driver then drove to the dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed as having a contained fire inside the exhaust pipe. The vehicle remained at the dealer for fur... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2017) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Feb 26, 2026
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. Once the accelerator pedal was depressed, the abnormal sound was heard for a short while before the noise ceased. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at a ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at a full stop, the red oil warning light illuminated; however, after driving off, the warning light disappeared. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with an oil pump failure caused by low oil pressure while the vehicle was stationary, and the RPM was low. The vehicle was not repa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that no repair was needed, upon inspection. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2023) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Feb 26, 2026
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH up a slight hill, the vehicle shuddered significantly and failed to accelerate upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light then started flashing. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to Hamlin Automotive on several occasions. The mechanic replaced... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2023) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Feb 26, 2026
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Ram Promaster 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V720000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The c... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V552000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V720000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated while shifted in reverse(R), the rearview camera failed to display a clear image of the rear of the vehicle. The local dealer was c... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 60 MPH and entering the base at 15 MPH, the overheating message was displayed. The driver pulled over, and the light turned off. After exiting the vehicle, he noticed the vehicle had caught fire. The driver disconnected the battery. There were no reported injuries. Another driver stopped with a fire... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the engine overheated. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cooling fan module had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the conta... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2018
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) in November 2025 by the local dealer. The contact stated that the engine had passed the inspection, and a higher viscosity oil had been added along with the other steps stated in the recall. The contact stated that while driving approximately ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
CLA 250
(2020) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Feb 25, 2026
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 80 MPH with cruise control engaged, the contact heard an abnormal sound. Upon deactivating the cruise control feature, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road, and after opening the hood, the contact noticed an oil leak. The vehicle wa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a misfire coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 2500
(2007) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Feb 25, 2026
Incident date: Feb 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V322000 (Exterior Lighting) and 25V767000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while starting and driving the vehicle, the driver became aware that the engine was knocking. The vehicle was driven to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled inadvertently on several occasions. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road on several occasions. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact continued driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was dia... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted, but was sputtering and making abnormal sounds. The contact stated that the floorboard became very hot. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and i... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. There was an oil-burning odor coming from the vehicle. There was a misfire coming from the engine before the vehicle stalled. The Auto START/STOP was activated while driving. The feature was turned off, but quickly reactivated. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to start the vehicle, and the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, and the engine and the inner coo... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion into cylinder #2. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle began to shake with the message, "Pull Over Engine Oil Pressure Low Pull Over Stop Driving to Avoid Engine Failure". The contact immediately pulled over to the side of the road, inspected the vehicle, and became aware there was no issue with the oil. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2020) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Feb 24, 2026
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH and turning left, the low oil pressure and several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over into a parking lot. The contact stated that there was no oil in the engine. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic associated the failure with NHTSA I... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2024) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Feb 24, 2026
Incident date: Dec 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted, and the contact drove to the residence; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the crankshaft sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2021) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Feb 23, 2026
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact had parked the vehicle in a parking space when the engine seized. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel system control module had failed. The co... Read more
FORD
C-MAX HYBRID
(2013) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Feb 23, 2026
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start and became inoperable. The contact attempted to tow the vehicle to the dealer; however, the gear shifter failed to shift into neutral(N). The vehicle was not towed to the dealer. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V080000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that when the vehicle was taken to a dealer for the recall repair, it was determined that the oil pump drive belt had disintegrated and needed to be replaced; however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The manufactu... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Yukon XL. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact's wife noticed an abnormal knocking sound before the engine seized. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and DTC: P0... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL55. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Service Active Body Control" was displayed on the instrument panel. In addition, the contact stated that prior to receiving the Active Body Control message, several fluid stains were found on the ground. The contact believed that the stains were hydraulic fluid. The vehicle was t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Ram Promaster 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V720000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact was concerned about a potential fire. The local dealer was not notified. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact had not experie... Read more
TOYOTA
RAV4 PRIME
(2024) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Feb 20, 2026
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the oil pump had failed, which caused the engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that after performing an oil change, metal fragments were discovered in the engine oil. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, and the dealer confirmed that there were no active recalls associated with the VIN for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contact... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V720000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The vehicle was started, and there was smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an AAA location and was informed to tow the vehicle to a dealer for assistance. The veh... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle entered LIMP Mode, causing the vehicle to decelerate. Additionally, the radiator fan was continually activated while operating the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagn... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLB 250
(2021) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Feb 20, 2026
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel indicated that the engine was overheating. While driving at 35 MPH, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, where the vehicle experienced complete engine failure. The vehicle was towed to a certified mecha... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an alert that the engine was overheating displayed on the instrument cluster. The message to pull over and allow the engine to cool off was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the head gasket had failed and needed to be replaced. ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the odor of exhaust fumes was present inside the cabin of the vehicle, causing the driver and the passenger to experience nausea and dizziness. No medical assistance was required. The contact was concerned that there was possibly carbon monoxide hazard inside the vehicle while driving. The cause of the fail... Read more
2 injured
Incident date: Oct 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine overheated, causing the engine temperature gauge to rise, and the check engine warning light to illuminate. Additionally, the coolant reservoir became empty after being refilled. The contact examined the vehicle and determined that the cylinder head was cracked. The vehicle was not repaired. The ma... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Taos. The contact stated that while the vehicle was started and running, the low coolant warning light illuminated. The coolant reservoir was topped off, and the warning light disappeared. The contact referenced a Technical Service Bulletin with NHTSA ID Number: 10241177 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); and associated the failure with the TSB. The vehicle was towed t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X1. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that after shifting to park(P), there was white smoke coming from under the hood, with a burning plastic odor. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact had previously received notification of Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N03 (Engine Cam Phaser Replacement), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that no repair was needed. The contact stated that a year and a half later, the vehicle made an abnormal ticking sound while idling and while driving at various speeds. T... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
The contact owned a 2019 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50-52 MPH, there smoke coming from the front passenger’s side wheel well of the vehicle. The contact stated that an off-duty Police Officer witnessed the failure and activated the Emergency Lights, allowing the contact to safely pull off the highway The contact immediately pulled over and stopped the vehicle... Read more
Fire
3 injured
Incident date: Jan 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 BMW M5. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer and repaired under Technical Service Bulletin Number: SIB 17 03 24. The dealer replaced the coolant expansion tank; however, the vehicle experienced a coolant leak two months later. The message "Drivetrain Malfunction" was displayed, and the coolant level was low. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, w... Read more