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
Incident date: Aug 27, 2025
The contact owned a 2019 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, smoke began to emerge from the engine compartment. The contact's daughter immediately pulled the vehicle to the side of the road and exited the vehicle. When the police arrived, the vehicle caught fire. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. The vehicle ... Read more
Fire
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Aug 27, 2026
Incident date: Aug 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle suddenly began to shake, vibrate, and lose speed. An abnormal knocking sound was heard coming from the engine, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence, where the contact, a master mechanic, examined the vehicle. The contact diagnosed ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 528i. The contact stated that while idling, there was smoke emerging from under the hood, and the contact discovered that the electrical connection for the water pump caught fire. No warning light illuminated. The contact extinguished the fire using a fire extinguisher. No injury was reported, and no police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start immediately but started after several attempts. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where diagnostic tests were performed, but no failure was found. While driving 10–15 minutes later at approximately 30–35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was returned to the indep... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH and turning into a driveway, smoke emerged from the engine compartment. The vehicle was turned off and inspected. Upon opening the hood, smoke was observed near the rear firewall of the engine compartment, and oil was leaking under the engine compartment. The source of the leak could not be identified initially, an... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at approximately 45–50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The driver pulled over to the side of the road, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it remained for five weeks before being diagnosed. The dealer determined that the engine was blown and needed to be replaced. The v... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Tundra. The contact previously received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V381000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that at start-up there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine, and the engine idled, with the RPM fluctuating. While accelerating from a stop, the RPM fluctuated, and the vehicle hesitated and jerked. There was no war... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 BMW X3. While the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for maintenance, the technician discovered an active coolant leak coming from the coolant expansion tank. The mechanic stated that the leak was caused by excessive system pressure stressing the factory plastic tank. The mechanic informed the contact that if the issue was not resolved, the failure might become a major ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Altima. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer for a trade-in, and during the test drive, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the cam actuator and the bearings were falling apart. The mechanic informed the contact about NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towe... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2024) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Aug 25, 2026
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled on several occasions. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted and drove as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, but no repair was performed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2023) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Aug 25, 2026
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and an oil message was displayed. The vehicle stalled and was unable to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred appro... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and failed to exceed 35-60 MPH. The check engine warning light was flashing. The driver pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was restarted, reset, and operated as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated, and the fai... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact connected a portable diagnostic tester to the vehicle and retrieved DTC: P0301 displayed. In addition, the check engine warning light flashed on and off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The contact was advised to take the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another dealer, Shottenkirk Ford Jasper (868 GA-515, Jasper, GA 30143); and the contact was informed that the vehicle had to experience the failure before the recal... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was tak... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode, and the vehicle failed to exceed 5 MPH with the accelerator pedal depressed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the turbo boost and head gasket needed to be replaced. The ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2024
The contact owned a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The failure was a recurring failure. The message "Not Emissions Ready" was displayed. The vehicle was towed. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The contact's mother owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost power with the message "Engine Malfunction - Power Reduced" displayed. The vehicle went into LIMP Mode and was towed to the dealer. The dealer initially replaced the water pump under warranty; however, several months later, the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was towed back to the deal... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the radiator and the water pump were previously replaced due to an overheating failure. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine made a knocking sound. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed with engine lifter failure. The contact replaced the spark plugs on se... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact stated that due to an unrelated failure with the steering column, the vehicle was towed to a dealer for service. The contact stated that the tow truck driver disconnected the battery prior to the vehicle being towed to the dealer. The... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to immediately start. The vehicle started later. The engine and a yellow warning light flashed on the instrument panel. Upon research, the contact located the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt), for KBA Reference Number: 16131R, which was associated with the starter motor. The contact stated tha... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2017
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the dealer performed an unknown software update associated with an unknown class-action lawsuit settlement without the owner's consent. Following the software update, the vehicle experienced cooling system failures, including oil intrusion in the coolant reservoir and brown and burnt coolant. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several o... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the message "Emission System Problem" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the turbocharger had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the failure was a common issue. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not n... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the “Service Engine” warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant leaking into the cylinders and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified o... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle chugged, jerked, and lunged forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2015) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Aug 21, 2026
Incident date: May 5, 2026
See Attached Letter For Complaint
Incident date: May 20, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
The contact owned a 2024 Volvo S90 MHEV. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH with a rear seat passenger, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road, and the vehicle immediately caught on fire. The contact and the passenger exited the vehicle safely and notified the fire department. The fire department r... Read more
Fire
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Aug 21, 2026
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to crank. The contact originally suspected a battery failure, as the vehicle had recently been involved in an accident that left the passenger-side mirror damaged with exposed wires. While driving at 70 MPH, a semi-truck sideswiped the passenger-side of the vehicle, ca... Read more
Crash
VOLKSWAGEN
GTI
(2011) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Aug 21, 2026
Incident date: May 21, 2026
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Aug 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message “Service Soon” was displayed on the app, and the failure was caused by a misfire. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, which caused the engine failure. The contact was informed ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound. The contact pulled over and inspected under the hood. The vehicle was restarted, and the engine revved six times with smoke coming from under the hood. The contact stated that the transmission was previously replaced. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, wh... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle failed to exceed 35 MPH. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a blown head gasket. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2026
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the check engine warning light was flickering. The vehicle stalled right afterwards and was towed to the dealer. The failure was a recurring failure. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with head gasket failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufac... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLA 250
(2021) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Aug 21, 2026
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a message was displayed to exit the vehicle immediately. The contact pulled over and called someone to add coolant to the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The contact was constantly adding coolant to the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that coolant was leaking into th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2026
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: May 15, 2026
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Aug 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning into the driveway, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and there was no oil in the engine, and metal flakes were found in the camshaft. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine an... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH on the highway, the vehicle lost motive power, and the brakes became inoperable. The drivetrain and wrench symbol were displayed. The ABS warning light was illuminated and DTC: U100 (Failure of Communication for Engine and Transmission) was displayed. The codes were cleared after restarting the vehicle. The vehicle wa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine overheated, and the vehicle was driving sluggishly with the temperature gauge indicating that the engine was overheating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the coolant reservoir was cracked and was leaking coolant. The coolant reservoir was replaced, and the veh... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that for over 8 years, the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact became aware that there was an oil leak on the ground underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions for the oil consumption failure; however, the dealer was unable to find a fault... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer for a recall repair associated with an engine oil failure and tensioner replacement. The contact stated that after the recall repair, while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking and then unintendedly accelerated. The "Service Engine" light was illuminated. The dealer wa... Read more
THOR MOTOR COACH
HURRICANE
(2021) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Aug 20, 2026
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
HYUNDAI
TUCSON HYBRID
(2026) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Aug 20, 2026
Incident date: May 29, 2026
See attached document for complaint.