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 40,517 complaints — component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Incident date: Aug 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormal ticking sound. In addition, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the following day, the contact changed the oil, and the contact noticed metal shavings inside the oil pan. The contact stated that two days later, the contact stated t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Rogue. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Infiniti QX50. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The ... Read more
CHEVROLET
TRAILBLAZER
(2023) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Nov 4, 2025
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH or lower, the message, "Engine Power Reduce - Restart ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the road. The contact was able to push the vehicle to the side of the road with assistance on each occasion. The vehicle was able to restart, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to resume driving. The veh... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to exceed 35 MPH. The check engine, parking brake, and service engine warning lights were illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the lifters and camshaft needed to be replaced. T... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2019
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that after an oil change was performed at Jiffy Lube, the engine seized while driving. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the highway and parked. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not 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 con... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The contact's husband stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed PCV v... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
The contact's friend owns a 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist failed with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and a diagnostic test was performed. The diagnostic test showed that the vehicle and determined that the steering rack, wheel speed sensors, and engine cooling fans needed to ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the check engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that after releasing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lost motive power and eventually stalled. The vehicle failed to restart... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving and while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced rough starts. The engine misfired and had cylinder failures while driving. There was white smoke coming from the exhaust. Additionally, while driving, there was coolant leaking from the vehicle. The vehi... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Oct 31, 2025
Incident date: Mar 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds and accelerating from a stop light, the vehicle operated under reduced power. The vehicle was sputtering and shuddering. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Action Number: EA25007 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Ram Promaster 2500. 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 and informed the contact that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while at a stoplight, the auto idle stop feature malfunctioned, and the vehicle failed to immediately restart after releasing the brake pedal. On several occasions, the vehicle had to be shut off before restarting. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact was informed ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Oct 30, 2025
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle stalled, and the message to "Press the Start Button” was displayed. The contact was able to restart and drive the vehicle. The contact stated that the following day, while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the v... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
See attached document for complaint. I have gotten all your notices about the recall, and we advised our dealer Courtesy Nissan now Cooley Nissan of Richardson, Texas and t hey said they will advise us when they are prepared to correct the faults. Unfortunately, everything you describe in the literature happened to the above car before we received your notices and I spent almost $15,000 correctin... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the recall inspection test was performed, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the dealer had initially ordered the wrong engine. The dealer then ordered the cor... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2024
See attached document for complaint. On [XXX], I purchased a certified pre-owned 2021 GMC Yukon Denali for $85,481.76. Since then, I've had multiple service appointments prompted by dashboard alerts, OnStar reports, and noticeable engine hesitation and knocking noises while driving. The attached invoices reflect services I paid for based on dealership recommendations to address these issues. Unfo... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2025
The contact's daughter owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact's daughter replaced the battery. A mechanic was able to restart the vehicle; however, the engine made an abnormal knocking sound. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) for which the V... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2021) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Oct 29, 2025
Incident date: Oct 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinder, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Oct 29, 2025
Incident date: Aug 19, 2025
See attached document for complaint. To Whom It May Concern, I am writing regarding the recall on my 2021 Chevy Suburban. While I understand there is currently no active solution for the issue, I want to stress the seriousness of the situation. As a mother of [REDACTED] living in Wisconsin, I am deeply concerned that if my truck were to shut down due to engine failure and we could not get help ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Oct 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving downhill at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. Several unknown warning lights were il... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The contact had received a recall letter from the manufacturer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact called several local dealers and the manufacturer and was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact ha... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the engine seized. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started. The vehicle was driven to the intended destination without any further failure. The contact stated that the following day, while attempting to ... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Oct 29, 2025
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle unexpectedly stopped. The contact noticed that the coolant level was low, and additional coolant was added. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a loss of fluid. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving on the highway, the vehicle stalled. The v... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a loud knocking sound was heard coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rod bearings had failed due to a large amount of copper found in the engine oil. The contact was inform... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLS 550
(2019) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Oct 29, 2025
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Infiniti QX50. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to function as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mecha... Read more
ALFA ROMEO
STELVIO
(2021) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Oct 28, 2025
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that upon routine maintenance with a local independent mechanic, it was discovered that the vehicle had low engine oil. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was determined that an oil consumption test was needed to determine any failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The check engine warning light... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light and attempting to make a right turn, the vehicle lost power. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the engine was not replaced. The contact related ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact later received notification that parts were available. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that due to a high service volume, the vehicle could not be serviced immediately. T... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2019) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Oct 28, 2025
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a transmission specialty shop and was diagnosed with torque converter failure, which caused transmission failure. The torque converter was replaced. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, days after the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair 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 aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Incident date: Jan 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine started to overheat, with the check engine and temperature warning lights illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 184,000.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was running rough, jerking, and shaking. The transmission and coolant temperature warning lights were illuminated. The message "Engine Overheating - Reduced Power" was displayed, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to the residence. The ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired; however, the contact was provided with error codes related to the failure. The vehicle was then towed to ... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Infiniti QX50. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated there were rumbling and rattling sounds coming from the engine compartment whil... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal squealing sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled in the middle of the roadway. The check engine warning light then illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was later examined by a mechanic who diagnosed that the engine had seized a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X3. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for maintenance, and the contact was informed that the water pump had failed. The contact showed the independent mechanic the receipt for when the vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who indicated that a coolant pressure test was needed. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the front an... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds during colder weather, the heater failed to operate as intended. Additionally, the Eyesight system was inoperable. The check engine and other unknown warning lights were displayed. In addition, the contact stated that the engine failed to warm up as intended after being started, and the engine temperatur... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light and traction control warning light were illuminated. In addition, the contact had to use force to steer the wheel. The contact was unable to coast to the side... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
The contact owned a 2016 BMW X3. The contact stated that while parking in the garage, the warning message "engine overheated" had displayed, but the temperature gauge displayed a normal temperature reading. The contact noticed smoke coming from under the hood before entering the home, along with a strange sound. Moments later, the contact returned to the garage and discovered flames coming from un... Read more
Fire
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2023) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Oct 27, 2025
Incident date: Oct 19, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
MITSUBISHI
ECLIPSE CROSS
(2023) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Oct 27, 2025
Incident date: Oct 20, 2025
See attached document for complaint. IN RE: GM Recall N252494000 I received notice in May of 2025 that my 2021 Cadillac Escalade is involved in a recall. At first my dealer said the part to repair is not available? Then in September we stopped by my dealer and he said the recall does NOT involve my Cadillac. So I will attach a copy of my notice so there is no question they notified me I have a d... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Veloster. The contact reported that oil was leaking out of the exhaust. The vehicle was sputtering and running rough while driving at various speeds, and hesitated while accelerating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the failure. The dealer informed the contact that metal shavings were fo... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Oct 24, 2025
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH hauling a trailer going downhill, the engine seized. The vehicle was difficult to control. The message to “Shift to Neutral and Restart" was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The driver attempted to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the running boards were stuck outwards. The co... Read more