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: Jun 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound on cold starts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the cam phasers and connecting belts might need to be replaced. The vehicle was being diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N03 (Cam phaser repla... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2012) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jun 30, 2025
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was a rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the wrench icon was displayed on the instrument panel before the vehicle stalled. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that undiscl... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V376000 ( 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. P... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle slowed down independently and lost automotive power. The contact stated that the vehicle remained in the intersection while awaiting tow services. The contact stated that her boyfriend and son helped to push the vehicle to the right side of the roadway. The contact ... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal cranking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N03 (Cam Phaser Replacement); however, the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the check engine and low oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an oil change was performed; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the nearest dealer for an unknown recall repair, and the contact was informed that the vehicle n... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and the engine overheated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road and the contact turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the residence. The contact was aware of white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe with the check engine w... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2024) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jun 30, 2025
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the heating system was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the coolant reservoir was empty, and coolant was added to the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe upon starting the vehicle.... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the #2 and #3 spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, two days after the repair, the check engine warning light illuminated again, and the engine started to overheat. The contact checked to coolant level and ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and occupied, the contact’s husband heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine block was damaged, t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V381000 (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
Incident date: Jun 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the mechanic determined that coolant intrusion into several cylinders had caused engine damage. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was n... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 4500. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated, before the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the turbo had failed, and there were 39 diagnostic trouble codes retrieved. The dealer determined that the turbo, the intake manifold se... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 228I. 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. No further information was 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 i... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2020) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jun 27, 2025
Incident date: Jun 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown 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 c... Read more
HYUNDAI
TUCSON HYBRID
(2025) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jun 27, 2025
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Yukon. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown 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... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. 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 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. ... Read more
STARFIRE
STARFIRE SOLARIS AS
(9999) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jun 27, 2025
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon XL. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 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 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 st... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the message "Engine Power Reduced” was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle the lost motive power in the middle of the roadway. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the high-pressure fuel pump, causing fuel to... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the PCV heater needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was coolant intrusion into several cylin... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
AMG E53
(2019) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jun 26, 2025
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2024) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jun 26, 2025
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. 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 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 ava... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (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 dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not ... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2023) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jun 26, 2025
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN too... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH on the highway, the contact heard an abnormal squeaky sound coming from the engine. The contact pulled to the side of the road, and the engine seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was rep... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter was leaking and there was a blockage in the catalytic converter. The contact was also informed th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328i. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was previously illuminated. 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. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reason... Read more
DODGE
CHALLENGER
(2018) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jun 26, 2025
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that during cold starts, there was an abnormal clanking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the sound was heard for several seconds before self-correcting. The contact determined that the failure was caused by faulty cam phasers. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer wa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 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 two independent mechanics and to the dealer, and it was determined that there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #2. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Firestone Service Center, where it was diagnosed with cylinder #4 misfire, a coolant leak, and a blown head gasket. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a crack in the engine block, and the engi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2024) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jun 25, 2025
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact became aware of coolant fluid stains on the ground. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the radiator fan. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that coolant fluid had accumulated on the fender under the radiator. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the radiator seal had failed... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion into several cylinders had resulted in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failur... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that seve... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the engine was idling rough. No warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact detected a sweet odor inside the vehicle and noticed white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact also discovered that coolant was leaking on the ground. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Yukon XL. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (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 had... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced hard start-ups, and the engine was revving high while idling, with the check engine warning light remaining illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the timing chain, crankshaft, and cam shaft sensors were faulty and needed to be replaced. The veh... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (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 had n... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Edge. The vehicle was taken for a routine oil change and the mechanic stated that the water pump was leaking. After further inspection, it was determined that coolant was leaking into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that coolant was added to the reservoir twice within 3,000 miles. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failur... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated and failed to exceed 10 MPH. The message "Reduced Acceleration" was displayed. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown transmission part needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder. Addi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine made abnormal rattling and knocking sounds. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the camshaft and valve train needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 BMW X7. The contact stated that after depressing the Push-To-Start button, the vehicle hesitated to start. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it repaired under NHTSA Cam... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN too... Read more
CHEVROLET
EQUINOX EV
(2025) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jun 25, 2025
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 43-50 MPH, the vehicle hesitated, and the transmission shifted hard. There was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the vehicle. The engine warning light was periodically illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the reca... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jun 25, 2025
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, unofficially the failure was diagnosed as a failed cam phaser. The manufac... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2024) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jun 25, 2025
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon XL. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool c... Read more