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
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2023) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jun 5, 2026
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the vehicle shut off in the middle of the roadway and the vehicle failed to restart. A bystander advised the contact to press the alarm button twice to restart the vehicle. The contact followed the advice of the bystander, and the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was taken to Fire... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2022) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jun 4, 2026
Incident date: May 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle he could smell a burning odor, and added that he noticed a puddle of oil on his driveway. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed to have a cylinder crack causing the cylinder to leak oil all over the engine. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired.... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of drive power with high RPM. The check engine, traction control, ABS, and parking brake warning lights were illuminated, and the message "Brake System Failure, 43 MPH Top Speed" was displayed. The contact disconnected the battery and was able to correct ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the spark plugs needed replaced. The spark plugs were replaced by an independent mechanic, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who retrieved diagn... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while The vehicle while operating the vehicle a knocking noise was present coming from the engine and the check engine warning light had remained illuminated. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine valves had malfunctioned and engine needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not yet repaired... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle chugged, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact drove to her destination, where an acquaintance used a vehicle diagnostic scanner to retrieve DTC: P26CB, indicating a malfunction with the electric engine coolant pump. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with water... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that the engine experienced rough idling after starting with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the spark plugs and coil pack; however, the failure recurred with the vehicle shuddering while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the engine nee... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving approximately driving 45 MPH and turning onto an exit the vehicle suddenly reduce speed and lost power and the message "Press Start" had displayed. The contact stopped the vehicle and eventually restarted the engine and the vehicle operated as normal. The next day the vehicle was driven to the local dealer who was unable to d... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 KIA Carnival. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V320000 (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: May 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 NISSAN Rogue. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate and slowed down. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed to have a part that made oil burn and caused metal shavings in the oil. The vehicle was released, but the vehicle continued with the same issue. The vehicle was towed back to the d... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that after attempting to use the Push-To-Start to start the vehicle, an abnormal clicking sound was heard and the engine failed to turn over. Several Unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a seized engine that was possibly related to NHTSA Campaign: 23V751000 (Eng... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the coolant had leaked into cylinder two and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified on the failure, and they offered no assis... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving in the rain at various speeds, multiple unknown warning lights illuminated. Each time, the vehicle was pulled to the side of the road and restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but the failure could not be replicated. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 68 MPH, an unknown red ... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2025) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jun 2, 2026
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the front driver's side tire was replaced several times due to air loss. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced an unknown filter. The failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
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 contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a los... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
Contact owns a 2017 FORD EDGE. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle would hesitate and stutter with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while driving at various speeds and stops the heat would independently turned off and on in the vehicle. Contact also stated the coolant low warning light illuminated in the vehicle and coolant was ad... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle idled roughly, and there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant consumption, and the low coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and... Read more
HYUNDAI
TUCSON HYBRID
(2026) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jun 1, 2026
Incident date: May 31, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500 . The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V720000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 25V552000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that the remedy parts were not yet available and were on backordered. The... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelrate as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, howeve the failure was not duplicated. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed wiring harness and a failed c... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated while at a light the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the valve train needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurre... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2022) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
May 29, 2026
Incident date: May 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the contact's granddaughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and the engine overheating warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion and a failed engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manu... Read more
TOYO
OPEN COUNTRY A/T
(9999) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
May 29, 2026
Incident date: May 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, while depressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle loss power. An independent mechanic was contacted. No warning light warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken an independent mechanic where the diagnosed the coil pack was melted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diag... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2017) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
May 29, 2026
Incident date: May 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a routine oil change. While driving, the oil low light illuminated. The vehicle was burning an excessive amount of oil. The local dealer was contacted again, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who referred to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the check engine light began to flash as the vehicle entered limp mode. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they discovered that oil had leaked onto the engine which caused her to lose over a quart of oil. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where they diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure.... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while accelerating at 55 MPH, there was an abnormal burning smell detected. While driving, she was alerted by another driver who informed her that the vehicle was on fire. The passengers were able to exit the vehicle safely. The vehicle was engulfed in flames. There were no reported injuries. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The vehicl... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 24, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: May 28, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: May 28, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: May 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant consumption, causing the low coolant pressure warning light to illuminate prematurely. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in the combustion. The contact was informed that the head gasket or the engine needed to be replaced immediat... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: May 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle skipped and failed to exceed 35 MPH. The contact received notification of Hyundai Service Campaign Number: 9C2 (ECU SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR THETA II EMISSIONS IMPROVEMENT), and the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter was clogged and nee... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra LD 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle, went into low power mode, and was able to move safely to a and then the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed as the engine has no compression, suspect a possible crankshaft failure, also a possible engine replacement. The manufact... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
May 26, 2026
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle she noticed a power issue with the vehicle, thinking it had to do with the battery, the vehicle was misfiring. The vehicle was towed three times to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a engine failure. The second tow was to a independent mechanic, and the third time the vehicle was taken to a dealer where ... Read more
ZOOX
AUTOMATED DRIVING SYSTEM
(9999) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
May 26, 2026
Incident date: May 26, 2026
The contact owns a2019 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the engine had stall while the RPMs had dropped below 2000. Also, the ABS and Traction Control warning lights had illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who informed of a service code related to the Mass Air Flow was identified and the air filter and battery was replaced, but the failure con... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Ram Promaster. 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the vehicle had a rough idle. There was an abnormal ticking and rattling sound detected. The vehicle lost oil pressure. The contact located smoke emerging from the vehicle. The engine light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failure with cylinder five, no compression, and bearing failu... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Lexus LX 600. The contact stated that the rearview back up camera image displayed a distorted image. Another issue, the vehicle intermittently stalled when at a complete stop and going to accelerate. The vehicle was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 41,000.
Incident date: May 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V322000 (Exterior Lighting) and 25V767000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle misfiring, white some, hesitation. The engine light illuminated. antifreeze leaking into the cylinder. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the diagnostic code P0300 was read and an antifreeze leak into the cylinder and a design flaw in the Eco boost. The manufacturer was not notified of t... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2026
The contact's wife owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, water would intrude into the engine compartment and the vehicle would independently shift into Limp Mode. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where the ignition coils and spark plugs were replaced at the consumer's expense; however, the... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2018) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
May 22, 2026
Incident date: May 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Mazda CX-5. While driving the vehicle, the engine overheat warning suddenly illuminated on the dashboard cluster panel. The contact pulled over immediately, restarted the engine, and coasted the vehicle to a local, independent mechanic shop. The independent mechanic diagnosed the issue as a blown head gasket. For a secondary inspection, the vehicle was transported to an aut... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
The contact stated that while driving the vehicle began to unexpectedly slow and then stalled. The vehicle was unable to restart. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage 215,000.
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2025) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
May 22, 2026
Incident date: May 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a flashing check engine warning light appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the received fault code PO300 which was a general code for a misfire in the engine. The contact brought the vehicle back to the dealer multiple times due to various fault codes; however,... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
May 22, 2026
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle a knocking and rattling noise coming from the engine and the check engine light had remained illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who informed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 HYUNDAI Kona. The contact stated while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, he noticed he had an engine knock, and noticed that the engine was consuming a good amount of oil with no warning lights or oil leaks. The contact pulled over to the side when the knock started and noticed the vehicle was starving of oil although a recent oil change shows it was recent. The ... Read more