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.

2,245,377 Total Complaints

140,173 Reported Crashes

56,794 Reported Fires

8,580 Reported 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

How to Read NHTSA Consumer Complaints › How NHTSA Investigations Work › Used Car: 7 Recall Checks to Run First › The Takata Airbag Recall: Full Story › OBD-II Codes Explained › All Articles ›

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Showing 62,429 complaints - component: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Incident date: Aug 27, 2026

The fuel pump has a malfunction. The car started jerking and started to accelerate by itself when I was driving it. Yes the problem reproduced. The vehicle is currently under inspection by the manufacturer. Yes there were multiple warning lights including the check engine light.

Incident date: Aug 27, 2026

Vehicle has issues with sputtering and stalling out when at idle and while reversing after warming up. The first time that the vehicle actually stalled while reversing, it had to be put into park and restarted. I took it to the dealership and they replaced the in tank fuel pump. When I got the car back it was still acting a little strange but I thought it was just the computer relearning process. ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 25, 2026

On August 25, 2026, my 2018 Jeep Compass equipped with the 2.4L engine became inoperable approximately five months after I purchased it. The vehicle had approximately 68,000 miles. An independent repair shop initially found no fuel pressure and replaced the fuel pump and spark plugs. The vehicle remained mechanically compromised, and testing showed only 99 PSI compression in cylinder 3. The shop r... Read more

Incident date: Aug 24, 2026

At approximately 67,000 miles, the vehicle experienced a sudden vibration when accelerate and decelerate. Engine light was on and vehicle had a hard time to maintain speed above 40mph. Cars were honking behind us due to the lack of speed on road. It happen all of a sudden and cause me and my wife panic at first. The car was took to the closest dealer ([XXX] Hyundai [XXX]) and they found the proble... Read more

Incident date: Aug 27, 2026

When traveling home from work 8/27/26, my cruise control shut off and my car immediately went into “limp” mode. This almost caused me to get into an accident with a tractor trailer, in which, I may not have survived. Immediately pulled over and tried to find out what had caused this and how to get it fixed. Nothing worked to get it out of “limp” mode. There were no warning lights or messag... Read more

Incident date: Aug 22, 2026

I currently own a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander with the 2.4L turbo engine, which I purchased in July 2023. I have been experiencing a strong gasoline/fuel smell coming from the vehicle. I took the vehicle to Fox Toyota in El Paso for inspection. According to the dealership, the smell was caused by the gasoline I was using and they stated that the fuel contained too much ethanol. However, the gaso... Read more

Incident date: May 6, 2026

Vehicle demonstrates an intermittent lag during acceleration, particularly during throttle position changes. Typical throttle response is appx 0.5s as measured by stopwatch. When the issue is replicated the delay can exceed 1 second. This is most concerning during situations where moderate to brisk acceleration is needed at a specific time such as turning across traffic at an intersection or me... Read more

Incident date: Jul 14, 2026

Car stalled July 14th car has been at Kia of Bowie and they are stalling g me and dont want to do the sarter recal and are asking me for $550 for a diagnostic that I should not pay for do to this safety recall ive been telling them from the start that there was a very strong gas smell coming from theoil dipstick and they have been avoiding it till yesterday now the gas has evaperated and they are... Read more

Incident date: Jul 14, 2026

On XXX im driving my 2021 Kia Sorento sx it stalled while driving in the mist of traffic engine light comes on and I had my car towed contacted Kia of Bowie they are giving me a hassle contacted them because this is a safety issue from the beginning I have mentioned gas smell coming from the oil dipstick now the car has say and the gas has evaperated and they are saying no gas smell contacted corp... Read more

Incident date: Aug 28, 2026

Fuel pump is leaking, just as all the other 2018-2020 fuel pumps but mine doesn’t qualify for the recall.

Incident date: Aug 28, 2026

I am the owner of a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8, VIN [XXX], currently at 177,271 miles. On [ADD DATE] while driving 40-45 mph westbound on [XXX] near XXX in [XXX], in a school zone, the engine suffered sudden catastrophic internal failure with complete loss of propulsion and would not restart. No prior warning lights or low oil pressure warning. Vehicle required tow from... Read more

Incident date: Jun 19, 2026

Car suddenly fails to accelerate and dashboard lights all go off. Multiple repairs of fuel pumps have not fixed the issue. Mechanics cant find why it's not being solved

Incident date: May 15, 2026

My 2019 Kia Stinger 2.0T, VIN [XXX], suffered catastrophic engine failure at 32,000 miles due to a replacement fuel injector installed by an authorized Kia dealership. On XXX, Galeana Kia of [XXX], replaced the fuel injector on cylinder 3 under fault codes P0300 and P0303 and returned vehicle as "operating as designed." I paid for this repair out of pocket. On XXX— 57 days post-repair — Galean... Read more

Incident date: Feb 20, 2026

I purchased my 2018 Honda Accord Sport from CarMax on January 16, 2026, and I have had several serious problems with the vehicle since purchasing it. Every warning light on the dashboard has come on, my radar system will not stay calibrated, and I have been told that my fuel injectors need to be replaced. In addition, the relay module was already broken when I received the vehicle, which causes th... Read more

Incident date: Feb 7, 2026

Vehicle has a bad stumble/misfire under light load around 19 mph and 40 mph the vehicle lunges forward.After being at the dealership for over a month, They say it is normal operation that all their vehicles 3.6L.Being a mechanic for 30 years this is not normal operating conditions. I have researched this online as many Jeep owners complain about the same problem.

Incident date: May 1, 2024

On multiple occasions while driving the vehicle will randomly change drive modes by its self. It will try to go into 4x4 low gear (rock crawl mode) at highway speeds. This has happened a dozen times since I purchased the vehicle new.

Incident date: Aug 16, 2026

While driving, my 2022 Ford F-150 equipped with the 2.7L EcoBoost experienced abnormal engine operation, a check-engine light, and reduced engine power. The unexpected reduction in available engine power created a safety concern because loss of acceleration or propulsion can be dangerous when merging, crossing traffic, passing, or traveling at highway speeds. The vehicle was inspected and diagnose... Read more

Incident date: Jun 21, 2026

The vehicle came to a complete stop while attempting to enter the Highway. As I accelerated to gain speed, and the vehicle halted down to stop, all sensor warning systems started to light up on the dashboard: Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency braking, Lane Departure Warning, Parking Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assistance -- all sensors flashing simultaneously. As our vehicle stoppe... Read more

Incident date: Aug 26, 2026

the problem only happens after driving for more than 30 minutes. when I stop at a light, the engine starts shaking and stalls. the starter seems cranking normally, but it takes about 3 attempts and about 40 seconds to restart. One day, the engine stopped while I was driving. There is no Check Engine Light. I took it to Honda dealer. but they keep saying they cannot replicate the problem. It is so ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 13, 2026

I was traveling down the highway at approximately 55mph when truck suddenly lost power. I was able to pull over and had the vehicle towed as truck would not start. It was later determined that the cp4 high pressure fuel pump grenaded causing complete fuel system replacement costing over $11,000 in repairs. Shards of aluminium was sent throughout the fuel system.

Incident date: Aug 13, 2026

Fuel Pump complete failure. No warning lights, etc. Went out at a stoplight. Vehicle restart was random and would run for only a few seconds. Luckily wasn't in the middle of intersection, but was a busy road, I was in left turn lane and created safety issue. I had warning flashers on but still caused a concern of getting hit. I kept seat belt on and called and got tow truck. Took it to Dod... Read more

Incident date: Aug 26, 2026

Driving the vehicle a strong smell of fuel vapor is noticeable coming from rear driver side of vehicle by rear door and fuel cap area. This happens when car is driven for long periods of time or on hot days. I drive my car daily and it happens every day. Smell gets so bad it gets in to the cabin area. Causing me to get headaches or light headed feeling making it unsafe to drive. I have taken vehic... Read more

Incident date: Jul 17, 2026

This vehicle has been towed into GMC service 3 times to date. #1. 2/2024 (mil 22,662) would not start, low voltage msg, replaced battery. #2. 4/2026 (mil 57,854) vehicle went into N on its own while I was driving down the road, msg on dash "function not available", I stopped and the engine died & would not restart, no engagement from starter motor, found P0615 present, found blown fuse on battery ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2025

I am reporting an authorized manufacturer franchise dealer for actively refusing to remedy a federal safety recall and unlawfully withholding my vehicle. My vehicle is a 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio (VIN: [Insert VIN]), which is subject to the active Fuel Pump Safety Recall (NHTSA Campaign 25V586000 / Manufacturer Recall Code 93C). The vehicle has been physically located at Southern Alfa Romeo of Nor... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2026

The Dynamic Fuel Management (DFS) is causing damage to lifters, valves, camshafts, and connecting rods. I received a recall notice from GMC on the GMC app, stating "L88" Engine loss of Propulsion or Related field action: Special coverage N252494003. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure. My 22' GMC 1500 ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 23, 2026

Fuel pump not holding enough pressure causing issues with car starting. No warning lights were displayed. Dealership checked and confirmed and replaced defective parts

Incident date: Sep 17, 2025

My 2023 GMC Yukon AT4 with the 6.2L V8 has experienced multiple serious engine-related failures. The original engine previously was making a whining / knocking noise, then seized and required complete engine replacement under a GM recall/campaign involving 6.2L engine failures. The replacement engine later developed a lifter/valvetrain failure and required lifter replacement. The vehicle is now ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 25, 2026

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Fuel injectors - They can be inspected in needed How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - This issue can cause issues with the engine and ultimately make the vehicle unsafe to operate. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Has th... Read more

Incident date: Nov 12, 2025

My vehicle has experienced a serious and extremely dangerous loss-of-propulsion condition on three separate occasions. The first time this happened, my RAM only had 4,513 miles on the odometer. I addressed this issue with my Carl Burger Dodge advisor in writing when I dropped it off and asked him to call me about it, but he never did. He also did not add anything I mentioned on my departure paperw... Read more

Incident date: Aug 22, 2026

The car stalled while traveling down a road. We tried to restart and it would run for a few seconds and stall. We could not restart. There were no warning lights before the stall and after the engine would not run to get any other indicators that something was wrong. Had it towed to dealership, their diagnostic's showed it was a fuel pump driver module. Upon researching the issue, there is a ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 27, 2026

After recalls performed trouble code P2402 EVAP leak still is present and check engine light is on

Incident date: Mar 10, 2025

I own a 2020 Kia Optima and have been experiencing multiple ongoing problems with the vehicle. The vehicle is leaking and/or losing engine oil at an excessive rate. I have had to add oil multiple times within a short period of time because the oil level continues to drop. I am concerned that the continued loss of oil could result in engine damage or engine failure while the vehicle is being driven... Read more

Incident date: Aug 27, 2026

My van will stall at red-lights. It started three weeks ago. The car is a year and a half old. The auto- idle stop system is activated. We stop at a red light. Car stops. When we go to start car dings and thankfully has started 3 times. This time, the car made a ding and did not re-start. I was stuck at a now green light and couldn't move. The dash flashed hit the brake to re-start. I did numerou... Read more

Incident date: Aug 27, 2026

There is a very strong exhaust smell in the cabin. This occurs under the flow and recirculate HVAC options and is not improved by changing the engine and cabin air filters.

Incident date: Jul 20, 2026

My 2017 Kia Niro has developed a serious hybrid system failure that causes the vehicle to shut off unexpectedly while driving. For about a month, the car would only start using the “12V Battery Reset” button. Now it starts, but after driving a short distance, the vehicle loses power and shuts off without warning. The only way to restart it is by pressing the reset button again. The AC and acc... Read more

Incident date: Dec 31, 1969

car has been overheating run while i take the keys out doors will lock with keys in the ignition lots of lights will come on car will slow way down constantly adding antifreeze in it heat and air will stop working i have had trouble ever since i bought this a year ago

Incident date: Aug 22, 2026

The High Pressure Fuel Pump failed while driving on highway. I took it to the Kia dealership and they told me of the issue. There were no prior warnings of issues Kia recalled all 2019-2020 kia sorentos with this same issue. This component should not have failed at 63k miles and Kia should extend their warranty to previous models with the same High Pressure Fuel Pump problems under The High-Press... Read more

Incident date: Jun 15, 2026

The door to the gas tank is a push door which is temperamental. I can be at the pump and push the door to pop it open and it won't. I'm at the point where I have to pop my gas tank open before I even get to the gas station because to pull up to the pump and not be able to put gas in the tank is a waste of time. There is no lever to flip along side the driver seat because it is a push to open door.... Read more

Incident date: Jul 26, 2026

Engine locked up from crankshaft bearing failure, mega fuse blown My wife and I were driving 70mph on a highway when I lost the throttle and other power. I pulled over to the side the best I could but barely over the white line. It was a dangerous situation for us & tow trucks, the engine was locked up & the flat bed truck couldn't tow vehicle. The 2nd truck was a reaper style truck which was dan... Read more

Incident date: Aug 5, 2026

While driving on a public road, the vehicle suddenly shut down and rebooted itself. Motive power was lost during the event. This has happened at least a dozen times during normal driving, including while transporting a child. Video of an occurrence was recorded. The vehicle is a 2025 GMC Hummer EV with approximately 10,400 miles and has been in service about eight months. This creates a serious s... Read more

Incident date: Dec 31, 1969

I had two issues while the car was still under warranty one occasion while driving on a road the engine failed during my trip and I was stranded on the side of the road had to get it towed to the dealer. Second time. I was pulling out of the grocery store and my vehicle lost power as well so on two occasions while driving my car lost power while being in use. I cannot remember the exact date, but... Read more

Incident date: Aug 18, 2026

I am not a mechanic or a 'car person', so I may not know technical terms. This has occurred 4-6 times since purchasing the truck in March '26. After initial start up, it has a tendency to accelerate when applying the break. This is only within the first several minutes after startup. The most recent incident caused the truck to "roll" into the main street rather than coming to a complete stop... Read more

Incident date: Jun 24, 2026

Taking left turns is dangerous. My turn very slowly and Hard press on pedal to turn. Oil consumption is insane. Started at 38k miles, manufacture warranty ended after 4 years. I’m under 52k miles now and have to fill oil about every 1k miles. I’ve had 4 oil changes this year alone. I’m regular about Maintenence. Last oil change was 08/03/26 check oil light came on 8/15 had to add 3.5 qua... Read more

Incident date: Aug 25, 2026

I apologize in advance if I’m not using the correct form to find out this information, hopefully if this does not reach correct person you can get to correct person for me. There has been a constant gas smell coming from gas tank area since we purchased vehicle in 2/2026. I thought it was just fumes from adding fuel but have since (while reaching in to retrieve grandbaby from back seat, I not... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

See attached document

Incident date: Aug 1, 2026

1. The fuel delivery/fuel pressure system is malfunctioning. The vehicle has experienced fuel-pressure related diagnostic trouble codes, loss of power, stalling, and limp mode. The fuel pressure sensor was replaced, but the same diagnostic codes and symptoms continued. The symptoms are consistent with the fuel delivery module/fuel pump defect described in NHTSA recall 25V586. The vehicle and affec... Read more

Incident date: Jul 9, 2026

I began intermittently noticing a gasoline/fuel odor shortly after taking possession of the vehicle in June 2026. The odor became significantly worse, and I formally reported it to the selling dealership on July 9, 2026. The vehicle was subsequently taken to an authorized Volkswagen dealership for evaluation. A repair order dated July 23, 2026 documents: “Customer states that the vehicle smells ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 27, 2026

I was driving back from [XXX] on XXX, when I received a "propulsion power limited" message on my dash with a check engine light. I pulled off to a nearby gas station and tried to scan the code to figure out what was going on when I then received the message "Engine unavailable" and the car shut off. I checked the fuse box and found that the F03 Fuse had blown. I replaced the fuse and attempted to ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 26, 2026

I had a Purge valve put in about a year ago and was told that that was the problem for my gas gauge going completely to empty while driving and losing power while driving

Incident date: Aug 26, 2026

Completed full diagnosis at Vann York BUICK Gmc [XXX] after failing NC Inspection on XXX. Provided service fee of 202.00 approx. And was provided a list of services that required immediate attention. The service mechanic advised there were no recalls. The vehicle has failed twice since I picked it up from the dealership XXX due to a fuel issue. Once on XXX and at 7:45pm today XXX. My concern is th... Read more

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Consumer Safety Complaints

What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?

How to interpret what you read

If you've experienced a defect

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