Component

ENGINE

157,570 NHTSA complaints about engine issues across 67 makes and 1638 models.

The engine is one of the standardized component categories NHTSA uses to classify consumer safety complaints. Across the public complaint database, it accounts for 157,570 filings from 67 manufacturers and 1638 distinct vehicle models, a footprint large enough that defect engineers can isolate part-family patterns across different platforms that share the same supplier or the same federal motor vehicle safety standard.

Among filings citing this component, owners have reported 2,863 crashes, 6,707 fires, 2,489 injuries, and 136 fatalities. The most complained-about vehicle in this category is the FORD ESCAPE with 6,617 filings, followed by HYUNDAI SONATA and FORD F-150. These severity counters are what separates a nuisance complaint trend from a pattern NHTSA is likely to escalate into a Preliminary Evaluation.

Component-level analysis is how the Office of Defects Investigation spots cross-manufacturer supplier issues — the same airbag inflator, the same takata-style ignition switch, the same brake hose material — before they become industry-wide recalls. When you see a single component accumulating large complaint volume across several unrelated nameplates, that is usually a signature of a shared supplier or a shared federal standard being stressed by real-world conditions. Use the affected-vehicles table below to see whether the pattern is concentrated on a handful of models or distributed evenly, and cross-reference each model's full recall and investigation history before drawing conclusions about any one nameplate.

157,570
Complaints
1638
Models Affected
2,863
Crashes
6,707
Fires
136
Deaths

Most Affected Vehicles

# Vehicle Complaints
1 FORD ESCAPE 6,617
2 HYUNDAI SONATA 4,456
3 FORD F-150 4,316
4 KIA SORENTO 3,659
5 FORD FUSION 3,242
6 KIA OPTIMA 3,026
7 KIA SOUL 2,908
8 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2,720
9 CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2,718
10 FORD EDGE 2,329
11 HYUNDAI SANTA FE 2,279
12 RAM 1500 2,264
13 FORD FOCUS 2,254
14 HYUNDAI TUCSON 2,194
15 JEEP CHEROKEE 2,117
16 HONDA CR-V 2,096
17 CHEVROLET MALIBU 2,090
18 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 2,089
19 HONDA PILOT 2,069
20 FORD EXPLORER 1,975
21 JEEP WRANGLER 1,968
22 HONDA ACCORD 1,945
23 CHRYSLER PACIFICA 1,815
24 HYUNDAI ELANTRA 1,536
25 GMC SIERRA 1500 1,475
26 TOYOTA CAMRY 1,456
27 NISSAN ALTIMA 1,429
28 KIA SPORTAGE 1,408
29 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY 1,333
30 TOYOTA RAV4 1,288

Recent Complaints

2021 HONDA CR-V

License Plate: [XXX] (CA) Vehicle: 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid Mileage: 102,700 Description of Incident: While operating the vehicle at highway speeds, a "Engine Temperature Near High" warning suddenly

2008 KIA SORENTO

My ABS sent codes saying there's moisture in the ABS Module,Brake Light Switch may malfunction are cause Accidents due to malfunction of Brake Lights...

2014 NISSAN VERSA NOTE

My car has 2 codes, P285 and P0420. When i drive the car and accelerate the car starts to skip. At 1 point in time i was at a stop with my feet on the breaks and i tried to go once the light was green

2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN

The fuel pump would run all night and going down the road the van would cut off...had it checked the tipm was bad

2025 KIA SORENTO

Currently at a Kia dealership for the 3rd time since the end of December. While driving the electric refuses to switch to gas after the battery drains, it is a hybrid. Maxes out at 18 mph and then

2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE

Engine failed at approximately 95000 miles.

2025 FORD BRONCO Crash

on Jan 15, 2025. A cold start for the Bronco, putting in reverse, the vehicle lurched back and to the hard right, uncommanded acceleration at a high rate of speed, steering locked up, brakes locked u

2019 CHEVROLET TRAX

At roughly 90,000 miles, the turboboost charger went out in this vehicle and needed to be replaced. After speaking with my mechanic and other Chevy owners, it is a common issue in these vehicles, with

2022 FORD BRONCO

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that the front passenger's side seat frame bolt had detached within a week of purchasing the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a Ford dealer, wh

2018 JEEP WRANGLER

My 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL only now has 77,700 miles and got a blown head gasket!? This is so UNACCEPTABLE! Makes me regret ever purchasing! There is a ton more with same issue some with less miles and

2018 FORD ESCAPE

While driving to work on February 16, 2026 my car started making a knocking noise and had a hard time going. At one point I was in the middle of the road and the car wouldn’t move. I had it towed to

2026 GMC SIERRA 1500

Vehicle stalled in busy intersection in McKinney Texas , unable to start are shift into a neutral position on transmission to remove from extreme dangerous intersection, sheriff advised that road sid

2020 GMC SIERRA 1500

I had a complete engine failure that I had to pay out-of-pocket for I really think that this vehicle should’ve been included in the 2021 and beyond engine recall for 6.2 GMC Sierra‘s. I drove to w

2023 GMC ACADIA

Temperature gauge dropped to zero or no reading, message displayed on screen "Steering Assist Reduced, Drive with Care", continued to drive speed limit, when parked fan runs after car is shut off, in

2012 LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT

The contact owns a 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V635000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). A

2020 BUICK ENCLAVE

Dear NHTSA Safety Team, I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding my 2020 Buick Enclave (VIN: [XXX] ). My vehicle has experienced repeated engine shutdowns while driving, creating a serious

2015 KIA SOUL

My 2015 Kia Soul (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced sudden catastrophic engine failure: loud pop, knocking, and immediate loss of power. The engine has a hole in piston #2 and a hole in valve #3. This is a kn

2024 GMC YUKON

The SUV has 46,000 miles on it. Recently, the check engine light illuminated, prompting me to take it to the dealership for servicing. The diagnostic codes retrieved were U0285 and U1345. I was inform

2015 HYUNDAI SONATA

Engine has knocking sound. Sudden loss of power and hesitation when accelerating

2020 INFINITI QX50

I am a [XXX] woman who purchased my first vehicle on December 6, 2024, with 43,000 miles. I have driven fewer than 20,000 miles since purchase, and the vehicle currently has approximately 62,000 mile

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints involve engine issues?
The NHTSA has received 157,570 complaints about engine problems across 1638 vehicle models from 67 manufacturers.
How dangerous are engine defects?
ENGINE issues have been linked to 2,863 crashes, 6,707 fires, 2,489 injuries, and 136 deaths according to NHTSA complaint data.
Which vehicles have the most engine problems?
The most complained-about vehicle for engine issues is the FORD ESCAPE with 6,617 complaints.
Where does PlainCars get its safety data?
All vehicle safety data comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints database, which collects reports from vehicle owners about safety-related defects.

Data Sources

Vehicle complaint data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints database. Includes consumer-reported safety issues filed with NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Severity counts cross-reference NHTSA FARS (Fatality Analysis Reporting System) for fatal incidents where a corresponding FARS record exists.

Component categories are standardized by NHTSA. Crash-test ratings where shown are drawn from the NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Complaint counts, crash reports, fire reports, and fatality data reflect consumer-submitted reports and may not represent all incidents.

Disclaimer: This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for vehicle purchase decisions. NHTSA complaint data is self-reported by consumers and has not been verified or investigated. A high complaint count does not necessarily indicate a defect. Always consult a qualified mechanic and check official NHTSA recall notices before making safety-related decisions.

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