Engine
Engine is named in 69,451 complaint component mentions since 1995, 44.3 of every 1,000 across the whole file, peaking in 2018 with 11,307.
139 NHTSA recall campaigns cite a component in this group. The model line with the most complaint mentions is the Ford Escape (2,390, 127.2 per 1,000 of that line's mentions).
Complaints are consumer reports and have not been verified by NHTSA.
Model lines reported most
| Model line | Mentions | Per 1,000 of the line's mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Escape | 2,390 | 127.2 |
| Ford F-150 | 2,086 | 72 |
| Ford Fusion | 1,587 | 91.3 |
| Hyundai Sonata | 1,578 | 124.9 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 1,389 | 46.8 |
| Honda CR-V | 1,207 | 114.3 |
| Chevrolet Equinox | 1,092 | 163 |
| Ford Explorer | 1,052 | 35.3 |
| Chevrolet Impala | 1,051 | 79.6 |
| Kia Sorento | 1,036 | 191.1 |
| Ford Focus | 991 | 48 |
| Nissan Altima | 970 | 69 |
| Toyota Camry | 940 | 50.1 |
| Chrysler Town and Country | 900 | 56 |
| Honda Accord | 897 | 41 |
| Dodge Durango | 891 | 56.6 |
| Chevrolet Malibu | 852 | 40.9 |
| Jeep Cherokee | 822 | 73.6 |
| Chrysler Pacifica | 805 | 142.3 |
| Dodge Charger | 759 | 122.5 |
| Kia Optima | 733 | 181 |
| Chrysler 200 | 674 | 150.4 |
| Nissan Pathfinder | 632 | 79.1 |
| Honda Civic | 625 | 46.8 |
| Volkswagen Jetta | 616 | 55.5 |
Fleet-wide reference: 44.3 per 1,000. Lines above that figure draw a larger share of their complaints from this component than the file as a whole.
Sub-components
| Description in the file | Mentions |
|---|---|
| Engine | 69,451 |
Mentions by year
Recalls by year
Recent recall campaigns citing engine
Defect, as filed: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Bronco and Bronco Raptor vehicles. The engine compartment wiring harness may become damaged and short circuit.
Consequence: A short circuit in the engine compartment can create heat or spark, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install sheathing over the wiring, free of charge. This is a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2026 Bronco Raptor notified owners on 7/31/2026. Phase 2 will include 2021-2025 Bronco Raptor vehicle will notify owners on or about 8/14/2026. Phase 3 will include 2021-2026 Bronco will notify owners on or about 9/1/2026. Owner notification letters were mailed August 5, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S55. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 23, 2026.
6 make/model/year entries; manufacturer: Ford Motor Company; manufacturer campaign 26S55.
Defect, as filed: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain Mopar engines with part numbers 68364632CB and 68412483AF. Debris inside the engine may cause engine failure, which can result in a loss of drive power and/or an engine compartment fire.
Consequence: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash, and a vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Engines not already installed in vehicles will be inspected and if necessary, repurchased. Owner notification letters were mailed May 7, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 33D.
1 make/model/year entry; manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC); manufacturer campaign 33D.
Defect, as filed: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain Thomas Built Buses 2027 Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses. The heater hose may rupture, which can result in hot coolant leaking inside the passenger compartment.
Consequence: Contact with hot coolant may burn occupants, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the heater hose, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2026. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is F1031.
1 make/model/year entry; manufacturer: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC; manufacturer campaign F1031.
Defect, as filed: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Mustang, Lincoln Corsair, and 2025 Maverick vehicles. The cylinder head may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause the ball plugs to fail, resulting in an oil leak.
Consequence: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components increases the risk of a fire. In addition, the loss of oil can result in engine seizure and loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the cylinder head assembly, free of charge. All affected vehicles are still within dealership inventory and therefore no owner notification letters will be mailed. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD3. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 24, 2025.
4 make/model/year entries; manufacturer: Ford Motor Company; manufacturer campaign 25SD3.
Defect, as filed: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 E-350 and E-450 vehicles that received an incomplete software update under recall 20V795. The engine cover may become excessively hot.
Consequence: Direct contact with certain areas of engine cover surface in the passenger compartment may increase the risk of injury or burns to the skin of the driver or front seat passenger.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain calibration for heat management under elevated idle conditions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SC7. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 22, 2025.
2 make/model/year entries; manufacturer: Ford Motor Company; manufacturer campaign 25SC7.
Defect, as filed: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE and 2024-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4XE Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. Debris inside the engine may cause engine failure, which can result in a loss of drive power and/or an engine compartment fire.
Consequence: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash, and a vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will install a software update and replace the block or engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning May 7, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 78C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 13, 2025.
5 make/model/year entries; manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC); manufacturer campaign 78C.
Park outside advisory
Defect, as filed: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. A short circuit within the battery junction box can cause an engine fire while driving or parked.
Consequence: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles, until the remedy is performed. Dealers will inspect and replace the battery junction box, as necessary, and remove a ground wire. On models equipped with standard-duty radiator fan motors, dealers will also install an auxiliary electrical box with a wire jumper. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's numbers for this recall are 22S36 and 22S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 23, 2025.
2 make/model/year entries; manufacturer: Ford Motor Company; manufacturer campaign 22S36/22S48.
Defect, as filed: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 1.5L EcoBoost RFF Cylinder Heads, with part number PV4Z-6049-A and 1.5L RFF Long Block Engines, with part number PV4Z-6006-A, sold as replacement parts. The cylinder head may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause the ball plugs to fail, resulting in an oil leak.
Consequence: An oil leak can result in loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the cylinder head serial number, and replace the cylinder head assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 20, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S62.
2 make/model/year entries; manufacturer: Ford Motor Company; manufacturer campaign 25S62.
Defect, as filed: Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) is recalling certain 2025 BJ230A (W230 ABS) motorcycles. The electrical ground connection between the battery and frame may become unstable and result in an engine stall.
Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: KMC will replace the battery harness and secure the ground connection, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 12, 2025. KMC's number for this recall is MC25-06.
1 make/model/year entry; manufacturer: Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.; manufacturer campaign MC25-06.
Defect, as filed: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Escape, and 2025 Bronco Sport vehicles. The cylinder head may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause the ball plugs to fail, resulting in an oil leak.
Consequence: An oil leak can result in loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the cylinder head assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S61.
4 make/model/year entries; manufacturer: Ford Motor Company; manufacturer campaign 25S61.
Defect, as filed: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2021-2023 Corsair, and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines that were repaired incorrectly under recall 23V380. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
Consequence: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S54.
9 make/model/year entries; manufacturer: Ford Motor Company; manufacturer campaign 25S54.
Defect, as filed: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Q5 Quattro and Q5 Sportback Quattro vehicles. The cylinder head cover screws may have been improperly tightened.
Consequence: The screws can loosen, allowing oil to leak and increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the screws as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 5, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 15ZK.
6 make/model/year entries; manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.; manufacturer campaign 15ZK.
Defect, as filed: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine cover may have been improperly installed after vehicle service, allowing it to come loose and contact hot engine surfaces.
Consequence: A loose engine cover that contacts hot surfaces in the engine compartment can melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the engine cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 10X5.
4 make/model/year entries; manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.; manufacturer campaign 10X5.
Defect, as filed: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with the Police Interceptor Utility Package. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
Consequence: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as promptly as possible upon hearing unexpected engine noises, or after experiencing an unexpected engine power reduction, or seeing smoke from the engine compartment. Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software. In addition, dealers will inspect for connecting rod bearing failure and if necessary, replace the engine long block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S52.
3 make/model/year entries; manufacturer: Ford Motor Company; manufacturer campaign 24S52.
Defect, as filed: Cummins, Inc. (Cummins) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Power Generation C275D2RE trailers. The vibration damper cap screws may be improperly tightened, which may cause the damper to separate from the engine.
Consequence: A separated damper can become a projectile, striking people nearby and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, tighten the cap screws, and repair any damage as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 26, 2024. Owners may contact Cummins customer service at 1-800-286-6467. Cummin's number for this recall C7015.
2 make/model/year entries; manufacturer: Cummins, Inc.; manufacturer campaign C7015.
Defect, as filed: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2011 Sorento vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will install Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC291.
1 make/model/year entry; manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.; manufacturer campaign SC291.
Defect, as filed: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2024 BMW 430i convertible vehicles. The cylinder head cover may develop cracks, resulting in oil leaking into engine compartment.
Consequence: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as a hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the cylinder head cover as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 14, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
1 make/model/year entry; manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC.
Defect, as filed: McLaren Automotive Incorporated (McLaren) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Artura vehicles. A pipe in the low-pressure fuel pipe assembly may detach, which can result in a fuel leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pipe assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 7, 2023. Owners may contact McLaren customer service at 855-202-8815.
2 make/model/year entries; manufacturer: McLaren Automotive Incorporated.
Defect, as filed: PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2024 Peterbilt 520 vehicles. The rear lifting bracket that attaches to the engine cylinder head may be insufficiently secured, which can allow it to detach.
Consequence: A rear lifting bracket that detaches while the engine is being lifted can result in the engine falling or swinging, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the flanged stud in the rear lifting bracket, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification were mailed November 14, 2024. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 23PBK.
1 make/model/year entry; manufacturer: PACCAR Incorporated; manufacturer campaign 23PBK.
Defect, as filed: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2024 Freightliner M2 and 114SD vehicles equipped with Cummins L9N engines. The rear lifting bracket that attaches to the engine cylinder head may be insufficiently secured, which can allow it to detach.
Consequence: A rear lifting bracket that detaches while the engine is being lifted can result in the engine falling or swinging, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Cummins dealers will inspect and replace the flanged stud in the rear lifting bracket, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 8, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL983.
2 make/model/year entries; manufacturer: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC; manufacturer campaign FL983.
Questions and answers
Which vehicles have the most complaints about engine?
By complaint mentions: Ford Escape (2,390), Ford F-150 (2,086), Ford Fusion (1,587), Hyundai Sonata (1,578), Jeep Grand Cherokee (1,389). Raw counts reflect how many of each line are on the road as much as anything else; the per-1,000 column shows how large a share of that line's complaints the component takes.
How many recalls concern engine?
139 NHTSA campaigns list a component in this group; the 20 most recent are shown above.
Where does this data come from?
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall flat files, public domain, dated 15 May 2019 and 24 Sep 2026. Component groups are the first level of NHTSA's component taxonomy.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation flat files, public domain, dated 15 May 2019 (complaints) and 24 Sep 2026 (recalls). See the methodology.