101,013 engine complaints across 2,727 vehicles. Engine problems range from oil leaks (annoying, cheap) to head gasket failure (expensive) to bottom-end knock (terminal). The category captures the full spectrum of how an internal combustion engine can let you down. The vehicles you see at the top of this list are the ones where engine complaints are the dominant pattern of trouble. A few of these are vehicles with documented design flaws — the Hyundai/Kia Theta II, the Chrysler 2.7L, the Ford 6.0 Powerstroke. Others are vehicles with cumulative reliability problems where engine wear shows up at predictable mileage. Average independent-shop repair cost on this category runs around $3,100. Big-money territory. If you're shopping a vehicle on this list, get a pre-purchase inspection that includes a compression test and a leakdown test. Both are quick, both tell you a lot about what's left in the engine. If you already own one, fluid changes on the recommended interval (or shorter) and addressing small problems before they become big ones is what separates the engines that go 250,000 miles from the ones that don't.
Engine problems
101,013 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 240 active recall campaigns.
Engine problems by manufacturer 38 makes with aggregated detail
Drill into a single manufacturer's engine record across all model years. Each page below carries data on the worst-affected year-models, active recalls, and editorial commentary from one of our contributors.
Worst-affected vehicles Top 25 by complaint volume
Specific failure modes 7 documented engine patterns
Curated deep-dives on the specific failure patterns within engine — the mechanism, the affected platforms, typical failure mileage, and what to check before you buy.
Engine family deep-dives 21 curated platforms
The engines with documented systemic defect patterns — each page has the affected vehicle range, the failure modes, recall + complaint counts, and editorial commentary.
Most-recalled vehicles For engine components
Recent owner reports 12 most recent in this category
When the Auto Idle Stop is engaged, I have now had 3 instances of the engine completely stalling when at a stop. Not only has the engine stalled, but I have difficulty getting the engine to restart. It has been very scary, as it has left me disabled at busy intersections while I struggle to get my van to start so I can move and pray nobody hits me…
Apparently many vehicles like mine and including mine have defective radiator hoses or a poor set up with routing causing issues with the hoses. They are developing cracks/leaks causing poor circulation in the cooling system as well as possible engine failure. In speaking to mechanics and reading forum posts, it is evident that this is a large…
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate, and the engine stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving on a busy highway, and the contact's wife and…
My Seltos transmission heats up to such an extent that I have to get out of the car and park it for 45 minutes to have it cooled down. Has only 25k miles in it. Took to the dealership and they say nothing is wrong. Numerous reported issues of the same kind on Kia message boards regarding the same issue. Something to do with the dual clutch system…
2021 Tahoe with l87 engine lifters failed at 2000 miles ,was fixed by dealer then at 82,000 miles same failure only now engine failed, I was driving home when it failed almost got in an accident lost power engine codes were blinking , took to dealer been there since October 20th still at dealership
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that after starting the engine, the warning message "Engine Maintenance Required" was displayed. The local dealer was contacted and informed that there were no recalls or extended warranties related to the failure. The cause of the failure was not determined, and the vehicle was not yet…
Faulty lifters replaced on passenger side. Had only 25000 miles on engine. GM extended warranty on thousands with this engine but not mine. Have only 28000 miles on truck and just turned 5th year so warranty is void. GM should extend warranty on all vehicles with this engine.
Bought the vehicle in February. The vehicle is burning oil too fast. In 1 week 5 qts. I don't drive much as I work from home. Kia dealer wants thousands of dollars. I paid for extended warranty.
Engine problems compound. A small leak becomes a low oil level becomes bearing wear becomes a $5,000 bill. Catch problems early on these vehicles.