Engine Problems by Model
By CarWhere Research · Updated
We track 152 models with at least 50 engine complaints filed with NHTSA, 125,888 in all. 53 have published U.S. sales, so we can show complaints per 1,000 sold; the median is 0.44 and the highest is the Chrysler 200 at 2.94. Pick a model for its year-by-year table, the problems owners describe and its recalls.
Highest engine complaint rates per 1,000 sold
| Rank | Model | Engine complaints | Per 1,000 sold | Share of all complaints | Worst years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chrysler 200 | 1,250 | 2.94 | 30% | 2015 |
| 2 | Kia Optima | 3,403 | 2.55 | 51% | 2013, 2015 and 2012 |
| 3 | Kia Sorento | 3,713 | 2.4 | 42.5% | 2016, 2013 and 2012 |
| 4 | Hyundai Sonata | 4,711 | 1.97 | 37.8% | 2011, 2013 and 2015 |
| 5 | Hyundai Tucson | 2,402 | 1.84 | 39.6% | 2017, 2016 and 2018 |
| 6 | Honda Pilot | 2,191 | 1.79 | 33.5% | 2016, 2017 and 2019 |
| 7 | Acura MDX | 652 | 1.33 | 32.6% | 2016, 2017 and 2020 |
| 8 | Hyundai Santa Fe | 2,440 | 1.33 | 42% | 2017, 2013 and 2014 |
| 9 | Jeep Cherokee | 2,160 | 1.27 | 22% | 2014 and 2019 |
| 10 | Nissan Titan | 359 | 1.26 | 38.3% | 2016, 2017 and 2018 |
| 11 | Mazda CX-9 | 358 | 1.16 | 25.9% | 2018, 2016 and 2017 |
| 12 | Honda Ridgeline | 285 | 1.09 | 17% | 2017, 2019 and 2020 |
| 13 | Kia Sportage | 1,535 | 0.91 | 53.3% | 2012, 2013 and 2017 |
| 14 | Ford Explorer | 2,226 | 0.76 | 14.8% | 2016, 2017 and 2015 |
| 15 | GMC Sierra 1500rate: GMC Sierra, all variants | 1,896 | 0.76 | 28.8% | 2021, 2019 and 2022 |
Every model we track
| Model | Engine complaints | Per 1,000 sold | Share of all complaints | Worst years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tundra | 897 | — | 31.4% | 2023, 2022 and 2024 |
| Chevrolet Equinox | 2,770 | 0.44 | 40.1% | 2013, 2011 and 2012 |
| Hyundai Sonata | 4,711 | 1.97 | 37.8% | 2011, 2013 and 2015 |
| Kia Sorento | 3,713 | 2.4 | 42.5% | 2016, 2013 and 2012 |
| Ford Escape | 8,556 | — | 36.3% | 2017, 2018 and 2013 |
| Hyundai Tucson | 2,402 | 1.84 | 39.6% | 2017, 2016 and 2018 |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500rate: Chevrolet Silverado, all variants | 2,538 | 0.43 | 23.2% | 2021, 2019 and 2022 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | 2,440 | 1.33 | 42% | 2017, 2013 and 2014 |
| Ford F-150rate: Ford F-Series, all variants | 4,093 | 0.37 | 19.7% | 2013, 2018 and 2011 |
| Ford Explorer | 2,226 | 0.76 | 14.8% | 2016, 2017 and 2015 |
| Subaru Forester | 792 | 0.38 | 15.2% | 2015, 2019 and 2020 |
| Kia Sportage | 1,535 | 0.91 | 53.3% | 2012, 2013 and 2017 |
| Kia Optima | 3,403 | 2.55 | 51% | 2013, 2015 and 2012 |
| Jeep Wrangler | 2,359 | 0.5 | 19% | 2024, 2014 and 2021 |
| Ram 1500rate: Ram Pickup, all variants | 2,991 | 0.6 | 23% | 2015, 2016 and 2014 |
| Honda Civic | 749 | 0.14 | 9.2% | 2008, 2016 and 2017 |
| Ford Fusion | 3,928 | — | 18.3% | 2010, 2016 and 2017 |
| Kia Soul | 3,354 | — | 60.7% | 2015, 2016 and 2014 |
| Ford Edge | 3,092 | — | 23.5% | 2017, 2018 and 2016 |
| Ford Focus | 2,568 | — | 19% | 2012 and 2014 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2,457 | 0.45 | 19.3% | 2014, 2011 and 2012 |
| Honda CR-V | 2,298 | 0.6 | 18.9% | 2018, 2017 and 2015 |
| Honda Pilot | 2,191 | 1.79 | 33.5% | 2016, 2017 and 2019 |
| Jeep Cherokee | 2,160 | 1.27 | 22% | 2014 and 2019 |
| Honda Accord | 2,158 | 0.52 | 18.2% | 2018, 2008 and 2014 |
| Chevrolet Malibu | 2,050 | — | 19.7% | 2016, 2018 and 2017 |
| GMC Sierra 1500rate: GMC Sierra, all variants | 1,896 | 0.76 | 28.8% | 2021, 2019 and 2022 |
| Hyundai Elantra | 1,664 | 0.66 | 25.6% | 2017, 2013 and 2014 |
| Chrysler Pacifica | 1,531 | — | 36.1% | 2017, 2018 and 2021 |
| Chevrolet Cruze | 1,393 | — | 37.3% | 2012, 2011 and 2014 |
| Nissan Rogue | 1,284 | 0.19 | 18.4% | 2023, 2022 and 2013 |
| GMC Terrain | 1,280 | — | 40.2% | 2013, 2011 and 2012 |
| Jeep Compass | 1,256 | — | 36% | 2018, 2019 and 2016 |
| Chrysler 200 | 1,250 | 2.94 | 30% | 2015 |
| Kia Forte | 1,208 | 0.67 | 46.8% | 2014, 2012 and 2015 |
| Chevrolet Traverse | 1,206 | — | 21.9% | 2011, 2010 and 2014 |
| Volkswagen Jetta | 1,182 | 0.41 | 21.2% | 2010, 2009 and 2019 |
| Honda Odyssey | 1,092 | — | 20.6% | 2018, 2019 and 2025 |
| Dodge Journey | 1,070 | — | 19.5% | 2010, 2009 and 2015 |
| Toyota Camry | 1,053 | 0.12 | 13.5% | 2009, 2008 and 2018 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 1,025 | 0.19 | 16.5% | 2019, 2020 and 2008 |
| Dodge Grand Caravan | 994 | — | 14.4% | 2010, 2008 and 2012 |
| GMC Yukon | 958 | — | 21.2% | 2021, 2023 and 2024 |
| Nissan Altima | 942 | 0.18 | 9.6% | 2013, 2009 and 2016 |
| Jeep Renegade | 861 | — | 39.5% | 2017, 2018 and 2016 |
| BMW X5 | 838 | — | 32.2% | 2011, 2008 and 2012 |
| BMW 328i | 753 | — | 52.8% | 2011 and 2013 |
| GMC Acadia | 736 | 0.37 | 14.4% | 2008, 2010 and 2009 |
| Dodge Durango | 727 | 0.35 | 15.8% | 2011, 2012 and 2013 |
| Subaru Outback | 690 | — | 8.6% | 2011, 2013 and 2010 |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | 663 | — | 30.8% | 2022, 2009 and 2018 |
| Chevrolet Tahoe | 661 | 0.49 | 15% | 2021, 2023 and 2022 |
| Acura MDX | 652 | 1.33 | 32.6% | 2016, 2017 and 2020 |
| Dodge Charger | 642 | 0.15 | 16.1% | 2008, 2012 and 2011 |
| Chrysler Town & Country | 614 | — | 17% | 2014 |
| BMW X3 | 612 | — | 34.7% | 2013, 2008 and 2011 |
| Toyota Corolla | 593 | 0.11 | 9.4% | 2009, 2020 and 2008 |
| Nissan Pathfinder | 581 | 0.51 | 18.8% | 2013, 2008 and 2017 |
| Ford Expedition | 576 | — | 17.9% | 2019, 2018 and 2021 |
| Hyundai Veloster | 552 | — | 41.1% | 2013, 2016 and 2015 |
| Ram 2500 | 544 | — | 9.6% | 2014 and 2016 |
| Nissan Sentra | 543 | 0.17 | 15.8% | 2013, 2015 and 2014 |
| Ford Mustang | 512 | — | 12.4% | 2016, 2018 and 2019 |
| Mazda CX-5 | 506 | 0.36 | 23.4% | 2019, 2018 and 2021 |
| GMC Yukon XL | 503 | — | 39.5% | 2021, 2023 and 2022 |
| Toyota Prius | 503 | — | 6.9% | 2010, 2012 and 2008 |
| Volkswagen Passat | 501 | 0.34 | 17.4% | 2013, 2014 and 2009 |
| Toyota Highlander | 497 | 0.14 | 11.6% | 2008, 2019 and 2017 |
| Ford F-250 Super Duty | 486 | — | 9.1% | 2008, 2011 and 2012 |
| Hyundai Kona | 454 | — | 46.9% | 2019, 2020 and 2021 |
| Cadillac Escalade | 418 | — | 38.4% | 2023, 2022 and 2021 |
| Nissan Versa | 416 | — | 13.4% | 2014, 2012 and 2024 |
| Toyota Tacoma | 386 | 0.1 | 11.1% | 2012, 2016 and 2017 |
| Buick Enclave | 374 | 0.19 | 15.1% | 2008, 2010 and 2009 |
| Kia Telluride | 361 | — | 17.5% | 2020 and 2021 |
| Nissan Titan | 359 | 1.26 | 38.3% | 2016, 2017 and 2018 |
| Ford F-350 Super Duty | 358 | — | 12.4% | 2008, 2012 and 2015 |
| Mazda CX-9 | 358 | 1.16 | 25.9% | 2018, 2016 and 2017 |
| MINI Cooper | 355 | — | 38.3% | 2008, 2009 and 2010 |
| Cadillac Escalade ESV | 343 | — | 35.9% | 2021, 2023 and 2022 |
| Hyundai Sonata Hybrid | 335 | — | 45.6% | 2016, 2012 and 2017 |
| Hyundai Palisade | 331 | — | 13.9% | 2020 |
| Dodge Challenger | 328 | — | 19.5% | 2010, 2009 and 2014 |
| Audi Q5 | 321 | — | 26.1% | 2011, 2015 and 2014 |
| Chrysler 300 | 313 | 0.1 | 11.3% | 2008, 2012 and 2013 |
| Chevrolet Trax | 303 | — | 30.5% | 2024, 2017 and 2016 |
| Chevrolet Colorado | 302 | — | 11.8% | 2016 and 2015 |
| Subaru Impreza | 294 | 0.11 | 16.4% | 2013, 2012 and 2008 |
| Honda Ridgeline | 285 | 1.09 | 17% | 2017, 2019 and 2020 |
| Chevrolet Suburban | 274 | — | 30.4% | 2021 |
| Ram 3500 | 267 | — | 11.9% | 2014 |
| Chevrolet Silverado 2500 | 249 | — | 12.8% | 2015, 2017 and 2014 |
| Kia Rio | 239 | — | 35.8% | 2013, 2016 and 2015 |
| Volkswagen GTI | 239 | — | 38.2% | 2019, 2010 and 2011 |
| Buick Encore | 237 | — | 40.5% | 2016 |
| Volkswagen Golf | 226 | — | 20.7% | 2017, 2019 and 2015 |
| Lexus RX350rate: Lexus RX, all variants | 214 | 0.08 | 15.7% | 2008, 2010 and 2009 |
| Subaru Crosstrek | 213 | — | 14.8% | 2013, 2019 and 2018 |
| Buick LaCrosse | 212 | — | 17% | 2010, 2012 and 2011 |
| Mitsubishi Outlander | 210 | — | 16.6% | 2015, 2011 and 2016 |
| Acura RDX | 208 | 0.46 | 10.1% | 2019, 2020 and 2021 |
| Honda Fit | 204 | — | 11.1% | 2015, 2008 and 2018 |
| Toyota Sienna | 195 | — | 6.3% | 2008, 2011 and 2015 |
| Audi Q7 | 193 | — | 21% | 2017, 2018 and 2021 |
| Mazda3 | 192 | 0.13 | 8.2% | 2012, 2010 and 2008 |
| Land Rover Range Rover Sport | 187 | — | 20.9% | 2014, 2015 and 2018 |
| Subaru Legacy | 187 | 0.19 | 12.2% | 2010, 2011 and 2015 |
| Buick Regal | 180 | — | 27.6% | 2011 and 2012 |
| Volvo XC90 | 176 | — | 26.9% | 2016, 2017 and 2019 |
| Chevrolet Silverado 3500 | 165 | — | 14.7% | 2015, 2014 and 2017 |
| Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | 162 | — | 18.6% | 2015, 2011 and 2016 |
| Volvo S60 | 154 | — | 35.2% | 2012, 2013 and 2015 |
| Cadillac SRX | 149 | — | 5.3% | 2010, 2011 and 2013 |
| Ram ProMaster | 143 | — | 24.9% | 2016, 2023 and 2015 |
| GMC Sierra 2500 | 136 | — | 11.4% | 2011, 2014 and 2020 |
| Nissan Murano | 136 | 0.09 | 7.2% | 2009, 2015 and 2016 |
| Infiniti QX50 | 135 | — | 52.1% | 2019, 2021 and 2020 |
| Chevrolet Trailblazer | 131 | — | 19.3% | 2021, 2008 and 2023 |
| Jeep Gladiator | 131 | 0.49 | 13.3% | 2021 and 2020 |
| Land Rover Range Rover | 131 | — | 16.1% | 2015, 2017 and 2011 |
| Lincoln MKX | 131 | — | 11.9% | 2016, 2011 and 2013 |
| Cadillac CTS | 130 | — | 15.1% | 2009, 2008 and 2011 |
| Chevrolet Corvette | 127 | — | 6.9% | 2008 and 2009 |
| MINI Cooper S | 126 | — | 35.4% | 2010, 2009 and 2011 |
| Ford Ranger | 118 | — | 7.3% | 2019, 2020 and 2021 |
| Audi A6 | 117 | — | 20.6% | 2019, 2016 and 2013 |
| Nissan Frontier | 116 | — | 13% | 2008, 2012 and 2023 |
| Honda HR-V | 113 | — | 6.1% | 2016 and 2022 |
| Infiniti QX60 | 113 | — | 19% | 2014, 2017 and 2015 |
| Buick Verano | 112 | — | 25.5% | 2012 and 2013 |
| Mazda6 | 107 | 0.27 | 7.7% | 2018, 2009 and 2014 |
| Subaru Ascent | 107 | — | 10.3% | 2019 and 2020 |
| Mitsubishi Lancer | 102 | — | 22.3% | 2009, 2010 and 2008 |
| Subaru WRX | 101 | — | 23.6% | 2015, 2022 and 2017 |
| BMW 335i | 98 | — | 31.1% | 2011 and 2013 |
| Dodge Caravan | 98 | — | 13.7% | 2008, 2009 and 2012 |
| Porsche Cayenne | 96 | — | 23% | 2011 and 2008 |
| Audi A8 | 94 | — | 53.4% | 2013, 2015 and 2014 |
| Infiniti QX56 | 89 | — | 35.5% | 2011 |
| GMC Sierra 3500 | 85 | — | 11.7% | 2011 |
| Infiniti Q50 | 84 | — | 16.9% | 2018, 2014 and 2017 |
| Jaguar XF | 77 | — | 19.6% | 2010, 2009 and 2012 |
| Cadillac ATS | 75 | — | 19.7% | 2013 and 2014 |
| Audi A5 | 72 | — | 21.1% | 2013, 2010 and 2014 |
| Toyota 4Runner | 70 | — | 5.9% | 2008 |
| Cadillac XT5 | 65 | — | 20.8% | 2017 and 2018 |
| Jaguar F-Pace | 60 | — | 41.1% | 2017 |
| Tesla Model S | 59 | — | 1.8% | 2013, 2015 and 2014 |
| Lincoln Navigator | 56 | — | 13.2% | 2019 and 2018 |
| MINI Cooper Convertible | 55 | — | 21.5% | 2011 |
| Toyota Avalon | 54 | — | 4.8% | 2013 |
| Buick Lucerne | 51 | — | 11.4% | 2008 |
Owner complaints whose NHTSA component list includes Engine or Engine and Engine Cooling, data fetched July 2026 to November 2026. These are complaint counts and rates, not failure rates. For transmissions, see transmission problems by model.
Sources
- NHTSA complaints by vehicle (owner complaints API) — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Report a vehicle safety problem — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration