Can an engine recall cause my car to stall on the highway?

Yes. Engine defects that cause stalling can occur at any speed, including highway speeds. If your engine stalls while driving, turn on your hazard lights, steer to the shoulder, and apply the brakes firmly (they will feel stiff without engine vacuum assist). Do not restart the engine until the defect has been diagnosed.

Are engine recalls expensive for manufacturers?

Yes. Engine recalls are among the most costly because the repairs often involve complex disassembly and component replacement. Some engine defects require complete engine replacement, which can cost thousands of dollars per vehicle multiplied across hundreds of thousands of affected units.

Do engine recalls affect all model years?

Engine recalls typically affect specific model years that used a particular engine design or manufacturing process. The same engine defect may affect multiple models that share the same engine family. Check your specific VIN for applicable recalls.

Engine Recalls: Stalling, Failure, and Fire Risk Defects

Engine Stalling Recalls

Engine stalling — when the engine shuts off unexpectedly while driving — is one of the most dangerous engine defects. A stalled engine at highway speeds means loss of power steering and power brakes, making the vehicle extremely difficult to control. Stalling recalls have been triggered by fuel pump failures, software errors in the engine control module, sensor malfunctions, and ignition system defects.

Engine Fire Risk

Engine-related fire recalls are among the most urgent recall categories. Oil leaks onto hot exhaust manifolds or turbocharger housings can cause fires. Coolant leaks near electrical components can cause short circuits. And fuel system defects near the engine can create fire-starting conditions. See our broader analysis of vehicle fire recalls.

Turbocharger Recalls

Turbocharged engines have become standard across many manufacturers for their combination of power and fuel efficiency. However, turbochargers operate at extremely high temperatures, and defects in oil supply lines, wastegate mechanisms, or the turbocharger housing can lead to oil leaks, fires, and loss of power. Several manufacturers have faced turbocharger-related recalls.

Connecting Rod and Bearing Failures

Internal engine component failures — connecting rod breakage, bearing failure, piston ring defects — can cause catastrophic engine damage while driving. These failures can result in engine seizure (sudden loss of power) or engine block rupture (oil and metal debris ejected from the engine). NHTSA complaint data shows that certain engine families have higher rates of internal failure complaints.

Timing Chain and Timing Belt Recalls

Timing chain or belt failures can cause the engine to stop running immediately and, in interference engines, can cause extensive internal damage. Recalls for timing system defects address chains that stretch prematurely, tensioners that fail, and guides that break. These defects are particularly concerning because failure often occurs without warning.

What to Watch For

Warning signs of engine defects include unusual engine noises (knocking, ticking), oil consumption between oil changes, oil spots under the vehicle, the smell of oil or coolant burning, check engine or oil pressure warning lights, and reduced engine power. Check your vehicle for engine-related recalls at NHTSA.gov and explore engine complaint data on our complaint rankings page.